Wine and Wellness

“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (1Tim 5:23).

Caution! The following may cause confusion, and in some cases, anger and irritability. Then again, a proper reading of Scripture will often do that. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he brings up the subject of alcohol. Since this is the Bible, the apostle MUST be telling Pastor Tim to be a teetotaler, right? Wrong! In a verse that freaks out a good many fundamentalists, Paul tells Tim to make wine a regular part of his routine. What sort of madness is this?!? The next thing you know, somebody’s going to say the Bible encourages us to dance! (If that’s you, I’ve got some bad news for you.)

Here in a personal note to his pastoral protege, Paul writes, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (v23). This is no call for holy happy hour. Tim had some very particular health issues. The apostle wanted him to be proactive in his wellness. The illness is chronic. Stomach problems and a general sickliness. The treatment is simple. Wine. The dosage is important. Just a sip or two. 

Don’t forget the context of the verse. Paul is sending Tim a note of instruction as one pastor to another. The apostle has placed him as the servant/leader of the Ephesian church, a large, multicultural congregation on the west coast of what we know today as Turkey. Paul personally planted this church during his third Mediterranean tour (Acts 19) and actually stayed there for three years (Acts 20:30). 

At some point after he left town, false teachers weaseled their way into the flock and distracted folks from following Jesus with all sorts of bizarro myths, genealogical rabbit trails, and some doctrine that was downright demonic (1Tim 1:3-7; 4:1-3). With Paul on the road to Macedonia, the apostle leaves Timothy in charge to continue the process of getting the church back on track. Much of the letter has to do with practical steps of pastoral leadership like encouraging prayer in the church (1Tim 2:1-8), finding new leaders of integrity (1Tim 3:1-13; 5:17-22), and establishing a system of assisted living Gospel style (1Tim 5:3-16).

A lot of this note is also instruction for a pastor who’s up to his eyeballs in the mess of ministry. It’s baptism under fire and on the job training. But Paul doesn’t leave Tim hanging and has important points for how to teach the Bible, stay focused on the Gospel, utilize his spiritual gifts, and deepen his walk with Jesus (1Tim 4:16-16). The apostle doesn’t ignore the physical side of the young pastor’s life. “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (v23). If you don’t take care of yourself physically, you can’t take care of the church spiritually.

Shall we get the alcohol discussion out of the way now? There are many denominations and faith traditions that maintain a zero tolerance policy on drinking alcohol. While I appreciate the idea, I have a really hard time using Scripture to back that up. All throughout the Bible, wine flows freely and God doesn’t exactly stop pouring when we hit the New Testament. As a matter of fact, Jesus’ very first miracle is to keep the party rolling at a wedding reception by making more wine (Jn 2:1-11). Christ regularly taught using wine as part of His illustrations (Lk 5:37-39; Mk 2:22). He was such a regular guest at parties that He earned a rather dubious reputation (Mt 11:19). And you can’t ignore Jesus’ use of Merlot at the Last Supper (Mt 26:26-29; Mk 14:22-25; Lk 14:23; 1Cor 11:23-32). Jesus made it. Jesus drank it. And He goes so far as to say He won’t drink again until we’re all with Him in eternity (Mk 14:25). 

Don’t buy the lie that the wine in the Bible is little more than grape juice. If that’s the case, why are so many people getting wasted on Welch’s? There’s the time after the flood where Noah gets so drunk that he passes out naked (Gen 9:20-23), or is that “nekkid”? I wonder why they never taught us that part of Noah’s story in Sunday School? Over and over, Solomon warns his son against overconsumption. Be VERY careful when it comes to wine and beer (Prov 20:1; 23:21). Don’t hang out with folks who are always getting hammered (Prov 23:19-20). The king goes so far as describing what it’s like not just to be drunk but hung over (Prov 23:29-33).

Paul cautions the Romans not to spend the night on the town barhopping (Rom 13:13). Unrepentant alcoholics and addicts don’t have a spot in God’s kingdom (1Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21). Don’t miss the fact there were plenty of folks in recovery who were part of the Corinthian church (1Cor 6:11)! People with addiction issues have no place in church leadership (1Tim 3:2-3, 8; Titus 1:7). And if you’re going to get drunk on anything, make sure it’s the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18)! If it’s a problem for you, avoid it. If you’re able to enjoy a glass, don’t get over-served. The bottom line is we also can’t ignore the dangers of alcohol and addiction.

But Paul’s point has less to do with whether or not a believer should drink wine but taking care of yourself physically. Remember, Tim and Paul are old friends. They met on the apostle’s second tour (Acts 16:1-3). The man from Tarsus is familiar with his traveling companion’s health issues. He has tender stomach as well as other problems that can’t be ignored. One way to head off any further problems is a regular does of wine. 

