We asked, "What has mastered you?"Most of us struggle with one form of addiction or another. What makes an addiction so hard to break? Our struggle with addiction is an internal battle with indwelling sin. Read Romans 7:19-8:6.
We talked about taking it to God, taking it public and taking it down.
- Is Paul battle with himself or something else (v 19-20)?
- Where does this battle take place (v21)?
- The word wretched means frustrated and exhausted from self-effort. Who set Paul free? How does God see us while we are still struggling with sin (8:1)?
- What does Paul say is the key to walking in freedom (8:3- 6)?
Read Galatians 5:16-24.
Within every believer there is a battle between the flesh and Spirit. The flesh (some versions use sinful nature) is the tendency within us to operate in our own strength and rely on our old ways of making life work. What does Paul instruct believers to do in order to break free from the deeds of the flesh (v16)? What does this mean?
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.
- How do we usually view our weaknesses?
- Why did Paul boast in his weaknesses?
- How did God use Paul’s thorn in the flesh benefit him?
- How can God use our addictions to do this same thing in our lives?
- Why is it important to confess our sins to each other?
- How do we carry one another's burdens?
- What do you think Paul meant by, “the one who is spiritual?”
- Commit to carrying another’s burden by praying and encouraging them until they are free.
- Who do you need to solicit help from and be accountable to?
- What steps will you take this week to break free from your addiction?
