Georgia School of Addiction
Unleashing the Power:
Prevention, Treatment, And Recovery
A Biblical Cognitive Approach to Understanding &
Addressing Addiction &Relapse Prevention
Workshop Facilitator: Pastor Bob Vann
Email: asbpm@bellsouth.net
© 770-315-1395
Website: www.asbpm.org
Laying The
Foundation
Understanding The Problem: Spiritual Disorder
Hebrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any
double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and
spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes
of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.
Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to
whom we must give account. NIV
UNDERSTANDING THE COMPOSITION OF MAN BEFORE HIS
FALL: SPIRITUAL ORDER (Adam Had No Problems)
All of Adam’s
soulish needs;
mental,
emotional,
volitional (will)
were being
met by Adam’s
spirit.
The Body
Soul
The Outer Man
(soul)
Servant
Acceptance
Mind
Purpose
Pure Heart
Will
Love
Man’s Spirit
Master
Center of Activity
Security
Significance
Emotions
All of Adam’s physical
needs were being met
through Adam’s soul
The Inner Man
All of Adam’s
spiritual needs
being met by
God. His
greatest need
was to be loved.
UNDERSTANDING THE COMPOSITION OF MAN FOLLOWING THE
FALL: SPIRITUAL DISORDER, THE ORIGIN OF MAN’S PROBLEMS
The Outer Man
(soul)
All of Adam’s
soulish needs;
mental,
emotional,
volitional (will)
were being
met by Adam’s
spirit.
The Body
Soul
(Servant Master)
Rejection
Female subject
to Male
Carnal
Mind
Pride of Life
All of Adam’s physical
needs were being met
through Adam’s soul
Hardened Heart Lust of Flesh
Man’s Spirit
(Master)
servant
Will
Projection &
Blame
Center of Activity
Lust of Eye
Negative Emotions
Guilt Pain/Sorrow
Shame
Child bearing Anger
Fear
The Inner Man
All of Adam’s
spiritual needs
being met by
God. His
greatest need
was to be loved.
UNDERSTANDING HOW CHRIST RESTORES SPIRITUAL ORDER:
PROVIDING A SOLUTION TO ALL MAN’S PROBLEMS
The Body
The Outer Man
(soul)
Soul has been
taught to live
independent of
his spirit & God.
A restoration
issue (Js. 1:21).
New Heart
Soul
Servant
Pride
Rejection
Street Mentality
Sex immorality
People Pleasing
Prison Mentality New Heart Un-forgiveness
Mental
Stronghold
Awfulizing
Christianity &
Sobriety
Man’s
Will
Holy
Spirit
Spirit/Master
Center of Activity
Projection &
Blame
Negative Emotions
Self-Pity
Shame Anger
Fear
Loneliness
Low Self Esteem
Guilt
All of Adam’s physical
needs were being met
through his restored
soul
The indwelling of the
Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:17)
The Inner Man
All of mankind’s
spiritual needs
being met by God
(a developmental
issue; babe in
Christ, recreated)
2 Co. 5:17
Spiritual Order Restored
1 Peter 1:23
23You
have been regenerated (born again), not from a mortal (corruptible
seed), origin (seed, sperm), but from one that is immortal by the ever living
and lasting Word of God.
Salvation is the only way that spiritual order can be restored and with
salvation God provides a solution to the origin of all problems, a new identity in
Christ restoring a relationship with Him. With spiritual order is restored;
however their remains two major issues; a developmental issue due to
spiritual immaturity. The spirit strives to maintain the authority of God;
however, the spirit is only a “babe” at birth and must be developed. And a
restoration issue due to a soul that has been polluted by the flesh and
trained to live independent of God and developed its own wisdom and power
being educated by the world and strives to maintain its own independence
(authority). The soul must be taught to cooperate and submit to the spirit. The
word of God is key to overcoming both the developmental issue of the
human spirit and restoration of the soul.
God’s Threefold Provision for Restoration
1 Corinthians 3:10-12
to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have
laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he
buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is
Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones,
wood, hay, stubble;
10According
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit: Divine Assistance
“In the economy of our salvation, the applying and effecting part is especially
attributed to the Holy Spirit. We are said to be born of the Spirit, to be
Quickened and sanctified by the Spirit, to be led and guided strengthened
and helped, by the Spirit. Through him we mortify sin, perform duty, walk in
God’s ways; all the acts and operations of the divine life in us, the works and
fruits of righteousness without us, all are through this blessed and Holy Spirit,
who is therefore called the Spirit of life, and of grace and holiness; all grace is
from him. Earnestly therefore is he to be sought and greatly to be heeded by us,
that we quench not his holy motions, nor resist and oppose him in his workings.”