Paul was just following the guidelines for wellness back in the Greco-Roman world. Hippocrates said, “Wine is an appropriate article for mankind, both for the healthy body and for the ailing man.” And not much has changed a couple of thousand years later. According to Webmd, wine is good for digestive health. Believe it or not, scientists have just released a study saying that the resveratrol in a glass of red wine has the health benefits of one hour at the gym. Just a word of warning. Drinking the whole bottle of Cab by yourself is NOT the same as busting a P90X workout.

The bigger issue here is physical wellness. If your doctor has prescribed you medications, take them. If you need supplements or OTC meds, use them. Get regular exercise. Take care of your body. Paul tells his friends in Rome, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of worship” (Rom 12:1). He uses a word that describes our PHYSICAL form. Remember, we are fully integrated beings, created in both soul AND body. Since my physical body is the temple of the God’s Spirit (1Cor 6:19), I need to keep the joint in tiptop condition! If you don’t take care of yourself physically, you can’t take care of others spiritually.

Getting Your Serve on

“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain” (1Tim 3:8).

Businesses and organizations are loaded with folks climbing the ladder to greatness. The higher you go, the sweeter the gig. More money. More power. Bigger office. Parking place near the front door. But Jesus has a completely different idea of success. In God’s kingdom, it’s all about going lower to get higher. It’s not about the corner office but the janitor’s closet. It’s not about being waited on but being the waiter. You’ve heard the saying, “It’s a dirty job but somebody’s got to do it.” For a follower of Jesus, service is a privilege. It’s a dirty job and somebody GETS to do it! Greatness in God’s eyes means getting your serve on.

As a matter of fact, one of the key leadership positions in the local church is all about serving others. Paul tells Timothy to be on the look out for folks he calls deacons who will roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty helping other followers of Jesus. He begins his list of qualities of these servant leaders, “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain” (v8). Long before Mike Rowe worked a series of "Dirty Jobs," deacons were getting in the middle of the messy ministry.

A team of overseers (AKA pastors and elders) provide vision, guidance, and protection for the church (1Tim 3:1-7). The other key office is that of the deacon. Just as he did for overseers, the apostle goes on to describe the the necessary traits for deacons. It’s not a job description or resume requirements. The most important attributes for the position are a heart for Jesus, integrity and the willingness to work.

There’s a huge need for servant/leaders in the Ephesian church. A posse of false teachers have been living fat and happy while sucking the life out of the congregation. Paul has already kicked out two of these knuckleheads (1Tim 1:20). He’s asked his protege Timothy to jump in as pastor in Ephesus and finish cleaning up the hot mess they’ve left behind (1Tim 1:3-7). A key to getting the church back on track is finding holy helpers called deacons. You kind of get the feeling the false teachers weren’t all that excited about getting off their blessed assurance and doing the dirty work.

After describing overseers, the apostle then tells Tim all about deacons. The word he uses here isn’t exactly a new one. It’s diakonos, which means servant, helper, or attendant. It comes from an term that means running errands. This is someone who assists others. A deacon isn’t preoccupied with what he wants but what others need. Instead of leading the parade, they walk behind it with a bucket and a shovel.

More than once, Jesus made the point that true greatness in God’s eyes is found in the heart of a servant. When the pushy mom of James and John asked Christ to give her boys top spots on His org chart, He told her that she had it all wrong. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant (Gr. diakonos)” (Mt 20:26-27; Mk 10:43). Maybe folks called them the Sons of Thunder (Mk 3:17) because she was the mother of thunder! Later our Savior warns folks that God’s not impressed by religious bullies but loves those who get their hands dirty. “The greatest among you shall be your servant (Gr. diakonos). Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Mt 23:11).

After Jesus headed home to heaven, the apostles’ work load suddenly became overwhelming. They were trying to prepare and deliver sermons and meals at the same time. When folks weren’t getting their food on time, they called an emergency meeting. “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:2-4). The word they use for “serve” (Gr. diakoneo) is the verb where we get “deacon.”

With this as the context, the role of the deacon is critical in opening up the schedule for overseers/pastors/elders to teach, preach, and lead. They work together like the offense of a football team. The QB, running backs, and receivers wouldn’t gain a yard without a great offensive line clearing the way. Like the O-Line, deacons do the dirty work in the trenches. They do the work that MUST be done! 

Throughout the New Testament, we see folks getting their hands dirty serving God and His people. Paul writes to the Corinthians how he and his buddy Apollos were “servants (Gr. diakonos) through whom you believed” (1Cor 3:5). The apostle also uses this term to describe how a minister serves God and His people (2Cor 3:6; Eph 3:7; 6:21). Ever thought of elected officials and bureaucrats being deacons? The man from Tarsus tells his friends in the Roman church that we’re to be good citizens and obey every government official “for he is God’s servant (Gr. diakonos) for your good” (Rom 13:4). Think about that the next time you’re throwing your congressman under the bus.

