Good morning Saints in Christ Jesus.
We give glory to God for the gift of another new day, for the privilege of life and for God’s unending mercy and grace upon us always. Praise God!
STUDYING AND UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE – PART 386
The Book of Isaiah Chapter 28
In this chapter, Prophet Isaiah addresses both kingdoms of the nation of Israel (Ephraim represents the northern kingdom, while Judah represents the southern kingdom).
In this chapter, Ephraim and Judah are described as drunkards. Drunkenness was a major problem in that land during this period, which is still happening today.
Ephesians 5:18 instructs us to be filled with the Spirit instead of being drunk.
Also, there are other passages in the Bible that speak against getting drunk which are: 1Pet. 4:3; Gal. 5:21; Rom 13:13, 1 Cor. 5:11, 6:10, 11:21 and also from Jesus Himself in Luke 21:34-36.
Drunkenness happens as a result of abuse of alcohol or addiction of it. People also get addicted to drugs and thereby jeopardizing the positive use of these substances and the results have really being terrible.
To guide against drunkenness and drug addictions, this is why even governments warn against it, there is always a high price paid for the negative effects of drunkenness and drug addiction.
Drunkenness has led to so many crimes and sins such as domestic violence, murder, suicide, sexual crimes and various forms of violence.
Even according to Isaiah’s message to Ephraim in the northern kingdom, he links drunkenness with pride – crown of pride to be precise.
Drunkenness impairs intellectual abilities and also makes what has been beautiful before to become ugly and ultimately, it leads to various sins against God and humanity.
This is why God gave this message to Isaiah to relay to both kingdoms and this is still applicable till date, because even Jesus Himself and New Testament Apostles preached against it.
So, it’s something we must take serious and obey every instruction of the rightly divided Word of God.
So, what’s the way out?
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Ephesians 5:18-20
[18]And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
[19]Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
[20]Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation in Christ offers total freedom from any form of sin and we must keep on studying the Word of God and applying it to our lives.
If at all we need alcohol for medical purposes, we should let the medical doctors or pharmacists decide that either in form of prescriptions or regulated doses that won’t lead to drunkenness or addiction.
Self medication without proper guide can be very dangerous and can also lead to sins.
To be continued…Praise God.
Let’s declare this together:
Even If I have the will power to choose what I do, that doesn’t mean I should do whatever I like. I refuse to be enslaved to anything, because I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, His resurrection power is at work in my life and I am led by the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Bible readings for today: Matthew Chapters 8, 9 & 10 with Psalm 62
I call you blessed now and always.
Frday April 17, 2020 (DDMI)
