Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. I stand before you today with a heart brimming with anticipation, not because the message is easy, but because it is necessary. It is a message about a battle we all fight, a struggle we all face, and a victory that is available to us all. It is about addiction, vigilance, and freedom.

Our lives are like a battlefield, and we are the soldiers. We fight against the unseen enemy of addiction, which can take many forms and wear many faces. It is a relentless foe that seeks to enslave us, to rob us of our joy, our peace, and our freedom. But we are not helpless. We are not without defenses. We have been equipped with the armor of God, and we have been called to be vigilant, to stand firm in our faith and to resist the devil.

Becoming Battle-Ready Against Addiction

We find ourselves on a battlefield, not of our choosing, but one that we must navigate nonetheless. This battlefield is not marked by physical trenches or barbed wire but by the invisible chains of addiction. These chains can take many forms, from substances like alcohol and drugs to behaviors like gambling and overeating.

To fight this battle, we must first acknowledge that we are indeed in a battle. Denial is a powerful tool of the enemy, one that keeps us in bondage and prevents us from seeking help. We must face the reality of our situation, no matter how uncomfortable or painful it may be. This is the first step towards becoming battle-ready.

Once we acknowledge the battle, we must prepare ourselves for the fight. This preparation involves equipping ourselves with the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. This armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Each piece of this armor serves a specific purpose and provides us with the protection and the weapons we need to stand against the enemy.

In addition to equipping ourselves with the armor of God, we must also cultivate a spirit of vigilance. This means being aware of our triggers, those situations, people, or emotions that make us vulnerable to temptation. It means being proactive in seeking help and support, whether that's through a recovery group, a trusted friend, or a professional counselor.

Vigilance also involves taking care of our physical health. Addiction often takes a toll on our bodies, and recovery involves healing not just our minds and spirits, but our bodies as well. This means eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. It means avoiding situations and substances that can harm our physical health.

Finally, becoming battle-ready involves embracing the freedom that is available to us through Christ. This is not a freedom to do whatever we want, but a freedom to do what is right, to live a life that is pleasing to God. It is a freedom to live in the present, to experience the joy and peace that come from a relationship with Christ.

Transition. Becoming battle-ready against addiction requires courage, determination, and perseverance. But it is a battle worth fighting, for the prize is not just freedom from addiction, but a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Savior. And that is a prize worth fighting for.

Bolstering Our Defenses Through Vigilance

As we turn our attention to the words of the Apostle Peter in his first epistle, we find a call to action that is as relevant today as it was in the first century ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO