I Made Up My Mind To Move On In Life.

Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.

This is my Bible.

I am what it says I am.

I can do what it says I can do.

I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.

Today I will learn more of the word of God.

The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.

I will never be the same.

I will never be the same.

In Jesus Name

Amen?

Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.

I made up my mind to move on in life.

Today’s message is about recovery from addiction can offer hope, guidance, and encouragement by pointing people to the healing power of faith in God.

People think that addiction is only drugs and alcohol, but it can be many things. It is what becomes more important in our life than daily living.

Romans 6:16-18: “Do you not know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.”

2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

1. Acknowledging the Reality of Addiction

Addiction is a form of bondage, whether it's to substances, behaviors, or harmful thought patterns. It controls the mind, emotions, and body.

Romans 6:16 speaks about being slaves to what we obey. Addiction enslaves us to something other than God’s will for our lives.

Addiction is like being trapped in a prison or a storm, both overwhelming and seemingly inescapable. This is why many people feel hopeless, but hope is found in Christ.

2. Jesus Came to Set Us Free

John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Jesus has the power to break every chain. The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus came to set the captives free, including those captive to addiction.

Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

3. The Importance of Repentance and Surrender

Repentance is not just feeling bad about addiction but turning away from it and surrendering it to God.

James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

To recover from addiction, we need more than just willpower; we need divine power. Surrendering to God is the first step in finding that power. Only through Jesus can one experience true transformation.

4. Transformation Through Christ

Recovery is not just about stopping a behavior but becoming a new creation in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

When we surrender our addictions to Christ, He changes our hearts. He not only sets us free but gives us a new identity, purpose, and future. Recovery is a lifelong process of transformation through God’s grace.

5. The Role of the Church and Community

Recovery is often difficult to walk through alone. The church must play a role in supporting those struggling with addiction.

Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

We as a church need to be a place of love, accountability, and prayer. Support groups, mentorship, and practical help can all assist in someone’s recovery journey.

6. The Power of Prayer and Scripture

Recovery must be rooted in a relationship with God. We as a church need to encourage those in addiction to cling to the Word and to pray without ceasing.

Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

God hears the cries of those who seek Him, and through His strength, we can overcome any obstacle, including addiction.

Jesus promises freedom and abundant life. Recovery from addiction is possible when we place our trust in Him.

We as a church need to encourage anyone struggling with addiction to take that first step of surrender, find strength in Christ, and lean on the community of believers for support.

This message can offer hope and practical steps grounded in Scripture for anyone seeking recovery, reminding them that through Christ, freedom and transformation are possible.