Understanding The Role & Function Of the Holy Spirit
HE’S IN CHARGE OF
ALL MINISTRY
(1 Co.3:7)
The Ministry
of the Holy
Spirit
HE SAVES
Regeneration
(Titus 3:5)
HE GIVES FRUIT &
GRACE
(He. 10:29, Ga. 5:22)
HE PROVIDES ALL
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
(2 CO. 3:18)
HE PERFORMS THE
WORD
(JER. 1:12, EPH. 6:17)
HE’S THE TEACHES
(Jn. 14:26)
HE’S CONVICTS &
COMFORTS
(Jn. 16: 8, 14: 16)
HE MORTIFIES THE
FLESH
(RO. 8:13)
HE’S A SPIRITUAL
GUIDE
(JN. 16:13)
HE GIVES GIFTS
(1 Co. 12:8-13)
CULTIVATING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT:
A WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Body
The Outer Man
Soul
Man’s soul is being
Ro.12: 1-2 Servant Submission
restored to its
1 Th. 5:23-24
Temperance
original position
Js. 1:2
as servant,
Decisions based
New Heart
Mind
of
Christ
on the word of
learning not to
Man’s
God
Spiritually
operate
Will
Minded
Holy
independent of his
Faith
spirit.
New Heart
Spirit
Humility
1 Pet. 1:22-23
Spirit/Master
Center of Activity
Love Ro. 5:5
Emotional Maturity
Joy
Patience
Peace
Gentleness
Kindness
All physical needs were
being met by God (Matt.
6:33)
The indwelling of the
Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:17)
The Inner Man
Quickened
(Regenerated)
Titus 3:5, Spiritual
development:
maturing-no longer a
“babe” (2 Co. 5:17)
Understanding The Role & Function Of the Word of God
Profitable for
instruction,
reproof, correction
The Word of
God Alive &
Powerful
(He. 4:12)
(2 Ti. 3:16)
Regenerates is
everlasting, Initiates
the new birth
Is a lamp to our
feet and a light to
our path
(Psalm 119:104-106)
Is spirit & life
nourishment for the
spirit
(Jn. 6:63)
(1Pe. 1:23)
Divides soul, spirit,
Judges thoughts &
intents of heart
(He. 4:12)
Restoration of the
Soul
(James 1:21-22)
Sanctifies/Heals
(Jn. 17:17-19)
Gives discernment
& comprehesion to
the simple
(Ps. 119:130)
Key factor in
developing Faith
(Ro. 10:17)
Purifies the soul
(1Pe. 1:22)
Understanding The Role & Function Of the Body of Christ
In an essay "Strong Mentoring Relationships," in the Seven Promises of a
Promise Keeper, Glen Wagner clearly states, "in strong mentoring
relationships we obey what God commands us to do within the Body of
Christ. All issues of spiritual growth and maturity are framed in
the context of relationships." This concept is clearly expressed in the
many "one another" passages of the New Testament.
The Ministry of the Body of Christ (Local Church)
FOUR BASIC OBJECTIVES
OF THE
CHURCH
Evangelizing
the lost
Sending
the trained
Maturing
the Saints
Training
the mature
THREE STAGES OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESS:
TRUTH, FAITH AND EXPERIENCE
Truth – Cause
Foundation Receiving the
Word, attending
local churchsermons, Bible
studies
(Rom. 10:17, Eph. 4:1112)
Faith- Process
Discipline (training)
of the Holy Spirit,
test, trials,
temptations and
relationships within
the Body of Christ
(1 Pet. 1:6, Heb. 12: 5-11)
Experience –
Effect (Results)
Learning to Walk
in the Spirit,
Experiencing the
Fruit of the Spirit
(Gal. 5:22)
BIBLICAL MODEL OF ADDICTION
A BIBLICAL DEFINITION OF ADDICTION
An addiction is an effect of a sinful condition originating in an individual’s
heart due to their old nature activated by Sowing to the flesh
(Divine Law of Sowing & Reaping). Addiction manifests
itself within an individual’s soul in the form of a stronghold.
Following conversion when God crucifies the old nature
the “works of the flesh” remains within the soul
and must be put to death by the
Holy Spirit.
Where Does Addiction Have Its Origin?
The heart is where addiction has its origin. Every human being
is born with the “seeds of addiction” in their heart and you were no
exception. So, addiction is a spiritual issue that can only be
addressed by the “new birth.” When you made a decision to use
(sin) drugs/alcohol you began “sowing to the flesh,” you began
cultivating the seeds of addiction in your heart. Two factors came in
to play that determined the intensity of your use, you could have
been under the influence of a generational curse and/or have had
an infirmity (weakness) for drugs/alcohol. Regardless why you
began using drugs/alcohol once you began the enemy (demonic
forces) gained a foothold (abuse) in your soul (mind, will,
emotions) that eventually resulted in a stronghold leading you into
bondage to addiction to drugs/alcohol.
The Origin of Addiction: The Heart
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let
them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all
their flesh. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are
the issues of life.
-- Proverbs 4:20-23
What Does Jesus Say About the Heart?
“Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that
enters a man from the outside can make him ‘unclean’? For it
doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of
his body.” He went on: “What comes out of a man is what
makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts,
come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and
folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.
-- Mark 7:18-23 (NIV)
Where Does Addiction Have Its Origin?
God’s plan of salvation provided you with the only solution for both
the origin and the effects (desires, passions, cravings) of your
addiction (sin) that remain following your “new birth.” God handled the
“root cause” of addiction and requires that you cooperate with the
Holy Spirit to prevent you from returning to “sowing to the flesh,”
(relapsing) by experiencing victory over the effects of addiction (trigger,
cravings, and set-up behaviors).
What Does It Mean to Relapse?
Relapse from a biblical view simply means a person has
become involved in the process of returning to
practicing the “works of the flesh,” those old
behaviors and attitudes that were common
practices prior to their salvation.
The end result being that they
return to their “besetting sin”
of using drugs/
alcohol.
Exercise: Positional Holiness
Past Aspect of Holiness
Present Aspect of Holiness
Future Aspect of Holiness
POSITIONAL. All believers
have been set aside and
made holy for God’s service
as saints, regardless of age,
or spiritual growth (1Cor
1:2,30)
PROGRESSIVE. Depends upon
our knowledge of and faith in
our position in Christ (Ro. 6:11),
Changing Position into
experience.
FINAL. When you see the Lord
and are made like Him sinless,
without illness, deathless
(1 Cor. 4;15:54; 1 Jn 3:2)
Your position is final,
unchangeable, inseparable
from your right relational
standing, and the result
solely of our union with
Christ.
Progressive, changeable,
depends upon submitting to
God’s will (Ro. 6:13) and
conforming to God’s Word
ETERNAL. Will result in your
final state in eternity (Phil 3:21).
As God sees you in Christ
(1Co. 1:2,30, with Phil 1:1
etc.)
As you are in your conduct
(2 Thess 2:13)
As you shall be in glory
(Ro. 8:29, 1 Co. 15:49).
Unger Bible Book (modified)
(Ro. 12:2).
Understanding Salvation: God’s Plan for Change
Understanding Salvation: God’s Plan for Change
Salvation provides a believer with every spiritual resource they need to keep
from returning to “sowing to the flesh,” relapse prevention.”
Being
transformed by the “renewing of the mind” is the foundation on which the
Biblical Cognitive Relapse Prevention Model is based. “Renewing the mind” must
be progressive throughout each of the phases of the model. Phase 1, provides
the believer with God’s perspective of addiction and then introduces them to His
solution. Phase 2 is a very crucial phase where believers learn how to cultivate
their relationship with God. Phase 3, understanding their identity in Christ is
vital for believers learning to view themselves as God sees them. This phase is
key in them accepting their rightful places in the “Body of Christ,” being
comfortable in local churches. Phase 4 is key in developing the much needed
“self-control” and other Christ-like characteristics to overcome the effects of
their addiction. Phase 5 is a lifelong process that focuses on cooperating with
the Holy Spirit as He identifies the areas in the flesh (cravings, appetites, set-up
behaviors) that need to be addressed in order to “put to death the flesh.”
Believers need intensive mentoring/discipleship early in their restoration or
they will quickly return to their old lifestyle and former friends.
Positional Holiness: How Were You Made Holy?
Salvation Provides the Solution
You must clearly understand that salvation is the beginning of your growth
process and that you received the minimum amount of spiritual
growth at the moment of your conversion. With your conversion there
is a great potential for spiritual growth to be changed into the
image and likeness of Christ. You must understand that the Ultimate
Source of Change is the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. God also uses
the “Body of Christ,” (believers in local churches) the human element of
change.
Spiritual Maturity & Restoring the Soul
SPIRITUAL GROWTH & RESTORATION OF THE SOUL: THE KEYS TO
MAKING
THE
TRANSITION INTO YOUR NEW IDENTITY (PHASE 2)
Sanctification means to be made holy, separated unto God for His service,
it is an activity of the Holy Spirit setting you apart unto God for salvation
and also enabling you to be holy, as God is holy.
God Himself has
spiritually transformed you and this was the first phase of change in
your life. Now you must advance in your Christian walk with Christ
through the grace provided by the Holy Spirit into the second phase of
change.
Holiness in your conduct and character is the key to
overcoming the effects of your addiction as a result of your cooperation
with the Holy Spirit. Your role was passive in regards to your
position of holiness; however you are required by God to play an
active role in progressive holiness.
Recovering from the Recovery Movement!
Ron Rhodes states in his article, “Recovering from the Recovery Movement,”
in the Christian Research Journal, regarding how pastors of local churches
should be the primary counselors for individuals in restoration from addiction.
Yes, pastors should play an intricate role in the restoration process of every
believer. However, I personally do not believe every pastor is equipped to do
so due to a lack of biblical insight into the bondage of addiction. Ron Rhodes
clearly describes what major counseling components are necessary for
“biblical restoration” from addiction to alcohol and other drugs.
