The Preacher of old penned by inspiration of God’s Spirit, “Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).  Indeed, man was created in the divine image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), having the volition and moral capability to do good, but sadly he has often veered from the paths of right into schemes of sin and iniquity.  In departing from God and his fellowship, man has traveled countless avenues.  In ancient times it was quite common for man to forsake the true and the living God for dumb idols of wood and gold.  A myriad of human souls have turned away from Jehovah in search of carnal fulfillment in fleshly lusts.  But always lurking in the human background, even from ancient times, is the evil companion modern science has termed “alcohol.”  In the great expanse of eternity many a soul will be forever lost due to alcohol and its surrounding sins. Alcohol may be truly called “the scourge of the ages,” for drunkenness is recorded in God’s Word as early as the postdiluvian life of Noah (Genesis 9:20-24).  The menace of this sin can be traced throughout Old Testament history, and it is condemned in the New Testament as well.  “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13).  “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with

Pontius Pilate is remembered as the man who washed his hands of the Lord (Matthew 27:24). Infamous for this irresponsible decision, he stands in biblical history as one who failed miserably when placed in a position to do justly. An analysis of his actions would reveal much about his character, and such information would serve well the Christian who wishes to avoid various pitfalls related to irresponsibility and poor decision-making. As such an analysis is pursued, it will be followed along the lines of spiritual problems which were present in Pilate’s character. These problems were in large part responsible for his notorious neglect of justice and impious indifference. All human beings have problems in their lives. Though some always appear to be carefree and happy, even these still face obstacles and battle problems inwardly. The thing with problems is that some are unavoidable and truly pitiable, while others are encountered and endured because a person has brought them on himself. With Pilate one sees some distinct spiritual problems, and yet spiritual problems are avoidable. The problems which will be brought out in this lesson were conditions over which Pilate had control. And the same is true of human lives today. Spiritually speaking, people make their own decisions and will be held responsible for those decisions (Romans 14:12). James wrote, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Only in submitting unto God and resisting Satan can a person be successful in avoiding