4 MIKE MAZZALONGO The Bible and Addiction Dealing

4 MIKE MAZZALONGO The Bible and Addiction Dealing with Addiction – Part 2

Addictions - Review • All drugs have an effect: – Up – Down – Sideways

Addictions - Review • All drugs have two results: – “Side” effects – Addiction

Types of Addiction A. Substance B. Psychological

Causes of Addiction • Substance addiction – Curiosity – Peer pressure – Ignorance / Immaturity – Depression

Causes of Addiction • Psychological addiction – Self-image – Anger – Low Self-esteem – Fixation

Steps to Addiction Step 1 – Ingestion Step 2 – Infatuation Step 3 – Infection Step 4 – Imprisonment

The Goals of the Addiction Virus 1. Control 2. Dominate 3. Kill

The Bible does have something to say about addiction.

You shall have no other gods before Me. - Exodus 20: 3

The reasons for God’s preeminence in your life A. Only God is worthy to be our leader

The reasons for God’s preeminence in your life A. Only God is worthy to be our leader B. God wants to give you life, not death

The reasons for God’s preeminence in your life A. Only God is worthy to be our leader B. God wants to give you life, not death C. God has the right to lead

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 1 - Romans 12: 1 -2

An addict cannot witness or glorify God.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. 19 - I Corinthians 6: 19 -20

The body belongs to God not to us.

Our bodies are not ours to ruin!

What does the Bible say about drugs? 1. Forbids them because they are illegal

What does the Bible say about drugs? 2. Forbids them because they lead to addiction but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. - I Corinthians 9: 27

What does the Bible say about drugs? 3. Forbids them because addictions: – Replace God – Dishonors God and alienates those who love us – Eventually destroys the body given to us by God

The Bible warns against the behavior that can lead to addiction.

The Sobering Truth about Alcohol