Sometimes we're well-aware that we're addicted. Whether we sneak around porn sites, play the horses and lose big, stare at graphic television images, or raid the fridge until we're sick, we hate our actions. We feel shame, repent, make promises to God, and feel cleansed. Then we blow it. Other times we're not sure that a bad habit qualifies as an "addition" – nobody else seems to struggle with it, and we're not even sure it's a sin. Either way, these secret behaviors also seem needed, and we're not sure why.
Facing addictions prompts many challenging questions: How do addictions start? Are there levels of addiction, some worse than others? How can this happen when Christians are supposed to be living in victory? Can we expect God to keep forgiving us time after time? What role does the Holy Spirit play? We'll discuss these questions in this course.
Remember, a study about addictions brings us face to face with our sinful natures. The Bible is filled with examples of people who failed, yet these same human beings were used by a supernatural God to make a difference. This can happen in your life.
Session One
When We Can't Stop
Understanding the root of addiction may help us break the vicious cycle.
Exodus 20:1–6; Mark 2:13–17; John 10:7–11; James 1:13–17
Session Two
Addictive Behaviors
Identifying types of addictions may help us fight them.
Proverbs 14:10–13; 23:29–35; Ecclesiastes 7:15–19; 1 Corinthians 6:12–20
Session Three
The Devil Made Me Do It
Justifying our addiction only buries us more deeply in its destructive cycle.
Psalm 27; 36:1–4; Acts 3:17–23; James 1:12–18; 1 Peter 5:6–11
Session Four
Moving Past Romans 7
With God's power, we can experience victory over our addictions.
Joshua 1:6–9; Proverbs 7:1–5; Luke 1:26–37; John 8:25–32; 13:12–17
Total number of pages - 45 pages
