Why People Fail in their Battle with Addiction?

Why do so many people fail in their battle with addiction?  Why do so many recovery programs and treatment centers staffed with smart, educated people with good hearts and intentions fail so often in helping people struggling with addiction? 

Programs alone do not work.  Treatment centers alone do not work.  Counselors alone do not work.  The only way anyone will have permanent recovery, freedom, victory over sin and addiction, joy, peace, and contentment is through Jesus Christ, God's Son.

John 8:32 You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.

This is not to say that programs, treatment centers, and counseling do not play a part or are totally ineffective.  It is to say that it is not a program plus Christ, but rather Christ working through the individual while the individual is seeking help. 

In this article let us examine two reasons why failure occurs.

1.  Failure occurs when we try to change the behavior rather than the underlying belief that determined the behavior.

For true change to occur, one's thinking has to be changed.  The view of what is right and wrong behavior must be changed first.  You cannot look at your addiction as not being your fault.  If it is not your fault whose is it?  The decision to begin using drugs or alcohol or whatever must be viewed in the light of Scripture.  You choose to disobey God's Word.  It was your choice, and therefore you are responsible for that choice.  You cannot change the behavior until you change your thinking about what you did.  It is vital in recovery that we seek God and His forgiveness for our sins. 

The Bible says:  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9.  

God also has promised that our minds can be changed if we submit to Him and His authority.  Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) ¹ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. ² And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Please notice that the behavior of a person doing the will of God occurs after the renewing of their minds.  It is important that we allow the Word of God to dictate our beliefs.  God said it, I believe it and that settles it for me should be our motto.

2.  Failure occurs when we rely on our own efforts instead of trusting God and living by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Can you overcome your addiction in the flesh or by your own power?  I don't think so.  Many people attempting to overcome addiction in their own power end up exchanging one sin for another.  They end up as some call a dry drunk or one who experiences all of the pain, guilt, shame, and emotional trauma of alcohol addiction without drinking.  Is that really recovery?  Is that freedom from addiction?  I don't think so.

Others try fleshly methods available including accountability partners, methadone programs, etc.  Am I saying these programs are bad?  Of course not, but I am saying that it is extremely difficult to beat a fleshly problem with the flesh. 

Let us look at what God's Word says concerning the flesh. 

Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV) ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, ²⁰ Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, ²¹ Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Study the list!  God is saying when we live life according to our own desires and the desire of our sinful nature inherited from Adam this is what it produces. 

Now let us contrast this if we live life yielded and filled with the Holy Spirit of God. 

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, ²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
When we yield to God's Spirit we have victory and freedom over our sin. 

Galatians 5:16 (KJV) ¹⁶ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

The victory is not in our power, but God's.  Our job is to know and believe God's Word,  and to walk daily in His Spirit.  The victory is already ours.  It is ours when we are in Christ. 

Conclusion:

Let me conclude by summarizing.  We must admit our sin and ask God to forgive us and cleanse us.  We must allow our thinking to agree with God's.  We must allow God's Word to dictate what is right and wrong.  We must stop trusting in our own flesh and in its place trust in God and walk in His Spirit.

Freedom and victory can be yours if you walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Foundational Truths for the Addicted (Part 4)

Let's review.  The first foundational truth is God is that we are made in the image of God. The second foundational truth is that sin has consequences.  The third foundational truth is that God holds us responsible for our actions.  The fourth foundational truth is one we should all remember.  God loves us!  The fifth and final foundational truth is...
Foundational Truth #5:   Salvation in Christ Jesus Restores our Relationship with God.

                1.            Jesus is our Redeemer

Ephesians 1:7-8 (KJV) ⁷ In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; ⁸ Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Titus 2:14 (KJV) ¹⁴ Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 1:18-19 (KJV) ¹⁸ Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
Matthew 20:28 (KJV) ²⁸ Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Redeemer is one who rescues, saves, or delivers. In ancient Greek culture, the redeemer was one who purchased a slave in the open marketplace with the intent of setting him or her free!

My friend all of us are enslaved to sin.  All of us are need to be delivered from sin's clutches, to be saved from sin's penalty.  All of us need to be redeemed and Jesus Christ can be our redeemer.  It is His blood shed on Calvary's cross, His death, and His resurrection that was the price God required for our salvation.

                2.            Our Salvation is based on our believing, our faith in Jesus.

Romans 6:23 (KJV) ²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.

It is evident that salvation is not based on our good works, but on faith.  Faith in God's Word concerning there being one God who had one Son who died once for the sins of mankind.  Jesus Himself indicated the only way to the only Heaven is through Him.

John 14:6 (KJV) ⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Won't you by faith believe today that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God who died on Calvary's cross for your sins?  Won't you today trust Him as your Savior, your redeemer? 

Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com

Foundational Truths for the Addicted (Part 3)

The first foundational truth is God is that we are made in the image of God.  The second foundational truth is that sin has consequences. 

Foundational Truth #3:   God Holds Us Responsible!

The third foundational truth is that God holds us responsible.  Responsible for our actions and specifically our sins.  Here in Genesis we read the original sin and how God held Adam and Eve responsible for their choices.

