Addiction – Habitual indulgences of lustful desires. This could include food, sexual pleasure, exercise, media, drugs, alcohol, money, gambling etc.
- Problem defined scripturally
- Eph 2:1-3
- John 8:34
- 1 Cor 6:12
- Insights from common grace
- Like depression, scientifically there does seem to be a correlation with addiction and genetics (especially alcoholism and ADHD…which can promote addiction). However, these genetic situations are not determinative. The Christian with the Holy Spirit has all the power he/she needs to live in obedience to Christ. However, some might have a more difficult time resisting sin/temptation/addiction.
- Solution defined scripturally
- Rom 6:1-7. Faith. What is true about ourselves as new creations in Christ?
- Dead to sin.
- Impossible to live in it (continually practice it)
- Christ resurrection ensures that we walk in newness of life
- 6:6 – Old self was crucified
- So that the body of sin might be brought to nothing
- Ps 16:11 – What do we really believe?
- How we talk to ourselves. What truth will we share? What do we really believe?
- Rom 6:1-7. Faith. What is true about ourselves as new creations in Christ?
- Matt 5:27-30
- Practical solutions for breaking sinful addictions
- Identify triggers or events that regularly lead to temptation or sin. Make plans to avoid and/or eliminate these triggers.
- Make it difficult to engage in that sin.
- Minimize idle time. Make a schedule which is planned out well.
- Begin radical accountability (daily texting), eventually moving to weekly accountability.
- Have you fought to take captive any lustful thoughts over the last 24 hours (Matt 5:27-30)?
- Have you resisted viewing any provocative material and/or lingered on any sexual trigger that’s popped up in the last day?
- Have you resisted physically acting out in any sexually sinful way?
- Have made time for the word and prayer, spending time with Jesus, in the last 24 hours?
- Have you had a heart of gratitude and viewed yourself in light of the gospel in the last day?
- Do the godly sorrow worksheet, confirm you have godly and not worldly sorrow
- Exercise regularly
- Begin fasting
- Make sure you’re financially giving to the Lord and practicing the other spiritual disciplines.
- Practical solutions for breaking sinful addictions
Final insights
- If you are addicted to something, typically it is not an easy or straight path to freedom. Know it will take time.
- However, do not make excuses and continually challenge yourself to discern what you really want and what your choices are saying about your desires. Be honest.
- Recruit someone who can be both compassionate and firm. You need both.
- If you’re helping someone with an addiction, realize you may not succeed the first time. Don’t give up on them similar to how God doesn’t give up on you. But, you do need to see humility and a desire for freedom. You are a steward of your time.
Resources
- Shaw, Mark E. Addiction: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel. P&R Publishing, 2008.
- Kell, J. Garrett. Pure in Heart: Sexual Sin and the Promises of God. Kindle Edition.
- Lambert, Heath. Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace. Kindle Edition.
- Powlinson, David. Breaking the Addictive Cycle: Deal Obsessions or Simple Pleasures?
- Reju, Deepak. Pornography: Fighting for Purity.