HELPING PEOPLE OVERCOME LIFE-DOMINATING SINS

Addictions – the war with ourselves – Disconnected Theology

Our confusion about beliefs makes it possible to believe the confused (“We don’t know what to believe”)

When truth goes in one ear and out the other we are left with a spiritual headache.

When we tell a lie we listen to a lie (“other people can help”).

A treasure hunt for truth leads us to the riches of God’s thoughts (“God has told us what we need to know.”)

An addiction (life-dominating sin) is enslavement to any desire that leads one away from the desire to love God.

ADDICTIONS – A WAR WITH OURSELVES – THE ICEBERG OF SIN

Sin is an unmerciful master (Jn. 6:34; Rom. 6:16; 2 Pet. 2:19).

We have met the enemy and he is us.

The iceberg of sin is deeper than you think.

Addictions find their expression in the body but are rooted in our sinful heart.

The out-of-control craving (desires) is not a virus but the consequence of choices

Why does the disease theory persist?

A craving is a powerful force when unleashed.

Can the physical body make us sin?

The slave ship of sin is carried by the seemingly contrary winds of decisions we make and strong impulses we experience.

Sin when conceived gives birth to a host of complications.

Does sin turn into a disease?

Sin doesn’t get the last word. Jesus Christ does.

ADDICTIONS – A WAR WITH OURSELVES – THE PRISM OF TRUTH (new ways of seeing)

Addictions comes as a result of the spiritual disease of sin and are not a physical disease.

Our primary loyalties and commitments reveal the idols we worship.

An addiction is an intimate relationship with the object of one’s desire.

Addictions are stupid and don’t make any sense. But they are momentarily enjoyable.

Addiction is a fight with a ferocious beast that will rip your face off and eat you up.

DOWN TO THE PIT

We all share a place in the pit of sin.

The descent into addiction begins with small steps.

A friendship with seemingly harmless drugs can be the gateway to descent into the pit of addiction.

Infatuation with one’s sin of choice hastens the decline into the pit of addiction.

One’s sin of choice becomes treatment for everything.

The addict loves his idol with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength.

SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE

An addiction must be brought out into the bright light of day.

Humility is the prerequisite for confronting someone caught in an addiction.

Confronting an addict is a biblical responsibility.

If an addict refuses to listen to private confrontation, then a small group must intervene.

Addicts who refuse private and group intervention should be subject to further action.

Sin, slavery, and idolatry do not go away overnight.

THE WAR AGAINST SINFUL DESIRES

RESPECTING, LISTENING, INVITING

The journey of freedom in Christ begins, continues and ends with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church is a hospital for sinners in various stages in their struggle with sin.

We need to know the stories of people and the Bible story.

One’s relationship to Jesus Christ is the most important fact revealed by a person’s story.

An addiction is “God’s megaphone” calling us to the knowledge of God.

An addict is like a nation without any military defense.

If people are willing to follow Christ, there is hope.

KNOWING THE LORD

FEARING THE LORD

The sad story is that Jesus has been domesticated.

Love and holiness go together like a horse and carriage.

The incomparable thing about Jesus is that He is incomparable.

Our memories of biblical holiness have failed us.

Jesus Christ is the embodiment of holy love and holy justice.

FEARING THE LORD

Fathers know best when they teach the fear of the Lord.

The forgiveness of God should leave us awestruck.

The fear of the Lord does not descend upon us from out of nowhere. It is learned.

The fear of the Lord is our total response to the perfections of God.

What controls our lives?

What is the lie at the core of all addictions?

We think that God is like an idol who takes naps while we secretly pursue our lusts.

TURNING FROM LIES

Deception should appear on the front page of the addiction journal.

Addicts are experts at making others feel responsible for their problems.

Deception is more than lying to others. It is also believing a lie.

We can deceive ourselves by thinking that there is something out there that is better than God.

Deception #1

God is not good.

We can deceive ourselves by thinking that we are better than we actually are.

Deception #2

I am good.

We can deceive ourselves by thinking that our idols are harmless.

Deception #3

Idols are harmless.

SAYING “NO”

Desires and reckless indulgence run the life of the addict.

Self-control will keep us on the road spiritually.

Self-control is a living skill that must be cultivated in the power of the Holy Spirit

STAYING VIOLENT

We are in a war.

We are to show no mercy to our sinful desires.

We are to fight the temptations within us.

When we are converted to Christ we begin our battle with indwelling sin.

Our fight is not without hope.

Satan is a formidable foe who has already been defeated.

Satan wants believers to think they are condemned when they sin.

Temptations are waiting on us, but we don’t have to surrender.

As we grow in Christ the things that were once affections gradually feel more like afflictions.

What about those who seem to be stuck or regressing?

We repent. We remember who God is and what He has done in Christ.

BEING PART OF THE BODY

The church is made up of people for whom Jesus is Lord and who are growing in love.

There are benefits that come with the church.

There is a unity to be found within the church.