This is the eighth podcast in a nine part series entitled “Overcoming Addiction.” For the various counseling options available from this material visit www.summitrdu.com/counseling.
- The “Overcoming Addiction” seminar is also available in video format.
NOTE: Many people have asked how they can get a copy of the seminar notebook referenced in this verbal presentation. Summit members can pick up a copy of the notebook in the church office. For those outside the Summit family, you can request a copy from Summit’s admin over counseling at counseling@summitrdu.com (please note this is an administrative account; no individual or family counsel is provided through e-mail).
“Embracing Sobriety as ‘The Good Life’”
PERSEVERE in the new life and identity to which God has called me.
“I can see God’s faithfulness over the last [time since beginning this material]. As I have experienced victory, my temptation has changed [describe] and my ability to focus on God in non-crisis times has been stretched [examples]. I have come to realize that ‘healthy’ means more than the absence of addictive behaviors. God has an entirely different agenda for my life [explain] than what I knew. I am learning to enjoy it and be comfortable in it.”
Memorize: James 1:12-13 (ESV), “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.’” As you memorize this passage reflect upon these key points:
- “Blessed” – The place where we experience the fullness of God’s blessing is with God more than outside trials.
- “Remains steadfast” – We do not have to “overcome” or “conquer.” We are merely called to remain faithful.
- “Under trial” – The temptations that call us back to our old addictive lifestyle would be among these trials.
- “Crown of life” – The “life” promised by our addiction is already ours in Christ.
- “Let no one say” – If addictive thinking convinces us to turn from God, it separates us from our source of hope.
Teaching Notes
“The new behavior becomes fully maintained only when there is little or no energy or effort needed to continue it and the individual can terminate the cycle of change (p. 29)… Successful approximations are the way we learn most new behaviors or change old ones. It is clearly the way that most addicted individuals find their way to recovery (p. 182).” Carlo DiClemente in Addictions and Change
“Don’t forget to share your victories, no matter how small, with others in your group. Your growth will give others hope (p. 194)!” John Baker in Celebrate Recovery: Leader’s Guide
“Successful action also provides a new perspective on problems in other areas of the individual’s life. Problems that seemed trivial in light of the serious problems caused by the addiction look different in the light of abstinence. Once change of the addiction has begun, change of other problems becomes more feasible, and often more necessary, in order to sustain the change (p. 185).” Carlo DiClemente in Addictions and Change
“Whatever wins our affections will control our lives (p. 175).” Ed Welch in Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave
“When you are in an addictive trance, all you see is your addiction. When you come out of it, you begin to see God more clearly; you see other people more clearly too (p. 46).” Ed Welch in Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction
“Lonely people make good addicts (p. 118).” Kent Dunnington in Addiction and Virtue: Beyond the Models of Disease and Choice
Other podcasts in the G4-addiction series are available at:
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