Deliverance From Chemical Addiction
Content
Deliverance from Chemical Addiction
Deliverance from Chemical Addiction 2 **Project Status**
Table of Contents
Prayer for Serenity Introduction Definitions “The Path” Reference Commentary Conclusion
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Prayer for Serenity
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen
Reinhold Niebuhr
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Introduction
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Definitions
De•liv•er•ance; 1An act or instance of delivering. 2Salvation. 3Liberation.
Webster’s College Dictionary (WCD)
Yešû´āh; (h[;Wvy], 3444) “Deliverance”. “Salvation” in the Old Testament is not understood as a
salvation from sin, since the word denotes broadly anything from which ‘deliverance’ must be sought: distress, war, servitude, or enemies. (Emphasis Mine)
Vines Complete Expository Dictionary (Vines)
Apolutrōsis (apolutrwsij, 629) Denotes ‘redemption’ (ap, “from,” lutron,” a price of release”). In , ) Heb. 11:35 it is translated ‘deliverance’; usually the release is effected by the payment of a ransom, or the required price, the lutron (ransom). (Emphasis Mine)
Ibid
Ref. to Aphesis (afesij, 859) Which denotes ‘a release, from bondage, imprisonment, etc.’ “Yet,
doesn’t emphasis the great cost, our deliverance from satans grasp and the bondage of ‘addiction’ paid for us by Christ through His death on the cross.”
Ibid
Chem•i•cal; 2Chemicals, slang. Narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances.
WCD
Ad•dic•tion; n. Dependence on or commitment to a habit, practice, or habit-forming substance to the extent that its cessation causes trauma.
Ibid
In•spire; 5To communicate or suggest by a divine or Supernatural influence. 6To guide or control by
divine influence.
Ibid
Theopneustos (qeo`pneustoj, 2315) “inspired by God” (Theos, ‘God’, pneō ‘to breathe’) is used in
II Tim. 3:16, of the Scriptures as distinct from non-inspired writings.
Vines
Re•deem; 1To buy or pay off. To recover…by payment or other satisfaction. 9To deliver from ‘sin’ and
its consequences by means of a Sacrifice offered for the sinner.
WCD
Gā’al (laeG,1350) “To redeem, deliver, avenge, act as a kinsman.” The Book of Psalms often places
spiritual redemption in parallel with physical redemption.
Vines
Sin; 1Transgression of divine law. 2Any act regarded as such a transgression, esp. a willful violation of
some religious or moral principle. 3Any reprehensible action; serious fault or offence.
WCD
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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“The Path”
All scripture is ‘inspired’ by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. 2Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 3As we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow, or the hereafter. We were reborn. 4Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lays ahead, 5If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. 6“No-one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” 7Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 8We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 9When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 10 I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can’t help my-self, because I’m no-longer doing it. It is “sin” inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things. 11Jesus said, “I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” 12However, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 13So He saved them from the hand of the one who hated them and “redeemed” them from the hand of the enemy. 14Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary. 15 We react sanely and normally, and we will find that this has happened automatically. We will see that our new attitude toward liquor and drugs has been given us without thought or effort on our part. It just comes! That is the miracle of it. We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality—safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is our experience. That is how we react so long as we keep in fit Spiritual Condition. 16 Assuming we are Spiritually Fit, we can do all sorts of things alcoholics (addicts) are not supposed to do. People have said we must not go where liquor is served; that we must not have it in our homes; we must shun friends who drink; we must avoid moving pictures which show drinking scenes; we must not go into bars; our friends must hide their bottles if we go to their houses; we mustn’t think or be reminded about alcohol
1
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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or drugs at all. Our experience shows that this is not necessarily so. 17In our belief any scheme of combating alcoholism and or drug addiction which proposes to shield the sick man from temptation is doomed to failure. 18But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 19 This people honors Me with their lips, but whir heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men, 20holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power. 21They did not remember His power, the day when He “redeemed” them from the adversary. 22Whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. 23The LORD is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 24If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. 25Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then you also can do good, who are accustomed to do evil. 26 If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it—then you are ready to take certain steps. 27Well, that’s exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which will solve your problem…and it means, of course, that we are going to talk about God…many times we talk to a new man and watch his hope rise as we discuss his alcohol and or addiction problem(s) and explain our fellowship. But his face falls when we speak of Spiritual matters, especially when we mention God, for we have re-opened a subject which our man thought he had neatly evaded or entirely ignored. 28Whithout help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power—that One is God. May you find Him now. 29We, who have traveled this dubious path, beg you to lay aside prejudice, even against organized religion. We have learned that whatever the human frailties of various faiths may be; those faiths have given purpose and direction to millions. People of faith have a logical idea of what life is all about. Actually, we used to have no reasonable conception whatever. We used to amuse ourselves by cynically dissecting Spiritual beliefs and practices when we might have observed that many Spiritually-Minded persons of all races, colors, and creeds were demonstrating a degree of stability, happiness, and usefulness which we should have sought ourselves. 30Here are thousands of men and women, worldly indeed. They flatly declare that since they have come to believe in a Power greater than themselves, to take a certain attitude towards that Power, and to do certain simple things, there has been a revolutionary change in their way of living and thinking. In the face of collapse and despair, in the face of the total failure of their human resources, they found that a new power, peace, happiness, and Sense of direction flowed into them. This happened soon after they whole-heartedly met a few simple requirements. 31When many hundreds of people are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives; they present a powerful reason why one should have faith. 32-AWhen ready, we say something like this: “My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.” B“Faith without works is dead.” CRemember it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol or drugs. 33 Perhapse there is a better way—we think so. For we are now on a different basis; the basis of trusting and relying upon God. We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves.