“Such biblical counseling should include: An emphasis on the importance of
becoming biblically literate. Biblical doctrine enables us to develop a realistic view,
without which we are doomed to ineffectual living (Matt. 22:23-33; Rom. 12:3; 2
Tim. 4:3-4). Moreover, doctrine can protect us from false beliefs that can lead to
destructive behavior (1 Tim. 4:1-6; 2 Tim. 2:18; Tit. 1:11).
Recovering from the Recovery Movement!
An emphasis on what the Bible says about the nature of man-including his
soul (1 Pet. 2:11), his spirit (Ro. 8:16), his heart (He. 4:12), his
conscience (1 Pet. 2:19), his mind (Ro. 12:2), as well as his sin nature
and its effects (2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 4:18; Ro. 1:18-3:20).
A thorough understanding of man’s sin nature is especially important. Too
often, recovery experts speak of getting rid of “character defects” in the
patient. However, the whole “old” self is defective or depraved (2 Cor.
4:4; Eph. 4:18; Ro. 1:18-3:20) and must go. As one critic put it, we do
not need a tune-up in our lives. We need a brand new engine.
Recovering from the Recovery Movement!
An emphasis on the threefold enemy of the Christian- (1) the world
(including the things of the world, which are expressions of “cravings of
the sinful man, the lust of his eyes, the boasting of what he has and does,”
1 John 2:16); (2) the flesh (the sinful nature itself, which is bent on sexual
immorality, impurity, witchcraft, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish
ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy, and drunkenness, Gal. 5:20-21);
and (3) the Devil (who seeks to tempt us [(1 Cor. 7:5], deceive us [2 Cor.
11:14)], afflict us [(2 Cor. 12:7)], and hinder us [1Thess. 2:18)]. All three
of these “enemies” have some bearing on human behavior.
An emphasis on dependence upon the Holy Spirit: Scripture tells us that
self-control is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). As we “walk” in the
spirit (habitually depend upon the Spirit) (v. 25), such fruit will inevitably
grow in our lives.
Recovering from the Recovery Movement!
An emphasis on the threefold enemy of the Christian- (1) the world
(including the things of the world, which are expressions of “cravings of
the sinful man, the lust of his eyes, the boasting of what he has and does,”
1 John 2:16); (2) the flesh (the sinful nature itself, which is bent on sexual
immorality, impurity, witchcraft, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish
ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy, and drunkenness, Gal. 5:20-21);
and (3) the Devil (who seeks to tempt us [(1 Cor. 7:5], deceive us [2 Cor.
11:14)], afflict us [(2 Cor. 12:7)], and hinder us [1Thess. 2:18)]. All three
of these “enemies” have some bearing on human behavior.
An emphasis on dependence upon the Holy Spirit: Scripture tells us that
self-control is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). As we “walk” in the
spirit (habitually depend upon the Spirit) (v. 25), such fruit will inevitably
grow in our lives.
Recovering from the Recovery Movement!
An emphasis on the sufficiency of God’s grace in the midst of trying
circumstances: (2 Co. 12:9-10). As the Apostle Paul discovered, God’s
grace enables us to cope with difficulties that can be overwhelming when
approached through human strength alone.
An emphasis on the role faith plays in the midst of trying circumstances:
(Heb. 11). Scripture says that without faith it is impossible to please God
v. 6). It is also true that without faith in God it is impossible to effectively
deal with behavioral problems and live victorious Christian lives (cf. Acts
15:9; 1 Thess. 5:8)
Biblical Rehabilitation
“Rehabilitation means the putting
back of the whole human race into
the relationship God designed it to
be in, and this is what Jesus Christ
did in Redemption. ”
-- Oswald Chambers
Understanding the World’s Way of Change:
Self Rehabilitation
Most individuals who have been in bondage to addiction have tried to avoid
relapsing in the past. They probably made several unsuccessful attempts at
"self-rehabilitation," making a decision to quite using drugs/alcohol
through abstinence by their own effort, determination or will-power without
any assistance from God or others, which is not freedom from addiction.
"Self-rehabilitation," is the least successful form of change because it
doesn't include God or support from others.
“When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest
and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it
arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and
takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there.
And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.”-- Luke 11:24-26
The NIV Study Bible, states, “the place has been cleaned up but left unoccupied.
A life reformed but lacking God’s presence is open to re-occupancy by evil.”
Understanding the World’s Way of Change:
Therapeutic Change
Many may have also been involved in some form of "therapeutic change" involving
treatment programs with counseling, and possibly a Twelve-Step Recovery program with
support groups or a combination of the two. "Therapeutic change," differs from "selfrehabilitation" in that it does relay on the support of others "self-rehabilitation"
however; its goal is also abstinence through by your own effort, determination or willpower but with assistance from others. Like "self-rehabilitation," "therapeutic
change" is not true freedom from addiction.
