Introductory Thoughts
Man cannot be drunk with wine and simultaneously filled with the Spirit. The two elements are completely inconsistent and stand in direct conflict. Man will be either yielded to the control of the Spirit or yielded to the control of alcohol but cannot be yielded simultaneously to both. “[B]e not drunk with wine” is a commandment to avoid sin. “[B]e filled with the Spirit” is a commandment to yield to righteousness. This dichotomy should be an easy choice for each and every believer to identify and formulate. On one hand, the individual can choose to indulge in alcoholic beverages, resulting in a choice to displease the Saviour. On the other hand, he can yield to the Holy Ghost, resulting in a decision pleasing to His Lord. No believer should ever be deceived into believing that he can fill himself with both the world’s drink and God’s Spirit. It does not work, it will not work, and it cannot not work!
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, God says your body is His temple and that you are not to defile itmake it unclean. Daniel said he would not defile himself with the kings wine which the king offered as a daily provision with the meals (Daniel 1:5, 8).
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(For everyone): What might happen if a person was drunk with wine? What might happen if a person was filled with the Spirit of God? Make a list and see how the list differs.
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Why is alcohol contrary to Gods will for a persons life? How will it hinder a believer from serving the Lord to the best of his ability?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you choose to be filled with the Spirit.
- Thank God for preserving you from the evils of alcohol.
Song
Have Thine Own Way, Lord!
