Step up and join the battle. Addiction can be defeated!
AUGUST 2025 - THIS MONTH FOR MEN, WOMEN AND YOUTH!
As a person who has overcome and been set free from all kinds of addictions, by the Grace of God, I wanted to share some helpful, biblical resources at our disposal.
Addiction, whether it be substance abuse, pornography, gambling, or any other compulsive and seemingly uncontrollable behavior, can be a destructive force in our lives. It can enslave the heart and mind, leading to spiritual, emotional, and physical devastation. It can ruin marriages, families, workplaces and churches.
While the term "addiction" is not explicitly used in the Bible, it speaks to the enslavement to sin and destructive habits, highlighting the need for self-control and discipline. Some things you cannot just “Let go and let God.”
In Matthew 16:24, Jesus tells his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"
Jesus also says, "If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell". ~Matthew 5:29-30
Self-control is a biblical mandate of God for us to obey, which means it takes effort, planning, discipline, and intentionality. It takes guts and determination to deny ourselves, submit to God, and resist the world, flesh, and Devil.
Here are some biblical principles that equip us to fight addiction for study and practice:
We must recognize the spiritual battle involved in addiction. Understanding Addiction's Roots: Addiction, from a biblical viewpoint, is often seen as a spiritual battle linked to idolatry. Battling Temptation: The Bible acknowledges that temptation is common, but assures that God provides a way out, as in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
We must be willing to embrace repentance and transformation. Deliverance from addiction starts with confession and turning away from sins, as stated in Proverbs 28:13. Renewing the Mind: Romans 12:2 encourages believers to be transformed by renewing their minds. Memorizing scripture, like Psalm 119:11, can help in this process.
We must still seek and pray for strength and guidance from God. Overcoming addiction requires reliance on God's power through prayer and studying His Word. Philippians 4:13 affirms that all things are possible through God's strength. Abiding in Christ: John 15:5 highlights the importance of remaining in Christ for spiritual strength.
We should also think about finding support and accountability in our local church with trustworthy people of God in like gender and age groups. Confession and Mutual Support is essential to have victory. James 5:16 encourages believers to confess sins to each other and pray for healing. Accountability partners offer encouragement and support. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 emphasizes the benefit of having someone to help when you fall. Being in a supportive community of believers is necessary for healing.
We can find hope and healing from addiction through God's Word, Spirit, mercy and grace, in concert with our prayers, obedience and intentional efforts and disciplines.
Please review, study and memorize these helpful scriptures in your battles:
https://www.openbible.info/topics/addiction
God Bless,
~Steven
