Sermon: Alcoholism

WHAT IS ALCOHOLISM?

◇Alcoholism, is a chronic disease characterized by the excessive and compulsive use of alcohol,leading to physical,emotional, and social problems.

◇Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences. 

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY

○Liver Damage:Conditions such as fatty liver,alcoholic hepatitis,and cirrhosis.

○Cardiovascular Issues:Increased risk of high blood pressure,alcoholic cardiomyopathy,and irregular heartbeats.

○Brain Effects:Impaired cognitive function, memory issues,and increased risk of mental health disorders.

○Digestive Problems:Inflammation of the stomach lining,pancreatitis,and increased risk of cancers of the digestive system.

○Immune System Suppression:Increased susceptibility to infections.

○Endocrine Disruption:Hormonal imbalances affecting metabolism and reproductive health.

IS ALCOHOLISM A SIN? Yes,the Bible teaches that excessive drinking is a sin.

▪︎The Bible teaches that drunkenness is a sin (Ephesians 5:18,1 Corinthians 6:10)

◇Believers should avoid drunkenness, instead they should be filled with the holy spirit.

-Ephesians 5:18, "Do not be drunk with wine,in which is dissipation;but be filled with the Spirit." 

◇Believers should avoid excessive drinking in order to inherit the kingdom of God.

-1 Corinthians 6:10,"Nor thieves,not covetous,nor drunkards....  will inherit the kingdom of God."

▪︎The bible condemns drunkness as sin or the work of the flesh(Galatians 5:21)

◇Believers should avoid drunkenness which can be seen as sinful to inherit the kingdom of God.

-Galatians 5:21,"Envy,murders drunkenness,revelries,and the like of;...that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

WHY MANY CHRISTIANS CONSUME ALCOHOL

•Many christians drink because excessive drinking is part of a former way of life.

-1 Peter 4:3,"For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the gentiles-when we walked in lewdness, lusts,drunkness,revelries,drinking parties  and abominable idolatries.

•For medical or health benefits,to heal infirmities:It can have medicinal properties.

-1 Timothy 5:23,"No longer drink only water,but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

•To enjoy life by eating and drinking with a merry heart.

-Ecclesiastes 9:7,"Go,eat your bread with joy,and drink your wine with a merry heart.

•Overindulgence of alcohol:They desire to drink.

-Proverbs 23:31,"Do not look on the wine when it is red,when it sparkles in the cup,when it swirls around smoothly.

•To gladen their heart:It brings joy to the heart.

-Psalm 104:15,"And wine that makes glad the heart of man.

WHY A CHRISTIAN SHOULDN'T DRINK ALCOHOL

•The bible advises against drunkenness and suggests that a christian should be filled with the holy spirit.

-Ephesians 5:18,"And do not be drunk with wine,in which is dissipation;but be filled with the holy spirit.

•Dangers of intoxication:Wine is a mocker and strong drink can lead to reckless behavior.

-Proverbs 20:1,"Wine is a mocker,strong drink is a brawler,and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

•The bible encourages living honorably and avoiding drunkenness in our christian walk.

-Romans 13:13,"Let us walk properly,as in the day,not in revelry and drunkenness,not in lewdness and lust,not in strife and envy.

•Drinking might lead to negative consequences for a fellow believer:It can cause another christian to stumble or to become weak.A believer should avoid actions that could cause others to stumble in their faith.

-Romans 14:21,"It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.

•The bible advises kings and leaders to avoid strong drink,as it can impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making.

-Proverbs 31:4-5,"It is not for kings,O Lemuel,It is not for Kings to drink wine,Nor for princes intoxicating drink;Lest they drink and forget the law and pervert the justice  of all the afflicted.

•Drinking might not be the best choice:It is not helpful or beneficial to a Christian.

- 1 Corinthians 10:23,"All things are lawful for me,but not all things are helpful.

• A believer should do everything for the glory of God.

-1 Corinthians 10:31,"Therefore,whatever you do,do all to the glory of God.

BIBLICAL REFERENCES TO ALCOHOL

•Wine can lead to mockery and stronk drink is associated with reckless behavior 

-Proverbs 20:1,"Wine is a mocker,strong drink is a brawler.."

•Believers should avoid drunkenness,and live a life filled with the Spirit instead.

-Ephesians 5:18,"And do not be drunk with wine.....but be filled with the Spirit."

•Wine can have medicinal properties and  beneficial effects when consumed wisely:A little wine is good for the stomach and act as a cure for some infirmities.

-1 Timothy 5:23,"No longer drink only water,but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities."

•Do not let your drinking habit cause fellow believers to stumble and turn into a weak christian

-Romans 14:21,"It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak."

•Wine can be used as a healing  agent for wounds.

-Luke 10:34,"So he went to him and bandaged his wounds,pouring on oil and wine."

•Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God.

-1 Corinthians 6:10,"Nor drunkards,nor revilers,nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."

•Do not let your heart be weighed down by drunkenness and cares of this life.

-Luke 21:34,"But take heed to yourselves,lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing,drunkenness,and cares of this life."

•Wine can make the heart of a man glad,bringing joy. 

-Psalm 104:15,"And wine that makes glad the heart of man.

•Consumption of wine or intoxicating drinks by the priests can lead to death.

-Leviticus 10:9,"Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink,you,nor your sons with you,when you go into the tabernacle of meeting,lest you die,"

•Kings or leaders should avoid drinking wine or intoxicating drink inorder not to forget the law and pervert justice.

-Proverbs 31:4-5,"It is not for kings to drink wine,Nor for princes intoxicating drink.Lest they drink and forget the law,and pervert the justice of all the afflicted "

•Strong  drink and wine is given to those who are perishing and those with a bitter heart.

-Proverbs 31:6,"Give strong drink to him who is perishing,And wine to those who are bitter of heart."

•Deacons must not be given to much wine.

-1 Timothy 3:8,"Deacons must be reverent....not given to much wine."

•Believers should not associate with gluttons and drinkers.

-Proverbs 23:20,"Do not mix with winebibbers,or with gluttonous eaters of meat."

•Strong drink is bitter to  those who drink it.

-Isaiah 24:9,"Strong drink is bitter to those who drink it."

•Someone who will be great in the sight of the Lord such as John the Baptist shall not drink wine nor strong drink.He will be filled with the Holy spirit.

 -Luke 1:15,"For he will be great in the sight of the Lord,and shall drink neither wine not strong drink.He will also be filled with the Holy spirit."

•Do not keep company with anyone who is a fellow believer but is a drunkard.

-1 Corinthians 5:11,"But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother...who is a drunkard or an extortioner-not even to eat with such a person."

•Priests should not drink wine,especially when he enters the inner court or the sanctuary. 

-Ezekiel 44:21,"No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court."

•A bishop must not be given to wine. 

-1Timothy 3:2-3,"A bishop then must be blameless....not given to wine. "

 •Anyone who wishes or desires to separate himself to the Lord must endeavor to quit drinking wine, vinegar wine, and grape juice.

-Num 6:3,"When either a man or woman consecrated an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite,to separate himself to the Lord,he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink;he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink,neither shall he drink any grape juice ,nor eat fresh grapes or raisins."

•Keep away from friends or neighbours who gives you drinks to make you drunk.

-Habakkuk 2:15,"Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor,pressing him to your bottle,even to make him drunk."

•The drunkard will come to poverty.

-Proverbs 23:21,"For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty. "

•Drinking makes one drunk.

-Genesis 9:21,"Then he drank of the wine and was drunk. "

•Wine and new wine can enslave the heart. Do not let your heart get enslaved by your drinking habit.

-Hosea 4:11,"Harlotry,wine,and new wine enslave the heart."

TRIGGERS  OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION 

○Stress:High pressure situations,whether at work or home,can lead individuals to seek alcohol as a coping mechanism. 

○Social Influences:Peer pressure or social settings where drinking is normalized,can lead to increased consumption of alcohol.

○Emotional Pain or trauma:Past traumas or unresolved emotional issues can prompt drinking as a form of escapism.

○Genetics:A family history of alcohol use disorder can increase the risk of developing similar habits.

○Mental health disorders:Conditions like depression,PTSD or bipolar disorder may lead to self-medication with alcohol.

○Habitual behaviour:Regular exposure to environments where alcohol is consumed can create a conditioned response to drink.

○Cues and reminders:Places,people,or situations associated with past drinking experiences can trigger cravings. 

COPING MECHANISMS FOR ALCOHOL ADDICTION 

○Support Groups:Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide community support and shared experiences.

○Therapy:Professional counseling or therapy can help address underlying issues,contributing to alcohol use.

○Exercise:Regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce stress, acting as a healthy outlet.

○Avoiding Triggers:Identifying and avoiding places and  situations that encourage drinking can help maintain sobriety.

○Developing New Hobbies:Engaging in new activities or interests can provide distraction and fulfillment.

○Nutritional Support:Eating a balanced diet can support overall health and stabilize mood, reducing cravings.

○Medication: Medications may be prescribed to help manage cravings or reduce the desire to drink.

○Building a Support Network: Surroundimg oneself with understanding and supportive friends and family can provide essential encouragement. 

STEPS FOR OVERCOMING ALCOHOLISM

□Accept Jesus as your Lord and saviour: Have faith and rely on God for strength and transformation.

□Know that God does not condemn you,He wants you healed.

□Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins:Repent and commit to a new life in Christ.

-Acts 2:38,"Repent,and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."

□Do not resist the authority of God:Submit to God's authority. 

-Romans 13:2,"Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God."

□Walk as children of light:Live in accordance with one's new identity in Christ.

