Addiction

Addiction – Slavery to the Body!

The Bible teaches that within the stewardship of each one of us there is both a body and a soul, and of the two, the soul takes priority (Matthew 10:28).  The body, therefore, is a tool by which to develop the soul and the soul’s relationship to God.  The interaction between the two, however, is intimate and bidirectional.  The soul experiences the activities of the body; the body provides the context for the growth and development of the soul.  So, while the body is a tool, it is not a mere tool; it is not a dispensable tool.  The body will always provide the soul a context of experience even in eternity (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).  Nevertheless, the body is servant to the soul; the aim of the body is the growth, development, and salvation of the soul (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Our physical bodies are corruptible, dishonorable, weak, and natural (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).  They are composed of flesh, and contain powerful passions.  These passions are present to help us survive in the world.  They move us to eat, drink, sleep, and engage in other physical activities.  These physical activities are not ends in themselves (Romans 14:17).  They are part of the context of the development and salvation of our souls.  When these activities become ends in and of themselves, the soul begins to serve the body and its passions.  When the passions of the body rule, addiction begins, the development of the soul ceases, and the flesh takes control.  In such a state we begin to “mind the things of the flesh” (Romans 8:5).  We become addicted to flesh.

Anything can become an addiction because addiction is based within the desires of the body.  People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder become addicted to the simplest of activities: hand washing, twisting hair, looking in the mirror, thumb twiddling, clipping one’s nails, etc.  One would not think that such seemingly ordinary activities would be spiritually damaging.  However, if the focus of one’s life becomes one’s body, to whatever extent that the focus is on the body, the soul has lost control.  It is the soul that must remain in control of the body; it is spirit that must prevail over flesh.

It is imperative, therefore, that the mind of the spirit rules each one’s life.  “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Romans 8:13).  Just as the soul is not the body, so also spirit is not flesh.  Spirit has a different set of desires than flesh.  It is the desires of spirit that must be followed.  We do not naturally know those desires, as we naturally know the desires of the flesh.  Only God’s Spirit can reveal the desires of spirit to us through His word (1 Corinthians 2:10).

This sets up a contrast between spiritual desires and fleshly desires.  Spiritual desires are absolute; fleshly desires are relative.  Spiritual desires are objective; fleshly desires are subjective.  Addiction is wholesale abandonment of the control of the spirit over the flesh, and when we permit the flesh to control the spirit, we return to the beggarly elements of the world (Galatians 4:9).  We become slaves to the body (John 8:34, Romans 6:16, 2 Peter 2:19).

There is no shortage in the list of addictions.  This issue of the Christian Worker seeks to deal with some of the chief of these addictions: alcoholism, drug abuse, tobacco, pornography, gluttony, sex abuse, personal fashion abuse.  There is also a segment in this issue on some “up and coming” addictions related to the advent of personal technologies: technology abuse, television abuse, entertainment abuse.  To this list could be added: gambling, activities of leisure, sports, working, and even sleeping (Proverbs 6:9-10).  Any desire of the flesh can become an addiction.

In focusing upon these particular addictions, we hope that each one will awake to the potential slavery of all fleshly desires.  With awareness of such things, we can order our lives to be governed by the spiritual, so that the fleshly has no power.  Only when the desires of flesh are ruled by the desires of spirit, may the desires of flesh be used to God’s glory.  Only then can we hope to find spiritual peace.  “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6).

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Foundation

The Foundation of His Church

When Jesus arrived in Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples two questions. The first was, “Who do men say that I am?” The second one was, “Who do you say that I am?” Their answers to the first question attest to the amazing life Jesus had lived before the Jewish nation. They saw Him as being equal to Jeremiah, Elijah, other prophets or John the Baptist. The esteem they held for such messengers of God was given to Jesus.

The answer to the second question was, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matt. 16:18). He was more than a man! He was more than the greatest prophets God had already sent. Napoleon once said of Jesus, “I know men, and Jesus Christ is more than a man.” The disciples knew this truth. They had read of the prophets, heard John preached and they had been with Jesus for years. The only possible explanation to what they had seen and heard was what Jesus found in Peter’s answer. Jesus was truly the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

The church is built upon Jesus. While Peter’s other name was Cephas (this Aramaic word means the same as the Greek word, petros—a stone—see John 1:42), the church was not built on Peter. When Jesus said “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He does not use the Greek word for Peter, but another Greek word indicating a massive rock. The church was not built on Peter, but upon the massive truth that Peter affirmed when he said Jesus was the Son of the living God. Paul’s words showed this truth beyond doubt when he said, “No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). This truth is the foundation of the church, for if He is not the Christ, Christianity is a hoax!