Just in case you’re looking for the perfect example of a deacon, look no further than our Savior. Jesus is the ultimate deacon! He tells Mrs. Zebedee and her boys, “The Son of Man came not be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). (Just a little side note here. Unless you’re the Son of God, don’t talk about yourself in the third person. It doesn’t serve you well. See what I did there?) The writer of Hebrews points out how “Christ became a servant (Gr. diakonos)” to God’s chosen people to show His Father’s faithfulness to His promises (Rom 15:8). 

In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul quotes the lyrics from a first century praise song about how the King of Kings came to our rescue by becoming the Servant of Servants (Phil 2:6-11). Because of that, we should have the same approach as our Savior. We should all be willing to roll up our sleeves. We should all be willing to get our hands dirty. We should be all willing to get our serve on.

While God calls us all to sacrifice and serve, the deacons are essential in the local church. They must be “dignified” (v8) and have good character and worthy of respect. If you’re consistently the punchline of every joke, chances are being deacon isn’t in your future. They should not be “double-tongued” (v8). Deacons don’t say one thing to one person and something completely different to another. The Dark Knight’s nemesis Two Face should not be on your deacon short list. These servants better not be “addicted to much wine” (v8). You need to be pouring yourself into the lives of others rather than pouring glass after glass of Merlot. Deacons must “not be greedy for dishonest gain” (v8). You better not be working an angle and leveraging your position to make a fast buck. 

Deacons do the messy work. 

Deacons roll up their sleeves. 

Deacons get their hands dirty.  

Deacons get their serve on.

Road House

“not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1Tim 3:3) 

I admit it. I like “Road House.” If you’re not familiar with this classic piece of American cinema, shame on you. The late Patrick Swayze plays Dalton, a cooler that Sam Elliot brings in to clean up his biker bar called the Double Deuce. He regularly goes all Billy Jack on the drunken patrons of this rather dubious establishment. 

How nasty is this motion picture honky tonk? Dalton says it has “too many 40-year-old adolescents, felons, power drinkers, and trustees of modern chemistry.” In other words, it’s not the place Paul would have Timothy go looking for overseer candidates in the Ephesian church. Dalton’s list is pretty much the opposite of the apostle’s. “Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (v3). “Road House” might be a motion picture guilty pleasure, but we can cross it off the list of places to visit when looking for leaders in the church.

Maybe just maybe there is a parallel between the Double Deuce and the church in Ephesus. A gang of false teachers came in and started stirring up trouble. Paul has already tossed the despicable duo of Hymenaeus and Alexander out the front door (1Tim 1:20). I’m NOT saying the apostle brings his boy Tim like some first century bouncer (but then again, maybe that’s exactly what’s going down). We do know that Paul’s on the road to Macedonia and has put his protege in the position of Ephesian pastor. His job is simple. Take out the trash (1Tim 1:3-7) and find new godly leaders (1Tim 3:1-13).

Paul calls these leaders “overseers” (1Tim 3:1). They’re to watch over and watch out for God’s people. Here in verse 3, the man from Tarsus makes it very clear that any dude with a rep for being drunk and violent is NOT a candidate for the position. He previously points out a church leader must be “sober-minded, self-controlled” (1Tim 3:2). In other words, an elder needs a clear head and clear eyes to care and guide the followers of Jesus. You can’t be buzzed behind the wheel of God’s church.

So why does Paul seem to repeat himself and tell Tim to eliminate a man who is a drunk? Did he forget what he just wrote about sobriety? Nah, don’t think so. You see, the following phrase works together. “Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome” (v3). The word “drunkard” is the Greek word paroinos. It literally means someone who is always “near (par-) wine (-oinos).” 

We’re not talking about your buddy the wine snob. You know the guy. He’s always bragging about dropping a couple of hundred bucks on some rare bottle of pinot noir. Really get your nose in there. Can’t you smell the mixture of coffee beans and dirty sweat socks?!? As frustrating as this fella may be, that’s NOT who Paul’s describing. But I digress.

He is talking about a heavy drinker, one who tends to be quarrelsome because they drink too much. As a matter of fact, some translations actually render this as “no brawler” (v3 ASV, ERV) or “not quickly moved to wrath” (v3 BBE). Several Bible scholars and commentaries connect the dots between bars and barroom brawls. Robertson says this is what happens when somebody sits by his wine too long. The Pulpit Commentary makes the point that the word is “common in classical Greek, in the sense of ‘quarrelsome over wine.’” The Three Musketeers of Jameison-Fausset-Brown agree this means “not indulging in the brawling, violent conduct towards others, which proceeds from being given to wine.” Albert Barnes says this is all about being drunk and violent.

