If Scripture restricts elders, what standard applies to other believers?
And is abstaining an act of love for the weaker brother?
1️⃣ Summary
The Bible does not command total abstinence,
but it clearly teaches self-control and love as governing principles.
Drinking itself is not sin,
yet drunkenness, lack of restraint, or causing others to stumble is sin.
Leaders are called to a higher standard,
but every believer must ask:
“Does my drinking glorify God?”
2️⃣ Context
Among Christians today, opinions vary widely:
- Jesus drank wine — so moderate drinking must be fine.
- Alcohol leads to moral compromise, so total abstinence is safer.
- Love for weaker believers means freely choosing not to drink.
The issue is not permission, but profit —
not “Can I?” but “Should I?”
3️⃣ Biblical Principles
📖 Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
→ Drunkenness opposes the Spirit’s control.
📖 1 Timothy 3:2–3 (ESV)
“An overseer must be sober-minded… not addicted to wine.”
→ Leaders must model restraint.
📖 Romans 14:21 (ESV)
“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
→ Love limits liberty when it could harm another’s faith.
📖 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)
“So, whether you eat or drink, do all to the glory of God.”
→ The ultimate test: Does this glorify God?
4️⃣ Theological Insights
📜 John MacArthur
“Scripture permits moderate drinking,
yet unrestrained liberty opens the door to sin.”
📜 R.C. Sproul
“Christian freedom is never indulgence —
it’s restraint expressed in love.”
📜 John Piper
“The question is not, ‘Is it allowed?’
but ‘Does it build up my brother?’”
📜 Jonathan Edwards
“True piety chooses another’s good over personal pleasure.”
📜 Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.135
“Temperance in preserving one’s own and others’ life and health is a duty.”
5️⃣ Elders vs Believers
| Category | Elders/Deacons | General Believers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Model of restraint | Freedom with responsibility |
| Reason | Influence over others | Potential stumbling block |
| Practice | Abstinence recommended | Moderation with discernment |
| Core Principle | Be an example (1 Tim 3:3) | Build others up (Rom 14:21) |
6️⃣ Practical Application
1️⃣ Check Motive and Conscience
→ “Do I drink to glorify God or to please myself?”
2️⃣ Consider the Community
→ What is freedom for you may be temptation for someone else.
3️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries
→ Define limits before drinking;
don’t trust your emotions to decide later.
4️⃣ Seek Joy in the Spirit
→ True satisfaction comes not from the cup but from Christ.
7️⃣ Conclusion
The Bible does not ban alcohol,
but it commands Spirit-led restraint and love-driven discretion.
The highest maturity is not in exercising freedom,
but in willingly laying it down for another’s sake.
“Christian freedom is most beautiful when governed by love.”
Faith. Work. Renewal. — Revito
8️⃣ Hashtags
#ChristianFreedom #AlcoholAndFaith #Temperance #JohnMacArthur #RCSproul #JohnPiper #JonathanEdwards #WestminsterCatechism #Revito
