Page 135 - Advanced Biblical Counseling Student Textbook

Read the following second article about addiction: “What does the Bible teach about addiction? First,
the Bible clearly notes that addictions are a real problem people face in this world. For example,
church leaders could not be addicted to much wine (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). Sexual purity is also often
an area of emphasis in the Bible, teaching believers to flee from sexual immorality, highlighting the
addictive nature of sexual sin (1 Corinthians 6:18).

Second, the Bible is clear about finding help for addictions. This help ultimately comes from God as we
replace old habits with new ones. Colossian 3:8-10 explains, "But now you must put them all away:
anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that
you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in
knowledge after the image of its creator."

Third, other people can also help against addiction. Galatians 6:1-2 shares, "Brothers, if anyone is
caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep
watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
James 5:19-20 adds, "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings
him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from
death and will cover a multitude of sins."

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