Page 115 - Biblical Counseling II

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. Colossians 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."

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

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