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EP. 239 Breaking Free: The Spiritual Battle Behind Addiction


To View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GlUIsp2tvUs


SHOW NOTES


In this episode, we continue our journey on The Road to Freedom, exploring how to break free from addiction through complete surrender to Jesus Christ. True freedom isn’t just about abstaining from harmful habits—it’s about being transformed from the inside out. Our anchor verse for this series, 1 Corinthians 6:12, reminds us that while we have liberty in Christ, we should not be dominated by anything. If we truly want to live our best life, it will be a life fully surrendered to Jesus, free from the bondage of addiction.


Many people approach addiction as merely a physical or psychological struggle, but Ephesians 6:12-13 makes it clear that we are in a spiritual war:

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

This passage reveals that addiction isn’t just about bad habits—it’s an issue of spiritual warfare. If we try to fight addiction without addressing the spiritual battle behind it, we will fail. Satan uses addiction as a weapon to keep people in bondage, but God has provided the armor we need to stand firm.


At the same time, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of blaming the devil for all our struggles and avoiding personal responsibility. Saying, "The devil made me do it," is an excuse that keeps us enslaved. God has given us everything we need to overcome, but we must choose to walk in obedience. Next week, we’ll take a deeper look at the armor of God in Ephesians 6 and how to use it in this fight.


Dr. Edward Welch, a Christian psychologist and author, powerfully states:

"Addictions are ultimately a disorder of worship: we worship our desires over God. We desire the things of earth more than the One who rules it."

At its core, addiction is a worship issue. Worship is not just singing songs on Sunday—it’s about what we prioritize, focus on, and find satisfaction in. When we remove God from the center of our hearts, something else will take His place. If we aren’t worshiping God, we will turn to counterfeit gods—things that promise fulfillment but leave us empty.


We must ask ourselves: What do I run to for comfort? What do I rely on to numb my pain? What do I believe will make me whole? If the answer is anything other than Jesus, we are placing our trust in an idol. Overcoming addiction isn’t just about quitting a bad habit; it’s about shifting our worship back to God.


Does the Bible Talk About Addiction?

Some argue that the Bible doesn’t specifically mention addiction, but 1 Corinthians 6:12 makes it clear:

“All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.”

Whether the word addiction is used or not, the principle is there. Anything that controls us—whether it’s alcohol, drugs, pornography, food, or social media—has become an idol. The Bible repeatedly warns against being enslaved to sin.


Romans 8:5-8 gives us the key to breaking free from addiction:

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."

The battle for freedom begins in the mind. What we focus on determines our direction. If our thoughts are consumed with temporary pleasures, we will be enslaved by them. But if we set our minds on the things of God—meditating on His truth, seeking His presence, and pursuing His will—it leads to life and peace.


If you’re struggling with addiction, commit this passage to memory. Meditate on it. Allow God’s Word to renew your mind. True freedom comes when we fix our eyes on Christ and trust in His power to break every chain.


Overcoming addiction requires spiritual armor. Next week, we’ll unpack each piece of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 and learn how to put it into practice. Don't miss it!

Tim & Kimberly Scott | Hope Rescue Podcast



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