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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We are in the world to play the role He assigns. Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him; does He enable us to match calamity with serenity. 34Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us. 35The Spiritual Life is not a theory. We have to live it. 36: If we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking or drugging. Trying to avoid this humbling experience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost invariably they got drunk or high. 37 When we sincerely took such a position, all sorts of remarkable things followed. Being all-powerful He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans, and designs. More and more we became interested in seeing what we could contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His Presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow, or the hereafter. We Were Reborn. 38Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom. 39We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. 40Once we have taken this last step, withholding nothing, we are delighted. We can look the world in the eye. We can be alone at perfect peace and ease. Our fears fall from us. We begin to feel the nearness of our Creator. We may have had certain Spiritual beliefs, but now we begin to have Spiritual Experience.
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Reference:
1. II Timothy 3:16 2. II Corinthians 5:17-18 3. A.A. 63 4. Philippians 3:13-14 5. A.A. 83-84 6. Luke 9:62 7. Romans 12:2 8. II Corinthians 10:5 9. I Corinthians 13:11 10. Romans 7:15-17 (TLB) 11. John 15:5 12. Philippians 4:13 13. Psalms 106:10 14. Psalms 107:2 15. A.A. 85 16. A.A. 100-101 17. A.A. 101 18. Matthew 6:33 19. Matthew 15:8-9 20. II Timothy 3:5 21. Psalms 78:42 22. Matthew 10:33 23. II Peter 3:9 24. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (TLB) 25. Jeremiah 13:23 26. A.A. 58 27. A.A. 45 28. A.A. 59 29. A.A. 49 30. A.A. 50 31. A.A. 51 32. A, B, & CA.A. 76 BJames 2:17-20 33. A.A. 68 34. A.A. 77 35. A.A. 83 36. A.A. 72 37. A.A. 63 38. A.A. 62 39. A.A. 84 40. A.A. 75
Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures come from the New American Standard Bible (NASB). Also used is The Living Bible (TLB). All Alcoholic’s Anonymous sections come from the Fifty-seventh Printing, 1996.
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Commentary
1. II Timothy 3:16: Inspiration. “A supernatural influence…The Fact of Inspiration Stated.” –New Unger’s Bible Dictionary “We see here that although the bible was written by man; it was spoken to those men by God Himself. Problem is, that in our age, we have lost sight of this and now desire teachings that; teach, speak, and promote other religions, New Age ideals, and even some select Christian doctrines that comply more with ‘our’ desired interpretation of not only life in general, but often times, even perversions of the very scriptures themselves. Scariest thing is, for those who believe in the bibles inspiration like myself, that Paul warned Timothy of this in II Timothy 4:34, saying in short that there would come a time when people would no longer seek the Truth but rather what they want to hear…My friends…that time has come.” What is Truth? In John 17:17; Christ, while in intercessory prayer to the Father says, ‘Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth.’(KJV) 2. II Corinthians 5:17-18: Any attempt at dissecting and, or looking too deeply for hidden Spiritual truths within this verse would result in destroying its, ‘Simplistic Essence’. If one follows the lead of Paul, written in Romans 10:9-10, then God carries out within us the same promise He makes to Israel in Ezekiel 11:19-20, and ‘this’ verse becomes the ending result. I heartily recommend an in depth, verse by verse, study of Romans chapter 6 in its entirety to further grasp the full concept of the change…the complete and overwhelming change that takes place within us when we dedicate our lives to Jesus as out Lord, Savior, brother, and friend. Not just simply our, ‘Higher Power’. We are no-longer Alcoholics, dope fiends, thieves, liars, and self-centered people…we are new creatures…We Are Reborn. 3. A.A. 63: This excerpt from the A.A. book page 63, not only gives extra biblical, Recovery Based support for the previous biblical Truth covered in point #2; but also emphasizes II Timothy 1:7 which states, ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 4. Philippians 3:13-14: Paul is clear here…once removed from our past ways of life; we must leave it dead in the past. Although Paul urges us to literally, ‘forget it’, I personally have found it near to impossible to fully carry out such a task. I have however, found it easier to leave my past behind me and not only not relive it, but not live in regret because of it; by simply keeping my eyes and focus on my present life and future goals. I believe Paul was telling us to get over it and don’t keep it alive by constantly glorifying it. With proper restraint, our pasts become the essence of our testimonies to others and without them; we would hold no common ground with those he wants us to reach; let alone takes the power out of the delivering Salvation that was worked in our lives. However, although God, as well as the 8th Step, call for restitution and, or amends to be made whenever possible, one fact remains…We cannot change the past, so we cannot allow it to monopolize space in our hearts that belongs to Jesus and causes us constant regret
