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The tremendous sin of intemperance must have had a great hold upon a commercial city like Ephesus. It was necessary that Christians should beware of such an insidious vice.

I. IT DISHONOURS THE LAW OF GOD. (Romans 13:13.)

II. IT DISTURBS THE REASON OF MAN.

III. IT ENDANGERS THE HEALTH OF THE BODY.

IV. IT INJURES THE SOUL. (Hosea 4:11.)

V. IT WASTES THE SUBSTANCE AND TENDS TO BEGGARY. (Proverbs 23:21.)

VI. IT CONSUMES PRECIOUS TIME AND DETERIORATES THE CHARACTER OF WORK.

VII. IT IS THE CAUSE OF OTHER SINS. Such as swearing, strife, licentiousness (Proverbs 23:19).

VIII. IT UNFITS FOR RELIGIOUS DUTIES.

IX. IT KEEPS SOULS OUT OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. (1 Corinthians 6:9.) Therefore Christians ought to avoid it, abstaining altogether from intoxicating drinks on the grounds of Christian expediency, and using their influence to rescue others from its ruinous fascination. - T.C.

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KJV: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

WEB: Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,