Both "therapeutic change" and "self-rehabilitation" are similar in that they do nothing to
change an individual's relationship with God, therefore a non-believers involved in either of
these two forms of change are missing the most important factor in change, a relationship
with God (salvation through Jesus Christ). "Divine assistance" is missing in both these
forms of change therefore "spiritual change" through being born again is far superior to
both "therapeutic change" and "self-rehabilitation" because it addresses the “root cause” or
origin of the addiction, sin.
21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with
meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save (restore) your souls (Jas. 1:21)
Temperance (Self-Control)
“Edward M. Smith, sums up the major differences between God's plan
and man's plan for addressing addictive behavior in his text, Healing
Life's Hurts, "It is not based on my effort, determination or willpower
but is a natural overflow of His work in me. This does not negate
obedience, repentance, discipline, or effort on the part of the believer
but rather puts all of these practices in a divine perspective…………
Self -control that is provided and maintained as a by-product of
the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:23) is different from controlled
behavior that is a fruit of man's effort. When I know the truth and
reside in the peace that Christ gives, my "self" is under control as a
work of God in me…………Controlled behavior is better than sinful
choices, but self-control provided by the Holy Spirit is best."
The Outer Man (soul)
The Outer Man (soul)
Soul
Servant
Pride
Self-Rehabilitation
Restoration of the soul
Street Mentality
Rejection
(Sin Management(character development)
Sex immorality
Arresting
People Pleasing
Prison
Mentality
New Heart
New Heart
Addiction)
Un-forgiveness
Mental
Man’s
Will
Stronghold
The Inner Man (spirit)
Awfulizing
Christianity &
Sobriety
Holy
Spirit
Spirit/Master
Center of Activity
Projection &
Blame
Negative Emotions
Self-Pity
Shame Anger
Fear
Loneliness
Low Self Esteem
Guilt
The Outer Man (soul)
Therapeutic Change
Behavioral
Modification
Spiritual
Transformation
Salvation
(RegenerationNew Identity)
Spiritual Transformation Versus Therapeutic Change
& Self Rehabilitation
Viewing the above diagram you can clearly see that both Therapeutic
Change and Self-Rehabilitation are limited focusing exclusively on
the condition of the outer man (soul-mind, will, emotions). The most
these two forms of change can provide is behavioral modification, and
sin management arresting addiction. Spiritual transformation not
only transforms man’s spiritual state of being but changes his heart
and provides the potential/power for restoration of his soul. Spiritual
Transformation addresses the origin of addiction: the old heart/nature
and the effects of addiction in the soul providing the only solution to
problem addiction.
A CONTRASTING OVERVIEW OF RECOVERY VS. SPIRITUAL
CHANGE/RESTORATION (Small Group Exercise 15 minutes)
Review the above chart, A CONTRASTING OVERVIEW OF RECOVERY VS.
SPIRITUAL CHANGE/RESTORATION and answer the following questions:
1. What is the difference between therapeutic change and selfrehabilitation?
2. How are therapeutic change and self- rehabilitation similar?
3. What makes spiritual change more effective than both therapeutic change
and self- rehabilitation?
4. What key element is missing from both therapeutic change and selfrehabilitation? Which form of change is least successful?
The Flesh A Significant Factor in Addiction
“During the years you spent separated from God, your worldly experiences
thoroughly programmed your brain with thought patterns, memory traces,
responses and habits which are alien to God. So even though your old
skipper (nature) is gone, your flesh remains in opposition to God as a
preprogrammed propensity for sin, which is living independent of
God.” ``
Neil Anderson
Works of the Flesh
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity
and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits
of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness,
orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like
this (continually/habitually practice) will not inherit the kingdom of God.
-- Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)
Witchcraft
In regards to witchcraft Mark I. Bubeck in his text, The Adversary,
makes the following statement regarding the use alcohol and other
drugs. “The use of drugs for sensational, mind-expanding
experience is a form of sorcery. Drug experimentation is a fleshly
sin which leads on into deeper bondage with Satan’s kingdom.” The
Greek interpretation for the work of witchcraft cited in this passage is
pharmakeus, and is defined as the use or the administering of drugs,
one who prepares or uses magical remedies derived from pharmakon,
a drug, from which we receive the term pharmacy.
Witchcraft
Dr. John MacArthur, in his text, The New Testament Commentary Galatians,
makes the following statement regarding the “work of the flesh,” known as
witchcraft or sorcery.
“Sorcery translates pharmakeia, from which we get pharmacy and
pharmaceutical. It was originally used of medicines in general but came to
be used primarily of mood-and mind-altering drugs similar to those that
create so much havoc in our own day. Many ancient religious ceremonies
involved occultic practices in which drugs were used to induce supposed
communications with deities and pharmakeia thereby came to be closely
related to witchcraft and black magic. Aristotle and other Greek writers
used the word as a synonym for witchcraft and black magic, because drugs
were so commonly used in their practice.”
