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.
Let us pray that God will direct us to help others.
"Father God, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the freedom You offer us through Jesus Christ. We thank You that You are a God of healing, a God who breaks chains, and a God who sets the captives free. Lord, we lift up all those struggling with addiction—whether it be substances, harmful behaviors, or anything that takes us away from the abundant life You desire for us.
We ask for Your healing touch over each one. You know their struggles, their pain, and their fears. We pray for healing in their minds, bodies, and spirits.
Lord, restore what addiction has taken away. Replace hopelessness with hope, despair with joy, and weakness with Your strength. Break the power of addiction in their lives and fill them with the power of Your Holy Spirit.
We also dedicate our hearts and lives to You, Lord Jesus. For those seeking recovery, we ask for the courage to surrender fully to You. We know that only through You can we experience lasting freedom. Help us to walk this journey of recovery, trusting in Your grace every step of the way.
Father, surround those in recovery with a community of love, accountability, and support. May Your Word be a lamp to their feet and Your presence their constant comfort. And for those who are weary, remind them that Your yoke is easy, and Your burden is light.
Lord, we give You our struggles, our fears, and our future. Let Your will be done in our lives as we trust in Your power to transform us from the inside out. We dedicate ourselves to You, knowing that in Christ, we are made new.
We thank You for Your love, Your mercy, and Your promise of freedom. May Your name be glorified in our lives as we walk in the victory You have already won for us on the cross.
In the powerful and healing name of Jesus, we pray. Amen."
This prayer invites God's healing presence and encourages a deep commitment to Christ, recognizing that true recovery and freedom come from Him.
