I Love an Addict.

Introduction:

Galatians 6:1 - Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

How to Truly (and Lovingly) Help an Addict:

  1. Get the Facts .
  2. Biblical Confront .

See Proverbs 24:11  |   Matthew 18:15-17

When Confronting the Addict...

DO NOT:

  1. Allow blame-shifting.
  2. Allow a victim mentality.
  3. Put the blame on yourself.
  4. Get emotional.
  5. Be an enabler.
  6. Look for instant change.

Hebrews 3:13 - But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

DO:

  1. Cry out to the Lord – for the addict and yourself.
  2. Get coaching - from a pastor and the police.
  3. Agree on the terms for helping - and the consequences for the addict not complying.
  4. Look for genuine repentance.

2 Corinthians 7:10 - For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

  1. Follow through with "Treatment".

    What should the "treatment" include?

    1. Biblical counseling.
    2. Church and Small Group involvement. - not just attending – but being involved
    3. Constant accountability.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read any of the passages from this week’s message

  1. What was your big “take-away” from the message?

  2. Specifically, what are some clues that someone has an addiction?

  3. How do you know if an addict truly wants to repent? Read 2 Corinthians 7:10. What’s the difference between “godly grief / sorrow” and “worldly grief / sorrow”?

  4. What are some ways that people (unwittingly) enable addicts? Why is that such an easy trap to fall into?

  5. How do you know what course of “treatment” is best for an addict (residential, group therapy, living with a believer, etc)?

Breakout
Pray for one another to be able to recognize, and truly help, an addict that may be in your lives.