The Works of the Flesh
Debauchery
Sexual Sin
(Defilement of
the human body)
Impurity
Worship of man made
things (selling & using of
Idolatry
Witchcraft
mood & mind altering Drugs
Orgies
Discord
Defilement of Human Relationships
(hindering fulfillment of the 2nd greatest
commandment)
Murders KJV
Drunkenness
Jealousy
Fits of Rage
Envy
Factions
Hatred
Selfish Ambitions
Dissension
Fellowship with God:(Koinonia) “Sowing to the Spirit”
Fruit of the Spirit
Part 3
The Divine Law of Sowing & Reaping
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of
the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well
doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we
have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially
unto them who are of the household of faith.
-- Galatians 6:7-10
A Divine Law: Key to Restoration
The Divine Law of Sowing & Reaping
“The law of sowing and reaping is just as valid in the spiritual as in
the physical and moral realms. The frustration and the hopelessness
of humanistic psychology, psychiatry, and counseling can be traced,
among other things, to their refusal to consider the immutable
spiritual law of sowing and reaping. A person’s character cannot
be changed until his nature is changed, and that can happen
only through the new creation that comes from trust in
Jesus Christ.”
-- John Mac Arthur Jr.
THE DISEASE CONCEPT
Dr. Richard S. Sandor in his article “the Disease Concept
Revisited, in the Addiction Professional, June 2010 states the
following:
To start, scientific data can no more “prove” that addiction is a
disease than it can “prove” that the sky is blue. Either we all agree that
the color of the sky is sufficiently like everything else we call “blue,” or
we agree to call it something else. In the same way, asserting that
addiction is a disease cannot be proven by scientific data. A
disease concept is really a theory of addiction—a way of showing
that addiction is like all the other things we generally accept as diseases.
THE DISEASE CONCEPT
Despite the preponderance of medical opinion that some drug and
alcohol users have a disorder diminished capacity to choose freely
whether or not to use a particular substance the moral models retain
some vitality. In 1882, when the disease concept was first gaining
momentum, the Reverend J. E. Todd wrote an essay entitled
"Drunkenness a Vice, Not a Disease." In the late 1980s, the disease
concept critics Fingarette and Peele put forth almost precisely the same
thesis. Peele has argued that the disease concept absolves the
individual from responsibility, runs counter to scientific facts,
and is perpetuated for the benefit of the treatment industry.
However, his thesis has been criticized for using the classic disease
model as a "straw man" because it does not take into account the more
recent adoption of the bio-psychosocial model.
THE DISEASE CONCEPT
“Some physicians, scientists and others have rejected the disease theory
of alcoholism on logical, empirical and other grounds. Some critics of
the disease model argue alcoholism is a choice, not a disease, and
stripping alcohol abusers of their choice, by applying the disease
concept, is a threat to the health of the individual; the disease concept
gives the substance abuser an excuse. A disease cannot be cured by
force of will; therefore, adding the medical label transfers the
responsibility from the abuser to caregivers. Inevitably the abusers
become unwilling victims, and just as inevitably they take on that role.
They argue that the disease theory of alcoholism exists only to
benefit the professionals' and governmental agencies
responsible for providing recovery services, and the disease model
has not offered a solution for those attempting to stop abusive alcohol
and drug use.”
Baldwin Research Institute
THE DISEASE CONCEPT
History and science have shown us that the existence of the disease of
alcoholism is pure speculation. Just saying alcoholism is a disease,
doesn't make it true. Nevertheless, medical professionals and American
culture enthusiastically embraced the disease concept and quickly applied
it to every possible behavior from alcohol abuse to compulsive lecturing
and nail biting. The disease concept was a panacea (solution) for many
failing medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies, adding billions
of dollars to the industry and leading to a prompt evolution of poppsychology. Research has shown that alcoholism is a choice, not a
disease, and stripping alcohol abusers of their choice, by applying the
disease concept, is a threat to the health of the individual. The
disease concept oozes into every crevice of our society perpetuating
harmful misinformation that hurts the very people it was intended to help.
Remarkably, the assumptions of a few were accepted as fact by the
medical profession, devoid of any scientific study or supporting evidence.
And soon after, the disease concept was accepted by the general public.
Baldwin Research Institute
World’s Recovery
System
Arrest
(manage)
Therapy
(Bio/Psycho/
Social & 12
Steps)
Disease
Body &
Soul
HIGHER POWER (god
of own Understanding)
Two Contrasting
Approaches to
the Addiction
Problem
Perspective of
Addiction
Solutions
AA, NA, CA
Spiritual
Immaturity
Resources
(Believer)
AA literature
(Unbeliever)
Body
Soul &
Spirit
(Put to
death)
Salvation
(Spiritual
Transformation)
(GOD OF THE BIBLE)
Sanctification
Temperance
Bible
Big Book,
Eternal
Death
Sin
Mortify
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
ABSTINENCE BY WILL POWER
Fellowship
Biblical Cognitive
Approach
Results
Fellowship
(living Word
of God)
Body of Christ
Eternal Life
High Quality
of Spiritual
Life
(Christ centered
groups)
Foothold: An Opportunity for the Enemy
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are
still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (NIV).
