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Commentary on "Freedom From Addictions"

PATRIA RECTOR

 

Day 1: Sabbath Afternoon, March 5, 2011 - Introduction

 

Overview

In the Sabbath afternoon lesson, the author gives a general contrast/comparison between bondage and freedom. The author says that "many people have broken free from tyranny and bondage. But there's another kind of bondage, one that can be just as bad or worse than its political counterpart—the bondage that comes from being an addict." And then the author goes on to list different types of addictive substances, including sexual addictions, and money/"goods".

The memory verse is John 8:36:

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed"

 

Overview

Before we comment on addictions, the contrast between bondage and freedom must be addressed. The memory verse for the week comes out of an entire passage of John where Jesus was teaching to a group of people, including some Pharisees who had claimed to believe in Him. (Please see entire passage of John 8:31-47.)

Jesus is saying that the difference between freedom and bondage ultimately is whether or not a person has believed on Jesus Christ and been born again of the Holy Spirit. ( see also John 3:3) A person who has truly believed will abide (endure) in Him by making way for the Word of Truth. Jesus is the Word. (John 1:1-4) The Pharisees claimed to believe, yet they did not make a place for Jesus in their hearts, therefore they did not really believe. In fact, by the end of chapter 8, they were preparing to murder Him.

Freedom is ultimately about who we are. When Jesus has redeemed (purchased) us from slavery (the power of sin and death), then we have been set free, and we are free indeed. We are set free to address behaviors, including addictions, from a position of freedom rather than to gain freedom. We are already victorious through Jesus Christ our Lord. When we have been set free, we are free and then learn how to live in the freedom God has bestowed upon us through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The author of the commentary goes on to say that "All addictions create dependence". This is partially true. All addictions are truly a dependence. However, addictions are a result of a real problem that needs a solution.

Addicts seek to meet a legitimate need by illegitimate means. Only Jesus can satisfy the cravings that drive us to turn to food, sex, shopping, money, you name it! Only Jesus will satisfy the deep need to belong. Only Jesus will meet the longing for significance that was implanted into us by the Creator.

The author comments that it is difficult to break away from addictions. In Christ, we are not hopeless, but full of hope. He breaks our chains of bondage and addictions are bondage. Jesus can break the chains of any addiction, any bondage, any desire by His Holy Spirit as we surrender to His power.

 

GO TO DAY 2

 

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