Facing Our Fears - Flipbook - Page 11
9.
ADDICTIONS
Some of the same addictions have haunted humankind since Creation, and the power of other
lures seems to shift from generation to generation. There is no doubt that as people we are often
unable to resist even the deadliest temptations without God’s help. Today, drug and alcohol
addiction is rampant, but so are additions to sex, possessions, work, and even social media.
SCRIPTURES AND LIFE APPLICATION NOTES
1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And
God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he
will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
LIFE APPLICATION NOTE: 10:13 In a culture filled with moral depravity and sin-inducing pressures,
Paul encouraged the Corinthians regarding temptation. He said that (1) everyone faces temptation, so
don’t feel like you’ve been singled out; (2) others have resisted temptation, and so can you; (3) any
temptation can be resisted, because God will show you a way to resist it. God will help you resist
temptation by helping you (1) recognize the people and situations that give you trouble, (2) run from
anything you know is wrong, (3) choose to do only what is right, (4) pray for God’s help, and (5) seek
friends or church leaders who love God and can offer help when you are tempted. Running from a
tempting situation is your first step on the way to victory (see 2 Timothy 2:22).
1 John 2:15-16, NLT: “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you
do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a
craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the
Father, but are from this world.”
LIFE APPLICATION NOTE: 2:15-16 Some people think that worldliness only has to do with external
behavior—the people we associate with, the places we go, the activities we enjoy. But worldliness
affects us internally because it begins in the heart and is characterized by three attitudes: (1) craving for
physical pleasure—preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; (2) craving for everything we see—
the accumulation of things, bowing to the god of materialism; and (3) pride in our achievements and
possessions—obsession with our status or importance. When the serpent tempted Eve (Genesis 3:6),
he tempted her in these areas. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, these were also his
three areas of attack (see Matthew 4:1-11).
By contrast, God values self-control, generosity, and a commitment to humble service. It is possible to
give the impression of avoiding worldly pleasures while still harboring worldly desires in one’s heart.
But, like Jesus, we should love sinners and spend time with them while closely adhering to the values
of God’s Kingdom. What values are most important to you? Do your actions reflect the world’s values
or God’s values?
1 Peter 5:10, NLT: “In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus.
So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you
on a firm foundation.”
LIFE APPLICATION NOTE: 5:10 When we are suffering, we often feel as though our pain will never end.
Peter gave these faithful Christians a broader perspective. In comparison with eternity, their suffering
would last only “a little while.” Some of Peter’s readers would be strengthened and delivered in their
own lifetimes. Others would be released from their suffering through death. All of God’s faithful followers
are assured of an eternal life with Christ, where there will be no suffering (Revelation 21:4).
Facing Our 10 Biggest Fears: A sample of Scripture and Commentary from the new Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition.