The church is built on His deity. Peter affirmed this when he described Jesus as the Son of God. The Jews understood this phrase to mean that He was equal with God (John 5:18). The Jehovah Witness see Jesus as being “a god”, but the Jews knew that the phrase meant deity—equality with God.

The church is built on His origin. He existed before the creation of all things and became mortal by His virgin birth. It is remarkable how anyone can claim to believe in Him, yet deny His unique entry into the world. The virgin birth was a sign to all mankind of the coming of Immanuel (Isa. 7:14).

The church is of divine origin. Read the words of Jesus in Caesarea Philippi. The church is built upon the foundation that He is the son of God. Since he left the earth thousands of churches have begun, but their origin is traceable to humans. Jesus built His church. It is still on this earth. Let us labor to find it and become members of this church!

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Patience

The Bible clearly teaches us that we should exercise patience in our life. Some of the Bible facts regarding this subject will be the study for this issue. The Bible texts are always the best teacher with regard to subjects that God would have His people to imbibe in their life here; please note the following references …

PATIENCE

In the New Testament hupomone carries in it the ideas of endurance, continuance (Luke 8:15; 21:19; Romans 5:3-4, the American Standard Revised Version”stedfastness”; 8:25, etc.).

In all places the American Revised Version margin has “steadfastness,” except James 5:11, where it has “endurance”; makrothumia is translated “patience” (Hebrews 6:12; James 5:10); makrothumeo, “to bear long” (Matthew 18:26,29; James 5:7; See LONGSUFFERING ); the same verb is translated “be patient”

(1 Thess. 5:14, the Revised Version (British and American) “longsuffering”; James 5:7-8, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) “patient”); makrothumos, “patiently” (Acts 26:3); hupomeno (1 Peter 2:20); anexikakos is translated “patient” (2 Timothy 2:4, the Revised Version (British and American), the King James Version margin, “forbearing”); epieikes, “gentle” (1 Timothy 3:3, the Revised Version (British and American) “gentle”); hupomeno (Romans 12:12, “patient in tribulation”). For “the patient waiting for Christ” (2 Thessalonians 3:5), the Revised Version (British and American) has “the patience of Christ.”

Patience is often hard to gain and to maintain, but, in Romans 15:5, God is called “the God of patience” (the American Revised Version margin “steadfastness”) as being able to grant that grace to those who look to Him and depend on Him for it. It is in reliance on God and acceptance of His will, with trust in His goodness, wisdom and faithfulness, that we are enabled to endure and to hope steadfastly. See also GOD.

(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

From the ISBE we see that the word is used in several ways in the New Testament but we also understand that this is a quality that each person develops which enables them to maintain steadfastness “{i.e. faithfulness} in the Lords service.

Two Examples …

1-The parable of the good seed and the  …

Luke 8:14-15 – 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. KJV

2-The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple …

Luke 21:16-19 – 16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. 18 But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls. KJV

The Apostle Paul gives us an understandable picture of patience in his writings; note the following …

Romans 5:3-4

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience , experience; and experience, hope: KJV

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. KJV

Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. KJV

Hebrews 10:36-39

36 For ye have need of patience , that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. KJV

Indeed, we must exercise patience in our life for Christ in this world; it is always good to remember that we are beset with trials and temptations many times during our life. Even so we must be faithful with patience.

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Works of the Flesh

“The Works of the Flesh Are Manifest…”

I would like our readers to consider a serious study of the “works of the flesh.” Please take the time to examine carefully this ugly series of sinful things. We need to realize the imminent danger of these in our lives today, because the apostle Paul closes Galatians 5:19-21 by saying that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. It cannot be simpler to understand!

In the context, Paul has encouraged the churches of Galatia to allow the gospel to influence their hearts and minds so that they may control the fleshly part of life (Gal. 5:16-18). He has warned them about the danger of fulfilling the lust of the flesh and how that there was the battle that is ongoing between the lust and our inward man that has as its purpose and its intention to serve the Lord. When we think about the pagan society that was in existence in the first century, these were sins that were prominent among them. Some of them were prevalent even in relationship to idolatrous worship, which Paul indicates within these “works of the flesh.” Yet, when we look at our society today in view of these things, then we can see that society has not changed much. There is not a great deal of difference in our world and the pagan society in which Paul lived, which tells us that as these things increase more and more, there is less and less influence of the Bible in the hearts and the lives of the people. Therefore, these things are very prominent today.

