Question:
Ok, I've never asked for advice before (on here), but it seemed like a good idea. I have this friend, who I will call John Doe, who drinks alcohol. He is only about 15 years old, and his parents actually give and let him drink the alcohol. They don't think it's wrong, and neither does he (it even comes to getting REALLY drunk sometimes). This person is a Christian.
We're good enough friends that I can confront him about it and he'll listen to me, so I was wondering if anyone knew of any good Bible verses to have on hand, dealing with the problem. Or any suggestions on how to approach the person and present a reasonable argument about the hazards and sin present in underage drinking (he's managed to sidestep or shoot me down bfore). I really care about this person, and I really appreciate any advice you might give. Thanks...
Answer:
Originally Posted by collegerocker17 Ok, I've never asked for advice before (on here), but it seemed like a good idea. I have this friend, who I will call John Doe, who drinks alcohol. He is only about 15 years old, and his parents actually give and let him drink the alcohol. They don't think it's wrong, and neither does he (it even comes to getting REALLY drunk sometimes). This person is a Christian.
We're good enough friends that I can confront him about it and he'll listen to me, so I was wondering if anyone knew of any good Bible verses to have on hand, dealing with the problem. Or any suggestions on how to approach the person and present a reasonable argument about the hazards and sin present in underage drinking (he's managed to sidestep or shoot me down bfore). I really care about this person, and I really appreciate any advice you might give. Thanks...
Perhaps, if he is a christian as you say, appeal to the spirit's desire in him for him to obey God's word and show him some verses in love. Here are a few:
"Ye are the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness ... they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober ... Abstain from all appearance of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:5, 7-8, 22
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverbs 23:20-21 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.
Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Proverbs 23:29-32 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.
Answer:
Your friend is disobeying the law of the land.

Romans 13:1-3

Submission to the Authorities

¹Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
²Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
Answer:
Or you could just pray that he be convicted mercilessly about his habit and confront after a month or so.
Answer:
Originally Posted by nix Your friend is disobeying the law of the land. Actually, I don't think that's true. As far as I know, alcohol is perfectly legal for any age if it is purchased and given to the minor by their parent/guardian and drank on private property.
Answer:
Then it depends what land you live on then I guess
Answer:
Originally Posted by nix Then it depends what land you live on then I guess Yesh... I think so.
Drunkenness is a sin, and you can certainly show him scripture about that, but I do not believe that underage drinking is itself a sin if it is done legally (assuming I'm right about the legality) and wisely. There's the point, though: wisdom. You can talk to him about using discretion in how much and how often he drinks. Moderation = good.
Answer:
Originally Posted by bobthecockroach Actually, I don't think that's true. As far as I know, alcohol is perfectly legal for any age if it is purchased and given to the minor by their parent/guardian and drank on private property. Which is true. Which is why I love wine coolers (I only drink half of one though when I do- if that).