"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW" The Call Of Matthew (9:9-13) by Mark Copeland

"THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

The Call Of Matthew (9:9-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. Who is a suitable prospect...
   a. For the kingdom of God?
   b. For becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ?

2. Who among your neighbors, friends, etc., do you think are most
   likely to receive the gospel?
   a. Those who are devout, religious, and respectable?
   b. Or those who may be ungodly, irreligious, and socially unacceptable?

3. If any passage ought to give us caution against pre-judging suitable
   prospects for the gospel...
   a. It should be Mt 9:9-13
   b. In which we read of "The Call Of Matthew"

[In this passage we learn lessons by way of precept and example 
regarding discipleship and the mind of Christ that we do well to 
remember.  Let's begin by turning our attention to...]

I. MATTHEW'S CALL AT WORK

   A. MATTHEW, THE MAN...
      1. His name was also Levi - cf. Mt 9:9; Lk 5:27
      2. Mark mentions him as the son of Alphaeus - Mk 2:14
         a. Note that another apostle, James, was also named the son of Alphaeus
             - Mt 10:3
         b. This has led some to think they were half-brothers, but many doubt this
   
   B. MATTHEW, THE TAX COLLECTOR...
      1. His occupation was one of collecting taxes for Rome
      2. The term "publican" describes this position, filled by Jews
         contracted by the Romans to collect taxes from their brethren
      3. As such, they were highly despised and equated with sinners
         - cf. Mt 9:11; 18:17

   C. MATTHEW, THE CALLED DISCIPLE...
      1. Perhaps to the amazement of many, Jesus tells him to "Follow Me" 
          - Mt 9:9a
         a. This was a call to become His disciple - cf. Mt 4:18-22
         b. Contrary to what may have been the expectations of many,
            Jesus saw something in Matthew that made him a suitable prospect
      2. Matthew demonstrates that Jesus' estimation of him is not unwarranted
         a. He accepts the call of Jesus:  "he arose and followed Him"- Mt 9:9b
         b. Just as Peter, Andrew, James and John had done earlier
      3. Of course, this same tax collector, despised by his Jewish brethren...
         a. Became one of the twelve apostles - Mt 10:1-4
         b. Wrote this gospel of Matthew attempting to save his own brethren in
             the flesh!

[That such a despised tax collector could be a useful disciple to Jesus
becomes apparent even more as we read next about...]

II. MATTHEW'S FEAST AT HOME

   A. THE NATURE OF THE GUESTS...
      1. Matthew threw a feast in honor of his new Master - Mt 9:10
         a. But then..."many tax collectors and sinners came"
         b. Who "sat down with Him and His disciples"
      2. As host, Matthew undoubtedly invited and permitted his ungodly
         friends to sit and mingle with the Lord and His disciples!
      -- Didn't Matthew know what social customs he was violating?  Of
         course, but he had already learned a lesson that was about to
         be taught to others
   
   B. THE CHALLENGE OF THE PHARISEES...
      1. This religious sect of the Jews are shocked - Mt 9:11
         a. The Pharisees were separatists (the name means "separated ones")
         b. They were strict observers of the traditions of the elders,
            especially when it came to ceremonial cleanness - Mk 7:3
      2. They wonder why Jesus would eat with tax collectors and 
         sinners (the latter likely including prostitutes)
         a. They inquire of Jesus' disciples
         b. Likely they did so standing outside, as the disciples
            themselves went in an out, for it is unlikely the Pharisees
            would dare go into such a gathering of sinners!

   C. THE RESPONSE OF THE SAVIOR...
      1. An explanation for why it is proper for Him to mingle with sinners 
          - Mt 9:12-13
         a. It is the sick, not those who are well, who need the care of a physician
         b. So it sinners, not the righteous, who need Someone calling
            them to repentance
      2. A rebuke for what was lacking in their own lives - Mt 9:13
         a. Sacrifice without mercy means nothing, as taught in Hos 6:6
         b. Implying that their religious devotion lacked the quality
            of mercy, or they would not have so despised sinners in need of salvation

[In the call of Matthew followed by the feast at his house, Jesus by
precept and example taught important lessons concerning evangelism and
discipleship. To elaborate, let me share...]

