Deceptions of Alcohol 07.26.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday July 26, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 20-22 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2020-22&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the deception of wine, the sovereignty of God over kings of the earth, and moral virtues rewarded. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that there is no such thing as the occasional drink. No matter how little a person drinks it can lead to destruction if we are not careful.

The occasional drink, in moderation, seems harmless and it even gives the appearance of making life more enjoyable, but alcohol is amazingly deceptive. Many social drinkers eventually discover that they are an alcoholic and have exchanged a meaningful life for a degrading existence. Brilliant people who were once successful and influential have been reduced to uselessness because of alcohol. And, strange as it may seem, in their own minds they are convinced that they can take it or leave it and stop drinking at any time. God warns us how deceptive it actually is. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1).

Alcohol takes control both chemically and emotionally, with both physical and psychological effects. Once a person is dependent upon it it robs him of good judgment and, eventually, may destroy his life as well as those of others. Alcohol can produce unavoidable, irreversible, and far-reaching physical and emotional wounds. The longer the victim of intoxication continues indulging in alcohol, the more insensible he becomes to the consequences of his behavior. Gradually, millions have allowed themselves to be in direct violation of the Word of God.  

The only release from these tragic consequences is the mercy of God. When a person truly repents, turns to Christ, and allows Him to be Savior and Lord of his life, the Holy Spirit becomes his source of strength to overcome sin. "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" (Ephesians 5:17-18).   

When you drink you automatically come under the influence. Consequently it is impossible at the same time to be filled with the spirit of God if you are filled with other spirits. This is why God has said whosoever is deceived is not wise. "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof." (Romans 13:13-14).  

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the King who sits on the throne of judgment. (Proverbs 20:8). Jesus said: "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him." (John 5:22-23)