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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as well as an ideal that we are still the same person we used to be. (Ref. to Points # 2 & 3) 5. A.A. 83-84: Once again, we see a biblical Truth emphasized in an extra-biblical, recovery-based belief. 6. Luke 9:62: This principle is seen in recovery as well. Avoiding past people, places, and things becomes a virtual necessity in the early recovery process and should be practiced without reserve until True Deliverance is reached. Honesty, acceptance (Ref. to A.A. 449), and faithful unwavering determination start to play key roles in our lives at this point. Pride, arrogance, denial, and impatience become our deadliest enemies. It is at this point that we find out how serious we really are about changing our lives, especially in regards to Chemical addiction. 7. Romans 12:2: We must start thinking differently in every respect and in every facet of our lives. Nothing of our old, ‘sin-sick’ way of thinking can be allowed to remain and that includes our past agreements with the world and their ‘sin-sick’ worldly views. That is of course dependant upon your acceptance of Christ as the ruler of your life, thus separating you and your way of thinking from that of the worlds. ‘If’ you have taken that step then your thoughts should become focused on Christ. However, even if you still haven’t done so, the principle of changing the way you think and not following the socially acceptable ‘norm’, still applies. I further stress points # 2&3. 8. II Corinthians 10:5: Assuming that you have given your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, this verse is one of your most powerful tools in a change of thinking. Otherwise it becomes of little or no value. The principle is simple. We, on our own, cannot think right. The bible says it in Jeremiah 13:23 and the A.A. book says it in Step 1…’We are powerless.’ In II Peter 2:9, it says that Jesus knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations; and we see in I Corinthians 10:13 that He will always give us a way out or the ability to bear it without succumbing to it. He can only do so if we take that thought, that temptation captive to Him. 9. I Corinthians 13:11: What more can be said? Sooner or later we all have to grow up, in every respect. 10. Romans 7:15-17: After showing in v. 7-14 that sin is more powerful than the Law, Paul now shows that sin is more powerful than man who is a slave to sin (v.1525). Those of us in recovery, whether delivered or still suffering, can easily feel the Apostle Paul’s words here. How many times were we done…though…tired of hurting those we love, yet unable to quit? Paul my friend is emphasizing the first step here. He was admitting not only his defeat and need for help…but his utter powerlessness as well. We might truly hate our actions, yet we ‘alone’ can’t stop ourselves. We need help. 11. John 15:5: Much controversy may be raised by such a claim. It seems like every religion out there claims to be ‘the Truth’ and or ‘the only Way’…So; which ones right? Don’t all roads ultimately lead to Rome? Well, let’s start with the fact that, to my knowledge at least, Christianity is the only religion which claims a resin
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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savior. Raised from the dead and seated in heaven still to this day. Next, with that in mind, whether believing and agreeing with it or not), Christ Himself very plainly states that, ‘I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no-one comes to the Father, but through Me’. (John 14:6 NASB). Talk about a bold claim. I will not attempt to prove that Jesus lives, in this study. Any disbelievers would be encouraged to read; the Bible itself and The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, as well as perform their own, personal research to ascertain the validity of such a claim. My point in doing this is simple. Anyone who would come to the same conclusion concerning Jesus’ resurrection claims through their own research, would be forced to look with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:13) at the rest of His claims with a new level of respect and seriousness. 12. Philippians 4:13: Well, it’s only natural to assume, that if we can’t do anything apart from Him, then it’s through Him that we can do all things. ‘All Things.’…Although I won’t bore you with the details, a brief look at the Greek here portrays strength, ‘the power’, to do ‘all things.’ All things individually and in their totality. P£nta (pánta). Our faith in Him is the only limit. For those who might feel that they are lacking in Faith, I would suggest reading Hebrews eleven. 13. Psalms 106:10: The moment we cry out to Jesus to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us with his sacrificial blood, a Regeneration process begins. A process that He promises to complete. (Philippians 1:6) Ecclesiastes chapter 3 tells us that there is a time for everything. Verse 11 especially shows that it’s God’s timing that determines when True and total deliverance comes. For some of us it may be virtually instant, while for others, it may take years. He promises though, that He will finish what He starts ‘if’ we abide in Him. (John 15:1-7)((see point #11)) 14. Psalms 107:2: Have you been set free? Are you a new person? Say so! Proclaim it to the entire world and stand firm in the newness of life that you’ve been given. 15-17. A.A. 85, 100-101, & 100: What more can be said? We see here virtually all of the above statements affirmed in one, non-biblical passage. The change inside of us becomes absolute and without struggle. Although we cannot and should not attempt to ‘use in moderation’; we are no longer tortured by a constant craving. It’s as if we had never used. This comes through an understanding that there honestly isn’t such a thing as a functional addict. There are simply those who use and those who don’t. We, who choose the latter, do so because we seek a life free from chemically enhanced happiness that only lasts as long as our highs. Those who choose the former, do so because; even ‘if’ they can retain some level of control and stability over their use, one fact remains…They obviously prefer a chemically enhanced, chemically dependant happiness in life. Ultimately, their happiness only lasts a season. (Heb. 11:25 KJV) Notice the last sentence (point # 17)… ”What’s my point?” Once delivered, we are called to live normal lives (point # 4), not live the rest of our lives helpless victims to a disease we no longer have! Call yourself an addict the rest of your life and that’s what you’ll be. Yet, I never hear those cured of cancer still calling themselves a cancer patient; they call themselves cancer ‘Survivors’!