III. SOME OBSERVATIONS

   A. DON'T PREJUDGE YOURSELF OR OTHERS...
      1. Don't think one is ever too wicked to become a disciple of Jesus
         a. Either yourself or someone else
         b. Few could surpass Paul for the sins of which he was guilty,
            yet the Lord saved him - cf. 1Ti 1:12-16
      2. Jesus sees people, not for what they are, but for what they can become
         a. As in the case of Simon, whom He called Cephas (Peter)- cf. Jn 1:40-42
         b. Peter did not live up to his name (a rock), until several
            years of growth as a disciple
      3. We must never forget...
         a. Jesus died to save sinners
         b. No Christian is perfect, only forgiven
         c. A saint is a sinner who keeps on trying
         d. Churches grow out of weakness, not strength
            1) I.e., willing to accept weak, imperfect members, helping to them grow
            2) A church never grows by turning away weak people
         e. What Jesus said to the Pharisees:  "...tax collectors and
            harlots enter the kingdom of God before you" - Mt 21:31
                        
   B. DON'T CONFUSE SEPARATION WITH ISOLATION...
      1. It is true that we must be separate - cf. 2Co 6:14-17
         a. We cannot have fellowship with sin
         b. We cannot engage in the wicked deeds of others
      2. But we must not isolate ourselves - cf. 1Co 5:9-12
         a. We may withdraw from an erring brother, true
         b. But we cannot withdraw from those in the world
      3. While not of the world, we have been sent into world - Jn 17:15-18
         a. To be the salt of the earth, we must mingle with the meat - Mt 5:13
         b. To be the light of the world, we must shine in the darkness- Mt 5:14-16
      -- While we must be concerned about the influence of the wrong
         kind of friends (1Co 15:33), we must be willing to reach out
         to those who are lost!

   C. DON'T FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF MERCY...
      1. We cannot receive forgiveness if we are not merciful - Mt 6:14-15
      2. We will be judged by a standard with no mercy if we are not
         merciful - Jm 2:12-13
      3. Religion (sacrifice) without mercy is not pleasing to God!

CONCLUSION

1. In "The Call Of Matthew", Jesus demonstrated the transforming power
   of the gospel...
   a. Able to take a despised tax collector and turn him into a beloved apostle
   b. Able to appeal to social outcasts, providing love and hope for a new life

2. By the feast at his house, Matthew demonstrated the transforming
   power of the gospel...
   a. Turning one who likely had been motivated by greed into a gracious host
   b. Making one who may have formerly reveled in the evil conduct of
      his friends, now concerned about their spiritual well-being

If upon honest reflection of this passage we see ourselves more like
the Pharisees than Jesus or his new-found disciple, may the words of
Jesus move us to repent of our self-righteousness:

   "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who
   are sick. But go and learn what this means: `I desire mercy and
   not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but
   sinners, to repentance." (Mt 9:12-13)

Are you in need of the spiritual healing provided by the Great 
Physician...?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

No Joking Matter by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1640

No Joking Matter

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

I love being a Christian. I love thinking about, talking about, and singing about Christ and His church. I love to laugh and have fun with God’s people. I enjoy cutting up with my colleagues. I love to interact with non-Christians. I enjoy clean jokes (and find myself occasionally telling ones that are not as humorous as I once thought). Christians can kindly tease about our favorite football team’s most recent loss or our most embarrassing moments. Indeed, there is “a time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). After all, “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

As enjoyable as it is to joke around and have fun, and as appropriate as it may be to break the ice with an amusing story, Christians must be careful that we don’t make light and joke around about serious, spiritual, eternally important things, especially when such remarks are unnecessarily offensive. Such inappropriate words at inappropriate times can have very unfortunate consequences.

I was 17 years old, playing summer-league baseball in Oklahoma, when I had the opportunity to visit and worship with a church one Sunday morning a few hours from home. I had the privilege that day to be accompanied by two friends who were not members of the Lord’s church. They had graciously come with me because I needed a ride to worship, and they volunteered to drive me and stay with me until the close of the worship service. Only a few minutes after walking into the building, however, the mood was severely darkened when a member of that church greeted us with a joke about some individuals he knew from our hometown who were of a different religion—with the emphasis being on their religion. It just so happened, the two individuals with me that morning were of that same religious persuasion.

