Addiction
We, as a human race, can easily fall into addiction. We have an enemy who wants to destroy us but a God who loves us. Addiction isn’t much different than idol worship. We are placing our selfish desires, ambitions, and pleasures above God and the worship He deserves. As slaves to sin, “each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death" (James 1:14-15). We have many vices: alcohol, drugs, pornography, sex, food, social media, and on and on and on and on…
The big question is whether or not these addictions are considered diseases. One of our distinctives states: “we will do our best to never call something a disease that the Bible calls sin or to call something sin that the Bible doesn’t call sin.” Our belief is that addiction is sin. Our distinctives also address this. The best and the only way to overcome sin is to call it what it actually is, confess it, and to live in freedom through the Good News of Jesus Christ, not slavery to our sin.
Another big question is how to think about 12-step recovery programs and the like. I know many of those who lead these meetings and who attend these meetings are well intentioned and many love the Lord. The reality, however, is that they can detract from the Word of God and surrender to the One True God. We promote a two-step program. Step #1: Salvation—the forgiveness of sin, being justified by God and therefore being made the righteousness of God (Rom. 3:21-31). Step #2: Sanctification—growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter. 1:3), which involves repenting of our sin, renewing our mind, and pursuing holiness.
In Matthew 5:29-30 and Mark 9:43-48, Jesus uses vivid and extreme imagery to emphasize the seriousness of sin and the need for radical action to avoid it. He says, "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where 'the worms that eat them do not die, and the fire is not quenched'" (Mark 9:43-48).
It's important to note that Jesus is using hyperbole here, exaggerating to make a point. He is not literally advocating for self-mutilation but rather emphasizing the seriousness of sin and the need for drastic action to avoid it. The hands and eyes are essential parts of our bodies, and cutting them off or plucking them out would cause great harm. Therefore, Jesus is saying that it's better to make radical sacrifices and endure temporary pain in this life than to suffer eternal punishment in hell.
This teaching applies to saying no to temptation to sin by demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the need for decisive action to avoid it. Sin can have serious consequences not only in this life but also in the afterlife, so it's crucial to take steps to resist temptation and avoid sin. We must be willing to make difficult choices and sacrifices to follow Christ and resist sin. This may include cutting off relationships that lead us into sin, avoiding situations that trigger temptation, and seeking accountability and support from other believers. As we face temptation, let us remember the severity of sin and be willing to take decisive action to say no to temptation and follow Christ.
Questions to answer with our counselee
What addictions are currently claiming victory in your life?
How much victory are they claiming? Being most honest, how much damage are they doing? How often are you succumbing?
How would your life be better if you were to overcome this addiction(s)?
What damage is your addiction(s) causing to others?
Do you truly believe you are able to overcome your addiction(s)?
Are you willing to admit your addiction is not a disease but rather a sin?
Have you truly repented of your sin?
What word does the Bible give to you addiction(s)? (i.e. drunkenness instead of alcoholism)
What steps do you need to take to overcome this sin?
Verses for study
Drunkenness; alcohol; wine
Ephesians 5:18-20: And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit
Isaiah 5:11-12: Woe to those who rise early in the morning so that they may pursue intoxicating drink, who stay up late in the evening so that wine may inflame them!
Genesis 9:20-23: Noah
Genesis 19:30-38: Lot
Judges 9:13: wine cheers God and mankind
Psalm 104:14-15: wine makes a human heart cheerful
Proverbs 20:1-5: Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.
Proverbs 23:20-21: “Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat”
Proverbs 23:29-35: “In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.”
Proverbs 31:4-7: “It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire intoxicating drink.”
Ecclesiastes 9:7: “Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works.”
Isaiah 5:22: Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing intoxicating drink
Luke 7:33-34: “For John the Baptist has come neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’”
John 2:1-11: Jesus turned water into wine
1 Timothy 5:23: Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
Gluttony
Proverbs 23:20-21: “Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, or with gluttonous eaters of meat”
Proverbs 25:16: “Have you found honey? Eat only what you need, so that you do not have it in excess and vomit it.”