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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18. Matthew 6:33: How are we to obtain ‘True’, Spiritual Fitness? Well, here’s the clincher…here’s what separates recovery from Deliverance…possible failure, from promised, guaranteed success. Put the problem of your chemical addiction, your ‘recovery’, to the side completely. Out of sight, and out of mind. Then, and only then, are you ready to focus on Christ. Yes, Christ. Forget even about deliverance at this point because just as the Apostle Peter began to sink and drown when he took his eyes off The LORD Jesus (Matt. 13:3-9 & 18-23); we, also lose sight of our objectives when we either attempt to do things ourselves or lose faith and trust in Christ’s power to lead, guide, calm, protect, and yes…Deliver us from chemical addiction. Simply put…“Seek the LORD and Deliverance will follow.” 19-20. Matthew 15:8-9 & II Timothy 3:5: Reference to: Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31; Mark 7:6; Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46; & Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed. (Titus 1:6) “And why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46) Not every one who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And I will say to them, ‘Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”(Matthew 7:21-23) *Ref. Galatians 5:19-21 & Romans
8:12-13
I chose here to use scripture itself to explain in further depth the point I am wishing to get across because it is an extremely controversial topic among the Christian community. How far is too far, in regards to ones disobedience to the scriptures and the practice of tradition over that of living a life of True, unadulterated worship and service? In the book of Romans, 1st chapter, verses 2832 we (we who fear God) see something that should bring us not only a reverential respect for the God we serve, but a fear of continued disobedience. Although it is uncertain (to myself at least) when the line was crossed, God took an unknown number of disobedient believers and gave them over to themselves to die lost, eternally separated from Him. Hebrews 12:8 only emphasizes the result of continued rebellion. We cannot merely confess to know and believe in Him and hope to receive anything from Him. (Ref. James 1:7-8, 22) We must serve Him. *Philippians 2:12 21. Psalms 78:42: Why do people relapse? Complacency. They forget where they came from, and as a result, gradually forgot what it took to get them where they are. The reach a level of comfort that often causes them to forget what they had lost because of they’re past way of life and no longer respect their current life. They become reckless and lose focus on their foals. Slowly they put their dreams aside and start to live life for the moment, seeking immediate satisfaction as opposed to the promised satisfaction that can be found at the end of a long walk through the assured trials of a responsible adult Christian life. Although we need to live life one day at a time, we must keep long term hopes, dreams, and goals eternally in focus. It keeps us driven towards an ultimate happiness that far surpassed any high or temporary happiness we could ever hope to obtain through
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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living a life of short-sighted, immediate satisfaction and pleasure. Especially when our goal is God’s will for our lives. 22. Matthew 10:33: Reference: Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26 Have you been set free through our LORD? Proclaim it to the world if you have! We were created by and for…we worship and serve; a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who will not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11). ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no one should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Give credit where it’s due. We can’t change ourselves (Jeremiah 13:23; see point # 25). If we could there wouldn’t be any need for a God or even AA/NA for that matter. We would of just ‘self-willed’ ourselves sober. For those of us who have dealt with, or are currently dealing with a chemical addiction, we know that it’s ultimately impossible. No matter how much we might like to fool ourselves into thinking that we are in control over ourselves and our actions, we soon find out that we have become slaves to our addiction and the life that surrounds it. John 8:34, Romans 6:16; Deny that He has worked deliverance in your life (if and when He does) and you will be denied before God Himself. For those of us who fear God, nothing more need be said…for those who don’t however, I give you God’s Word. “…for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (John 12:43; Matthew 10:28) 23. II Peter 3:9: Contrary to many an alcoholic’s /addict’s belief, God does not take our past decisions and permanently condemn us. He waits patiently for us to realize not only the error of our ways, but His love for us as well; and to turn to Him for forgiveness. Ultimately, He wants us all to come to Him, yet He will never violate our free-will; our ability to choose for ourselves, even if we choose not to serve Him. The choice is ours. 24-25. Ecclesiastes 11:4 & Jeremiah 13:23: ‘I just need to get my stuff straight first’…’Wait until I get some things taken care of’…’I’m not ready yet.’ Ever said something like this before or heard it said by someone you love? Procrastination is of the devil and God was the 1st to state that actions speak louder than words through John’s letter in I John 3:16-18. The longer we take to give our lives over to the care of Jesus; the harder it becomes. We become so engulfed in the darkness of sin that we soon come to a point where we start to forget we’re even lost. Thing’s will not get better on their own or through our desire for them to. Points # 11-12 should be reviewed if one honestly thinks they can change on their own. 26. A.A. 58: ‘Faith without works is dead’ and ‘Actions speak louder than words’. Synonymous statements, well known by the Christian and secular communities alike. Interestingly enough, the principle is not only biblical but both are found directly in the bible itself. The former is a direct quote from James 2:20 and the latte is a commonly understood paraphrase for I John 3:16-18, which was emphasized in pointes # 24-25.
