Romans 13:13, Not In Rioting and Drunkenness

Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness…

Let your life not be filled with riotous conduct and drunkenness. Rather, be sober! Do not be engaged in nightlife, partying through the night in a drunken stupor. To be addicted to the consumption of alcohol. The Lord’s return draws near and be careful not caught off-guard, suffering obvious loss. Be warned.

In the words of Solomon in Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. The wretched victims of strong or intoxicating drink have been mocked and grievously deceived. Be not deceived is the warning! Not only does it overcome them before they are aware, but it promises pleasure which it can never give. It’s raging power causes unruly behavior, degrades man below the level of beast because the government of reason is surrendered to lust, appetite or passion. Strong drink is deceptive in that it led us astray and wandered from the path of instruction. [Bridges]

One writer states, “The term social drinking suggests that the consumption of alcohol in respectable surroundings is in some way different from drinking in other environments. There was a time when it would have been unthinkable that we would have to speak out against social drinking among Christians. The fact that such a problem has grown to the currently distressing proportions shows what a powerful and insidious influence the present age exerts on the church of Jesus Christ.”

Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Let us be pure from all profane, ungodly habits, including alcohol. Opening up the human temple to the possible influence and control of alcohol is contrary to the Biblical injunction to keep those temples filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The only spiritual safety is to leave alcoholic beverages alone.

May God help His people to walk wisely. Amen.