Freedom from addictions!
“For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” (2 Peter 2:19 ESV)
Addiction
Addiction is a compulsive, chronic physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity—often one that has harmful physical, psychological, or social effects. It typically causes clearly defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence. It is, quite simply, the state of being addicted.
I Was Addicted to Alcohol
Before my life was transformed by Christ, I was addicted to alcohol. I spent every cent I had to support my addiction. Many times I got into serious trouble because of my drinking and how it affected my behavior. I was often drunk and disorderly in public places. The police arrested me, and I went to jail. No matter how hard I tried, I could not stop drinking.
Then one evening, while out drinking with friends, I was looking for matches in the car’s glovebox and came across a small gospel tract by Chick Publications titled “This Was Your Life.” It told the story of a young man exactly like me. It explained sin and its consequences, described Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our sins, and included a prayer to receive Him as personal Lord and Savior.
I sincerely prayed that prayer—and I was instantly “born again,” just as Jesus described in John 3:1–8. From that moment on, my life was forever changed. It's now been more than 50 years since I stopped drinking.
I had other addictions too, such as smoking, which I eventually overcame. Strangely—and I still don’t fully understand why—it was harder for me to quit smoking than it was to quit drinking. I was instantly delivered from alcohol, but not from tobacco. I did finally prevail, but it took persistent prayer, effort, and self-control.
The following verses were especially helpful to me along the path to victory.
Be Sober-Minded
Being “sober-minded,” as the verse below says, means developing a healthy mindset in relation to addiction. Recognize that the devil is behind it—“like a roaring lion seeking to destroy you.” You must constantly stay alert to his schemes and resist his attacks.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
Remain Steadfast
Understand that it’s not only the devil attacking you—your own desires are also at work. As the passage below explains, you are being “lured and enticed” from within. Learn to recognize the early symptoms of addiction as warning signs. Take action quickly before temptation grows into “full-blown sin.” Stay steadfast in your fight, and trust that blessings will follow.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:12–15 ESV)
Do Not Be Enslaved by Anything
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12 ESV)
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
Abstain from Passions of the Flesh
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11 ESV)
Avoid Bad Company
In your battle against addiction, stay away from environments and people that draw you back in. If former friends still engage in the habits you’ve left behind, don’t spend time with them.
My work takes me to industry trade shows and conventions where alcohol is everywhere. I avoid the bars and parties and focus solely on my business. Occasionally, someone will offer me a drink, and I’ll reply with a smile, “No thank you—I’m allergic to alcohol. When I drink, I break out in police cars and handcuffs.” They always laugh and say something like, “Oh yes, I understand.”
Whatever it takes for you to remain victorious and steadfast—do it
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:14 ESV)
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”(Matthew 26:41 ESV)
Call Upon the Lord in the Day of Trouble
“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)
Therefore
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV)
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 ESV)
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 ESV)
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 ESV)
Quote
“Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.” – Warren Wiersbe