Paul links two more “nots” as qualities which eliminate someone from being an overseer. “Not violent” and “not quarrelsome” (v3). The first word here (Gr. plektes) literally means a puncher or striker. A bully with a hair trigger. Someone who’s not just seen his fair share of fights but started most of them. They’re already a hothead. Pour a little liquid courage down their throat and you’ve got trouble in river city. Not exactly the kind of knucklehead setting the tone for your local congregation. Our leaders should have a firm grasp on Scripture, not a tire iron or bike chain.

The other “not” is “not quarrelsome” (v3). A lot of translations turn the Greek word amachos into “peaceable,” but it’s really more than that. The original language here literally means “without battle.” Does it mean someone who is looking to avoid a fight? No question. But it also carries the idea of a dude with whom nobody fights because they are unbeatable. They rarely have to rumble because they’re invincible. They’re not like a hockey thug skating all over the ice looking for a “dance partner.” He may not start it but it can finish it. But an overseer is to be someone strong enough NOT to fight.

Instead a church leader must be “gentle” (v3). We’re talking patient and fair. Paul drops this very same word (Gr. epieikes) over in his letter to Philippi. “Let your reasonableness (Gr. epieikes) be evident to everyone” (Phil 4:5). So this idea of being gentle isn’t limit to just church leaders. Every follower of Jesus is “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle (Gr. epieikes), and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2). It’s also a key indicator of heavenly wisdom which “is first pure, then peaceable, gentle (Gr. epieikes), open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). And we’re called not just to be nice to those who are nice to use but “gentle (Gr. epieikes) also to the unjust” (1Pet 2:18).

Dalton may have been just the right guy to straighten things out down at the Double Deuce. But he’s not exactly overseer material according to the Apostle Paul. The Road House isn’t the kind of joint where you’ll find someone who’s “not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (v3).

The Designated Driver

“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach” (1Tim 3:2).

You’ve read the warning label. “Don’t operate heavy machinery or drive after taking this medication.” It’s a bad idea to get behind the controls of a bulldozer after swigging down a dose of NyQuil. None of us should climb into the cockpit of an F-22 Raptor fighter jet after a wine tasting. And you certainly don’t want your cruise ship captain high at the helm.

Seriously, you need a clear head and clear eyes when you’re behind the wheel of any vehicle. That’s particularly important for those serving and guiding God’s church. The Apostle Paul tells his protege Timothy that it’s critical for these leaders to be “sober-minded” (v2). As an overseer, you can’t be buzzed or distracted. There’s too much at stake. You need focus. You need to be aware of what’s going on. You need clear eyes and a clear head to be the designated driver for the congregation.

Apparently somebody has been driving the Ephesian church under the influence of something other than the Holy Spirit. Paul has sent Tim to be the new pastor after a crew of spiritual con artists hijack believers and driven God’s people into a ditch (1Tim 1:3-7). The apostle has already taken the keys away from two guys named Hymenaeus and Alexander (1Tim 1:20). 

As a result, there’s a vacuum in the Ephesian leadership. Paul gives his spiritual son a list of character traits for godly leaders (1Tim 3:1-7). The big idea is that “an overseer must be above reproach” (v2). Everything else in this list are just specific ways in which a leader should be blameless. In his marriage. In his family. In his career. In his ministry. New leaders are needed. But they must have integrity in every area of their lives. A jerk at work will be a jerk at church.

Are you wondering just what an overseer is? A quick check of the New Testament tells us these are also called pastors and elders. In other words, these are the men Jesus taps to direct His local church. They serve our Savior and His followers. They go where He guides. Scripture calls them overseers because they need great vision. They look to the horizon toward the destination. They look out for trouble along the way. They look out for the health and well-being of the other believers who are making the trip. You see, you need clear eyes and a clear head to be a designated driver.

That’s why Paul makes it clear that these leaders must be “sober-minded, self-controlled” (v2). The first word in the original language is nephalios, which literally means holding no wine. Needless to say, you don’t want someone in the driver’s seat of the church with glass of Merlot in the cup holder. It may be 5 o’clock somewhere, but not when you’re responsible for care and direction of God’s people. 

Is the apostle calling for a zero-tolerance policy toward booze? There are some churches and denominations who believe this calls for pastors, elders, and overseers to avoid drinking any alcohol. While that may not be a bad idea, you might find it difficult to use the Bible to back that up. Jesus’ very first miracle was to keep the party going by turning water into wine at a wedding reception (Jn 2:6-11). Our Savior apparently liked a good glass of Cab (Mt 11:19). He made it a central point of the Last Supper and looks forward to the day when He can enjoy a bottle with us one day soon (Lk 22:15-20). Even Paul goes so far as to tell Tim to regularly take a swig of wine for health reasons (1Tim 5:23). 

