Jesus Turned Water Into Wine. Can Christians Drink?
The Bible and Drinking
Christians often disagree about alcohol, especially when discussing the wine mentioned throughout Scripture. Some point to Jesus turning water into wine, while others reference Paul's advice to Timothy as evidence that drinking is acceptable. In Part Two of “The Bible and Drinking,” Dr. Rocky Ramsey continues his teaching on this subject, addressing these familiar arguments and challenging Christians to consider not only what Scripture permits, but also what God desires from their lives.
The starting point remains John 7:17, where Jesus teaches the importance of being willing to do God's will. Our approach to alcohol, like every other issue, should begin with a sincere desire to understand and obey Scripture rather than simply justify our existing preferences.
What Does the Bible Actually Say?
Pastor Rocky begins by returning to the Bible's serious warnings about drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit, while Galatians 5:19–21 and 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 warn about the spiritual consequences of lifestyles characterized by sin, including drunkenness. These passages remind us that God's grace changes how believers are called to live.
The message also addresses the differences between wine and strong drink in the Biblical world. Proverbs 20:1 and Isaiah 5:11, 22 warn about the dangers of intoxicating beverages, while Proverbs 31:6 and Matthew 27:34 provide examples involving their use in circumstances of suffering. Pastor Rocky emphasizes the historical context of wine in Scripture and argues that Christians should not automatically equate every Biblical reference to wine with the alcoholic beverages commonly consumed today.
Two familiar questions receive particular attention. First, what should Christians conclude from Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, recorded in John 2:1–10? Second, why did Paul instruct Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach and frequent ailments in 1 Timothy 5:23? Pastor Rocky discusses these accounts in their respective contexts, distinguishing between Biblical descriptions, medicinal uses, and the larger question of how Christians should live.
Sobriety, Judgment, and Spiritual Responsibility
One of the central themes of the message is the importance of sobriety. Scripture repeatedly calls Christians to be alert, disciplined, and clear-minded. Passages such as 1 Peter 1:13 and 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:5–8, 1 Corinthians 15:34, and 2 Timothy 4:5 emphasize the responsibility believers have to maintain spiritual awareness and self-control.
Pastor Rocky also considers the Bible's use of leaven as a symbol associated with sin and corrupting influence in passages such as Exodus 12:15, 1 Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 5:9, and Matthew 16:6, 11–12. He connects this discussion to the importance of recognizing influences that can weaken spiritual judgment. Proverbs 31:4–5, Isaiah 28:7, and 2 Samuel 11:1–17 provide further context for the dangers of impaired decision-making and the consequences that can follow.
These teachings raise a question that goes beyond alcohol: Are we making decisions that strengthen our ability to honor God, or are we allowing something to compromise our judgment and spiritual priorities?
Christian Freedom Should Be Guided by Love
Perhaps the most broadly applicable principle in this message comes from First Corinthians 8:9–13 and 10:23–33. Paul teaches that even when believers possess freedom in a particular area, they must consider how their choices affect others. Something may be permissible without necessarily being beneficial or helpful.
Christians should therefore care about whether their decisions might encourage another believer toward sin or create an unnecessary obstacle for someone who has not yet come to Christ. Our responsibility to love people and protect our Christian witness should carry greater weight than our desire to exercise every personal freedom.
That principle applies to far more than drinking. It affects the examples we set for our children, the way we influence our friends, the decisions we make within our families, and how faithfully our lives represent Jesus Christ.
Ultimately, Pastor Rocky's message challenges believers to place God's will above personal preference. The question is not merely whether something is permitted. We must also consider whether it demonstrates wisdom, builds others up, protects our influence, and brings glory to God.
A life of genuine Christian obedience is not simply about defending our rights. It is about willingly surrendering our choices to the One we claim to follow.