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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The principle of this…Once we honestly decide that we want the change; we are obligated to ourselves to put 110% of ourselves into it. We have to be open to anything and willing to faithfully submit to its demands on us and our lives. This not only includes giving our life over to Jesus but it’s the very principle, of one giving their life to Jesus. Trust (Proverbs 3:5-7) and submission (James 4:7) go hand in hand as do; being ‘willing to go to any length to get it’ and giving Jesus a chance to work His deliverance in our lives. Are you willing? Will you give Him 110%? Matthew 7:7-8 promises us that those who seek Him will find Him. Luke 4:18 gives an awesome example of Jesus’ life mission. ‘Deliverance to the captives.’; ‘set free those who are oppressed’….sound like us? He will do His part if we do ours. 27. A.A. 45: 28. A.A. 59: 29. A.A. 49: 30. A.A. 50: 31. A.A. 51: 32. A, B, & CA.A. 76 BJames 2:17-20: 33. A.A. 68: 34. A.A. 77: 35. A.A. 83: 36. A.A. 72: 37. A.A. 63: 38. A.A. 62: 39. A.A. 84: 40. A.A. 75:
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Conclusion
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Table of Contents
Prayer for Serenity Introduction Definitions “The Path” Reference Commentary Conclusion
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Prayer for Serenity
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen
Reinhold Niebuhr
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Introduction
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Definitions
De•liv•er•ance; 1An act or instance of delivering. 2Salvation. 3Liberation.
Webster’s College Dictionary (WCD)
Yešû´āh; (h[;Wvy], 3444) “Deliverance”. “Salvation” in the Old Testament is not understood as a
salvation from sin, since the word denotes broadly anything from which ‘deliverance’ must be sought: distress, war, servitude, or enemies. (Emphasis Mine)
Vines Complete Expository Dictionary (Vines)
Apolutrōsis (apolutrwsij, 629) Denotes ‘redemption’ (ap, “from,” lutron,” a price of release”). In , ) Heb. 11:35 it is translated ‘deliverance’; usually the release is effected by the payment of a ransom, or the required price, the lutron (ransom). (Emphasis Mine)
Ibid
Ref. to Aphesis (afesij, 859) Which denotes ‘a release, from bondage, imprisonment, etc.’ “Yet,
doesn’t emphasis the great cost, our deliverance from satans grasp and the bondage of ‘addiction’ paid for us by Christ through His death on the cross.”
Ibid
Chem•i•cal; 2Chemicals, slang. Narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances.
WCD
Ad•dic•tion; n. Dependence on or commitment to a habit, practice, or habit-forming substance to the extent that its cessation causes trauma.
Ibid
In•spire; 5To communicate or suggest by a divine or Supernatural influence. 6To guide or control by
divine influence.
Ibid
Theopneustos (qeo`pneustoj, 2315) “inspired by God” (Theos, ‘God’, pneō ‘to breathe’) is used in
II Tim. 3:16, of the Scriptures as distinct from non-inspired writings.
Vines
Re•deem; 1To buy or pay off. To recover…by payment or other satisfaction. 9To deliver from ‘sin’ and
its consequences by means of a Sacrifice offered for the sinner.
WCD
Gā’al (laeG,1350) “To redeem, deliver, avenge, act as a kinsman.” The Book of Psalms often places
spiritual redemption in parallel with physical redemption.
Vines
Sin; 1Transgression of divine law. 2Any act regarded as such a transgression, esp. a willful violation of
some religious or moral principle. 3Any reprehensible action; serious fault or offence.
WCD
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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“The Path”
All scripture is ‘inspired’ by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. 2Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 3As we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow, or the hereafter. We were reborn. 4Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lays ahead, 5If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. 6“No-one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” 7Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 8We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. 9When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 10 I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate. I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. But I can’t help my-self, because I’m no-longer doing it. It is “sin” inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things. 11Jesus said, “I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.” 12However, I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 13So He saved them from the hand of the one who hated them and “redeemed” them from the hand of the enemy. 14Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary. 15 We react sanely and normally, and we will find that this has happened automatically. We will see that our new attitude toward liquor and drugs has been given us without thought or effort on our part. It just comes! That is the miracle of it. We are not fighting it, neither are we avoiding temptation. We feel as though we had been placed in a position of neutrality—safe and protected. We have not even sworn off. Instead, the problem has been removed. It does not exist for us. We are neither cocky nor are we afraid. That is our experience. That is how we react so long as we keep in fit Spiritual Condition. 16 Assuming we are Spiritually Fit, we can do all sorts of things alcoholics (addicts) are not supposed to do. People have said we must not go where liquor is served; that we must not have it in our homes; we must shun friends who drink; we must avoid moving pictures which show drinking scenes; we must not go into bars; our friends must hide their bottles if we go to their houses; we mustn’t think or be reminded about alcohol
1
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or drugs at all. Our experience shows that this is not necessarily so. 17In our belief any scheme of combating alcoholism and or drug addiction which proposes to shield the sick man from temptation is doomed to failure. 18But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 19 This people honors Me with their lips, but whir heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men, 20holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power. 21They did not remember His power, the day when He “redeemed” them from the adversary. 22Whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. 23The LORD is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 24If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. 25Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then you also can do good, who are accustomed to do evil. 26 If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it—then you are ready to take certain steps. 27Well, that’s exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which will solve your problem…and it means, of course, that we are going to talk about God…many times we talk to a new man and watch his hope rise as we discuss his alcohol and or addiction problem(s) and explain our fellowship. But his face falls when we speak of Spiritual matters, especially when we mention God, for we have re-opened a subject which our man thought he had neatly evaded or entirely ignored. 28Whithout help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power—that One is God. May you find Him now. 29We, who have traveled this dubious path, beg you to lay aside prejudice, even against organized religion. We have learned that whatever the human frailties of various faiths may be; those faiths have given purpose and direction to millions. People of faith have a logical idea of what life is all about. Actually, we used to have no reasonable conception whatever. We used to amuse ourselves by cynically dissecting Spiritual beliefs and practices when we might have observed that many Spiritually-Minded persons of all races, colors, and creeds were demonstrating a degree of stability, happiness, and usefulness which we should have sought ourselves. 30Here are thousands of men and women, worldly indeed. They flatly declare that since they have come to believe in a Power greater than themselves, to take a certain attitude towards that Power, and to do certain simple things, there has been a revolutionary change in their way of living and thinking. In the face of collapse and despair, in the face of the total failure of their human resources, they found that a new power, peace, happiness, and Sense of direction flowed into them. This happened soon after they whole-heartedly met a few simple requirements. 31When many hundreds of people are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives; they present a powerful reason why one should have faith. 32-AWhen ready, we say something like this: “My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.” B“Faith without works is dead.” CRemember it was agreed at the beginning we would go to any lengths for victory over alcohol or drugs. 33 Perhapse there is a better way—we think so. For we are now on a different basis; the basis of trusting and relying upon God. We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves.
