Overcoming Addiction – A New Spirit
May 30, 2009
The “world of addictions” and “life-controlling issues” is complex world of dysfunction, brain chemistry and spiritual vulnerability.
For many who suddenly wake one morning with the realization they are trapped in a bondage greater than themselves, the “world of addictions” has become very personal. It’s about their pain, their confusion, their hopelessness, their fear…their vulnerability to the enemy of their soul. Jesus describes this enemy – Satan – in John 10:10:
- “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Francis Frangipane, author of The Three Battlegrounds, has made these statements regarding the enemy’s activity in our lives:
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- “God has given Satan legal right to access the realm of darkness.”
- “Satan dines on whatever we withhold from God.”
Darkness in a human heart can be expressed in many forms: pride, lust, unforgiveness, hatred, jealousy, greed. There are few who would not identify in some manner with one or more of these expressions.
Yet, though common to the human experience, these very expressions become a “legal access” to the enemy: he has a right to establish his authority based upon the willful embrace of the sin.
It is often, from that first “foothold” in a human heart, the enemy moves strategically and deceptively to consume greater portions of a life until he has established a “stronghold.”
That stronghold, controlled by demonic spirits, drives the thought life, heart motivation, attitudes, beliefs and language of the individual.
Freedom must begin with repentance. It is confession and repentance of the sin that removes the legal right for Satan’s activity in a human heart.
Then, demonic spirits must be “kicked out” and “cut off” in Jesus’ name.
Finally, the Holy Spirit must be invited to fill the life once controlled by the enemy. The human heart cannot exist in a vacuum.
It is the power of the Holy Spirit resident in a life that will provide a consistent victory over the attacks of the enemy.
A new spirit.
Not a human spirit, driven by self-effort and humanistic methodologies. Certainly, not a demonic spirit, controlling a human heart, mind and body according to Satan’s agenda. But, rather, the Holy Spirit, given as gift from Jesus Himself to every “real deal disciple.”
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