Addictions

Intro: What is the one food that you can not do without?

Study

  1. Ex 20:3-4, 1 Cor 10:14 The Bible tells us that we are to have no other Gods, nor are we to have anything in our lives that becomes an idol separating us from God.
    1. Col 3:5-10 When we develop habits of sin in our life, this sin becomes our focus, separates us from God, and steals our time and energy that God wants to use.
      1. 1 Peter 4:1-4 When people feel they can’t defeat the cycle of giving into temptation, or they are unwilling to fight their temptations, they develop addictions.
      2. Prov 7:21-27 Many people who quit fighting and give into sexual temptation end up addicted to pornography, fornication or homosexuality.
    2. Prov 23:29-33 Many who start off casually drinking or trying drugs end up as drug addicts, and alcoholics.
  2. 1 Cor 9:27, 1 Tim 6:12 Because undefeated temptations become addictions, everyone of us must choose daily to fight the battle of temptation.
    1. Prov 28:13-14 The key to overcoming temptation and breaking addiction begins with complete surrender and repentance before God
      1. 1 Cor 10:13, 2 Tim 4:7 God has provided a way to avoid temptation, and overcome every addiction, for us to be victorious, we must die to our flesh and follow him.
      2. Luke 9:23 Addictions break off of our lives as we fight daily to deny the flesh, allow Christ to crucify what doesn’t please him, and follow Gods will for our lives.
    2. Ps 118:5 ,John 16:33 No matter what temptation you may face, or addiction you may have, God is able to set you free.

Discussion

  1. When people have sinful addictions, why do you think so many feel hopeless, thinking that they can’t, or are unwilling to fight their temptations?
  2. What do you think are some of the most dangerous addictions attacking this generation? How can we avoid these addictions in our lives?
  3. Is there anyone here tonight who has struggled in the past with an addiction that God has given you victory over?
  4. What do you think it means to daily deny the flesh, pick up your cross, and follow Gods will? How will this help us have victory over addictions?

End: Pray for anyone who has an addiction of any type that they want to surrender to God, offer to lead people through the sinners prayer, then take requests.