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7 Bible Verses For An Alcoholic To Study

7 Bible Verses For An Alcoholic To Study

Last updated on: October 6, 2015 at 7:53 am by Karla Hawkins

7 Bible Verses For An Alcoholic To Study 2015-10-06T07:53:15-05:00 Karla Hawkins

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Everyone has hurts, habits and hang-ups in their lives. These can often lead people to drink or do drugs in order to numb the pain. Celebrate Recovery is one amazing Christian program that helps people with all sorts of addictions find freedom and deliverance from these types of issues. Here in this article, though, I would like to address those who struggle with alcoholism. God is bigger than our problems, and he can help us overcome any challenges we face. With this in mind, here are 7 Bible verses for an alcoholic to study.

Proverbs 23:21 “…for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”

God made everything, including wine and other alcoholic beverages. On their own they are just another drink for individuals to enjoy. Unfortunately, they can also be abused, and this can lead to all sorts of addictions and problems. This verse reminds us of the pitfalls of drinking or eating too much, as anything done in excess can lead to “rags” and ruin. Whenever we let something else control our lives, then we will be headed straight for trouble.

Romans 13:13 “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”

Many non-Christians often believe that following Jesus means that we have to obey all sorts of rules and commandments. Nonetheless, verses like this one are not meant to restrict or harm us, but rather they are written to help us avoid harmful and even dangerous behavior. God loves us so much that he wants us to walk in peace, in health and in joy—not in addictions or as slaves to anything.

Galatians 5:1 “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

This is a great verse for an alcoholic to study, because it describes the freedom that we can have in Christ. Addictions of any sort—drugs, pornography, food, fear, alcohol, to name a few—enslave and hold captive everyone under their power. But the Lord reminds us here that Christ came to set us free. In other words, freedom is possible and available to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord. We no longer need to be controlled by anything other than our love for God.

Galatians 5:21 “…envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

No one wants to be told what to do or what not to do, as our human nature demands we be “in charge” of our own lives. The problem is that sin entangles us, and we then become slaves to our own desires and harmful addictions. How many families as well as individual lives have been broken or damaged because of alcoholism? So the Lord is pointing out here that things like envy and drunkenness not only hurt us personally, but they can also keep us out of the kingdom of God because our focus is on the wrong thing.

Ephesians 5:18 “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit…”

As I mentioned before, drinking alcoholic beverages is not necessarily a sin, but the problem comes when it is abused or imbibed to excess. When a person gets drunk, they are giving up control of their faculties. The apostle Paul clearly commands us not to get drunk here for that very reason. He also gives us an excellent alternative—be filled with the Holy Spirit who brings us life, hope, wisdom, and peace in its place.

James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”

I believe that Christianity is not a religion, but rather it is a call to have a relationship with almighty God. He wants us to commune with him, and be set free from anything that would hurt us. This verse is a great one to study, because it gives us specific and very helpful steps to follow in order to free ourselves from any addictions and strongholds in our lives. Confessing our sins and praying for each other will bring healing and deliverance.

I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Even though we are weak and frail sinners, God’s love is faithful and firm. In our darkest hours he comes through for us, as he restores our hope and our lives. He forgives our sins and cleanses us from the consequences of our actions, when we turn our lives over to him. All we need to do is confess our sins to him, and then he forgives our darkest deeds. That is such great news!

Conclusion:

No matter what habit, hurt or addiction we might be struggling with, God is bigger than our problems. He is always willing and eager to help deliver us from our pain and struggles. All we need to do is confess our sins, and ask him into our hearts to be our Lord and Savior. Once this is done, then he frees us from the slavery of alcoholism or whatever else may hold us captive. He is faithful and good all the time.

Written by Karla Hawkins

I am very grateful to be a Christian author, editor and translator. Some of my favorite pastimes include traveling, and connecting with family and friends via social media. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and especially with both of my precious grandsons.

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