Revellings refer to wild, drunken parties and unrestrained indulgence in pleasure. The Bible strongly warns against participating in revellings, as they often lead to other sins like sexual immorality, idolatry, and debauchery. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about revellings:
Definitions of Revellings
The original Greek word translated as “revellings” is komos, which means a nocturnal and riotous procession of half drunken and frolicsome men who after supper parade through the streets with torches and music in honor of Bacchus or some other deity, and sing and play before houses of male and female friends. It was a night of carousing, noisy partying, and drunken celebration.
Another related Greek word is kōmos, which refers to excessive feasting, rioting, or carousing. It describes wild parties involving excessive drinking, unrestrained sexual activity, and general debauchery.
So in essence, revellings refer to excessive partying, drinking, unrestrained pleasure-seeking, and lack of self-control. The activities can range from wild dancing and singing to sexual immorality and lawlessness.
Bible Verses About Revellings
Here are some Bible passages that warn against revellings and drunkenness:
– “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
– “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
– “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
– “Do not be among heavy drinkers of wine, or among gluttonous eaters of meat.” (Proverbs 23:20)
– “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.” (1 Peter 4:3)
– “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)
– “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
So we see Scripture consistently condemns excessive partying, drunkenness, and unrestrained pleasure-seeking. Followers of Christ are exhorted to exhibit self-control and sober-mindedness.
Reasons Why Revellings are Sinful
The Bible warns against revellings for several reasons:
1. They often lead to sexual immorality – Revellings create an environment where people’s inhibitions are lowered and lead to unrestrained sexual behavior outside of marriage.
2. They promote idolatry – Wild parties in biblical times were often associated with pagan god worship and idolatry. Even today, partying can become a form of idol if it is done in excess.
3. They lead to other sins – Excessive partying clouds one’s judgment and lowers inhibitions, often leading to violence, greed, slander, jealousy and other sins.
4. They exhibit lack of self-control – Followers of Christ are called to be sober-minded and exhibit temperance in all things. Revellings represent a lack of restraint and indulgence in carnal pleasures.
5. They are spiritually unprofitable – Time spent in wild partying and mindless pleasure-seeking does not benefit one’s spiritual life or relationship with God.
6. They often involve peer pressure – Revellings encourage conformity to the values of the godless world. Christians are called to live counter-culturally and resist peer pressure.
7. They can be addictive – Like drunkenness, the high of excessive partying can become addictive, controlling a person’s life. Christians must avoid addictions.
8. They can ruin health – Hangovers, alcohol poisoning, drunk driving accidents, drug overdoses, and violence can all result from unrestrained partying and affect health.
9. They do not glorify God – The Bible exhorts us to do all things for God’s glory. God is not honored through wild, sinful partying.
So in summary, the Bible advises against revellings because they frequently open the door to all kinds of sin and inhibit a healthy Christian walk. As children of God, we are called to sober-mindedness, restraint and the avoidance of anything that controls us or harms our witness. Mature believers should thoughtfully consider these principles when faced with opportunities for “partying” and evaluate if their participation will truly honor God or not.
Christian Alternatives to Revellings
Rather than participating in wild, sinful revelries, Christians should seek positive alternatives that still allow for rest, recreation and godly socializing. Some options include:
– Hosting or attending dinner parties where alcohol is enjoyed in moderation, not excess. The atmosphere remains family-friendly.
– Getting together for sweet tea or coffee after church to socialize. The fellowship is focused on edifying conversation and relationship building.
– Having game nights with other believers that focus on clean fun and laughter. Fellowship occurs without needing alcohol or partying.
– Going out to eat in restaurants together. The atmosphere facilitates calm interaction and enjoyment of food without drunkenness.
– Attending concerts, shows, or other entertainment with other Christians. The events are positive and done together in moderation.
– Having barbecues, picnics, or bonfires where believers relax and reconnect without excess.
– Going camping, fishing, hiking or taking part in clean recreational activities as a group.
– Hosting Bible studies, prayer meetings or Bible discussions to study God’s Word and draw closer to Christ.
The key is finding activities that provide fun, rest and friendship for believers while avoiding environments with inherent temptations toward sinful revellings. Mature Christians should also know their personal limits and not put themselves in compromising situations. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, self-control can prevail.
Overcoming the Temptation of Revellings
In our society, it’s impossible to completely avoid opportunities for wild partying and drunken revelry. People face temptations through friends, coworkers, family events, business functions, and more. How can a Christian resist the pull towards sinful revellings? Here are some tips:
– Stay rooted in God’s Word daily. Scripture helps us renew our minds and equips us to reject worldly values (Romans 12:2).
– Pray for strength to resist temptation and cleanse your mind of impure thoughts. Ask God to help you desire holiness.
– Avoid environments or people that could lower your inhibitions through peer pressure. Don’t flirt with temptation.
– Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and God’s amazing grace. This cultivates gratitude and obedience.
– Focus on eternal priorities over temporary pleasures. Remember that sinful partying only brings fleeting happiness.
– Attend church gatherings and invest in fellowship with mature believers. They can support and encourage your resistance to sin.
– If you fail, repent and rely on God’s forgiveness in Christ. Let it drive you closer to the Lord in dependence on His Spirit.
– Set clear personal standards for your conduct and stick to them by God’s power. Be consistent.
– Find accountability partners who will keep you honest and check in on your walk with Christ.
– Join a small group Bible study or recovery group if struggling with addiction to break the pattern.
With prayer, vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians can resist the pull of revellings and experience freedom to pursue deeper joy in Christ. The temptations will come, but God promises to provide a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Stay close to Him.
Bible Stories Involving Revellings
Several stories in Scripture illustrate the trappings of sinful revellings and their negative consequences:
The Prodigal Son – In Luke 15, the prodigal son runs off to indulge in wild living and parties. But he ends up ruining his life and wasting all his inheritance. He hits rock bottom and finally comes to his senses.
Belshazzar’s Feast – In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar uses sacred temple vessels in a drunken, idolatrous feast. The hand of God writes his doom on the wall for this revelry.
Noah Gets Drunk – In Genesis 9, Noah gets drunk off wine and ends up naked and passed out in his tent, shaming himself.
The Israelites’ Idol Feast – In Exodus 32, the Israelites indulge in an idolatrous feast and orgy while Moses is away. This leads to divine judgement.
Herod’s Birthday Party – In Mark 6 and Matthew 14, Herod’s party results in John the Baptist’s head being served on a platter after a drunken, foolish promise.
These stories remind us that far from leading to happiness, indulging in wild revelry often ends in shame, tragedy, and judgement. God wants so much better for us as His children.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible consistently portrays revellings in a negative light and strongly advises believers to avoid them entirely. Komos were wild, drunken parties that often resulted in immorality, violence, and idolatry. As Christians, we are called to be sober-minded and moderate in our conduct. There are plenty of positive alternatives that allow for godly socializing without compromising our witness. By relying on the Holy Spirit’s strength, we can overcome temptations to join in sinful revelry and experience the abundant life God promises instead. The next time an opportunity for drunken partying comes up, consider these biblical principles, flee from sin, and pursue what honors Christ. Our lives will be spiritually richer and morally purer if we avoid the empty pleasures of revellings.