Genesis 3:9-13 (KJV) ⁹ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? ¹⁰ And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. ¹¹ And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? ¹² And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. ¹³ And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

                1.            Adam blamed Eve and God; Eve blamed the Serpent.

It is interestesting to see that Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent.  Neither Adam or Eve realized the truth that it was their choice and consequently their fault. 

When we sin it is our fault!  It is our choice and God holds us accountable.  The first step to recovery for an addict is to own his or her own actions and its consequences.  It is time to stop blaming others and accept the responsibility for what we have done. 

                2.            God determines the consequences of our sins.

Genesis 3:16-19 (KJV) ¹⁶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. ¹⁷ And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; ¹⁸ Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; ¹⁹ In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Ezekiel 18:20 (KJV) ²⁰ The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Romans 6:23 (KJV) ²³ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Matthew 25:46 (KJV) ⁴⁶ And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
Revelation 20:14-15 (KJV) ¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

It is a just, and holy God who has determined the consequences of man's actions.  Many have believed the lie that sin's consequences are under our own control, but this is not true.  God controls the consquences today and for eternity.  The above verses teach that we are judged eternally for our sins.  If we die, without ever dealing with our sin, we face an eternity in the lake of fire, a place known as hell.  I realize this is not popular, but nevertheless it is true.  The Word of God clearly teaches that the eternal result of our sin is death in hell. 

However, God has provided a way of escape; His love demanded it.

Foundational Truth #4:   God Loves Us!

Who sought whom?  Did Adam and Eve seek God or did God seek Adam and Eve?

The answer is obviously that God sought Adam and Eve.  The love God has for man is demonstrated by the fact that God sought man. This truth is still true today.  It is God who is seeking man because of God's great love.  A love so strong that God sent His Son Jesus Christ to atone for man's sins on Calvary's cross.

Romans 8:39 (KJV) ³⁹ Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Who made the Adam and Eve their first set of descent clothing?  What were they made out of?

Genesis 3:21 (KJV) ²¹ Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
For God to make clothing for Adam and Eve out of skins, an animal had to die.  Why?

                1.            God’s Love was Demonstrated by God’s Promise to Adam and Eve.

Genesis 3:14-15 (KJV) ¹⁴ And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: ¹⁵ And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 

The serpent was Satan.

Ezekiel 28:13 (KJV) ¹³ Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.

God’ promise to Adam and Eve is that one from the seed of Eve would rise up and defeat Satan.  This promise was fulfilled when Jesus Christ defeated Satan on the cross.

                3.            God’s Love was Demonstrated by God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:8 (KJV) ⁸ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 (KJV) ¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God out of His love for man has provided salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. 

John 3:36 (KJV) ³⁶ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

All of the first four foundational truths deal with the salvation of man.  Is there hope for the addicted?  Yes, and the hope is found in Jesus Christ. 

Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com

Foundational Truths for the Addicted (Part 2)

Foundational Truth #2:  Sin Has Consequences

The first foundational truth for the addicted answered the question, who are we?  We are individuals created by God in His image.  God made us and God is able to provide ALL our needs and God made us with an ability to think and choose. 

The second foundational truth for the addicted is to remember that sin has consequences. 

                1.            Their Eyes Were Opened:      Sin Produces Regrets!

• Not physically, but spiritually!
• They saw the folly of eating forbidden fruit.
• They saw the happiness they had fallen from, and the misery they had fallen into.
• They saw a loving God provoked, his grace and favour forfeited, his likeness and image lost, dominion over the creatures gone.
• They saw their natures corrupted and depraved, and felt a disorder in their own spirits of which they had never before been conscious.
• They saw a law in their members warring against the law of their minds, and captivating them both to sin and wrath.

                 2.            They Knew they were Naked:  Sin Produces Guilt and Shame!

• Shame
• Guilt
• Insecurity
• Felt Bad
• Dirty
• Unclean

                3.            They hid themselves from the presence of the Lord:  Sin Separates!

• They were now living independent of God!  Sin causes us to run from God. 
• The benefits they received from God at creation were lost.

                4.            Thou shalt surely die:              Sin Produces Death!
Romans 5:12 (KJV) ¹² Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

·         Death to their relationship with God. 

·         Death to Spiritual Life, now and eternally!
·         Death to Identity.
·         Death to security.
·         Death to Significance. 

All the benefits and attributes of creation were gone!  They union with God was severed.

In our lives we can see the external consequences of our choices, our sin. When people we love give up on us, and the relationship is damaged or severed we understand there are consequences when we sin.  The loss of a job, and the financial hardships remind us of our sins.  The loss of respect both from others and ourselves witness to the fact of this scriptural truth.  Sin has consequences.

Let me close this article, by offering to each one of you a restored relationship with God. God loves you and God desires to have your fellowship, and friendship. Remember, we are made in His image. He is willing and able to supply our needs. To read more about God and His desired relationship with you please visit: http://www.reformude.com/first-step.html If you would like to see and hear more visit: http://www.preciousseed.com