Needless to say, my friends were highly offended by such a greeting from someone who called himself a Christian. And, sadly, they did not get over the insensitive “welcome” very quickly. In fact, it seems they have never gotten over it. Nearly 20 years later I ran into one of these men while visiting family back in Oklahoma. One of the first things he said to me was: “So-and-so was just talking the other day about that time you invited us to come to church with you and that guy greeted us by jokingly condemning our religion.”

By no means am I suggesting that Christians should not unashamedly teach the truth, or that we should not defend the faith whenever given the opportunity. Nor am I suggesting that I have always said things the right ways at the right times. (I’ve certainly failed miserably on this account more times than I like to remember.) What I do know is that God has instructed us to teach “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). He has commanded us to defend the faith “with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). Paul taught the saints in Colosse: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (4:6). Similarly, the wise man taught: “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up” (Ecclesiastes 10:12).

We should never be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16); we should never pass up an opportunity to teach the Word of God—but may God help us to do so with “all longsuffering” (2 Timothy 4:2, NKJV), and “with great patience” (NASB). Remember, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

Myth and the Claims of the Bible Writers by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=1651

Myth and the Claims of the Bible Writers

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

In academic circles these days it is not unusual to hear a person suggest that the events recorded in the Bible are myths. The word myth is given various meanings, but one that is commonly understood in modern parlance is the idea that the person or event being discussed has “only an imaginary or unverifiable existence” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). Thus, the listener or reader is led to believe that the stories found in the Bible do not have a “verifiable” historic base, and are founded on little more than the imagination of the authors. This allegation describing the Bible stories as myth, however, falls woefully short of the truth on a number of grounds.

First, the Bible has been proven to be the most accurate, historically verifiable book that has ever been produced. Years of archaeological finds have unearthed enough evidence verifying the Bible’s accuracy to bury the claim of myth a thousand times over (see Butt, “Archaeology and the Old Testament,” 2004a and “Archaeology and the New Testament,” 2004b).

Second, not a single, legitimate contradiction has been found that would suggest that the biblical writers falsified information. For years, skeptics have found alleged contradictions between the biblical texts. These alleged “contradictions” have been proven to be false, and adequate answers proving the noncontradictory nature of the Bible texts have been given (see Alleged Discrepancies, n.d.).

The list of other evidences that silence the allegation of myth could get quite lengthy. Such aspects as the scientific foreknowledge of the Bible, its predictive prophecy, and its unity over hundreds of years of writing are just a few of these powerful evidences.

It is important to note that along with these various evidences, the testimony of the writers themselves must be added to the material that points overwhelmingly away from the idea that the Bible is mythical. The Bible writers insisted that their writings were not based on imaginary, nonverifiable people and events, but were instead grounded on solid historical facts. The apostle Peter, in his second epistle to the Christians in the first century, wrote: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (1:16). In a similar statement, the apostle John insisted: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life.... [T]hat which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:1,3).

When Luke wrote his account of the gospel of Christ, he specifically and intentionally crafted his introduction to ensure that his readers understood that his account was historical and factual:

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed (Luke 1:1-4).

In a similar line of reasoning, Luke included in his introduction to the book of Acts the idea that Jesus, “presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).

In addition, when the apostle Paul was arguing the case that Jesus Christ had truly been raised from the dead, he wrote that the resurrected Jesus

was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

This handful of verses by Peter, Paul, John, and Luke, reveal that the Bible writers insisted with conviction that their writings were not mythical, but were indeed based on factual events. Furthermore, they specifically documented many of the eye-witnesses who could testify to the accuracy of their statements. The claim that the Bible is filled with myths can be made, but it cannot be reasonably maintained. The evidence is overwhelming that the Bible writers understood and insisted that their information was accurate and factual. Their claim of factual accuracy has been verified by the discipline of archaeology as well as by refutations of alleged contradictions between the various writings and history. The Bible is not a book of myth that belongs beside the likes of Mary Poppins or Peter Pan. It is a book of inspired, factual, historically accurate information that deserves its rightful place in the annals of history as the most amazing book ever written—bar none.

REFERENCES

Alleged Discrepancies: Apologetics Press, (no date), [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/allegeddiscrepancies/.