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We are in the world to play the role He assigns. Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him; does He enable us to match calamity with serenity. 34Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us. 35The Spiritual Life is not a theory. We have to live it. 36: If we skip this vital step, we may not overcome drinking or drugging. Trying to avoid this humbling experience, they have turned to easier methods. Almost invariably they got drunk or high. 37 When we sincerely took such a position, all sorts of remarkable things followed. Being all-powerful He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well. Established on such a footing we became less and less interested in ourselves, our little plans, and designs. More and more we became interested in seeing what we could contribute to life. As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His Presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow, or the hereafter. We Were Reborn. 38Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom. 39We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. 40Once we have taken this last step, withholding nothing, we are delighted. We can look the world in the eye. We can be alone at perfect peace and ease. Our fears fall from us. We begin to feel the nearness of our Creator. We may have had certain Spiritual beliefs, but now we begin to have Spiritual Experience.
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Reference:
1. II Timothy 3:16 2. II Corinthians 5:17-18 3. A.A. 63 4. Philippians 3:13-14 5. A.A. 83-84 6. Luke 9:62 7. Romans 12:2 8. II Corinthians 10:5 9. I Corinthians 13:11 10. Romans 7:15-17 (TLB) 11. John 15:5 12. Philippians 4:13 13. Psalms 106:10 14. Psalms 107:2 15. A.A. 85 16. A.A. 100-101 17. A.A. 101 18. Matthew 6:33 19. Matthew 15:8-9 20. II Timothy 3:5 21. Psalms 78:42 22. Matthew 10:33 23. II Peter 3:9 24. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (TLB) 25. Jeremiah 13:23 26. A.A. 58 27. A.A. 45 28. A.A. 59 29. A.A. 49 30. A.A. 50 31. A.A. 51 32. A, B, & CA.A. 76 BJames 2:17-20 33. A.A. 68 34. A.A. 77 35. A.A. 83 36. A.A. 72 37. A.A. 63 38. A.A. 62 39. A.A. 84 40. A.A. 75
Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptures come from the New American Standard Bible (NASB). Also used is The Living Bible (TLB). All Alcoholic’s Anonymous sections come from the Fifty-seventh Printing, 1996.
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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Commentary
1. II Timothy 3:16: Inspiration. “A supernatural influence…The Fact of Inspiration Stated.” –New Unger’s Bible Dictionary “We see here that although the bible was written by man; it was spoken to those men by God Himself. Problem is, that in our age, we have lost sight of this and now desire teachings that; teach, speak, and promote other religions, New Age ideals, and even some select Christian doctrines that comply more with ‘our’ desired interpretation of not only life in general, but often times, even perversions of the very scriptures themselves. Scariest thing is, for those who believe in the bibles inspiration like myself, that Paul warned Timothy of this in II Timothy 4:34, saying in short that there would come a time when people would no longer seek the Truth but rather what they want to hear…My friends…that time has come.” What is Truth? In John 17:17; Christ, while in intercessory prayer to the Father says, ‘Sanctify them through Thy Truth: Thy Word is Truth.’(KJV) 2. II Corinthians 5:17-18: Any attempt at dissecting and, or looking too deeply for hidden Spiritual truths within this verse would result in destroying its, ‘Simplistic Essence’. If one follows the lead of Paul, written in Romans 10:9-10, then God carries out within us the same promise He makes to Israel in Ezekiel 11:19-20, and ‘this’ verse becomes the ending result. I heartily recommend an in depth, verse by verse, study of Romans chapter 6 in its entirety to further grasp the full concept of the change…the complete and overwhelming change that takes place within us when we dedicate our lives to Jesus as out Lord, Savior, brother, and friend. Not just simply our, ‘Higher Power’. We are no-longer Alcoholics, dope fiends, thieves, liars, and self-centered people…we are new creatures…We Are Reborn. 3. A.A. 63: This excerpt from the A.A. book page 63, not only gives extra biblical, Recovery Based support for the previous biblical Truth covered in point #2; but also emphasizes II Timothy 1:7 which states, ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 4. Philippians 3:13-14: Paul is clear here…once removed from our past ways of life; we must leave it dead in the past. Although Paul urges us to literally, ‘forget it’, I personally have found it near to impossible to fully carry out such a task. I have however, found it easier to leave my past behind me and not only not relive it, but not live in regret because of it; by simply keeping my eyes and focus on my present life and future goals. I believe Paul was telling us to get over it and don’t keep it alive by constantly glorifying it. With proper restraint, our pasts become the essence of our testimonies to others and without them; we would hold no common ground with those he wants us to reach; let alone takes the power out of the delivering Salvation that was worked in our lives. However, although God, as well as the 8th Step, call for restitution and, or amends to be made whenever possible, one fact remains…We cannot change the past, so we cannot allow it to monopolize space in our hearts that belongs to Jesus and causes us constant regret
