The purpose of this study is to help someone develop biblical convictions about addressing the use and abuse of alcohol, nicotine and other damaging chemical addictive substances.Biblical Definition of Addiction: Romans 7:14-20

The purpose of this study is to help someone develop biblical convictions about addressing the use and abuse of alcohol, nicotine and other damaging chemical addictive substances.
Biblical Definition of Addiction: Romans 7:14-20
This scripture clearly shows the powerlessness associated with addiction. Give an example of someone who wants to quit drinking (smoking or drugging) and has tried many times only to find themselves back at square one. It also shows its relationship to sin. From the very beginning it is important to establish that addiction is a sin issue and must be approached from that standpoint. Helping the person you are studying with to understand this at the outset will be crucial to their willingness to repent and get help.
Damaging effects of Addiction:
Drugs enslave us, including and especially nicotine
Romans 6:12 “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”
2 Peter 2:19 “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.”
Sin is not just looking to have us only on weekends. It desires to enslave us and reign supreme in our lives in place of God. Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are addictive. They will become more important to you than God unless you stop using them. There is no easing off or cutting back. Sin needs to be dealt with quickly and effectively.
Makes the Gospel Unattractive
Titus 2:6-10 “Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
God wants us to set an example for all non-believers and for our children. How attracted to God’s kingdom would you have been if the person who invited you was smoking and drinking and using drugs? Is that the kind of life that scripture indicates God desires to work through? Do you desire for God to work powerfully in and through your life? Substance abuse hinders God from working in our lives.
Violates Others Rights
Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Philippians 2:4 “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Being a christian means that we consider others better than ourselves. How could we do this and abuse drugs at the same time! The negative effects of drug and tobacco usage has a huge impact on others around us. The Law and the Prophets all pointed to loving one another and by doing this, we should not knowingly harm another person. When we use inevitably that is what happens. Others are harmed.
Dishonors God with Our Body
Romans 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
2 Corinthians 7:1 Since, we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."
As Christians, our body is the temple of God. When we do not have respect for how we treat it, we disrespect God.
A Poor Substitute for Prayer as a Means of Dealing with Anxiety
Philippians 4:6, 7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God wants us to rely on Him when we feel anxious, to tell Him how we are feeling and to trust that He will take care of us. Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are poor substitutes for the peace that God wants to give us. We understand that dealing with some sins are more difficult than others even our Lord acknowledged that when He said “this kind can only come out through prayer and fasting” It is the this kind that we direct our attentions toward in the C.R. Ministry. With God’s help, in a safe confidential setting, we use the scriptures along with a proven approach toward helping free people from the power of addiction.
James 4:17 “He who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it sins” If you know that there has been some kind of chemical addiction in your life; whether it be from alcohol, tobacco or drugs God encourages you to do something about it. This would be a great opportunity to introduce the person to the Chemical Recovery Ministry at Church.
The sooner they get introduced to the ministry the better their chances of having a sincere study and conversion experience. There is so much deceit and denial associated with addiction that it is almost impossible for someone under such conditions to make an honest connection to God.