Butt, Kyle (2004a), “Archaeology and the Old Testament,” Reason and Revelation, 24[3]:17-23, March, [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2502.

Butt, Kyle (2004b), “Archaeology and the New Testament,” Reason and Revelation, 24[10]:89-95, October, [On-line], URL: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2591.

“Myth,” 2005, Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, [On-line], URL: http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=Myth.

Must the Children Suffer? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=11&article=4185

Must the Children Suffer?

by	Dave Miller, Ph.D.

Arriving at the border of the Promised Land, the Israelites sent out 12 spies to reconnoiter the areas. When 10 of the 12 spies brought back an “evil”(Numbers 13:32) analysis of Canaan’s conditions and the people accepted their faithless assessment. God condemned the population to 40 years of desert meandering until all those 20 years and older had died (Numbers 14:29). God would only permit the next generation to enter the land (Numbers 14:30-31).

But what, in the meantime, were these children, the younger generation, to do? Must they actually suffer for their parents’ sin and wander in the desert for 40 years as well? Notice God’s answer: “And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity…” (Numbers 14:33). Other translations render the last phrase “suffer for your unfaithfulness” (NASB, NIV; cf. ESV, RSV). The children would suffer for the unfaithfulness of their parents. Many people simply do not accept this biblical principle. They cannot see how the innocent can suffer for the sins of others. This misconception easily leads to further error: seeking to offset the unavoidable consequences of man’s disobedience to God (cf. Numbers 14:40-45).

When parents forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:25), their sin takes its toll on their children in the form of lost teaching, poor parental example, absence of Christian association, etc. The children suffer for their parents’ sin.

When parents abuse their bodies by taking drugs, drinking alcohol, smoking, contracting venereal disease, etc., their children experience physical problems at birth and later hardships in the form of inadequate nutrition, insufficient finances, neglect, etc. The children suffer for their parents’ sin.

When parents hypocritically instruct their children to conduct themselves in certain ways, but then fail to follow their own advice and excuse their behavior by telling their children to “do as I say, not as I do,” the children grow up rejecting the parents’ good instruction. The children suffer for their parents’ sin.

When parents divorce and remarry in violation of God’s law, forming an adulterous union that, in God’s sight, cannot continue, the children experience rejection, loneliness, bewilderment. If the parents obey God and terminate the unlawful marriage, the children will live in a home environment that’s not all it could have been. The children will suffer for their parents’ sin. But such is no justification for encouraging the parents to continue committing adultery in order to minimize the children’s suffering.

Must the children suffer? Sadly, tragically, yes—when parents sin. But rather than change God’s law, doubt God’s mercy, or dodge the consequences of sin, put the blame where it belongs: man’s defiance of God. Then, obey God—no matter what.

DID THE 1ST CENTURY CHURCH HAVE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES? BY STEVE FINNELL

http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2017/03/did-1st-century-church-have-new.html

DID THE 1ST CENTURY CHURCH HAVE NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES?   BY STEVE FINNELL

The prevailing thought of many is that since the Bible was not canonized until sometime between 300 and 400 A.D. that the church of Christ did not have New Covenant Scriptures as their guide for faith and practice. That is simply factually incorrect.

The Lord's church of the first 400 years did not rely on the man-made traditions of men for New Testament guidance.

Jesus gave the terms for pardon 33 A.D. after His death and resurrecting. (Mark 16:16) All the words of Jesus were Scripture.Jesus did not have to wait for canonization of the New Testament in order for His word to be authorized.

The terms for pardon were repeated by the apostle Peter 33 A.D. on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:22-42) The teachings of the apostles were Scripture. The words of the apostles were Scripture before they were canonized.

The apostle Peter said the apostle Paul's words were Scripture. (2 Peter 3:15-16...just as also our beloved brother Paul , according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand,which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures...

The apostle Paul's letters and words were Scriptures when he wrote and spoke them. Paul did not have to wait for canonization to authorize his doctrine.

John 14:25-26 'These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to you remembrance all that I said to you.

The words and writings of the apostles were Scripture and they did not have to wait for canonization to be deemed authoritative. The apostle did not use man-made creed books of the church or man-made oral traditions to teach the gospel of the New Covenant.

