Imagine a young woman being enticed into taking a banned substance. After doing so she encourages her lover to do the same; both want a higher experience of life. But after the initial thrill, they come down to earth with a crash and they're left sad and frightened people. They also become addicted to what they've just done. Whose lives have you just been imagining? Those of Adam and Eve – the first two people in the Bible. And in this sermon we started with that story, because it helps us understand our use of drink and other drugs.
There are many substances that people take because they have an effect upon us which we like. The two most famous “drugs” are alcohol and nicotine – but there are many more. We use these things because of the excitement of the new experiences they give. We also use them as social lubricants to help us get along with others. And we sometimes turn to them to alleviate boredom and sadness in life, or to help us cope with the stress of life's worries.
But what does the Bible have to say about these things? Well it reminds us that so often our use of drink and drugs ends up with trouble for us: "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1) Once we give them control, then drink and other drugs will soon lead us astray into disaster. But why is this? It's because we have an inherited tendency to behave in this way. Adam and Eve ignored God and took something good which he told them to leave alone because it would destroy them. God's prediction proved true and both they, and the world, were left damaged. As a result the couple were addicted to this type of behaviour: ignoring God and misusing good things. Every human being has inherited the same tendency from them. The Bible sums it up this way: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). In other words, we all consistently fail to live as God would have us live.
But if we admit that to God, apologise and ask for forgiveness through Jesus Christ, then God will start to change us. He will put his Holy Spirit inside of us and teach us how to control ourselves, so that's there no need for us to lose control to great quantities of alcohol or to the effects of powerful drugs, any more. And then God himself satisfies our deep longings for excitement; good relationships; a fulfilled life; comfort in grief; and a release from our worries – caring for us as an all-powerful Father looking after and providing for his children. Furthermore, Jesus will ultimately make us completely what God wants, on the day he returns. Then we'll drink wine with him, without drunkenness, and fully enjoy all the good things God has made.
(1) Spend some time thinking about your life. How often do you drink, or use other drugs? Why do you use them? To what extent are they in control of you? Are they already showing signs of leading you astray?
(2) Now find the answers which God gives to the issues in your life which lead you to use drink and drugs. Aren't they better?