Page 128 - Biblical Counseling II-Textbook

Fourth, the Holy Spirit helps provide power against addiction. The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians
5:18, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit." The solution
to addiction to a substance or practice is to replace it with an "addiction" or focus on God. This is also
the teaching of Deuteronomy 6:5 that adds, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your might."

However, it is also important to note that God may not take away every area of temptation. For
example, the apostle Paul faced an unknown "thorn in the flesh" though he repeatedly prayed for God
to take it away (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). He continued to struggle with a personal issue though God gave
him the grace to deal with it on a daily basis. In some cases, God may allow the temptation or struggle to
remain; however, this does not mean we are to give up. Instead, it causes us to depend on God's grace:
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (1 Corinthians 12:9).

Addictions are a very real issue, but they are not impossible to overcome with the help of God and God's
people. Scripture offers much encouragement regarding the reality of addiction, God's power to fight
addiction, the importance of other believers to help, and the strength of God's Spirit for the believer
who seeks to fight against addictive struggles” (“Compelling Truth,” p. 1, 2020).

17.4 Let’s Practice

1-8. Explain the 8 steps of the addiction cycle in Dr. Ted Witzig’s article.

9-10. Choose two Bible verses that apply to addiction and stand out to you.

17.5 Let’s Personalize this Lesson. . .

Using the information from the first article and the four steps mentioned in the
second article, explain how you would help a man in your community who is addicted
to alcohol and asks for your help.

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