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What Does the Bible Say About Addiction? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Addiction?

Introduction

Addiction is a prevalent issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including Christians. Addiction can take many forms, including drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, pornography, and other destructive behaviors.

For Christians, addiction can be especially challenging, as it can impact not only their physical and emotional well-being but also their relationship with God.

The Bible has much to say about addiction and its consequences. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we see examples of people who struggled with addiction and the devastating consequences that resulted from it.

But the Bible also offers hope and guidance for those struggling with addiction, showing us how we can turn to God for strength, support, and healing.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what the Bible says about addiction and offer practical steps for Christians seeking to overcome addiction from a biblical perspective.

Whether you’re struggling with addiction yourself or you’re seeking to help someone else who is, this post will provide valuable insights and guidance for confronting addiction with the truth of God’s word.

addiction in the Bible

Addiction in the Bible

Addiction is not a new problem; it’s been around for thousands of years. In fact, the Bible has many examples of addiction, including:

  • Drunkenness: Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” In the New Testament, Paul warns against drunkenness in Ephesians 5:18, saying, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” Drunkenness is not limited to alcohol but can also refer to the abuse of prescription drugs or other substances that alter a person’s mental state.
  • Idolatry: Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites struggled with idolatry, worshipping false gods instead of the one true God. This addiction to idolatry led to all kinds of problems, including war, famine, and captivity. Idolatry is not limited to the worship of false gods, but can also refer to the addiction to money, power, or material possessions.
  • Gambling: Proverbs 28:22 says, “A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him.” This verse warns against the dangers of gambling and the desire to get rich quickly. Gambling can also include other addictive behaviors, such as online gaming or social media addiction.

All of these examples show the devastating consequences of addiction. Addiction can lead to broken relationships, financial ruin, and spiritual destruction.

God’s View on Addiction

God desires for us to live a sober and righteous life. Proverbs 23:20-21 says, “Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”

God wants us to avoid the things that can lead to addiction and instead live a life that is pleasing to Him.

Addiction is also sinful and can have a negative impact on our relationship with God. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.

All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” When we become addicted to something, we give it power over us, which can lead us away from God.

The Power of God Over Addiction

Thankfully, we serve a God who is more powerful than any addiction. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Through Christ, we can find freedom from addiction and become a new creation.

But overcoming addiction is not easy. It requires us to rely on God for strength and support. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We need to trust in God’s power to overcome addiction and lean on Him for support in the process.

Practical Steps for Overcoming Addiction From a Biblical Perspective

If you’re struggling with addiction, here are some practical steps you can take from a biblical perspective:

  1. Seek help from the church and Christian community. Don’t try to overcome addiction alone. Seek help and support from your church and other Christians who can offer encouragement and accountability. Christian counselors and addiction specialists can also be valuable resources in your journey toward recovery.
  2. Pray, fast, and study the Bible. Spend time in prayer and fasting, seeking God’s guidance and strength. Study the Bible for guidance and wisdom on how to overcome addiction. The Bible is filled with stories of people who have overcome great challenges through their faith in God, such as Daniel and his friends in Babylon (Daniel 1:8-21).
  3. Repent and surrender to God. Admit your addiction to God and ask for forgiveness. Surrender your addiction to Him and ask Him to help you overcome it. This may require a complete change in your lifestyle, such as avoiding places or people that trigger your addiction.
  4. Hold yourself accountable. Find an accountability partner who you can trust and confide in. This person can help keep you on track and offer encouragement and support when you need it. Set measurable goals for yourself and regularly evaluate your progress toward recovery.
  5. Get professional help if needed. In some cases, professional help may be necessary to overcome addiction. Don’t be afraid to seek help from a counselor, doctor, or addiction specialist. These professionals can offer practical tools and strategies for overcoming addiction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addiction is a serious issue that affects many people, including Christians. The Bible offers valuable insights and guidance for overcoming addiction from a biblical perspective.

We see examples of addiction and its consequences throughout the Old and New Testaments, as well as a message of hope and healing through faith in God.

As Christians, we must recognize that addiction is not just a physical or emotional issue but a spiritual one as well. We must turn to God for strength, guidance, and support in our journey toward recovery.

By seeking help from the church and Christian community, praying, fasting, studying the Bible, repenting, holding ourselves accountable, and seeking professional help if needed, we can overcome addiction and live a life that is pleasing to God.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, remember that you are not alone. Seek help from your church and Christian community, and trust in God’s power to overcome addiction.

With His help, you can find freedom from addiction and become a new creation in Christ. Remember the words of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.