The apostle pairs this quality up with an overseer being “self-controlled” (v2). He uses the Greek term sophron. This paints the picture of someone who is sensible and has a sound and healthy mind. It emphasizes the ability to curb desires and impulses. The word carries the idea of being safe. While leaders must be creative and think outside the box, they’re head isn’t filled with wild ideas. They’re not looking to take dangerous chances.

Youtube is filled with folks who have no self-control. You know the videos I’m talking about. It usually involves a guy riding some sort of vehicle and a ramp. You get bonus knucklehead points for including fireworks or explosives. Someone with self-control rarely utters words like, “Hey y’all, watch this!” or “Somebody hold my beer!”  We don’t need clips on the internet of someone driving the church of Jesus into the ditch on purpose. We need overseers who are “self-controlled” (v2). After all, it is clear evidence that God’s Spirit is producing fruit in the life of every believer (Gal 5:22-23).

As we said earlier, someone who is “self-controlled” is able to restrain their passions and emotions. We should be in control of our desires and impulses. Or as the fans of “Seinfeld” like to say, the master of my domain. The big idea for the followers of Jesus: don’t let ANYTHING control you other than His Spirit (Eph 5:18)! For some of us that means total abstinence. Don’t allow anything other than Christ to be the driving force in your life, ESPECIALLY when you’re looking out for the welfare of others.

An elder must be totally focused on what he’s doing. He’s ready to resist temptation and distraction. Think of a dad behind the wheel of the minivan on a family vacation. Nobody should have to tell him to keep his eyes on the road and not text and drive. He’s not looking to catch air and trade sheet metal like Mad Max flying down Fury Road. It’s not just about him. He’s watching out for his wife and kids with him. There’s too much at stake. In the same way, an overseer must be keenly aware of what’s going on. He can’t be a distracted driver when he’s the designated driver.

So how do we as followers of Jesus apply this truth? First of all, this list of qualifications for leadership in the local church isn’t just describing a handful of rockstar believers. Paul is painting a picture of what a mature follower of Jesus looks like. We should all be headed in this direction. Each one of us needs to stay focused on Christ. Stephen Covey says, “Keeping the main thing the main thing is the main thing.” In case you forgot, following Jesus is our main thing! If you’re easily distracted and a “brightest light in the room” kinda guy like me, this is a very big deal. I constantly need to be…look, a squirrel! See what I mean?

That also means we must resist the temptation to continually try to get the attention of our pastors, elders, and overseers every time something happens in our lives. Again, let’s go back to the analogy of the family vacation. We can’t keep tapping dad on the shoulder each time we see something cool on the latest Pixar movie in the DVD player. I’m NOT saying we shouldn’t keep them in the loop on prayer requests and praises. But they’re eyes need to be on the road and not lost in the weeds. This is one of the big reasons we need to be in Gospel community in small groups. They’re your go-to folks. They’re your 911 call. 

If Jesus has called you into the position of overseer in His church, you certainly don’t want to get behind the wheel under the influence of anything other than Him. At the most basic level, know the substances and activities that can be trouble for you. Maybe it’s alcohol. Maybe it’s something else. Never forget the enemy constantly looks to take you down by getting your eyes off the road (Jn 10:10; 1Pet 5:8). 

Just like a jumbo jet has a full crew in the cockpit, an overseer shouldn’t be flying solo when leading the local church. Some people call this leadership by a plurality of elders. All throughout the book of Acts, you see a teams of elders guiding and leading local congregations (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2-6, 22-23; 16:4; 21:28). Churches in Philippi (Phil 1:1) and Ephesus (Acts 20:17, 28; 1Tim 5:17) had multiple elders. Paul tells Titus to appoint several elders in each local church (Titus 1:5). Jesus’ kid brother instructs us to give the leadership team a heads up when we’re sick (James 5:14). While the lead pastor should be first among equals and the tip of the spear, he doesn’t lead alone. You need a team of overseers holding each other accountable and making sure no one gets distracted.

Elder must learn to keep their emotions and passions in check. We tend to make our worst decisions when we’re the most emotional. Andy Stanley points out our emotions make it almost impossible to see straight, think straight, and decide straight. We’re NOT saying leaders should be some sort of dispassionate Mr. Spock. As a matter of fact, you’re in a position of leadership specifically BECAUSE you have a burning passion for the Gospel and God’s church. Just be very careful you don’t make a rash decisions out of an emotional reaction.

