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What is it & how do we use it to our benefit?. ADDICTION. Definitions: Man’s view… God’s view… Effects of our natural bodies… Spiritual applications & goals…. introduction. Webster’s: ‘to devote or surrender to something habitually or obsessively’
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Definitions: Man’s view… God’s view… Effects of our natural bodies… Spiritual applications & goals… introduction
Webster’s: • ‘to devote or surrender to something habitually or obsessively’ • ‘persistent compulsive action that is known by the individual to be harmful’ • Addiction ‘synonyms’: • Disease • Bad habit • Genetic pre-disposition • ‘I don’t have a problem’ (rationalization) Definition – man’s view
Examples: • Drugs • Alcohol • Smoking • Pornography • Video games • Television • Work • Power • Money • Gambling Definition – man’s view • Internet (social websites, etc.) • Sports • Shopping • Depression • Victimhood • Apathy • Laziness • Isolation
‘Addiction’ occurs only once in Scripture (I Cor. 16:15) • God’s opinion of addiction: • Rom. 6:12 – Sin reigning over our bodies • Reign (936) – to exercise the highest influence or control • Gal. 4:3 & 9 – Being enslaved to the world • Bondage (1401) – to give wholly to one’s needs & service • Bondage (1398) – to obey, give one’s self up to, to become a slave • Exo. 20:3 – No other God’s before Me Definition – god’s view
Belief System THE ADDICTION CYCLE Unmanageable Life Impaired Thinking Addictive Action Dissatisfactions/ Despair/Guilt Ritualization/Habit Compulsion
Humanistic view: • See…it’s not my fault • It’s a chemical problem, not a moral problem • We can ‘fix’ it • Spiritual view: • Battle against the weakness of the flesh • It’s an opportunity for growth, not a stumbling block • God created us with this ability…how can we best use it? Be careful…
Belief System Breaking THE ADDICTION CYCLE Unmanageable Life Impaired Thinking Addictive Action Dissatisfactions/ Despair/Guilt Ritualization/Habit Compulsion Matt. 5:29-30 I Cor. 10:13-14 Prov. 28:13-14 I John 1:8-10 Eccl. 4:9-10 James 5:16
I Cor. 16:15 – ‘…addicted to the ministry of the saints.’ • God created us with this characteristic, it’s up to us to decide how we’re going to make it work in our lives • Eph. 6:13 – ‘Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand (present) in the evil day and having done all, to stand (future). Creating a healthy addiction