It's Always The Heart Bible Study Guide

Chapter 3

Addiction

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Titus 2: 11-14

Preparation:

Pray that God will use this message to strengthen the physical and spiritual hearts of you and all members in your group.

Assign each meeting’s opening prayer to a different group member.

Read Chapter 3: Addiction and become familiar with the scripture references in the chapter. Share your thoughts and reflections on the worksheet.

Be sensitive to the fact that diet, exercise, and topics related to personal shortcomings/weaknesses may sometimes cause personal embarrassment – particularly if a group member struggles with his/her diet and/or exercise commitment to the group. The group should maintain an “encouragement-only” environment regardless of a member’s progress or lack thereof.

Remember: the primary goal of each chapter is to illustrate and emphasize the importance of God’s design of the inseparability of the physical and spiritual heart. Keep the discussion focused on the chapter’s goal.

Try to adhere to the time recommendations for each topic of group discussion.

Thoughts: (25-30 Minutes) The two Jacobs illustrated in this chapter, admittedly, may not be the typical people we know and interact with on a daily basis (as far as we know), yet we all have weaknesses that might be considered addictions. Carefully scrutinize your addictions. What does God say about our weaknesses/addictions?

Since people often feel frightened and defeated when discussing the topic of addiction, it is good to have the beginning of the conversation rooted in the hope of scripture as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (TNIV) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Next, in an attempt to keep the group from too narrowly or classically defining the term “addiction”, guide the group conversation toward its broader identification by referencing Webster’s medical definition: Addiction - the persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be physically, psychologically, or socially harmful. Ask for the group to declare that which they feel are addictions that plague people from all walks of life; personally (on paper or verbally) disclose those addictions that plague you.

To resolve this Thought, reference 2 Corinthians 7:1 as God’s instruction on why it is important to rid ourselves of addictions…Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

How many people do we see at home, work, school or play that seemingly “have it all together”, yet when things are revealed – as all things are always seen by God – all of them are burdened with some kind of addiction? What are the addictions you observe them struggling with and what impact do the addictions have on their lives? Search your own heart and try to bring to light the addictions with which you struggle and what impact they have on your life.

More significant than the list of addictions likely discussed by the group here, it is also important to help the group consider how the addictions consume our heart and interfere with our life, as opposed to the perceived severity or degree of sinfulness an addiction may have. Think of addictions that have a grip on you personally or addictions in general. Are there levels of interference caused by the addictions in our lives that:

slightly distract us from God’s purpose in our lives.

consume and distract us from God’s purpose in our lives.

consume and interfere with all the blessings God has for our lives yet are not obstacles to life everlasting.

disqualify us from life everlasting.

Can the same addiction have a different result on the life and/or salvation of different individuals? How can this be true?

Scripture suggestion: 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of mens hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

The name “Jacob” in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament – “the deceiver” – is defined in Webster’s dictionary as…one who makes believe that which is not true; tricks or misleads. How then are we all deceivers when it comes to the addictions we face? How do we see our addictions in comparison to the two Jacobs in the chapter or even to others we know? How do you think God sees our addictions by comparison?

It is possible that some in the group will become a bit uncomfortable at the introduction of this topic. Everyone attempts to rationalize their sins and shortcomings – and even addictions – so proceed gently and with caution.

Use the following scripture as a reference point of hope in the face of seemingly hopeless situations surrounding addictive temptations: Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need

Considering many addictions (like smoking, over-eating and drugs, to name a few) affect our physical heart and body, why do so many of us – even those who have suffered a heart problem – continue with the addictions despite this knowledge?...or, address only some addictions while continuing with others? Do some of us follow nutritious, antioxidant diets and/or exercise daily in an attempt to mitigate the effect our ongoing addictions have on our health and life? Elaborate on how this applies to you.

Discussion point: Addiction is often referred to as a disease of revolving denial and regret…denial of the problem and its tortuous grip on the addicted followed by regret of the denial. In short, the heart’s denial of the addiction causes many people – even those who have suffered with a heart problem – to ignore treatment of their addiction. Personal Reflections: (25-30 minutes) Is my heart ready to 1) confess and admit my addictions by turning them over to Jesus Christ for strength in freeing me from the bondage of these addictions, or 2) confess and admit some of my addictions while holding on to others as I ‘bargain’ with God? Is my heart hardened to confessing any of my addictions despite the fact that doing so may interfere with the blessings God wants to pour into my life? Elaborate on how these questions apply to you personally.

Encourage the group to outline the differences between a full measure of surrender versus a “strings attached” surrender of addictions.

Scripture support: 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.