Resisting the Temptation to Drink

Scripture:

"For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come" (Luke 22:18)

Observation:

These are the words Jesus spoke at the last supper, right before he was betrayed and taken by the Romans. The Apostles drank wine to symbolize Jesus' blood that would be poured out, and they ate bread that symbolized his body that would be broken for them. But he says something that is very interesting to me: "I will not drink wine until the Kingdom of God has come."

Application:

I love this scripture for one reason: I remember it whenever I feel tempted to drink! This Bible verse is my protection, my shield. Why? Because Jesus is saying that he will not drink wine again until he drinks it with me in the Kingdom of God. I'm assuming that he is referring to waiting until the Kingdom of God is established in the new Heaven and new Earth. I guess if Jesus can wait, then I can wait too. Whenever the enemy lies to me and says: "It's okay, come on, only one. It's respectable to drink wine, It's the only way to reach your lost family members, they will relate to you better!". Or sometimes he says: "Come on, your around family, it's a wedding, it's all good". Lies, all lies! "I will not drink wine until the Kingdom of God has come." This is my strength!

When God saves you from a life of alcohol and drug addiction, it's not very wise to go back to the old ways. I have to admit, I have been very tempted at times. Sometimes you think that since your past is way behind you, it would be okay just to have a "glass of wine". I mean think about it, an innocent glass of wine never hurt anyone, right? Or what about one of those expensive imported beers, or a nice dark "lager", I mean as long as it's not a Budweiser or a Mickeys 40 oz. it should be cool, right? It's especially hard when you see that other Christians are drinking and you hear them justify it, it makes it harder to stand for your own convictions.

Proverbs 23:29-32

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.

Proverbs 26:11

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.

Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for saving me from a life of addiction. Thank you for helping me to overcome drugs and alcohol. Help me to resist the temptation and help me to not be judgmental of those who drink. I pray for those who reject you because of their love for alcohol, and I pray for those who already know you, but have gone back to drinking. Thank you for sending Jesus. I love you with all my heart Jesus, In Jesus name, Amen!