-Ephesians 5:8,"For you were once darkness,but now you are light in the Lord.Walk as children of light."

□Glorify God in your body and in your spirit.

-1 Corinthians 6:20,"Therefore glorify God in your body and spirit,which are God's:

□Seek Counseling:Seeking help from a pastor or a Christian counselor who understands addiction.

□Find a mentor or support group within the church to provide guidance and encouragement.

□Prayer and Scripture:Pray daily and read the Bible for strength and guidance.

□Healthy Lifestyle Changes: Incorporate practical steps such as exercise, proper nutrition,and new hobbies to replace drinking.

PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARD RECOVERY FROM ALCOHOL 

¤Acknowledge the problem:The first step is admitting that there is a problem with alcohol use and recognizing the impact it has on your life.

¤Seek professional help:Consult a healthcare provider or addiction specialist for a personalized treatment plan, which may include therapy or medication.

¤Join support groups: Participate in groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery for community support and shared experiences.

¤Find someone you trust who can support you through the recovery process and hold you accountable.

¤Create a relapse prevention plan: Identify triggers and develop strategies to manage cravings and avoid situations that may lead to drinking.

¤Engage in therapy:Individual or group therapy can help address underlying issues and teach coping strategies.

¤Build a healthy routine:Incorporate exercise, balanced nutrition,and sleep to support physical and mental health.

¤Explore new hobbies:Find activities that bring joy and fulfillment to replace the time spent drinking.

¤Stay Connected:Maintain relationships with supportive friends and family who encourage your recovery.

¤Be patient with yourself:Recovery is often a process that requires time, grace, and persistence.

SUPPORT GROUPS AND RESOURCES 

•Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): A worldwide fellowship offering support for those struggling with alcohol addiction through meetings and a 12-step program.

•SMART Recovery:Focuses on self-management and recovery training, utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques.

•Celebrate Recovery:A Christ-centered recovery program that addresses various addictions and compulsive behaviors.

•National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Provides resources, research, and support information related to alcohol use disorder.

•www.singleandsober.com:This platform offers support for singles in recovery, potentially fostering community and understanding among those with similar experiences.

ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN HEALING FROM ALCOHOL ADDICTION 

•Spiritual Support:The Church offers spiritual guidance and prayer, helping individuals connect with God and find strength in their faith.

•Community and Fellowship:Being part of a church community provides social support and accountability, which are vital in recovery.

•Counseling Services:Many churches provide counseling or can refer individuals to Christian counselors who specialize in addiction recovery.

•Education and Awareness:Churches can educate their congregations about addiction and its effects, fostering a supportive environment.

🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷Recovery from alcoholism🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷

   PRAYERS 

1.Father, forgive me for my past participation in drinking parties, and help me to live a life that pleases you,in Jesus' name. Amen.

2.Heal me,O Lord,from my infirmities and restore me to perfect health,in Jesus name. Amen.

3.Lord Jesus, remove the desire to drink from my heart and keep me away from places that lure me to drink, in Jesus' name.

4.I will not love the world or the things in it,and I will not follow the lifestyles of those in this world, and in Jesus' name.

5.Father,I come before you seeking help in my battle against alcohol addiction.Help me to resist temptation to drink and to rely on your healing power,in Jesus name.

6.Lord, I ask for your healing touch upon my life.Heal the wounds that have driven me to seek solace in alcohol.Restore my mind, body, and spirit, and help me to find true peace in you,in Jesus name.

7. Lord help me not to sin by consuming strong drinks or intoxicating drinks excessively,in Jesus' name.

8. Alcohol and strong wine will not have  control over my life,in Jesus name.

9.Gracious God, deliver me from the grip of alcohol.Break every chain that binds me and remove any cravings that lead me away from you,in Jesus name.

10.Father,strengthen me daily in my walk with you and keep me from stumbling,in Jesus' name.

11.O Lord, help me to quit drinking strong drinks or intoxicating drinks,in Jesus name.

12.Dear Lord, surround me with people who will uplift me and share my commitment to sobriety,in Jesus name.

13.O Lord,remove anything within me that lures me to drink,in Jesus.

14. Lord Jesus, deliver me from the spirit of drunkenness that runs in my bloodline, in Jesus' name.

15.Father,keep me from drinking to the point of stupor,in the name of Jesus.

16.Father, I hold on to the hope that change is possible. Renew my mind and spirit, and help me to a live free from addiction,in Jesus name.

17.O Lord, help me to identify what is beneficial for my Christian walk,in Jesus' name.

18. Lord,let your love fill my heart and guide me each day as I walk in faith toward recovery,in Jesus name.

19.Father, give me a joyful heart and help me to rejoice in you always,in Jesus name.

20.I will not become a glutton or a winebibber,in Jesus' name.

Thank you Lord, for answering my prayers in Jesus name. Amen