-- Ephesians 4:26-27
A foothold is established in an individual’s life when they
give place to Satan by providing an opportunity for entry
through sinning.
Stronghold: Satan’s Fortress in the Soul
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world
does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the
world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish
strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that
sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive
every thought to make it obedient to Christ
.
(NIV)
A stronghold is a negative pattern of thoughts, emotions, or attitudes’
leading to behaviors which has been burned into the soul either through
repetition over time or through a one-time traumatic experience, that is
contrary to the word and will of God.
Generational Curses
Dr. Terry Wise, in his text The Fundamentals of Spiritual Warfare,
makes the following statement regarding the disbelief of many
Christians regarding ancestral sin (generational curses).
“Revealing their scientific worldview, many find it hard to believe that ancestral
sin can also be an entry point for Satan’s work. However, this reality is based
on both theology and experience. If one’s parents or ancestors were involved
in the occult and experienced demonic activity, then the children and
ancestors may also be affected by that experience.”
“We have no problem accepting this principle in the physical realm. Why is it
so hard to accept in the spiritual realm? A child born to drug addicted parents
may come into the world with a chemical dependency on those drugs from
which he/she has absolutely no responsibility. The child is a victim of the
parents’ sin. It is readily accepted that children who are victims of emotional
abuse have a greater tendency to become abusive parents themselves.”
Generational Curses
Kathy McReynolds and Boyd Luter, in their article “Recovering
through Fully Biblical Recovery,” in the Christian Research Journal,
make the following statement regarding “intergenerational sin.”
“Without alleviating personal responsibility, however, it is crucial to
acknowledge the profound affect that past experiences can have on the
present. To downplay this is to bypass a bedrock scriptural principle: sin
is “intergenerational,” that is, the sins of the fathers are passed down to
their children (Deut. 5:9). This is why the Israelites were commanded
not only to obey the Law, but also to teach it to their children (6:7-9).
In this way, the Israelites would “pass down” to their posterity the right
ways of the Lord so it might go well with them.
Mortifying: (Destroying the Flesh)
Romans 8:11-13
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal
bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are
debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the
flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (put to
death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
The Holy Spirit performs in us all that the Lord has done outside us.
Jesus’ crucifixion is a finished work; mortification or “putting the flesh to
death” is accomplished by the Holy Spirit assisting a believer in experiencing
Christ’s work (victory) in every area of his/her life.
Phase 2
The Most Significant Factor In Relapse Prevention:
Your Fellowship with God
1 John 1:3-4
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you,
that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our
fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus
Christ. 4 And these things write we unto you,
that your joy may be full.
The Most Significant Factor In Relapse Prevention:
Fellowship with God
“The first reason God created man was for the purpose of relationship.
God the Father wanted a family of children to share life with to get to
know in a personal way.
Throughout Scriptures God’s desire for
fellowship and communion with man is revealed. From the time that
God sought Adam “in the garden in the cool of the day” God has been
seeking fellowship with man (Genesis 3:8). However, the sin which
caused Adam to hide from God has been hindering man’s relationship
with God ever since (Isaiah 59: 1,2). It is only through the New Covenant
that God’s purpose of a relationship with man is fully accomplished. Now
God indwells each believer making fellowship constantly available (John
14:16-20,23).”
Kevin J. Conner
The Most Significant Factors In Relapse Prevention:
Fellowship with God
KOINONIA or
FELLOWSHIP:
A partnership
between God
and a believer
requiring faith &
obedience in
common
participation of
a love
experience.
Developing an
Understanding
of their
NEW IDENTITY IN
CHRIST and
Having Faith in
It
CHARACTER
DEVELOPMENT
through
Relational
knowledge of
God
Practicing The Basic Spiritual Disciplines
“A farmer is helpless to grow grain; all he can do is provide the right
conditions for the growing of grain. He cultivates the ground, he plants
the seed, he waters the plants, and then the natural forces of the earth
take over and up comes the grain. This is the way it is with the
Spiritual Disciplines, they are the way of sowing to the Spirit.
The Disciplines are God’s way of getting us into the ground; they put us
where he can work within us and transform us. By themselves the
Spiritual Disciplines can do nothing; they can only get us to a
place where something can be done. They are God’s means of
grace. The inner righteous we seek is not something that is poured on
our heads. God has ordained the Disciplines of the spiritual life as the
means by which we place ourselves where he can bless us.”
