25 Feb De-Hooked – Learning to overcome addiction in your life PART 6
In 36 years of ministry I have seen so many people try to overcome addiction through new year’s resolutions or mental toughness. God never intended for you to do this alone! Please remember “Three Overcome Outlines”:
- Never overcome through self-effort. Always overcome through Spirit empowerment.
- You must make the decision, then expect God to provide the provision.
- Obedience is our job. Outcome is God’s job.
Last week I began sharing “Four De-hooked Dynamics”:
- Run…from sin (II Tim. 2:22).
The Bible says here, “Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Notice the word “flee” not fight! There is a time to fight and a time to flee. There is a time to resist then there is a time to run!
Remember this: You can’t win from a losing position.
Remember also: Life is not about intentions but positions.
We say “I never intended to sleep with my girlfriend”, but you put yourself in a losing position when you are over at her house until 3:00 am, lying on the couch and studying Song of Solomon!
This week we continue with…
2. Race…to God (Ps. 119:9-11).
This Scripture says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy Word. With my whole heart have I sought thee; O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Most of us quote verse 9 and 11 but don’t understand verse 10 is truly the glue that keeps these verses together. In other words, you have to truly want to be free! You have to truly want to seek God with your whole heart. I’ve talked to a lot of addicts who say the right words when they are caught, but deep down they are more comfortable with old problems than they are with new solutions! At some point you have to get sick and tired of being sick and tired!
3. Renew…your mind (Rom. 12:2).
This verse says, “And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
When I gave my life to Jesus I had huge anger issues. I knew I needed major transformation in that arena. I found many Scriptures in the Word of God that have totally transformed me in this area. I would quote 10-20 Scriptures concerning overcoming anger every single day (I still do this to this day…anything gained must be maintained) and I have not lost my temper for decades!
4. Remove…yourself from losing positions (Rom. 13:14).
This is very similar to point number one. However, just remember this: Today’s prevention removes tomorrow’s temptation! Many times it’s not about removing yourself from something, it’s about removing yourself from someone.
Remember this: You can’t live a positive life and have negative friends.
God has given us the knowledge and ability to get “de-hooked” and overcome any addiction in life!