How does 1 Timothy 5:23 relate to biblical teachings on moderation and self-control? A simple health instruction with lasting insight “Stop drinking only water and use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” (1 Timothy 5:23) What we notice right away • The counsel is personal—Paul speaks to Timothy’s specific digestive troubles. • The quantity is small—“a little” underscores restraint. • The purpose is medicinal, not recreational—“for the sake of your stomach.” Wine in the wider biblical picture • Old Testament celebrations allowed wine (Psalm 104:14-15), yet drunkenness was condemned (Proverbs 20:1). • Leaders were warned to avoid excess: “not given to drunkenness” (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). • Believers were urged: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion” (Ephesians 5:18). Moderation as a consistent thread • Proverbs 25:16 — even honey must be eaten “only what you need.” • Philippians 4:5 — “Let your gentleness be evident to all,” a call to measured living. • 1 Corinthians 9:25 — athletes are “self-controlled in all things,” a pattern for disciples. Paul’s phrase “a little” mirrors this steady scriptural call to balanced use of God’s gifts. Self-control: a Spirit-produced virtue • Galatians 5:22-23 — “self-control” crowns the fruit of the Spirit. • Titus 2:2, 6 — both older men and young men are exhorted to be “self-controlled.” • 1 Peter 5:8 — “Be sober-minded and alert,” guarding mind and body alike. In every case, the emphasis is mastery over appetite rather than the appetite mastering us. Principles we draw from 1 Timothy 5:23 • God-given provisions may be used when they serve health and holiness. • The believer’s liberty is bounded by love for God’s temple—our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Any practice, even medicinal, must remain under the rule of self-denial and Spirit-led discipline. Living it out today • View substances—food, drink, medicine—through the lens of stewardship, not indulgence. • Let “a little” set the tone: choose the minimum needed rather than the maximum tolerated. • Rely on the Spirit’s power to say “enough,” aligning daily habits with the Word’s call to moderation and self-control. |
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