Thus, beginning in Galatians 5:19, Paul will begin a list of the works of the flesh: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these….” Notice carefully some thoughts as we begin to consider these sins.

First, let us notice the term “works.” Paul is referencing certain things that come out of a fleshly life by the way that he utilizes this word. We contrast “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-21) with “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23), and while Paul engages two distinct terms, he is still contrasting products in both scenarios. For example, Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt. 7:15). In other words, these men were teaching certain things, and out of that false teaching, certain things would follow:

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matt. 7:16-20)

Therefore, certain things are products of a fleshly lifestyle, which Paul details, but please note that he has not listed all of them, because he notes, “…and such like.” These are only some of the works of the flesh that Paul provides to give us an idea or portrait of what a fleshly lifestyle indicates.

Second, as we examine the term “flesh” in view of the greater context, we ought to see that the following list of things is revolting to the child of God! There ought not to be anything about any single one of these sins that ought to appeal to us! In opposition to these horrific sins, Paul will contrast with the beauty of spiritual things— “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23). It truly is “flesh” versus “spirit.” As we consider these various products of a fleshly lifestyle, we can see how Paul will group these, and we often see how these dovetail together. Avoiding these fleshly works will not come automatically—we must diligently work to avoid/remove these from our lives, and as we remove these, we are to replace them with the necessary attributes that describe “the fruit of the Spirit,” which we will examine next month.

Third, Paul says that the works of the flesh “are manifest.” In other words, they show themselves. They come out. The literal Greek word is phaneros, which really means that they are shining. Thus, we can see the consequences, the outcome and the product of a fleshly life. If these works are in our lives, then we can tell that these are products and the harvest of the flesh.

Therefore, it is imperative that we need to get these things out of our lives, and to prevent them from developing in our lives.

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R.I.P. Church

“I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” – Revelation 3:1b

We see this harsh description of a faltering spiritual state in the letter to the church at Sardis, one of the seven churches of Asia. The message goes on to say that their works were not perfect before God. They were a church who were perceived by others and even themselves as alive and active, but the actions and the lifestyle weren’t there to prove it. The church was resting on reputation rather than doing the works of the Father and excelling still more. In short, the church was dead.

Now consider the church in 21st Century America. Oh, we have our doctrine right, because we worship God in the form He commanded and we obey His explicitly stated commands in the plan of salvation. For many years we were thought of as “people of the book,” and we were (and are) proud of that. And we still have the ’50s and ’60s, when we were one of the fastest growing faiths in America. We like those facts. We like to talk about them, to remember them fondly, and to stand on our doctrine today and say, “We have it right!” But are we patting ourselves on the back for a reputation of being alive while being dead on the inside?

Consider what the primary purposes of the church are. 1. Defend the truth 2. Keep the saved saved 3. Bring souls into the kingdom 4. Do good unto all men. Speaking in a general manner, we’re hitting 1 for 4 there. As we at Focus Press discuss quite frequently, we do a miserable job of holding on to those who are brought up in the church and are baptized as young adults. Evangelism is an after thought. If they come into our building, we think, maybe the preacher will get a chance to study with them. What we do today is a far cry from “Go into all the world.” As for doing good to all men, sure we give our money and that money gets given to someone else who works with people, and that’s not a bad thing, but it’s clear from Jesus’ teaching that He wanted us to be directly involved with helping other people, “doing unto the least of these.” It’s by being in their lives that we can show His love and feel the compassion He had for them. But we’re busy.

We think, “Well, if I just live as a Christian, maybe my example will be enough for someone to ask about the church.” First of all, example is a great starting point for evangelism, but we’ve failed if that’s where it ends. Second, what difference do people see when we go to church all day Sunday and then post to Facebook Sunday night about watching Breaking Bad or The Walking Dead? What difference do they see when we wear bad attitudes on our sleeves or talk negatively about other people? What difference do they see when there are people hurting around us and we don’t have the time of day to help? What difference do they see when they know our family has time for soccer and baseball and school functions, etc., but can clearly see that the Bible isn’t regularly a part of our family lives?

Am I generalizing? To a certain extent, yes. On the other hand, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve seen it in the church. You see it on Facebook. Yes, the church has doctrine right but if we continue to rest on correct doctrine alone it will mean nothing. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we were created in Him for good works. Once God saves us we’re responsible to do as He would do, and that’s where we’re severely lacking. The worst thing about the church at Sardis? They were dead and they didn’t even know it. The church in America isn’t dead, but it’s not exactly healthy, either. It’s time to stop living off of reputation and start doing the perfect works Christ has prepared for us.

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