Overcomer: Overcoming Addictions

OVERCOMER

Overcoming Addictions

 Galatians 5:1; John 8:31-36

August 20, 2017

8 Steps to Freedom & Overcoming Addictions, Hurts, Hang Up’s and Habits

from Life’s Healing Choices by John Baker (with edits)

Realize I’m Not God

“Blessed (Happy) are those who know they are spiritually poor.”  Matthew 5:3  TEV

Earnestly believe that Jesus exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover and be restored.

“Blessed (Happy) are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.”  Matthew 5:4   TEV/NIV

Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.

 “Blessed (Happy) are the meek.”  Matthew 5:5  NIV/TEV

Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.

 “Blessed (Happy) are the pure in heart.”  Matthew 5:8  TEV

Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humble ask Him to remove my character defects.

“Blessed (Happy) are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires.”  Matthew 5:6  TEV

Evaluate all my relationships.  Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.

“Blessed (Happy) are those who are merciful.” 

Matthew 5:7  TEV

“Blessed (Happy) are those who work for peace.” 

Matthew 5:9  TEV

Reserve a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading and prayer in order to know the Lord and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will.

Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.

“Blessed (Happy) are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires.”  Matthew 5:10

Our Response:

1. For many we start with confessing our sin and turning away from it and running to the Lord.
2. For others, it is has turned into an addiction or an unhealthy pattern and you need help – seek out a Christian counselor who can help you and/or your spouse, kids, etc.
3. Get in a support group such as a Celebrate Recovery type group (we can get you places where this happens)
4. Don’t enable those who are struggling with addiction. Have that tough love for them.  Also, get help yourself as it has great damage to you as well!