Overcoming Sin through Christ

A Comprehensive List of Sins

(Alphabetically Arranged)

Richard Hollerman

The plan of this study is simple.  We will look at a large number of sins, one by one, alphabetically.  We will define the sin, describe it, and comment on it, along with noticing Scripture references on the particular entry.  Some illustrations will be offered along with the description.

Drunkenness

Drunkenness

One of the chief sins found in today’s world has been around since the very beginning.  Even Noah (Genesis 9:20-21) and Lot (Genesis 19:32-33) were guilty of drunkenness.  Have you been guilty of this sins, just as millions of Americans have—and as additional millions around the world?

Today people speak about “alcoholism,” but it is far better to use the Biblical term, “drunkenness.”  Some may fall into a drunken state on a regular—even daily—basis, while others may fall into the sin of drunkenness only once a week or once a month.  Each instance is sinful for it violates the will of God and involves many other sins—such as lack of self-control, failure to be a good example to family and others, harming one’s physical health, waste of money, and others.

The verb Methuo signifies “to be drunk with wine” or to be “intoxicated.”  Methusko means “to become intoxicated,” and the adjective methusos means “drunken.”  The noun methe denotes “drunkenness, habitual intoxication.”[1][1]  Paul plainly writes that drunkenness is a sin that will keep one from inheriting the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).  He says that “drunkards” will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).  Christians are to “behave properly as in the day” and renounce all “carousing and drunkenness” (Romans 13:13).

If any fellow-Christian falls into the sin of drunkenness and remains in it, the body of Christ is commanded to “not . . . associate with any so-called brother” who is a drunkard and “not even to eat with such a one” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11).  Jesus warned His followers, “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness” (Luke 21:34).

Is there hope for the drunkard (the one who becomes intoxicated)?  Indeed there is!  After stating that sinners, including drunkards, will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10), Paul adds, “Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (v. 11). Some of the Corinthians had committed this sin, but they were forgiven and began to live a new life!

Peter also says that in the “past” some of his readers pursued “a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries,” but they had turned away from these sinful activities (1 Peter 4:3-4).  How does one overcome this sin and others?  Paul said, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).  If we are filled with the Spirit of God, we will be able to overcome sins such as drunkenness.  Through the Holy Spirit one will be able to put to death “the deeds of the body,” including drunkenness (Romans 8:13).

 

[1][1] W. E. Vine, Expository Dictionary.