Scripture Reading: Hosea 4:6-10

Addicted to Sin

Intro.

1. Addiction: “Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance”; “The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something.” 2 Pet. 2:19

a. The addict repeatedly chooses the same behavior despite knowing the adverse consequences to himself.

b. Denial is often a trait of the addict. (Alcohol, drugs, sex…)

2. Addiction is not beyond one’s ability to change. It began with a choice – and that choice can be changed. Being addicted to sin is no excuse for remaining in it.

3. The grace of God in Christ enables all who come to him in faith to be freed from sin’s habit and bondage.

I. SIN IS ADDICTING BY NATURE, Rom. 1:29.

A. Sin Multiplies when it is Left Unchecked, Isa. 30:1; Jer. 9:3; 2 Tim. 3:13.

B. Filled up with Practicing Sin, 2 Peter 2:14; 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

1. Lust of the flesh (sensual satisfaction): Habitually fulfilling the sinful desires of the flesh.

2. Lust of the eye (covetousness): Fixation on what is seen/desired in the mind.

3. Pride of life: Selfishness fuels the fulfilling of sinful passion.

C. Sinners are Ruled by Sin (slave to it), Rom 6:6, 12; 7:23-25.

1. We are the slave of what we obey, Rom. 6:16.

2. People become addicted to sin by choice and practice, Rom. 1:28-32; Eph. 2:1-3; 4:17-19.

D. Must Choose to be Addicted to Righteousness, Rom. 6:16-22.

II. THE ADDICTION OF SIN CAN BE BROKEN, Rom 6:6-7, 11-14; 2 Tim. 2:25-26; Titus 3:3-7.

A. Conversion to Christ, Rom. 7:24-8:1.

1. This demands genuine repentance, Lk. 15:17-21.

2. No addiction can be overcome without the mind/will to do so.

3. Heart must first be given to the Lord, 2 Cor. 7:9-10 (1 Cor. 6:9-11; Acts 18:8).

B. One Must End Every Association with the People, Places, Triggers and Temptations of Sin, Matt. 5:29-30.

1. Put sin to death, Col. 3:1-7; Rom. 13:11-14.

2. The fruit of repentance, Lk. 3:8; cf. 1 Cor. 6:12-20; 15:33.

3. Flee lusts, 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 10:12.

4. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 13:14; Col. 3:9-10.

III. THE ADDICTION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS MUST BE ESTABLISHED, Phil. 4:8.

A. Develop and Make New Habits, Eph. 4:20-24; 2 Pet. 1:5-11.

B. Allow those who Love You to Hold You Accountable, Jas. 5:16; Gal.6:1-2.

Conclusion

1. Those who were by nature children of wrath became children of God by choosing to obey God while denying unrighteousness.

2. God is ready to save you and help you if you have become addicted to sin, 2 Cor. 6:16-7:1.

3. Come to Christ for rest, Matt. 11:28-30.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: March 7, 2014