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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as well as an ideal that we are still the same person we used to be. (Ref. to Points # 2 & 3) 5. A.A. 83-84: Once again, we see a biblical Truth emphasized in an extra-biblical, recovery-based belief. 6. Luke 9:62: This principle is seen in recovery as well. Avoiding past people, places, and things becomes a virtual necessity in the early recovery process and should be practiced without reserve until True Deliverance is reached. Honesty, acceptance (Ref. to A.A. 449), and faithful unwavering determination start to play key roles in our lives at this point. Pride, arrogance, denial, and impatience become our deadliest enemies. It is at this point that we find out how serious we really are about changing our lives, especially in regards to Chemical addiction. 7. Romans 12:2: We must start thinking differently in every respect and in every facet of our lives. Nothing of our old, ‘sin-sick’ way of thinking can be allowed to remain and that includes our past agreements with the world and their ‘sin-sick’ worldly views. That is of course dependant upon your acceptance of Christ as the ruler of your life, thus separating you and your way of thinking from that of the worlds. ‘If’ you have taken that step then your thoughts should become focused on Christ. However, even if you still haven’t done so, the principle of changing the way you think and not following the socially acceptable ‘norm’, still applies. I further stress points # 2&3. 8. II Corinthians 10:5: Assuming that you have given your life to the Lord Jesus Christ, this verse is one of your most powerful tools in a change of thinking. Otherwise it becomes of little or no value. The principle is simple. We, on our own, cannot think right. The bible says it in Jeremiah 13:23 and the A.A. book says it in Step 1…’We are powerless.’ In II Peter 2:9, it says that Jesus knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations; and we see in I Corinthians 10:13 that He will always give us a way out or the ability to bear it without succumbing to it. He can only do so if we take that thought, that temptation captive to Him. 9. I Corinthians 13:11: What more can be said? Sooner or later we all have to grow up, in every respect. 10. Romans 7:15-17: After showing in v. 7-14 that sin is more powerful than the Law, Paul now shows that sin is more powerful than man who is a slave to sin (v.1525). Those of us in recovery, whether delivered or still suffering, can easily feel the Apostle Paul’s words here. How many times were we done…though…tired of hurting those we love, yet unable to quit? Paul my friend is emphasizing the first step here. He was admitting not only his defeat and need for help…but his utter powerlessness as well. We might truly hate our actions, yet we ‘alone’ can’t stop ourselves. We need help. 11. John 15:5: Much controversy may be raised by such a claim. It seems like every religion out there claims to be ‘the Truth’ and or ‘the only Way’…So; which ones right? Don’t all roads ultimately lead to Rome? Well, let’s start with the fact that, to my knowledge at least, Christianity is the only religion which claims a resin
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
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savior. Raised from the dead and seated in heaven still to this day. Next, with that in mind, whether believing and agreeing with it or not), Christ Himself very plainly states that, ‘I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no-one comes to the Father, but through Me’. (John 14:6 NASB). Talk about a bold claim. I will not attempt to prove that Jesus lives, in this study. Any disbelievers would be encouraged to read; the Bible itself and The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, as well as perform their own, personal research to ascertain the validity of such a claim. My point in doing this is simple. Anyone who would come to the same conclusion concerning Jesus’ resurrection claims through their own research, would be forced to look with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:13) at the rest of His claims with a new level of respect and seriousness. 12. Philippians 4:13: Well, it’s only natural to assume, that if we can’t do anything apart from Him, then it’s through Him that we can do all things. ‘All Things.’…Although I won’t bore you with the details, a brief look at the Greek here portrays strength, ‘the power’, to do ‘all things.’ All things individually and in their totality. P£nta (pánta). Our faith in Him is the only limit. For those who might feel that they are lacking in Faith, I would suggest reading Hebrews eleven. 13. Psalms 106:10: The moment we cry out to Jesus to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us with his sacrificial blood, a Regeneration process begins. A process that He promises to complete. (Philippians 1:6) Ecclesiastes chapter 3 tells us that there is a time for everything. Verse 11 especially shows that it’s God’s timing that determines when True and total deliverance comes. For some of us it may be virtually instant, while for others, it may take years. He promises though, that He will finish what He starts ‘if’ we abide in Him. (John 15:1-7)((see point #11)) 14. Psalms 107:2: Have you been set free? Are you a new person? Say so! Proclaim it to the entire world and stand firm in the newness of life that you’ve been given. 15-17. A.A. 85, 100-101, & 100: What more can be said? We see here virtually all of the above statements affirmed in one, non-biblical passage. The change inside of us becomes absolute and without struggle. Although we cannot and should not attempt to ‘use in moderation’; we are no longer tortured by a constant craving. It’s as if we had never used. This comes through an understanding that there honestly isn’t such a thing as a functional addict. There are simply those who use and those who don’t. We, who choose the latter, do so because we seek a life free from chemically enhanced happiness that only lasts as long as our highs. Those who choose the former, do so because; even ‘if’ they can retain some level of control and stability over their use, one fact remains…They obviously prefer a chemically enhanced, chemically dependant happiness in life. Ultimately, their happiness only lasts a season. (Heb. 11:25 KJV) Notice the last sentence (point # 17)… ”What’s my point?” Once delivered, we are called to live normal lives (point # 4), not live the rest of our lives helpless victims to a disease we no longer have! Call yourself an addict the rest of your life and that’s what you’ll be. Yet, I never hear those cured of cancer still calling themselves a cancer patient; they call themselves cancer ‘Survivors’!
