Subject: making wine.Did Jesus make a mistake. |
Bible Note: Tim, I'm certainly not implying that 1 Timothy 3:8 is ambiguous. I think it speaks clearly through all versions, and consistently: 1Tm:3:8: Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;(KJV) 8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, (NKJV) 8 (1) Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, (2) or addicted to much wine (3) or fond of sordid gain, (NASB) 8Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. (NIV) I'm not drastically attempting to promote one view either. What I've done (and convincingly using applicable scriptures) is to show that drinking wine is not expressly forbidden, neither is it inherently evil--it's the over indulgence, which is drunkeness. However it is good that we have this discussion (even if it's a little drawn out) because it reveals the nature of sin. As I said before, is admiring beauty in a woman a sin? No, but to lust is. Is eating food a sin? No, but to be gluttonous is. Is drinking a glass of wine with a meal a sin? No, but to become drunk is. Now here is sin revealed and the confusion surrounding it. Let's look at eating. Eating is not a sin. When you begin to eat, you satisfy the needs of the body to sustain your life; still nothing wrong here. When your body is already satisfied, yet you continue to eat because the food tastes good (as with pizza, I used earlier), gluttony sets in--and there is sin. Now, there is a gray area between "satisfied" and "gluttonous." Within this gray area, confusion set in. This is the beginning of sin, which tempts us. If we give in to it, there is sin manifested; and whether it's eating food, admiring the beauty of a woman, or drinking a glass of wine this process holds true to form. Take care, -Rob |