This is the ninth 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).
“Living Free to Enjoy the Life God Intended”
STEWARD all of my life for God’s glory.
“God has shown me great grace; grace greater than my addiction. I am learning what it means to live out of my new identity in Christ. That has pushed me to ask the question, ‘How can I be a conduit of God’s grace to others?’ As I have sought God, examined my life, and consulted with fellow believers, I believe this [describe] is what it looks like for me to steward God’s grace now.”
Memorize: I Corinthians 6:12, 19-20 (ESV), “’All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything… Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” As you memorize this passage reflect upon these key points:
- “All things are lawful” – You shouldn’t need a “rule” that says don’t drink any longer.
- “I will not be dominated” – Those things that dominate you should be voluntarily avoided.
- “Your body is a temple” – Your motivation is not shame, because God has given you the highest honor, his presence.
- “You are not your own” – When you declare Christ “Lord” you surrender the right to make destructive choices.
- “Glorify God in your body” – Bringing glory to God is now the ultimate replacement for the pleasure or escape of AoD.
Teaching Notes
“The absence of the addictive behavior is not sufficient to successfully maintain the change and become andex-addict. In order to sustain recovery, new behaviors and reinforcing experiences must become part of a new way of living in the world (p. 190)… Taking away an addiction leaves a void that must be filled by alternative satisfying reinforcers for the economics of recovery to work (p. 193).” Carlo DiClemente in Addictions and Change
“The world is full of two kinds of people – givers and takers. The takers eat well and the givers sleep well (p. 211).” John Baker in Celebrate Recovery: Leader’s Guide
“We are not set free to serve ourselves (p. 238).” Ed Welch in Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave
“At the outset, most of us tackle an addiction simply because it is giving us trouble, and our only conscious desire is to be rid of it…If my primary desire, as best I know it, is simply to change a troublesome addictive behavior, I will hardly be interested in giving my life to God in order to do so (p. 146).” Gerald May in Addiction & Grace
“The exodus is the end of captivity, but it is only the beginning of freedom (p. 117).” Graeme Goldsworthy in According to Plan
Other podcasts in the G4-addiction series are available at:
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