Pastor Says Small Drunkenness Has Big Consequences
John Piper recently addressed a question from a Christian teenager about whether getting mildly drunk on occasion is sinful, especially if it doesn’t lead to reckless behavior. Speaking on his podcast Ask Pastor John, Piper praised the teen’s desire to grow closer to God, highlighting the biblical promise that God draws near to those who seek Him. However, Piper shifted the focus of the question away from whether an action is technically sinful, to whether it helps or hinders one’s relationship with God.
He argued that seeking spiritual closeness through intoxication contradicts the teachings of Scripture. Citing Ephesians 5, Piper emphasized the call to clarity, wisdom, and being filled with the Holy Spirit—traits that intoxication undermines. He pointed out that Christian spirituality values alertness and clarity of mind, in contrast to other religious traditions that might use substances to reach spiritual states.
Piper warned against the mindset of pushing boundaries with sin, likening it to asking whether it’s safe to drive while slightly drowsy. Instead, he encouraged believers to ask how they can pursue the fullness of the Holy Spirit, rather than how close they can get to sin without crossing the line. The goal, he said, should be spiritual maturity and communion with Christ, which intoxication compromises.
Other Christian leaders have echoed similar views. Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship once wrote that while Christians may have the freedom to drink, abstaining entirely eliminates the risk of drunkenness. He emphasized not being mastered by anything but Christ. Likewise, Patrick Nelson of Dort Theological Seminary noted that although alcohol is not banned in Scripture—pointing to Jesus turning water into wine—drunkenness is clearly condemned due to its harmful effects.
Piper’s message ultimately challenges Christians to pursue holiness by aiming higher, focusing on what draws them closer to God rather than what they can get away with. The consistent message across these perspectives is that while moderate alcohol consumption isn’t necessarily sinful, anything leading to loss of self-control—like drunkenness—is incompatible with a life led by the Spirit.