Spiritual Disciplines: A Means to God’s Grace
The 6 Basic
Spiritual
Disciplines
Phase 3
The 2nd Most Significant Factor In Relapse Prevention:
Understanding & Having Faith in Your Identity in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new
has come! (NIV).
Exercise: Positional Holiness
Past Aspect of Holiness
Present Aspect of Holiness
Future Aspect of Holiness
POSITIONAL. All believers
have been set aside and
made holy for God’s service
as saints, regardless of age,
or spiritual growth (1Cor
1:2,30)
PROGRESSIVE. Depends upon
our knowledge of and faith in
our position in Christ (Ro. 6:11),
Changing Position into
experience.
FINAL. When you see the Lord
and are made like Him sinless,
without illness, deathless
(1 Cor. 4;15:54; 1 Jn 3:2)
Your position is final,
unchangeable, inseparable
from your right relational
standing, and the result
solely of our union with
Christ.
Progressive, changeable,
depends upon submitting to
God’s will (Ro. 6:13) and
conforming to God’s Word
ETERNAL. Will result in your
final state in eternity (Phil 3:21).
As God sees you in Christ
(1Co. 1:2,30, with Phil 1:1
etc.)
As you are in your conduct
(2 Thess 2:13)
As you shall be in glory
(Ro. 8:29, 1 Co. 15:49).
Unger Bible Book (modified)
(Ro. 12:2).
UNDERSTANDING HOW CHRIST RESTORES SPIRITUAL ORDER:
PROVIDING A SOLUTION TO ALL MAN’S PROBLEMS
The Body
The Outer Man
(soul)
Soul has been
taught to live
independent of
his spirit & God.
A restoration
issue (Js. 1:21).
New Heart
Soul
Servant
Pride
Rejection
Street Mentality
Sex immorality
People Pleasing
Prison Mentality New Heart Un-forgiveness
Mental
Stronghold
Awfulizing
Christianity &
Sobriety
Man’s
Will
Holy
Spirit
Spirit/Master
Center of Activity
Projection &
Blame
Negative Emotions
Self-Pity
Shame Anger
Fear
Loneliness
Low Self Esteem
Guilt
All of Adam’s physical
needs were being met
through his restored
soul
The indwelling of the
Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:17)
The Inner Man
All of mankind’s
spiritual needs
being met by God
(a developmental
issue; babe in
Christ, recreated)
2 Co. 5:17
Part # 2
Avoiding The Identity Crisis
To be “born again” receiving a new nature and a new life in God, a member
in the “Body of Christ.”
“At the moment of your conversion, you were justified completely in God’s
sight. Your old sinful self was destroyed forever. You were made a partaker of
the divine nature, the nature of Christ. You became anew person in Christ
and you were declared by God to be a saint. This was a one-time transformation.
There is nothing you can do to improve upon God’s activity in transforming you
and justifying you. He intends merely that you believe what He’s done and
accept your identity as His child.”
Neil T. Anderson
What Makes A Person an Addict/Alcoholic?
The Old Man Ephesians-- 2:1-10
Old Nature
Spiritual
Death
(Genesis 2:17)
Old Heart
Stony,
Hardened
(Ezek.
36:26b)
Unbeliever
(Eph.2:1-3)
Soul + Flesh
Strongholds,
Cravings.
Appetites
(Gal. 6:7-10)
Educated
By
The World
& Satan
(1John 2:1517)
A New Creature In Christ-- 1 Cor. 6:9-11
New Nature
Spiritual
Rebirth
(Titus 3:5)
New Heart
For God
(Ez. 36:26b-27)
New
Creature
In Christ
(2 Co. 5:17)
Soul + Flesh
Strongholds,
Cravings.
Appetites
(Gal. 6:7-10)
“Works of the
Flesh” mortified
by Holy Spirit &
Soul transformed
by renewing of
the mind
(Rom. 8:11-13, 12:2)
God’s Amazing Grace: Biblical Formula for Growth
(2 Peter 1:2)
Practicing The Basic Spiritual Disciplines
Richard J. Foster, states in his text, The Celebration of Discipline, “God has given us
the Disciplines of the spiritual life as a means of receiving grace. The Disciplines
allow us to place ourselves before God so that he can transform us.” He
continues by explaining how the Apostle Paul stated, “but he who sows to his own
flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the
Spirit reap eternal life” (Gal 6:8).
Summarization of a Biblical View of Addiction
Witchcraft
Old Nature
Seeds (Flesh)
of Addiction
in Old Heart
Cultivated by
Practicing
the “Works of
the Flesh”
Drunkenness
Idolatry
Galatians 6: 8
Alcohol &
Drug
Addiction
Summarization of a Biblical View of
Relapse Prevention
Word of God
Prayer
New Nature
Fruit of the
Spirit
(seeds)
Seeds being
cultivated by
Practicing
the 6 Basic
Spiritual
Disciplines
Praise &
Worship
Fasting
Galatians 6: 8
Thanksgiving
Fellowship
Restoration