July 25
Use a Little Wine
1 Timothy 5:23

This verse should be taken in context to get the best understanding of it.  He was talking about elders in the church, accusations against them, sin in their life and not being hasty to put people into leadership—especially those who had gotten off into sin and needed to be restored.

Then he makes this comment about using a little wine for his stomach’s sake then he goes back and says in verse 24 that some men’s sins are obvious sins and others will become obvious later on at the time of judgment.

This goes back to judging according to the Word and looking to the Spirit of God who knows the hearts and intents of people.  For him to use a little wine for a medicinal purpose is O.K.  Some may be quick to judge according to the outward appearance and assume someone is a drunk because they see or hear they ‘use a little wine.’

On the other hand, if someone says they need a little wine, or pain pills or whatever, for medicinal purposes and in reality they are abusing and becoming dependent on it then God knows their heart and it will become evident sooner or later what their true intentions are.

The point is for all of us to judge our own hearts and allow the Word of God to bring all of our intentions and actions into the place God intends.

Confession:

I will look to my own heart and intentions and allow God to reveal to me areas that are out of line with His Word.  I will be open and honest and bring my life into line with His Word.