You don’t want to be at the helm of a oil tanker when you’re tanked. Don’t operate a backhoe when you’re blitzed. And it’s never a good idea to race at Daytona when you’re distracted. In the same way, overseers in Jesus’ church must be “sober-minded, self-controlled” (v2). There’s too much at stake when you are His designated drivers.

An Endangered Species

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good” (v3).

Cougars are cool. At least that’s what movies, television, and novels will tell you these days. Certainly you’re aware of the species. Older women on the make for younger men. Older women who seem to say, “If you can’t say anything good about somebody, come sit by me!” Older women who say it’s always wine o’clock. These big cats are clearly on the prowl on the island of Crete. Paul tells Titus to make these cougars an endangered species. 

Before we watch an episode of “The Real Housewives of Crete,” lets remember the context of this verse. The Gospel of Jesus has transformed thousands of lives on this Mediterranean island. The Apostle Paul has moved on to his next mission in the Greek seaport of Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). He’s given his protege Titus a three-point plan to complete before he hits the road himself. Appoint elders in all of the local churches to fill the leadership vacuum (Titus 1:5). Eliminate the threat posed by Jewish false teachers (Titus 1:10-11). Set up a self-replicating system of discipleship so that new believers will learn what it means to follow Jesus (Titus 2:1-10). A big part of that is declawing Cretan cougars.

Just after instructing Titus to teach senior saints to be Old Man Strong, Paul tells him that “older women are likewise to be reverent in behavior” (v3). In other words, they are to pursue the same sort of qualities and virtues as the older men. In other words, “sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness” (Titus 2:2). They should live lives that are marked by strong faith, strong love, and strong endurance. That’s what it means to be “reverent” (v3). This is the Greek word hieroprepes. The term literally means “to stand out as holy.” It describes behavior that is fitting for what is sacred. One who lives in awe of God. A person devoted to their faith. If this is the goal then it’s not to hard to imagine that these women are just the opposite. Drunk. Undignified. Out of control. Only trying to satisfy their passions and desires. You know, cougars. Let’s be clear about one thing. Titus can’t cage these cats. Neither can Paul. Only Jesus has the power to redeem and transform our lives through His gracious Gospel.

Gossip is clearly a problem among these desperate housewives. Paul tells the Big T that they should no longer be “slanderers” (v3). A closer look at the original language reveals something more diabolical. Literally. This is the Greek term diabolos. It’s the word that writers of the New Testament use as the name for Satan 34 times! Translators use the word devil. It’s somebody who lives to gossip. An accuser. To be a gossip is to be an agent of the enemy. It seems that cougars are closely related to the “devil who prowls around like a roaring lion” (1Pet 5:8). Can we talk frankly for a moment? This isn’t limited to the ladies. I have a horrible habit of being a gossip. The book of Proverbs is chockfull of warnings against the danger of loose lips (Prov 11:13; 18:8; 10:19; 26:22). It destroys friendships (Prov 16:28). It stokes the fire of arguments (Prov 26:20). Instead of spreading bad news, why don’t we spread the best news? Let’s make the Gospel go viral.

Apparently another is issue is that these older women are “slaves to much wine” (v3). Paul doesn’t say she can’t enjoy a glass of Chardonnay. He is saying that she must not abuse it. A godly woman shouldn’t be under the control of alcohol or any other substances. That includes “momma’s little helper.” Again, this is not just an issue for the older women in the audience. It takes some nimble scriptural gymnastics to say God’s Word prohibits alcohol. It simply tells believers to only worship at the throne of our heavenly King, not the liquor cabinet.

After these godly older women put a cork in both the gossip and the bottle, “they are to teach what is good” (v3). This is actually just one long word (Gr. kalodidaskalos). It literally means “good things teachers.” Paul gives more specific examples in the following verse. Basically, these ladies are to do two things. One on hand, they should be examples. They should model the behavior for others, especially the younger ladies in their lives. On the other hand, they should be actively teaching others. Just as Paul had younger guys like Timothy and Titus in his life, an older woman who follows Jesus should actively pursue similar intentional relationships. Instead of creating more cougars, these ladies are making them an endangered species.

The Gospel of Jesus has the power to declaw the cougar, not just on Crete but all around the world. Let's make them an endangered species.

Drunk & Violent

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain” (v7).

According to the great philosopher and theologian Homer Simpson, you can always count on Lee Marvin. “Wait, wait! Here comes Lee Marvin! He’s always drunk and violent!” While the late actor cashed a career of checks playing liquored up brawlers, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that none of Marvin’s characters would qualify as an elder in the local church. Being an addict or ready to throw down are immediate red flags that you need to get help, not provide spiritual leadership. 

