Addiction
Judges 3:12-30 – Stab Deep, Run Fast, and Fight Hard (November 30, 1997) – MP3 / YouTube
Even though eternal salvation is free, the Christian life is rugged and tough. The Christian life is for fighters. In this passage from the book of Judges regarding the left-handed Ehud and the children of Israel ‘s struggle against the Moabites and their fat Moabite king, Eglon, Zane illustrates how this is also a pattern of a Christian’s struggle against his own sinful flesh. The sinful flesh’s authority and right to rule over a Christian, has been crucified with Christ. Although the authority of our sinful flesh has died, we as Christians still need to run fast when it comes to strong temptations and situations that endanger our freedom from the sinful flesh. Finally, Christians, through the strength of God and by faith in God’s power, need to put to death the sinful habits of their flesh and allow God to transform them more and more into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. Other passages mentioned include: Colossians 3:5; John 6:47; Genesis 19:30-38; Galatians 5:24; Romans 6:6; and 2 Timothy 2:22.
Luke 13:10-13:17 – Beware of the Burden of Bondage (May 31, 1992) – MP3 / YouTube
Satan has trapped millions under the bondage of addiction. What do those under the bondage of addiction need? They need what the woman who had a spirit of infirmity needed. They need the power of Jesus’ word and the strength that Jesus’ hands alone can impart. The Christian church needs to be the place, where we introduce people to the delivering power of Jesus Christ, to the power that His word can have in their lives and to the strength that His hands can impart. Other passages mentioned: Matthew 17:18; Luke 9:42; Luke 4:35; John 8:31-36; John 11:1-44.