Substance Abuse Can Happen to Born Again Believers Too

Substance abuse among Christians is a complex issue that intertwines spiritual, moral, and physical dimensions. Drawing insights from the Bible, we find profound guidance and reflections that can help us understand this challenge more deeply. The Scriptures provide a framework for living that emphasizes sobriety, righteousness, and godliness, shedding light on the importance of self-control and the dangers of succumbing to worldly temptations.

All of the above said, why do believers fall into addictions?

Born again believers, like all individuals, can fall into addiction because of several interconnected spiritual and human realities reflected in the Bible. The struggle with sin and temptation is a common human experience, regardless of one’s spiritual rebirth. This is partly because, as believers, we still live in the world and are subject to its influences, as well as the desires of our flesh. It’s important that we live holy lives; however, there is still the temptation of family members, peers at school and work, the media, ungodly music,

1. Entanglement with Past Sins: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” (2 Peter 2:20). This passage highlights the danger of returning to former sins, which can include addictions. The knowledge of Christ helps believers escape worldly corruptions, but the risk of becoming entangled again remains, potentially leading to a worse state than before.

2. Prescription Addiction by Doctors: Iatrogenic addiction (addiction by doctor) is a VERY huge problem. Many children are given addictive drugs for temporary injuries. This should never be. With all of the media attention exposing these drugs, one would think that there is an awareness among most; however, most people are clueless! Whether it’s a child or an adult, this is a HUGE problem and causes horrific addiction to happen. Once the doctors just stop prescribing, without considering or caring about the brutal withdrawal that will happen, many will go to the street and get heroin. This is the most insidious addiction there is.

3. The Nature of Temptation: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:9). The desire for wealth, akin to other desires, can lead to various temptations, including addiction. This illustrates how certain pursuits can ensnare individuals, drawing them away from spiritual health.

4. Spiritual Warfare: “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:26). Addiction can be seen as a snare of the devil, indicating a spiritual battle where individuals are taken captive. This perspective emphasizes the need for spiritual vigilance and dependence on God for deliverance.

5. The Challenge of Perseverance: “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13). This parable explains how some believers, despite initially receiving the word with joy, do not have a deep-rooted faith, leading them to fall away in times of temptation, which can include the temptation toward addictive behaviors.

6. The Need for Continual Repentance and Growth: “If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:6). Falling away from faith and returning to sin, including addiction, is likened to crucifying Christ again. This passage underscores the gravity of turning back to sin and the necessity of continual repentance and growth in faith.

In summary, born again believers may fall into addiction due to the enduring power of temptation, the influence of past sins, spiritual warfare, and the challenge of maintaining a deep and enduring faith. The Bible encourages believers to remain vigilant, to grow in their faith, and to rely on God’s strength to overcome these challenges, emphasizing repentance, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of holiness.

1. The Call to Live Soberly and Righteously: The Bible teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, advocating for a life of sobriety, righteousness, and godliness in the present world (Titus 2:12). This directive serves as a foundational principle for Christians, emphasizing the importance of maintaining self-control and avoiding behaviors that lead to spiritual and physical degradation.

2. The Battle Against Fleshly Lusts: Christians are urged to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11). Substance abuse can be seen as part of these “fleshly lusts” that not only harm the body but also the spiritual well-being of individuals. The Bible recognizes the internal struggle against such desires and calls believers to remain vigilant.

3. The Consequences of Returning to Past Sins: The Scriptures warn of the dangers of returning to the “pollutions of the world” after having escaped them through knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 2:20). For those who have struggled with substance abuse, this passage underscores the importance of steadfastness in recovery and the peril of relapse, which can lead to a state worse than the initial condition.

4. The Power of Divine Assistance: According to the Bible, God’s divine power has granted us everything needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). This suggests that believers are not left to confront their struggles alone; divine assistance is available to overcome challenges, including substance abuse. Through faith and reliance on God’s strength, Christians can find the support necessary for recovery and spiritual growth.

5. The Role of the Community in Encouraging Righteousness: The early Christians were admonished to lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and to receive with meekness the implanted word (James 1:21). This indicates the importance of a supportive community that encourages each other towards purity and righteousness. For someone battling substance abuse, the Christian community can provide essential support, accountability, and encouragement.

6. Sobriety as a Guard Against Spiritual Unpreparedness: Jesus warned His followers to take heed to themselves, lest their hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the cares of this life (Luke 21:34). This teaching highlights the spiritual risks of substance abuse, which can lead to a lack of vigilance and preparedness for the Lord’s coming. Sobriety is thus depicted not only as a moral obligation but also as an essential aspect of spiritual readiness.

In conclusion, the Bible offers profound insights into the issue of substance abuse among Christians, emphasizing the moral and spiritual imperatives of sobriety, the dangers of succumbing to worldly desires, and the availability of divine support for overcoming temptations. These teachings call for a holistic approach to addressing substance abuse, one that encompasses spiritual renewal, community support, and personal responsibility.

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