Did the early church have written New testament Scriptures? Yes, and they were shared among the different congregations. (Colossians 4:16 When the letter is read among you, have it read in the church of the Laodiceans and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodica.) Paul's letters were Scripture and they were read in different churches.

They were New Testament Scriptures long before they were canonized.

WRITTEN

Matthew A.D. 70

Mark A.D. 55

Luke  between A.D. 59 and 63

John A.D. 85

Acts A.D. 63

Romans A.D. 57

1 Corinthians A.D. 55

2 Corinthians A.D. 55

Galatians A.D. 50

Ephesians A.D. 60

Philippians A.D. 61

Colossians A. D. 60

1 Thessalonians A.D. 51

2 Thessalonians A.D. 51 or 52

1 Timothy A.D. 64

2 Timothy A.D. 66

Titus A.D. 64

Philemon A.D. 64

Hebrews A.D. 70

James A.D. 50

1 Peter A.D. 64

2 Peter A.D. 66

1 John A.D. 90

2 John A.d. 90

3 John A.D. 90

Jude A.D. 65

Revelation A.D. 95

           

All 27 books of the New Testament were Scripture when they were written. They did not have wait until they were canonized before they became God's word to mankind.

Jesus told the eleven disciples make disciples and teach them all that He commanded. (Matthew 28:16-19) That was A.D. 33, They were teaching New Covenant Scripture from A.D. 33 forward. The apostles did not wait to preach the gospel until canonization occurred 300 to 400 years later.

THE WORDS OF JESUS AND THE APOSTLES WERE SCRIPTURE WHEN THEY WERE SPOKEN AND WRITTEN. THEY DID NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR CANONIZATION TO BE THE AUTHORIZED WORD OF GOD.

MAN-MADE CREED BOOKS AND MAN-MADE ORAL TRADITION WAS AND IS NOT SCRIPTURE.

AS A MATTER OF FACT! When God said "Let Us make man in Our image, (Genesis 1:27) it was God's Word.  God's creation of  man was true before it  was canonized 4450 years later.  The book of Genesis was Scripture the moment it was written.  Man-Made oral tradition was not, nor will it ever be Scripture.

Let us be sober by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/sober.html

Let us be sober

“Let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8).

What does it mean to be sober? Sobriety is the opposite of intoxication or drunkenness. In the New Testament, the word for ‘be sober’ means to be free from all forms of intoxication, both physical and spiritual. Someone who is intoxicated is befuddled in his thinking. He does not think straight, and he underestimates risks and dangers. There are degrees of intoxication, but being sober is absolute. Sobriety is an absence of intoxication.

“Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober” (1 Peter 1:13). The expression ‘gird up your loins’ means ‘be ready for action’. Thus, we must be ready for mental action, we must be mentally alert, which requires sobriety.

The command to be sober is part of sound doctrine. Paul wrote to Timothy: “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things” (Titus 2:1-3).

Older men must be sober and older women may not be enslaved to much wine. Although this verse is directed to the elderly, it applies for all. To be enslaved, is to be overpowered by something. Someone who is enslaved to alcohol must have a certain amount each day. Alcohol is a habit-forming drug that depresses bodily functions and dulls the mind.

To be appointed as an elder, a man may not be addicted to wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). With addiction there is an overpowering urge to use the drug because the body has developed a chemical dependence on it, often accompanied by a psychological dependence. Painful and distressing withdrawal symptoms occur if the habitual amount is not obtained.

A habit-forming drug causes changes in body chemistry which trigger compensating reactions in an attempt to restore the degraded facilities. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and slows down bodily functions, including heart-rate and general sensitivity. Thus, the body counteracts this by speeding up the heart and increasing sensitivity. Even after the alcohol is removed by the liver, the compensation remains for some time. This causes the person to be tense, anxious and hypersensitive. Thus, he craves alcohol to counteract the hypersensitivity.

Alcohol is also a mood-changing drug. It has a calming effect, reduces inhibitions and causes an artificial feeling of security and well-being. Because of the body’s compensation, however, one must continually have more alcohol to get the same buzz. Since the pleasant effect only occurs while the alcohol content in the blood is rising, and reverses as the alcohol level drops, the use of alcohol can easily become a vicious circle of increasing compulsive use. “Wine and new wine enslave the heart” (Hosea 4:11). Different substances have different levels of addictiveness, and different people react to addictive substances in a different way.

