FREEDOM FROM ADDICTION

Page 7

FREEDOM PRINCIPLE 7:

THE WISDOM OF REPLACEMENT



If we remove a negative behavior without replacing it with a positive one, we remain unnecessarily vulnerable to trip up again.  The Lord Jesus illustrated this concept when He taught about exorcising a demon:  “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.  Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'  And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.  Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Matthew 12:43-45).  An unsaved man—even if freed of a demon—needs to be saved and filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13; 5:18).  Even in the Christian life, reforming the flesh will never change a person's heart.  When God takes His rightful place of preeminence there, He will change the believer from the inside out (2 Cor. 3:17-18).



Scientists tell us that “nature abhors a vacuum”; likewise we are not only to “put off” the negative, but to “put on” the positive (Colossians 3:8,12).  For example: instead of unlimited eating—enjoy tasty, balanced meals with periodic fasting; instead of drinking alcohol—choose delicious unfermented beverages; instead of smoking—buy special gifts with the money saved; instead of watching seductive TV—read a good biography or novel; instead of listening to music that is addictive and sensual—listen to music that uplifting and faith-inspiring; instead of immoral internet surfing—use a filtered access and explore educational CD's.

Spiritual disciplines as a form of self-righteousness won't achieve freedom, but when we discover the power of abiding in Christ and claim our victory in Him, the disciplines can fortify His righteousness in our character.  The Psalmist testified:  “How can a young man cleanse his way?  By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!” (Psalm 119:9-11).





FREEDOM PRINCIPLE 8:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY



Remember the value of God's promises?  How about memorizing them?  When we have God's Word in our heart, it is available for the Holy Spirit to use to protect us from the Enemy and from thoughts that trigger temptation.  How skillful was Christ's use of memorized Scripture in resisting Satan! (Matthew 4:4-10).  Likewise, when tested, we are to wield the “Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).



A major issue in the freedom process is the tearing down of strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  Since this is such a big topic, it would be worth studying in a separate series of articles.

There is so much more that can be written about this topic, but I pray God will bless these principles to maximize our experience of freedom—spiritually, psychologically, and physically.  “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).