Self-control
Proverbs 25:28: “Like a city that is broken into and without walls so is a person who has no self-control over his spirit.”
Galatians 5:16-25: The fruit of the Spirit is self-control.
Put off | Put on
"to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Eph. 4:22-24 ESV)
Put off: Satan; temptation; sin; slavery; false teachers; idols; selfishness; anger; gossip; foolishness; pride; blaming God; guilt and shame
Put on: God; repentance of my sin or forgiveness of another’s sin; Jesus; repentance unto salvation; Holy Spirit; sanctification; fruit; spiritual disciplines; identity in Christ; healthy emotions
Article: Addiction by Bryan Carlson
We were created to be worshippers:
1 Chronicles 29:11: "Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the dominion, Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all."
Psalm 95:6: "Come, let's worship and bow down; Let's kneel before the Lord our Maker."
Luke 4:8: “Jesus answered [Satan}, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”’”
1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Colossians 1:18: "He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything."
Revelation 5:12-13 - "Saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!' And every created thing which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, 'To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the dominion forever and ever.'"
We worship Satan rather than God in our sin:
Romans 6:16: "Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?"
Ephesians 2:1-2: "And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience."
1 John 3:7-9: "Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he is born of God."
1 John 5:18-21: “We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”
1 Peter 5:8-9: "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brothers and sisters who are in the world."
Our sin is a violation of God’s holiness and must first and primarily be confessed and repented to Him. This is in context of David’s sin with Bathsheba and murder of her husband, Uriah.
Psalm 51: “Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my wrongdoings. Wash me thoroughly from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my wrongdoings, and my sin is constantly before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in guilt, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, let the bones You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my guilty deeds. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach wrongdoers Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You. Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation; Then my tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Your praise. For You do not delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”
God is always watching and always present:
Psalm 139:7-12: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will take hold of me. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,' Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.”
We should live with the fear of the Lord in mind:
Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Job 28:28: "And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.'"
2 Corinthians 7:1: "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Hebrews 12:25-29: "See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, 'Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.' This expression, 'Yet once more,' denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire."
Habitual sin creates a massive wall built between us and the Lord--a barrier between us and God, hindering the development of a close, intimate relationship.
Psalm 66:18: "If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2: "But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
1 John 1:6: "If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth."
James 4:8: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Habitual sin reduces the Holy Spirit to the size of a pea in our life. We need to live in the power of the Spirit!
Galatians 5:16-24: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."
Through repentance and seeking God's forgiveness, this barrier can be removed, allowing for a restoration of a close and growing relationship with Him.
Lamentations 3:22-23: “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses certainly do not fail. For His compassions never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."
1 John 1:9-10: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us."
God meets you where you are at today. If you turn back to Him, He is right there. You need to live your life moving forward not looking in the rearview mirror. God is a God of forgiveness, and he will forgive you 70 times seven times as he teaches. But according to Romans 6:1, we shouldn't just keep sinning that grace may abound.
Our identity must be as a child of the King, not as an addict, defined not by our sins or struggles.
Romans 8:15: "For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'" Here, Paul speaks of the spirit of adoption. As God's adopted children, we have the privilege of addressing Him as "Abba! Father!" This speaks to our close and intimate relationship with God.
Ephesians 1:4-5: "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will."
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." Through faith in Christ, we are made new. Our past, including struggles like addiction, should not define us. We are transformed into new creations in Christ.
1 John 3:1-2: "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him just as He is." This verse reminds us of the incredible love of God in calling us His children. Our true identity is rooted in this divine relationship.
God's choice to adopt us as His children was based on His love and kindness. Our identity is now rooted in His purpose and grace. These verses collectively affirm that as children of the King, our identity transcends our past struggles and sins. Through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God's family, loved unconditionally, and transformed into new creations. Understanding and embracing this identity empowers us to overcome addiction and live in the fullness of our relationship with God.