Christians are commanded to be sober, thus we must avoid intoxication and addiction to alcohol. Does this mean that a Christian may never drink something that contains even a small amount of alcohol?

According to the New Testament, Jesus drank wine: “For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (Luke 7:33-35 // Matthew 11:18, 19). These accusations were, of course, false. Jesus was neither a glutton nor a tippler, but He did drink wine.

Wine was a staple food in Biblical times. The word ‘wine’ described both fermented and unfermented grape juice. Grape juice was preserved both by fermentation and by boiling down to half or one third its original volume to obtain an unfermented concentrated juice that would keep for years.

In our day, most wines have the alcohol content artificially increased by adding sugar during fermentation, and fortified wines (such as Port and Sherry) have extra alcohol added outright.

In Biblical times it was customary to decrease the strength of wine by adding two or three parts water to one part wine. By doing this, Jews observed Old Testament warnings against strong drink (Proverbs 20:1; Isaiah 5:11).

The wording in Revelation 14:10 relates to this practice: “He himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation.” The original has “poured out unmixed”.

The wisdom of diluting wine is substantiated by modern research. Alcohol damages the skin, brain, liver, heart and other parts of the body, and causes death when the alcohol content in the blood reaches 0.4 percent.

Mnesitheus, an Athenian medical doctor in the forth century BC, wrote of wine^*: “In daily life, to those who mix and drink it moderately, it gives good cheer. But if you overstep the bounds, it brings violence. Mix it half and half, and you get madness! Unmixed, bodily collapse!” Eubulus, an Athenian writer and statesman who lived about the same time, wrote that harm comes to those who drink wine stronger than three parts wine to nine-parts water.

Thus, the wine that Jesus used had much less alcohol than most wine sold today.

They who wish to follow Jesus’ example must remember that He never sinned: “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Since we are told to be sober, and both drunkenness and addiction are condemned in Scripture, Jesus  never drank too much, not even once, and He was not addicted to wine.

Timothy, who previously drank no wine, was encouraged by Paul to use a little wine for medicinal purposes: “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23).

From this, we may conclude that it is not a sin to drink small amounts of wine as long as one remains completely sober and is not addicted.

The Scriptures also teach, however, that there are circumstances under which one should not drink at all. Priests under the Old Covenant were to drink no wine when they were on duty. “Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, that you may distinguish between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean, and that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD has spoken to them by the hand of Moses” (Leviticus 10:9-11). “No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court” (Ezekiel 44:21).

Although this no longer applies as law, we should consider the extent to which the reasoning and principles behind this Old-Testament restriction might still apply to church leaders under the New Covenant.

People in important positions should not drink. “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted” (Proverbs 31:4, 5).

In our age, this applies to anyone who operates a vehicle. Even worldly people encourage drivers not to drink at all with the slogan: “If you’ve had a drink, let someone else drive.”

There are also health considerations. The American Medical Association advises expectant mothers not to drink alcoholic beverages at all because even small amounts of alcohol in the mother’s blood can cause brain damage to an unborn child. It must also be taken into consideration that because of the lower blood volume, women are more sensitive to alcohol than men. On average, half a glass of wine puts the same percentage of alcohol into a woman’s blood as a whole glass for a man. Some studies indicate that alcohol-use by a father can cause brain damage to his children.

Because their brains are still developing, alcohol can also cause brain-damage to children and adolescents. Thus, the American Medical Association recommends that no one under 21 should drink alcohol at all.

Certain medications, including many pain killers, may not be combined with alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol trigger migraines and panic attacks in some people, after the alcohol wears off.

An alcoholic may not drink alcohol at all. Anyone can become addicted to alcohol. Certain people, however, are extremely susceptible to alcohol addiction. This incurable condition is called alcoholism. It is estimated that from 5 to 7% of the population are active alcoholics. The percentage that are latent alcoholics is difficult to estimate, but it is believed to also be from 5 to 7%. Although latent alcoholics have never used alcohol, because of their make-up, they would become enslaved if they did.

