Breaking Free: Overcoming Addictions Through Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we continue our series called "Bad Advice," focusing on the topic of addictions. This is a subject that touches everyone, whether directly or indirectly. We often don't set out to become addicted; it happens gradually, one poor choice at a time. Paul, in 1 Corinthians, warns us that while we may be allowed to do anything, not everything is beneficial, and we must not become slaves to anything. Addictions can take many forms—substances, behaviors, even seemingly harmless activities like shopping or social media. These addictions can become idols, taking the place of God in our lives.
We often justify our addictions by comparing them to others or by making excuses. But at their core, addictions are a form of idolatry. They enslave us and keep us from focusing on God. The enemy uses these strongholds to keep us in bondage, making us feel hopeless and unworthy. However, there is hope in Jesus Christ. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us to break these chains.
In this series, we use sarcasm to highlight the absurdity of bad advice. For example, if you want to become an addict, never admit you have a problem, give in to your physical desires, keep your addiction a secret, and rely on your own strength. But the truth is, we need to do the opposite. We need to confess our sins, rely on the Holy Spirit, and seek help from our community.
God has given us spiritual weapons to fight these battles. Ephesians 6 talks about the armor of God, which includes the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit. By relying on God's strength and the support of our community, we can overcome our addictions. There is hope and power in Jesus Christ to slay these giants in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Addictions as Idolatry: Addictions can quickly become idols in our lives, taking the place of God. They enslave us and keep us from focusing on Him. Recognizing this is the first step to breaking free. [34:08]
2. The Power of Confession: Admitting that we have a problem is crucial. The Bible encourages us to confess our sins and turn from them to receive mercy. Keeping our struggles in the dark only allows them to grow. [37:40]
3. Relying on God's Strength: We cannot overcome addictions by our own strength. We need to rely on God's mighty weapons to knock down strongholds and destroy false arguments. The armor of God equips us for this spiritual battle. [41:50]
4. Community Support: Seeking help from our community is essential. Whether it's through a life group, accountability partners, or ministries like Celebrate Recovery, we need the support and prayers of others to overcome our struggles. [43:49]
5. Hope in Jesus Christ: There is immense hope and power in Jesus Christ. The same power that raised Him from the dead is available to us. By stepping into this power and rejecting the lies of the enemy, we can find victory over our addictions. [44:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[26:57] - Introduction to the Gideon Challenge
[27:30] - Relevance of Addictions
[28:10] - The Absurdity of Choosing Addiction
[29:15] - Paul's Wisdom on Freedom and Slavery
[30:45] - Everyday Examples of Addiction
[31:37] - Retail Therapy and Overspending
[32:14] - Phone Addiction Statistics
[32:56] - Time Spent on Phones
[33:30] - Social Media and Personal Appearance
[34:08] - Addictions as Idolatry
[35:39] - Deeper Needs and Justifications
[36:23] - Bad Advice: Sarcasm and Reality
[37:05] - Bad Advice: Never Admit You Have a Problem
[38:54] - Bad Advice: Give in to Physical Desires
[40:05] - Bad Advice: Keep Your Addiction a Secret
[41:50] - Bad Advice: Depend on Your Own Strength
[43:14] - The Armor of God
[43:49] - Community Support and Celebrate Recovery
[44:19] - Hope and Power in Jesus Christ
[45:29] - Facing Your Giants
[46:43] - Prayer for Victory
[47:17] - Communion and Healing
[51:27] - The Body and Blood of Christ
[52:39] - Sharing in the Body of Christ
[01:01:40] - Closing Prayer and Hymn
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV): "I have the right to do anything," you say—but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"—but I will not be mastered by anything.
2. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV): Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
3. Proverbs 28:13 (NIV): Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 6:12, what does Paul say about the things we are allowed to do? How does he qualify this statement?
2. What are the components of the "armor of God" mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-11, and what is their purpose?
3. In Proverbs 28:13, what is the outcome for those who conceal their sins versus those who confess and renounce them?
4. What examples of modern-day addictions were mentioned in the sermon? ([30:45])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 6:12 about not being mastered by anything relate to the concept of addiction as discussed in the sermon? ([29:56])
2. What does the "armor of God" symbolize in the context of fighting addictions, and how can it be applied practically in our lives? ([42:32])
3. Why is confession important in overcoming addictions, according to Proverbs 28:13 and the sermon? ([40:40])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community support in overcoming addictions? ([43:49])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there any activities or substances that have the potential to become idols, taking the place of God? How can you address this? ([34:08])
2. Have you ever tried to overcome a struggle by relying solely on your own strength? What was the outcome, and how might relying on God’s strength change that? ([41:50])
3. The sermon emphasizes the power of confession. Is there something you need to confess to God or to a trusted person in your community? How can you take that step this week? ([37:40])
4. Think about the "armor of God" described in Ephesians 6. Which piece of the armor do you feel you need to focus on the most in your battle against addiction or any other struggle? ([42:32])
5. Community support is crucial in overcoming addictions. Do you have a support system in place? If not, what steps can you take to build one, such as joining a life group or accountability group? ([43:49])
6. The sermon mentions the hope and power available in Jesus Christ. How can you actively seek and rely on this power in your daily life to overcome your struggles? ([44:19])
7. Identify one practical step you can take this week to reduce the influence of an addiction or unhealthy habit in your life. How will you hold yourself accountable to this step? ([44:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Addictions as Idolatry
Addictions can quickly become idols in our lives, taking the place of God. They enslave us and keep us from focusing on Him. Recognizing this is the first step to breaking free. Addictions are not just limited to substances like drugs or alcohol; they can also include behaviors and activities such as shopping, social media, or even work. These addictions can become so consuming that they take precedence over our relationship with God, effectively becoming idols in our lives.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of idolatry and how it can enslave us. Paul, in 1 Corinthians, reminds us that while we may be allowed to do anything, not everything is beneficial, and we must not become slaves to anything. By identifying and acknowledging these idols, we can begin to dismantle their hold on us and refocus our lives on God. [34:08]
1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV): "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.