This is a spiritual battle that requires action. Would you go into a physical battle with a laissez-fair attitude and mindset?
Ephesians 6:10-18: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm, therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints."
Head, heart, hands:
Head (Knowledge): Knowledge is the foundation of the sanctification process. It begins with the acquisition of biblical knowledge and understanding of God's Word.
Proverbs 18:15: "The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."
This verse highlights that knowledge and understanding of God's Word are a gift from the Lord, which serves as the starting point for sanctification.
Heart (Understanding and Wisdom): As knowledge deepens, it moves from the head to the heart, leading to a more profound understanding and wisdom.
Proverbs 9:9: "Give instruction to a wise person, and he will become wiser still; teach a righteous person, and he will increase his insight."
Here, understanding is emphasized as we are encouraged to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. This deepened understanding and wisdom come through a personal relationship with God and a continued study of His Word.
Hands (Action/Belief): Knowledge and understanding, when integrated into the heart, naturally lead to actions that align with one's faith.
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
James 1:22: "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."
These verses underscore the importance of action. Sanctification is incomplete without practical application. When we truly understand and believe God's Word, it should lead to actions that reflect our faith. This is the step where we prove that we actually believe what we say we believe.
The progression from head to heart to hands is a dynamic process in sanctification. We start with knowledge, gaining an intellectual understanding of God's Word. As we deepen our relationship with God and meditate on His Word, this knowledge moves into our hearts, transforming our understanding and leading to wisdom. Ultimately, this deeper understanding and wisdom should manifest in our actions, as we live out our faith in obedience to God's commands. In this way, sanctification is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative journey that encompasses the entirety of our being, from our minds to our hearts and ultimately to our actions. It's about knowing, understanding, and applying God's truth in our lives, resulting in a closer alignment with His will and a reflection of His character in our actions.
Sorrow of the world versus sorrow for the Lord: If you keep doing it, you are not truly sorrowful. You do not actually believe you should stop sinning or you would.
2 Corinthians 7:10: “For the sorrow according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
We must renew of our minds, putting off our sin and putting on righteousness.
Colossians 3:1-4: “Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Ephesians 4:22-24: "to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
We are to live as living sacrifices, denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and following Him.
Romans 12:1-2: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Luke 9:23-27: “And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it. For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels.”
Victory will only come through abiding in the Lord:
Jeremiah 17:5-8: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.’
John 15:1-11: "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."
1 Peter 1:3-9: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls."
2 Peter 1:3-4: "Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world because of lust."
We should live with eternity in mind. Addictions live only in the moment, without the future in view.
1 Corinthians 3:10-17: “According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become evident, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”
Revelation 21:3-4: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, 'Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.'"
Biblical counseling involves the Word of God, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life. In my opinion, this is so much better than the techniques of the world. It's between you and the Lord whether you overcome this addiction or not.
Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of mankind, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ."
2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the person of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work."
Hebrews 4:12-16: "For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.”
This is not about me as the counselor. I can lead you to the water, but I cannot make you drink. I can ask that you stop at that gas station to refuel. But it's your choice whether you keep going and run out of gas. There isn’t room in our heart for both God and Satan. Let’s fill ourselves up with God and eradicate Satan from our lives.
Habitual sins are serious and must be dealt with seriously:
Mark 9:43-48: "If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off…If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off…If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out.”
This is not literally suggesting we maim ourselves, but to cut the things out of our lives that cause us to stumble.
I was one way, and now I'm completely different. And the thing that happened in between…was Him!—Mary Magdalene from “The Chosen”
Resources
“Gospel Treason” by Brad Bigney
“Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave” by Edward Welch
“Just One More: When Desires Don’t Take No for an Answer” (booklet) by Edward Welch
“The Heart of Addictions” by Mark Shaw
