Addiction. It’s a word that is all too well known within our culture. It’s the problem of our time. It breaks and takes life. Does the Bible speak to this problem? Does it understand the  struggle and the suffering that is often experienced in addiction? And most importantly does it present a true hope?

Join us as we explore what the Bible says about addiction and the hope that it presents us in Jesus - the Bondage Breaker!

Part 1: The Heart of Addiction

Addictions come in all shapes and sizes. What is the spiritual/heart condition that underlies any addiction? How does the Bible view addictions? Sin, disease or both? Jesus tells us that it’s all an issue of worship. While chemicals, psychology, circumstances and triggers all play a powerful role in the battle with addiction, the rock bottom of the issue is the object of your deepest affection and worship.

Part 2: The Rock

Luke 6:46-49

The problem of addiction is a problem of the heart. We were created to serve something, to be mastered by something, to build our lives upon something. Yet each of us has exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and we’ve turned to worship created things, rather than the good and perfect Creator. The object of your worship is the foundation of your life, and when storms of life arise you will stand or fall depending on what you’ve put your trust in.

Part 3: The Impossible (Made Possible)

Luke 19:1-10

A true release from the bondage of addiction seems impossible. But can the impossible be made possible? Can true lasting change be experienced? Let's consider how Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus might answer that question. The truth is Jesus sees as as we are and he comes after us.

Part 4: The Problem of Shame

Luke 7:36-50

This week takes us deeper into the problem of shame. Shame drove Zacchaeus' vindictive pursuit of power and wealth. It’s shame that fueled this worship disorder. The strongest and most destructive addictions at core have been those that are driven by a deep sense of shame. So what is shame? How does it drive addictive behavior? And what can be done about it? 

Part 5: The Problem of Pride

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

When it comes to addictive behavior, why do we always take back our will? Why do we continue to do the things that are blatantly opposed to God’s will? How does pride relate to addiction?

Part 6: A Church of Addicts

Hebrews 3

How does a church full of addicts make it to the end? Is it possible for a person battling addiction to lose their salvation? The fundamental point of this passage is that the mark of a true Christian is not confessing faith, but persevering faith.

Instead of asking “When did you profess to know Jesus?” we should be asking “What are you doing with Jesus right now?” Find out how to press on to the end in the midst of others whose hearts are constantly tempted to go astray.

Part 7: The Crossroads

Proverbs 9

This sermon wraps up our Bondage Breaker series by looking at the crossroads between the way of wisdom and the way of folly. As we consider the various parts of this series and how the Bible addresses the problem of addiction, this message brings us to a point of decision.

Will you choose the freedom of the way of wisdom that Christ has won, or will you head down the path of folly which brings sure destruction?