Paul has left his go-to guy Titus on Crete. The grace of Jesus has just rolled over this Mediterranean island like a spiritual tsunami. God has deployed the apostle elsewhere, probably the Greek seaport of Nicopolis (Titus 3:12). To wrap things up, he gives the assignment to his trusted righthand man Titus. He leaves the Big T with a three point objective. Fill the leadership vacuum in local churches by appointing elders (Titus 1:5). Shut down the message of a team of false teachers (Titus 1:10-11). Establish a self-sustaining and replicating process of teaching and discipleship (Titus 2:1-10). Don’t worry about a worship team. Setting up a nursery and children’s ministry aren’t at the top of the list. What are the priorities? Spiritual leadership, correcting false teachers, and sustainable disciple-making. I might be wrong, but these might be the front burner issues for anyone planting a new church.

When it comes to appointing elders, Paul gives Titus a list of qualities, “must haves” and “must NOT haves” (Titus 1:6-9). They should be men of integrity with no hint of scandal. They must be faithful husbands, faithful fathers, and faithful followers of Jesus. They need to always remember that while they watch over the spiritual welfare of believers, they only have their authority because they are under the authority of Christ. Then the apostle turns to the red flags. “He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain” (v7). Is he a self-absorbed hot head? If so, that resume immediately goes in the round file. Does the dude have a addiction issues? Is he looking for a fight? Yeah, these are warning lights of disqualification as well. Jesus isn’t looking for leaders who are drunk and violent. This is His church, not a biker bar.

When describing the “drunkard” (v7), Paul uses the Greek term paroinos. It’s a compound word that literally means “beside (para-) wine (-oinos). Is this somebody that always has an open bottle of wine next to them? But he’s talking about so much more than a bottle of Merlot or Chardonnay. This is someone addicted to alcohol, someone who habitually drinks too much, or someone who drinks to get drunk. Don’t limit this to simply drinking alcohol to excess. Anyone with any sort of physical addiction is unfit for leadership. An elder must be ready to follow Jesus when making tough decisions. He can’t be preoccupied with searching for his next hit, next high, or next hangover. The apostle went on to tell his Ephesian friends not to let mind-altering substances dominate your life. “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Eph 5:18). The big point here is whatever fills you, controls you. 

So is Paul telling Titus that spiritual leaders can’t drink alcohol? I think that’s a bit of a stretch. Jesus Himself enjoyed enjoyed a glass of good wine. Shoot, His very first miracle was to keep the wedding reception going in Bethany when the wine ran out (Jn 2:1-11). He used wine to symbolize His shed blood at the Last Supper (Mt 26:27-29). He even said that He looks forward to that great day when we can all enjoy a glass of wine together at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb! What was Paul’s take on alcohol? He instructed his buddy Timothy that having a glass of wine for health reasons (1Tim 5:23). Tim just happened to be a pastor in Ephesus at the time. So it’s really a slippery slope to try and use Scripture to ban elders from taking a drink of alcohol. But let’s be clear here. VERY clear. Any person should be vigilant in avoiding anything that can steal the place of priority that Jesus must have in our lives. As our Lord, Christ is our boss. Not a bottle. Remember, whatever fills you, controls you. 

It’s not surprise that the very next leadership disqualifier Paul lists is being “violent” (v7). They call alcohol “liquid courage” for a reason. Too many times, folks under the influence are looking for a fight. Yeah, this pretty much eliminates any of Lee Marvin’s characters from sitting on the elder board. But this is more than just being a drunken brawler. A closer look at the original language reveals the Greek word plektes. This literally describes a striker, hitter, puncher, or bruiser. Somebody who’s a bully has no place as a leader in Jesus’ church. Believers shouldn’t have to worry that their pastor or leaders might punch them in the face. Paul is also warning spiritual leaders to stop looking for a fight. There is no spiritual gift of aggravation or confrontation. There are plenty of opportunities for that without prowling for a fight. Our leaders should be tough as nails. But they shouldn’t skate around the ice like a hockey goon looking for anyone willing to drop the gloves. 

When it comes to spiritual leaders, you can’t be drunk and violent. Sorry, Lee Marvin.

Under the Influence

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18).

Are you under the influence?  Let me rephrase that.  We’re ALL under the influence of something or someone.  What controls you?  What drives you?  Paul tells us that we should avoid any sort of activity that fogs our brain and dulls our senses.  Instead we’re to load ourselves up on the Spirit of God.  “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (v18).  See, here’s the deal.  Whatever fills you, controls you.  What some folks called “controlled substances” are actually controlling substances.  We’re not just talking about booze.  It’s anything that steals the wheel of command of your life.  Pills.  Drugs.  Weed.  Food.  Sex.  If we’re to be under the influence of anything, let’s make it the Holy Spirit.  

