FREEDOM FROM ADDICTIONS

1. FREEDOMFROMADDICTIONS Lesson 11 for March 12, 2011

2. ALCOHOLICBEVERAGES “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?"” Proverbs, 23: 29-35

3. SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION “The use of spirituous liquors has the effect to weaken the body, confuse the mind, and debase the morals. It prevents men from realizing the sacredness of holy things or the binding force of God’s requirements. All who occupied positions of sacred responsibility were to be men of strict temperance, that their minds might be clear to discriminate between right and wrong, that they might possess firmness of principle, and wisdom to administer justice and to show mercy. The same obligation rests upon every follower of Christ” E.G.W. (Conflict and courage, April 5)

4. STIMULATINGBEVERAGES “The effect of tea and coffee, as heretofore shown, tends in the same direction as that of wine and cider, liquor and tobacco. Coffee is a hurtful indulgence. It temporarily excites the mind to unwonted action, but the aftereffect is exhaustion, prostration, paralysis of the mental, moral, and physical powers. The mind becomes enervated, and unless through determined effort the habit is overcome, the activity of the brain is permanently lessened. All these nerve irritants are wearing away the life forces, and the restlessness caused by shattered nerves, the impatience, the mental feebleness, become a warring element, antagonizing to spiritual progress. Then should not those who advocate temperance and reform be awake to counteract the evils of these injurious drinks? In some cases it is as difficult to break up the tea-and-coffee habit as it is for the inebriate to discontinue the use of liquor. The money expended for tea and coffee is worse than wasted. They do the user only harm, and that continually. Those who use tea, coffee,opium, and alcohol, may sometimes live to an old age, but thisfact is no argument in favor of the use of these stimulants.What these persons might have accomplished, but failedto do because of their intemperate habits, the great dayof God alone will reveal” E.G.W. (Counsels on diet and foods, cp. 24, part II, pg. 421)

5. What can we do to overcome those habits? “In relation to tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcoholic drinks, the only safe course is to touch not, taste not, handle not … Those who attempt to leave off these stimulants will for a time feel a loss, and will suffer without them. But by persistence they will overcome the craving, and cease to feel the lack. Nature may require a little time to recover from the abuse she has suffered; but give her a chance, and she will again rally, and perform her work nobly and well” E.G.W. (Counsels on diet and foods, cp. 24, part II, pg. 516)

6. SEX ADDICTION The Bible teaches that every sexual relationship outside marriage is illicit and a step to addiction: fornication, adultery, prostitution, homosexuality... Sex addiction involves other perversions: masturbation, pornography, cybersex... “Keep to a path far from the adulteress, do not go near the door of her house” (Proverbs, 5: 8) (See Proverbs, 5: 3-14 also) “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians, 6: 9) God created sex as something good for us. However, misusing it is a sin, even within marriage.

7. SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES OF SEX ADDICTION “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body” (1 Corinthians, 6: 18-20) When we commit sexual immorality, we are transgressing the seventh commandment and causing painful consequences for our neighbours; in addition, we are sinning against ourselves and we are dishonouring God.

8. What can we do to overcome those addictions? We must have Joseph’s attitude: making the decision of not sinning against God and run away from temptation. “No-one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?... She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house” (Genesis, 39: 9, 12)

9. “Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."” (Luke, 12: 15) “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints” (Ephesians, 5: 3) THELOVE OF MONEY

10. SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE LOVE OF MONEY The story of the rich man (Mark, 10: 17-27) teaches us how the love of money keeps us away from Jesus. Paul tells us that every greed is a form of idolatry, separating us from God.. “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians, 3: 5) “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy, 6: 10)

11. What can we do to overcome the love of money? The problem is not money, but LOVING the money. The solution is to love more God and ask Him to give us the money He knows we need. “Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, `Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonour the name of my God” (Proverbs, 30: 8-9) “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."” (Hebrews, 13: 5) Only God can make your inclinations change. “Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness” (Psalm 119: 36)

12. GAMBLING “Satan has invented many ways in which to squander the means which God has given. Card playing, betting, gambling, horse racing, and theatrical performances are all of his own inventing, and he has led men to carry forward these amusements as zealously as though they were winning for themselves the precious boon of eternal life. Men lay out immense sums in following these forbidden pleasures; and the result is, their God-given power, which has been purchased by the blood of the Son of God, is degraded and corrupted. The physical, moral, and mental powers which are given to men of God, and which belong to Christ, are zealously used in serving Satan, and in turning men from righteousness and holiness” E.G.W. (Counsels on stewardship, cp. 28, pg. 134)

13. What can we do to overcome compulsive gambling? Admit that we have a serious problem. Stop it at once. Look for shelter in a help group. Keep away from any incentive that can attract us to gambling. Strengthenourself-esteem. The main and most important point: have a constant communion with God; cling to his promises of healing any temptation. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians, 10: 13)

14. OBSESSIONABOUT PERSONAL IMAGE “When you devote precious time to trimming your apparel, remember that the King of glory wore a plain, seamless coat. You who weary yourselves in decorating your persons please bear in mind that Jesus was often weary from incessant toil and self-denial and self-sacrifice to bless the suffering and the needy … It was on our account that He poured out His prayers to His Father with strong cries and tears. It was to save us from the very pride and love of vanity and pleasure which we now indulge, and which crowds out the love of Jesus, that those tears were shed, and that our Saviour’s visage was marred with sorrow and anguish more than any of the sons of men” The strong desire of becoming more beautiful or being accepted by those around you may become addictive. How obsessed are we about dressing, feeding, cosmetics, fitting, personal image…? We must keep our body clean, in good condition and with a good image, but turning that into an obsession is wrong (an idol) E.G.W. (Child guidance, section 15, cp. 66, pg. 421)

15. What can we do to overcome this obsession about our personal image? We must adorn ourselves with the Christian qualities that only the Holy Spirit gives. “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight” (1 Peter, 3: 3-4) “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans, 13: 14) “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians, 3: 12)

16. HOW TO OVERCOME EVERY ADDICTION AND OBSESSION “The Lord desires you to understand the position you occupy as sons and daughters of the Most High, children of the Heavenly King. He desires you to live in close connection with Him... Determine that you will be on the Lord’s side. If you will stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, faithfully doing His service, you need never yield to temptation, for One stands by your side who is able to keep you from falling” E.G.W. (That I may know Him, July 13)