Revelation #47: (part 3 of 3) How is addiction treated?
Types of Addiction (mine was toxic relationships and nearly destroyed my life) …
-Substance Addictions (ex. alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens, anti-anxiety drugs, inhalants, opioids, adderall, cocaine, methamphetamine, tabacco/nicotine – smoking/vaping)
-Non-Substance Addictions (ex. gambling, eating, exercising/dieting, shopping, shoplifting/risky behaviors, sex, pornography, gaming, internet/technology, toxic relationships)
Question: How is addiction treated?
A) Hospital management, medications, rehabilitation, therapy (CBT, group, talk therapy), support groups.
B) Surrendering to Jesus, spiritual warfare prayer (repentance and deliverance- casting out demonic entities), and obeying God’s Word and purpose for your life. Close the open doors that led to the “addiction”. Have a RELATIONSHIP with Him.
C) Both A and B
Answer: C) In MANY CASES both A and B
No Longer Slave to the Sin of Addiction
Do you not know that when you continually offer yourselves to someone to do his will, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either [slaves] of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness (right standing with God)? But thank God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructed and to which you were committed. And having been set free from sin, you have become the slaves of righteousness [of conformity to God’s will and purpose]. ~Romans 6:16-18 (AMP)
Joined to Jesus by Faith and Born Again Spiritually
Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life]. ~2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP)
It was for this freedom that Christ set us free [completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed]. ~Galatians 5:1 (AMP)
Renewing of the Mind
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ~2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
… regarding your previous way of life, you put off your old self [completely discard your former nature], which is being corrupted through deceitful desires, 23 and be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude] … ~Ephesians 4:22-23 (AMP)
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. ~Matthew 11:28-29 (AMP)
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time, 7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. 8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour. ~1 Peter 5:6-8 (AMP)
For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. ~Hebrews 4:15-16 (AMP)
Then you will call on Me and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear [your voice] and I will listen to you. 13 Then [with a deep longing] you will seek Me and require Me [as a vital necessity] and [you will] find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:12-13 (AMP)