Reflection: What is one activity or behavior in your life that has taken precedence over your relationship with God? How can you begin to dismantle its hold on you today?
Day 2: The Power of Confession
Admitting that we have a problem is crucial. The Bible encourages us to confess our sins and turn from them to receive mercy. Keeping our struggles in the dark only allows them to grow. When we confess our sins, we bring them into the light where they can be addressed and healed. This act of confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing but also about seeking God's mercy and grace to overcome our struggles.
Confession is a powerful tool in breaking the chains of addiction. It allows us to acknowledge our weaknesses and seek the support and prayers of our community. By bringing our struggles into the light, we can begin the process of healing and restoration. The Bible assures us that when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [37:40]
James 5:16 (ESV): Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
Reflection: Is there a sin or struggle you have been keeping in the dark? Who can you trust to confess this to and seek their support and prayers today?
Day 3: Relying on God's Strength
We cannot overcome addictions by our own strength. We need to rely on God's mighty weapons to knock down strongholds and destroy false arguments. The armor of God equips us for this spiritual battle. The Bible describes the armor of God in Ephesians 6, which includes the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, and the sword of the Spirit. These spiritual weapons are essential in our fight against addiction and the lies of the enemy.
By relying on God's strength and putting on the full armor of God, we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil. It is through God's power that we can overcome the strongholds in our lives and find victory over our addictions. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us, and by stepping into this power, we can break free from the chains of addiction. [41:50]
Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV): Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Reflection: What specific piece of the armor of God do you need to put on today to stand firm against the schemes of the devil? How can you rely on God's strength in your battle against addiction?
Day 4: Community Support
Seeking help from our community is essential. Whether it's through a life group, accountability partners, or ministries like Celebrate Recovery, we need the support and prayers of others to overcome our struggles. The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and bearing one another's burdens. When we isolate ourselves, we become more vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy and the grip of addiction.
By seeking the support of our community, we can find encouragement, accountability, and prayer. These relationships are vital in our journey to recovery and healing. The Bible encourages us to bear one another's burdens and to pray for one another, as the prayers of a righteous person have great power. [43:49]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for support and accountability in your struggle with addiction? How can you actively seek their help and prayers today?
Day 5: Hope in Jesus Christ
There is immense hope and power in Jesus Christ. The same power that raised Him from the dead is available to us. By stepping into this power and rejecting the lies of the enemy, we can find victory over our addictions. Jesus came to set the captives free, and through Him, we can experience true freedom and healing.
The Bible assures us that in Christ, we are new creations, and the old has passed away. By embracing this new identity in Christ, we can break free from the chains of addiction and walk in the freedom that He offers. There is hope and power in Jesus Christ, and by trusting in Him, we can overcome any stronghold in our lives. [44:19]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Reflection: What lies of the enemy have you been believing about your addiction? How can you replace these lies with the truth of your new identity in Christ today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to break chains and to set us free. As we look at addiction, you know, no one ever wakes up and says, hey, my life is going so great. I mean, it's just, it's so great. I really need to kind of take it down a few notches here." [28:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's language is not guilt and shame. That's the voice of the enemy. That's what Satan wants you to believe. No, today's message, it's a message of hope because I believe so strongly that our hope is in Jesus, that Jesus Christ gives us hope for whatever it is that we're facing." [30:45] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe, friend, that if you have an addiction, there is hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. That there is hope in Jesus Christ. There is so much hope and power. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is alive inside of you when you give your life to Him." [43:14] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There is hope. There is power in Jesus Christ. There's power. Whether you're here in the room, whether you're at home, whatever that thing is that's on your heart that's defeated you over and over and over, there is hope in Jesus. There is forgiveness in Jesus. There is grace in Jesus." [45:58] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "What is this thing that would be better than Jesus in your life? It doesn't exist, friends. It doesn't exist. Ask it. Who are you to come against the armies of my God? Because, friend, I believe in a God that slays giants. A God who took down Goliath by the faith of one boy and a slingshot and a stone. God can do anything." [46:43] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul recognizes right off the bat that even some things that may not necessarily be bad things could become addictions. They could put us into some slavery. It's interesting that he uses this metaphor of slavery for addiction. And it's true that it's often this slow process that things take over in our lives. And before we know it, we're enslaved." [29:56] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "At their core, addictions are a form of idolatry. That's really what they are. They're a form of idolatry. And it's helpful if we just call it for what it is. And maybe our default, our MO has been to say, well, but my addiction's not as bad as that person, right? So it's not really a problem. That's not how it works." [34:08] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Satan loves to have us tied up in bondage because when we're in that bondage, we're not focusing on the Lord. We're focusing on that thing. And then he reminds us of how bad we are for continuing to do that. It's a vicious cycle when you think about it." [35:39] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want to be an addict, give in. Do what you feel like. Buy it. Eat it. Smoke it. Drink it. Grab it. Chase it. Whatever the thing is, just do it. Give in. Act like a spoiled two-year-old if you don't get what you want, right? The kid in the grocery store, just throw a big fit, you know?" [39:35] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Addiction is a stronghold. It's like a place where Satan gets his foot in the door so he can do business, so he can talk to you, tell you how bad you are, tell you what a failure you are, tell you it's not going to get better, you can't be different. This is how people in your family do it. This is how you've always done it. Friends, these are lies." [42:32] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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