Are you under the influence?  Are you under His influence?

Paul knows all about life in Ephesus.  He knows the impact that alcohol has on folks who live there.  He spent three incredible years there telling everyone about Jesus (Acts 20:31).  Dr. Luke spends an entire chapter of his sequel telling us all about it (Acts 19).  As a key seaport, there’s no doubt that hooch was a big part of daily life in the city.  Ephesus was also the home to a huge temple to the Greek god Artemis.  Worship at the temple was nothing more than a drunken “Eyes Wide Shut” party.  So-called “worshipers” would get liquored up and have sex with the temple hookers.  That’s why local merchants blew their stacks when Paul and his crew started ruining business associated with temple worship by spreading the Good News.  Ephesians were coming under the control of God’s Spirit instead of the booze of pagan idols.  

The apostle continues to describe what life looks like for those who’ve been saved by God’s grace.  What it looks like to “be imitators of God” (Eph 5:1).  What it looks like to “walk in love” like Jesus (Eph 5:2).  What it looks like to “walk as children of light” (Eph 5:8).  What it looks like to “understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17).  One thing that it DOESN’T look like is to get hammered.  “Do not get drunk with wine” (v18).  The Greek verb here is methusko.  It means to become intoxicated and inebriated, drink or consume anything with no limits.  It’s being unrestrained in any activity, no just drugs and alcohol.  When Jesus cranks up the wedding reception by turning water into fine wine, the host is blown away.  The host knows that after people have “drunk freely (Gr. methusko)” and gotten toasted, folks typically bust out the cheap wine (Jn 2:10).  Christ warns against losing hope in His return and becoming a mean drunk, physically abusing the people who work for you (Lk 12:45).  Paul uses this same word when he cautions the Thessalonians against getting wasted, passing out and missing Christ’s big return (1Th 5:7).  Paul knows that when I hammered, I give up control.  Remember, whatever fills me, controls me.  If I want to be under the control of anything, it should be Jesus and His Spirit.

Are you under the influence?  Are you under His influence?

The Bible is loaded (pun VERY much intended) with warnings against getting drunk (Prov 23:20-21, 29-35; 31:4-5; Is 5:11-12; 28:7-8; 1Cor 5:11; 1Pet 4:3).  We don’t read too far into Genesis before we find the first person getting completely trashed.  Noah drank himself stupid and passed out buck nekkid (Gen 9:21).  Why do you think they call it “getting wasted?”  It’s a complete waste of time.

Let’s be clear about something.  It’s very tough to make a scriptural case against complete drinking alcohol.  Wine is a part of daily life in both the Old and New Testaments.  As a matter of fact, Jesus’ very first miracle was to keep the party going in Cana with more wine (Jn 2:1-11).  Wine is a central piece of the Lord’s Supper.  But God is VERY clear that wine and alcohol must be used in moderation.  It must not take control of our lives.  It’s clear that the sovereign God of the universe knows the strength and damage done by addiction.  The consumption of alcohol is a personal choice with the very important input of the Holy Spirit.  You may realize that you cannot control how much you drink.  If so, the Spirit will lead you to stay away from it.  It’s all about influence.  It’s all about control.  

Are you under the influence?  Are you under His influence?

Paul warns us that a life fueled by alcohol leads to “debauchery” (v18).  The word asotia describes reckless living, rampant immorality and pursuing life with no moral or ethical boundaries.  This is complete lack of concern about the consequences of any action.  It’s very interesting to understand that the Greek term is actually the very opposite of being saved and made whole.  Elders must not live a life out of control (Titus 1:6).  To quote the great philosopher and theologian Zach Galifinakis, “You better check yourself before you wreck yourself.”  When I give up control of my life to mind-altering substances, I lose my boundaries.  What fills me, controls me.  It’s no coincidence that the Apostle Pete talks about how getting liquored up inevitably leads to reckless living.  He says followers of Jesus should avoid “drunkenness (Gr. methusko)” and the “debauchery (Gr. asotia)” which mark the lives of unbelievers (1Pet 4:3-4).

Instead we’re to be “filled with the Spirit” (v18).  We’re to be controlled by His Spirit.  We’re to be under His influence.  Every follower of Jesus receives His Holy Spirit when we trust in Him (1Cor 12:13).  That only happens once (Eph 4:5).  But there are times when we set aside our own wants and desires and God can fill us with more of Himself.  Think of it as topping off the tank.  The Bible is filled with Spirit-filled people.  Old Testament prophets.  New Testament believers.  Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of being filled by the Spirit.  John the Dunker probably said it best.  “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30).  John knew Whose control he should be under.  He wanted to be completely under the influence.

Are you under the influence?  Are you under His influence?