OVERCOMING ADDICTIONS

PURPOSE

In this study, we will research the many aspects of addiction.

OPENER

Do you struggle with an addiction? Or, do you know someone who does?

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LESSON

WE WILL EXPLORE SEVERAL QUESTIONS AND PRINCIPLES CONCERNING ADDICTION.

1. FIRST, WHAT IS AN ADDICTION?

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• An addiction is any thinking or behavior that is habitual, repetitious, and difficult or impossible to control. Usually the addiction brings short-term pleasure, but there may be long-term consequences in terms of one’s health and welfare.

• Most experts believe that all addictions have two components.

(1) The first component is the obsession, which is a mental preoccupation or craving. For example, the workaholic may obsess about the tasks that need to be completed and the constant guilt feelings that whisper, “You need to be doing more.” Or an alcoholic may obsess or crave after a drink.

(2) The second component of the addiction is the compulsion, which is behavior that lives out or acts out the mental obsession. For example, the workaholic works twelve-hour days at the office to satisfy his craving for work. An alcoholic has his drinks to satisfy his craving for alcohol. A compulsive spender buys things that he cannot afford to satisfy his craving.

2. SECOND, IS AN ADDICTION A DISEASE?

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• Some argue that an addiction is a disease, however, at the Minirth-Meier Clinic, the doctors do not call addiction a disease. They call it a disorder. They say, “It is vogue these days to refer to addiction as a disease. The problem with that word is that it sounds like something you catch, like a virus, rather than something you choose to do. Recovery does not take place until the addict takes responsibility for his or her choices. By calling addictions such as alcoholism diseases, we risk conveying that the addict is not responsible for the addiction.” Addiction is a choice. Every addiction is 100% curable if the addict is willing to take responsibility for his or her actions.

3. THIRD, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT PEOPLE BECOME ADDICTED TOO?

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• The most common destructive addictions in our society are alcohol, drugs, and gambling. Cigarette smoking, overeating, excessive use of coffee, sugar and chocolate, constant need for exposure to TV and noise, compulsive sexual activity, and the need to wield power and buy things can be added to the list.

4. FOURTH, LET'S EXAMINE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT ADDICTION?

a. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT WE ARE NOT TO BE MASTERED BY ANYTHING.

Read (1 Corinthians 6:12). What did Paul mean when he said, "I will not be mastered by anything"?

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• The word mastered (exousiazo) means “to control, bring under the power of.” Paul would not allow himself to be brought under the control of anyone or anything.

For what are our bodies meant for (1 Corinthians 6:13)?

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• The Lord.

What is so special about our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)?

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• Our bodies are considered a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. God the Spirit lives inside of all Christians. Many people say they have the right to do whatever they want with their own bodies. Although they think that this is freedom, they are really enslaved to their own desires. When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit fills and lives in us. Therefore, we no longer own our bodies. “Bought at a price” refers to slaves purchased at auction. Christ’s death freed us from sin, but also obligates us to his service. If we live in a building owned by someone else, we try not to violate the building’s rules. Because our bodies belong to God, we must not violate His standards for living. We must not pollute God's temple with the addictive sins of the flesh.

How can these verses help us to overcome our addictions?

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• If we love God, then we will do everything in our power to honor Him by taking care of our bodies. Since our bodies do not belong to us, we should not abuse them with harmful addictive agents. These verses should inspire us to stop abusing our bodies with the addictive sins of the flesh.

b. THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT WE MUST NOT GET DRUNK WITH ALCOHOL WHICH IS ONE OF THE MOST ADDICTIVE AGENTS.

Read the following verses. What do you learn from each passage about the affects of drinking alcohol?

Genesis 9:20-27

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• Drinking alcohol can cause family problems.

Proverbs 23:29-35

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• Drinking alcohol brings misery.

Esther 1:10-2:1

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• Drinking alcohol can cause bad decisions. Xerxes made a rash, half-drunk decision, based purely on feelings. His self-restraint and practical wisdom were weakened by too much wine. Poor decisions are made when people don’t think clearly. Base your decisions on careful thinking, not on the emotions of the moment. Impulsive decision making leads to severe complications.

1 Corinthians 5:11

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• Christians are not to associate with drunkards

1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21

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• No drunkard shall enter into heaven.

Can you think of any other problems that alcohol produces?

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• Alcohol can destroy your health. It can destroy your relationships. It can cause you to be ineffective at your job. It hurts your influence as a Christian.

What benefits of drinking alcohol can you point to that would outweigh the obvious costs, risks, and tragedies that result from this legal but dangerous drug?

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• Since there is hardly any benefit in drinking alcohol, then we shouldn't drink!

Instead of drinking alcohol, we should do what (Ephesians 5:18)?

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• Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary “high,” to being filled with the Spirit, which produces lasting joy. Getting drunk with wine is associated with the old way of life and its selfish desires. In Christ, we have a better joy, higher and longer lasting, to cure our depression, monotony, or tension. We should not be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have, but how much of us the Holy Spirit has. Submit yourself daily to His leading and draw constantly on His power.

5. FIFTH, HOW DO WE OVERCOME AN ADDICTION?

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• First, to overcome an addiction, we need have a spiritual relationship with God. Battling an addiction without God is very difficult. However, once we obey the gospel and are baptized into Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to live in us and transform our sinful hearts. With God in our lives, we have His help in overcome our addictions.

• Second, to overcome an addiction, we need to stop the sin that is causing our addiction. We need to say "no" (Titus 2:12) to sin and live for righteousness.

• Third, depending on the severity of the addiction, some people may need to go to a professional counselor to receive treatment.

CONCLUSION:

1. An addiction is a disorder not a disease. It is something that we can overcome.

2. The Bible teaches that we must not be master by anything. If we love God, then we will do everything in our power to honor Him by taking care of our bodies. Since our bodies do not belong to us, we should not abuse them with harmful addictive agents. Our love for the Lord should inspire us to stop abusing our bodies with the addictive sins of the flesh.

3. If you struggle with an addiction, then may the Lord help you conquer it…

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