Topical Encyclopedia Drunkenness is a topic addressed with significant concern in the New Testament, particularly in the letters of Paul to the Corinthians. The city of Corinth was known for its moral laxity and indulgence in various vices, including excessive drinking. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles to the Corinthian church, provides guidance and admonition regarding the dangers and spiritual implications of drunkenness.1 Corinthians 5:11 In 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul instructs the believers to avoid associating with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister in Christ but is guilty of various sins, including drunkenness. He writes, "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat." This directive underscores the seriousness with which the early church viewed drunkenness, equating it with other grave sins that could corrupt the community of believers. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Paul further emphasizes the spiritual peril of drunkenness in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, where he lists it among behaviors that can prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. The passage states, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." Here, drunkenness is portrayed as a barrier to spiritual inheritance, highlighting its incompatibility with a life devoted to God. 1 Corinthians 11:21 In 1 Corinthians 11:21, Paul addresses the issue of drunkenness in the context of the Lord's Supper. He criticizes the Corinthians for their behavior during the communal meal, stating, "For as you eat, each of you goes ahead without sharing his meal. While one remains hungry, another gets drunk." This rebuke points to the disorder and lack of reverence that drunkenness can introduce into sacred practices, disrupting the unity and sanctity of the Christian community. Theological Implications The references to drunkenness in Corinthians reflect a broader biblical theme that views excessive drinking as a moral failing with significant spiritual consequences. Drunkenness is often associated with a lack of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit that believers are encouraged to cultivate (Galatians 5:22-23). The warnings against drunkenness serve as a call to live a life of sobriety and discipline, aligning one's actions with the teachings of Christ and the expectations of a holy life. Practical Considerations For the Corinthian church, situated in a culture rife with indulgence, Paul's admonitions were both a corrective and a preventative measure. By addressing drunkenness, Paul sought to protect the integrity of the church and encourage believers to be distinct from the surrounding culture. The call to avoid drunkenness is a call to witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating a life marked by moderation, responsibility, and devotion to God. In summary, the treatment of drunkenness in the Corinthian epistles serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of sobriety and self-control in the Christian life, urging believers to pursue holiness and reflect the character of Christ in all aspects of their conduct. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 11:21For in eating every one takes before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 1 Corinthians ii. 12 Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing. The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness About to Speak of the Temptations of the Lust of the Flesh, He ... Of the Meaning of the Seven Nations of Whose Lands Israel Took ... How those who Use Food Intemperately and those who Use it ... Argument. --He Next Teaches us that the Authority of the Faith ... Rom. xiii. 11 Treats Upon the Actions of Carnal and of Spiritual Persons; Also ... The Regenerating Work of the Holy Spirit. Resources Is being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of debauchery? | GotQuestions.org Drunkenness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Drunkenness is a Work of the Flesh Drunkenness: Avoid Those Given To Drunkenness: Ben-Hadad and his Thirty-Two Confederate Kings Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Given To Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Who Encourage Drunkenness: Excludes from Heaven Drunkenness: False Teachers often Addicted To Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Hannah Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Jesus Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of The Apostles Drunkenness: Folly of Yielding To Drunkenness: General Scriptures Concerning Drunkenness: Leads to Contempt of God's Works Drunkenness: Leads to Rioting and Wantonness Drunkenness: Leads to Scorning Drunkenness: Leads to Woe and Sorrow Drunkenness: Overcharges the Heart Drunkenness: Takes Away the Heart Drunkenness: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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