What practical steps can we take to avoid becoming "drunkards" or "gluttons"? Setting the Biblical Foundation • Proverbs 23:20-21 warns, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are “a temple of the Holy Spirit” and we are to “glorify God” with them. • Galatians 5:22-23 highlights “self-control” as fruit produced in believers by the Spirit. Recognize the Dangers • Both drunkenness and gluttony dull spiritual alertness (Luke 21:34). • They lead to waste of resources meant for God’s purposes (Proverbs 21:17). • These sins are listed among behaviors that mark the unrepentant (1 Corinthians 6:10; Titus 1:12). Cultivate Inner Resolve • Decide ahead of time what glorifies God: set clear boundaries for food and drink (Daniel 1:8). • Memorize key verses—Proverbs 23:2; Ephesians 5:18—to recall in moments of temptation. • Fast periodically to train desires to submit to the Spirit (Matthew 6:16-18). Guard Your Environment • Remove excess: do not store what continually tempts you (Proverbs 4:14-15). • Choose restaurants or gatherings where moderation is possible. • Replace late-night snacking or social drinking with uplifting activities—reading Scripture, walking, serving others. Strengthen Through Community • Share goals with trusted believers; ask for honest accountability (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). • Participate in church fellowship that centers on edification, not indulgence (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Observe mature Christians who model restraint and learn practical habits from them (Philippians 3:17). Practice Healthy Rhythms • Plan balanced meals and track portions; the same principle governs beverage intake (Proverbs 27:23). • Build regular exercise into your week; physical stewardship reinforces self-control (1 Timothy 4:8). • Establish consistent sleep patterns—fatigue often fuels overeating and excess drinking. Depend on the Holy Spirit • Pray specifically for Spirit-produced self-control before meals or events involving alcohol (Galatians 5:16). • When tempted, consciously yield your will to Christ’s lordship (Romans 6:12-13). • Celebrate victories with gratitude to God, not with greater indulgence (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Look to the Ultimate Example • Jesus ate and drank within God-honoring boundaries, yet never indulged sinfully (Luke 7:34; Hebrews 4:15). • Fixing our eyes on Him fuels perseverance and joy in disciplined living (Hebrews 12:1-2). |
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