In the context of the discussion we also note that an elder is one who is “Not given to wine” (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). When studying the qualifications of elders and deacons, it is usually pointed out by some that elders must abstain from wine, but that deacons shouldn't drink too much, or just “a little wine.” Does 1 Timothy 3:8 teach that deacons may drink a little wine, and if deacons may, does that not also permit the entire congregation, except the elders, to drink a little wine? Good question! Let’s take a look at some other Bible verses which use similar terminology.

Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? Ecclesiastes 7:17. Now if the prohibition of “much” wine indicates the approval of a little wine, does the prohibition of being “over much” wicked indicate the approval of a little wickedness?

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: (1 Pet. 4:4). Does the prohibition of the Christian to run with former associates to the “same excess of riot” as they once did indicate the approval of running with them to a lesser excess of riot?

God’s people must not be people who engage in riotous behavior, wickedness, or wine drinking.

Remember the sin of Nadab and Abihu. They died before the Lord because they offered Him something that He did not command them to offer (Leviticus 10:1, 2). In the context of the discussion the Lord instructs the priests that they should not drink strong drink when they go into the tabernacle of the congregation where the presence of the Lord was (Leviticus 10:9). This is possibly a suggestion that Nadab and Abihu may have been under the influence of wine or strong drink when they went into the Holy Place at the wrong time and offered what God had not commanded. God wants His priests to abstain from alcoholic drink when they are in His presence. The point being that today all Christians are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9) and we are at all times the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:15, 19). We stand in His presence at all times; therefore the priest of God is not to touch wine or strong drink.

But didn’t Jesus change water into wine at the wedding feast of Cana? He certainly did. But the use of the word wine in the Bible does not always refer to that which is fermented. In Isaiah 65:8 it refers also to the new wine which is still in the cluster. Certainly Jesus would not condemn drunkenness (1 Corinthians 6:10; Galatians 5:21) and then miraculously produce that which would make them drunk. The wine He produced was the very best. And He would only produce what was good for them.

The servants of God are a people who stand before Him with clear minds to do His will. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7 KJV). Let us not cloud those sound minds God has given us, for we stand before Him in our daily lives.