It has been discovered that an alcoholic’s body quickly compensates for alcohol, which means that he can drink alcohol without appearing drunk. But precisely because his body adjusts to alcohol so fast, he also becomes quickly dependent and enslaved, and cannot get along without alcohol once he starts drinking. He gradually needs more and more to keep from having distressing withdrawal symptoms. Thus he is locked into a vicious circle, and alcohol eventually destroys his health and ruins his life unless he can accept the reality that for him the only solution is not to drink at all.

Alcoholism manifests itself in different ways. Compulsive use of alcohol can be either continuous or periodic.

Some alcoholics start by drinking a small amount of alcohol every day, and although they never appear drunk at first, the amount they need daily gradually increases until the alcohol in their blood finally starts disrupting their personal, family, social and professional activities.

Other alcoholics do not drink every day, but are unable to stop after one drink: one drink leads to another, and another. After drinking too much, the bad consequences can cause them to refrain from drinking for a while. But the next time they have an alcoholic beverage, the same thing happens.

The causes of alcoholism are complex. The various underlying factors include a genetic element. Studies have shown that (whereas in the general population the chance of being an alcoholic is between 10 and 15%) the child of an alcoholic has a 25% chance of being highly susceptible to alcohol addiction. It is not dishonorable to have this hereditary susceptibility, but someone who does, must be able to accept the fact that he must avoid alcohol entirely to keep from becoming enslaved.

Some of the early warning signs of alcoholism are: needing a certain amount of alcohol every day; planning to take just one drink but ending up taking several; having a craving and enthusiasm for alcoholic beverages; having a drink before stressful situations; having a drink to calm one’s nerves; drinking alone; having a drink in the morning; neglecting responsibilities to buy alcohol; becoming more accident prone; hiding the amount drunk from family and friends; denying that there is a problem when others suggest that too much is being drunk.

Denial is common even in extremely advanced stages of alcoholism! The addict does not think straight about his use of alcohol. Even close family members can also be in denial and make excuses for the alcoholic!

Christians must be sober. We may not befuddle our minds with alcohol or be addicted to alcohol.

“Thus be alert in your thinking, be sober” (1 Peter 1:13 RD).

Avoidance of alcohol-abuse is a matter of life and death, both physically and spiritually. Through alcohol, Satan destroys many lives, and turns many homes into hell on earth. In addition to the thousands of deaths each year from alcohol poisoning and alcohol-related illnesses such as liver failure, alcohol is involved in 50% of arrests, in 40% of traffic fatalities, in 30% of fire fatalities, in 30% of drownings and in 20% of suicides. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Let us be sober. “Let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Footnote

---

^* Quoted by Athenaeus in The Deipnosophists or The Banquet of the Learned. The original, in a different translation, can be found on page 59 at this web address of the University of Wisconsin, followed by a quotation from Eubulus with similar content:
http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/Literature/Literature-idx?type=goto&id=Literature.AthV1&isize=M&submit=Go+to+page&page=59

Abundance by Gary Rose

Half empty, Half full, so what? You have water, rejoice in that! There is more to life than being a Pessimist or an Optimist, there is living your life and living it to the full! Living life to the full is what this picture is all about and you can’t accomplish that ALL BY YOURSELF!

The Psalmist says…

Psalm 23 ( World English Bible )

1 Yahweh is my shepherd:

I shall lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3 He restores my soul.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil.

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.

Jesus says...

John 10 ( WEB )

1 "“Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. "

2 "But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. "

3 "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. "

4 "Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. "

5 "They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers.”"

6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn’t understand what he was telling them.

7 Jesus therefore said to them again, "“Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep’s door. "

8 "All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. "

9 "I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture. "

10 "The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. "

11 "I am the good shepherd." "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. "

12 "He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them. "

13 "The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn’t care for the sheep. "

14 "I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I’m known by my own;"

15 "even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. " Note: see also Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-12,15,22

If you follow Jesus, you have enough. More than enough, you have an abundant life; a life lived with your creator. You know HIM and HE knows You. You are the sheep and HE is the SHEPHERD. He gives you what you really need, for life is not about what you have or don’t have and how much. Life is about God being with you and caring for you and loving you. To be a Christian is to have that life. Are you a Christian? If not, why not? Do something about it and become a sheep in God’s fold; now and forever! And you will be blessed so much so that you will be able to say with the Psalmist: ...“My cup runs over”.