Ephesians 5:18

I. “Wine” in the Bible –– context matters!

A. “New wine…firstfruits…first ripe fruit” (Numbers 18:12-13)
B. “New wine…found in the cluster” (Isaiah 65:8)
C. “Raisin cakes” (Hosea 3:1)
D. The juice of the grape (Isaiah 16:10)
E. Alcohol (Genesis 9:21)

II. What the Old Testament says about alcohol

A. Priests (Leviticus 10:8-11)
B. Civil leaders (Proverbs 31:4-5)
C. Leads to poverty (Proverbs 23:21)
D. Should not be given to others (Habakkuk 2:15)
E. “Whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1)
F. Leads to all kinds of immorality (Proverbs 23:29-35)
G. Don’t even look at it! (Proverbs 23:31)

III. What the New Testament says about alcohol

A. “Do not be drunk with wine” (Ephesians 5:18)
B. It is improper (Romans 13:13)
C. “The will of the Gentiles” (1 Peter 4:3-4)
D. We are to be persons of self-control (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-11)
E. It will keep one from heaven (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
F. Hope for those who have been deceived (1 Corinthians 6:11)