Wine: A Gift or a Trap

🍷 “Wine: A Gift or a Trap?”

(A Biblical Perspective on Wine and Wisdom)

Main Text: Ephesians 5:18

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

Introduction

Wine is one of the most mentioned beverages in the Bible — seen in weddings, offerings, celebrations, and even in the Lord’s Supper.
But it’s also associated with sorrow, shame, and sin when misused.

So today, let’s look at what the Bible truly teaches about wine — not from culture or opinion, but from Scripture itself.

1. Wine as a Gift from God 🍇

Psalm 104:14–15 says,

“He makes... wine that gladdens human hearts.”

God created the vine, the grapes, and the joy that comes from them.
Wine was part of feasts, worship offerings, and hospitality in the Old Testament.

Even Jesus Himself made wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1–11), showing that celebration and joy are not sinful — as long as God remains at the center.

👉 Application:
Enjoy God’s gifts — but remember, every gift becomes dangerous when it replaces the Giver.

2. The Danger of Drunkenness ⚠️

The Bible never condemns wine itself — but it strongly warns against drunkenness.

Proverbs 20:1 –

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Proverbs 23:29–35 paints a vivid picture:

  • Red eyes

  • Quarrels

  • Hallucinations

  • Saying, “I’ll seek it again”

Drunkenness controls, destroys families, damages health, and opens the door to sin.

Ephesians 5:18 contrasts two spirits:

“Don’t be drunk with wine… but be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Wine may fill your cup, but only the Holy Spirit can fill your heart.

👉 Application:
Ask yourself, “What am I letting influence me — the world’s wine or God’s Spirit?”

3. The Symbolism of Wine in the New Covenant 🩸

At the Last Supper, Jesus took the cup and said:

“This is my blood of the new covenant.” (Matthew 26:28)

Wine became a sacred symbol — not of pleasure, but of sacrifice.
It represents the joy of salvation, the cost of grace, and the promise of eternal life.

👉 Application:
Whenever we take Communion, we remember — He poured out His blood so that we could be filled with His Spirit.

4. A Call to Leadership and Holiness 👑

Scripture also shows that those in spiritual or leadership roles are called to a higher standard.

  • Leviticus 10:9 – Priests were not to drink wine when serving.

  • Proverbs 31:4–5 – Kings should avoid it, lest they forget justice.

  • Numbers 6:1–4 – Nazirites abstained as a sign of dedication.

In other words, those who lead should have clear minds and pure hearts.

👉 Application:
If God has called you to lead — in ministry, family, or community — be careful what influences your mind and spirit.

5. The Principle of Love and Self-Control ❤️

Even if drinking wine is not sinful, love must govern our freedom.

Romans 14:21 –

“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.”

1 Corinthians 10:31 –

“Whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God.”

Your choices should never lead someone else into temptation or confusion.
True maturity is not about how much you can do, but about how much you’re willing to surrender for the sake of others.

👉 Application:
Live not for your liberty, but for God’s glory.

Conclusion

Wine in itself is not evil — it’s a gift that can bring joy.
But like every gift, when misused, it becomes a trap.

So the real question is not, “Can I drink?”
The question is, “Am I filled — with wine, or with the Spirit?”

Let us be a people who:

  • Celebrate God’s blessings,

  • Exercise wisdom and self-control, and

  • Live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Closing Prayer:

“Lord, thank You for every good gift You have given us. Teach us to use them wisely.
Help us not to be controlled by anything except Your Spirit.
Fill us with Your joy, Your peace, and Your presence — so that our lives glorify You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

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