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18. Matthew 6:33: How are we to obtain ‘True’, Spiritual Fitness? Well, here’s the clincher…here’s what separates recovery from Deliverance…possible failure, from promised, guaranteed success. Put the problem of your chemical addiction, your ‘recovery’, to the side completely. Out of sight, and out of mind. Then, and only then, are you ready to focus on Christ. Yes, Christ. Forget even about deliverance at this point because just as the Apostle Peter began to sink and drown when he took his eyes off The LORD Jesus (Matt. 13:3-9 & 18-23); we, also lose sight of our objectives when we either attempt to do things ourselves or lose faith and trust in Christ’s power to lead, guide, calm, protect, and yes…Deliver us from chemical addiction. Simply put…“Seek the LORD and Deliverance will follow.” 19-20. Matthew 15:8-9 & II Timothy 3:5: Reference to: Isaiah 29:13; Ezekiel 33:31; Mark 7:6; Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46; & Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed. (Titus 1:6) “And why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46) Not every one who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And I will say to them, ‘Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”(Matthew 7:21-23) *Ref. Galatians 5:19-21 & Romans
8:12-13
I chose here to use scripture itself to explain in further depth the point I am wishing to get across because it is an extremely controversial topic among the Christian community. How far is too far, in regards to ones disobedience to the scriptures and the practice of tradition over that of living a life of True, unadulterated worship and service? In the book of Romans, 1st chapter, verses 2832 we (we who fear God) see something that should bring us not only a reverential respect for the God we serve, but a fear of continued disobedience. Although it is uncertain (to myself at least) when the line was crossed, God took an unknown number of disobedient believers and gave them over to themselves to die lost, eternally separated from Him. Hebrews 12:8 only emphasizes the result of continued rebellion. We cannot merely confess to know and believe in Him and hope to receive anything from Him. (Ref. James 1:7-8, 22) We must serve Him. *Philippians 2:12 21. Psalms 78:42: Why do people relapse? Complacency. They forget where they came from, and as a result, gradually forgot what it took to get them where they are. The reach a level of comfort that often causes them to forget what they had lost because of they’re past way of life and no longer respect their current life. They become reckless and lose focus on their foals. Slowly they put their dreams aside and start to live life for the moment, seeking immediate satisfaction as opposed to the promised satisfaction that can be found at the end of a long walk through the assured trials of a responsible adult Christian life. Although we need to live life one day at a time, we must keep long term hopes, dreams, and goals eternally in focus. It keeps us driven towards an ultimate happiness that far surpassed any high or temporary happiness we could ever hope to obtain through
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
Deliverance from Chemical Addiction 14 **Project Status**
living a life of short-sighted, immediate satisfaction and pleasure. Especially when our goal is God’s will for our lives. 22. Matthew 10:33: Reference: Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26 Have you been set free through our LORD? Proclaim it to the world if you have! We were created by and for…we worship and serve; a jealous God (Exodus 20:5) who will not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11). ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no one should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Give credit where it’s due. We can’t change ourselves (Jeremiah 13:23; see point # 25). If we could there wouldn’t be any need for a God or even AA/NA for that matter. We would of just ‘self-willed’ ourselves sober. For those of us who have dealt with, or are currently dealing with a chemical addiction, we know that it’s ultimately impossible. No matter how much we might like to fool ourselves into thinking that we are in control over ourselves and our actions, we soon find out that we have become slaves to our addiction and the life that surrounds it. John 8:34, Romans 6:16; Deny that He has worked deliverance in your life (if and when He does) and you will be denied before God Himself. For those of us who fear God, nothing more need be said…for those who don’t however, I give you God’s Word. “…for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (John 12:43; Matthew 10:28) 23. II Peter 3:9: Contrary to many an alcoholic’s /addict’s belief, God does not take our past decisions and permanently condemn us. He waits patiently for us to realize not only the error of our ways, but His love for us as well; and to turn to Him for forgiveness. Ultimately, He wants us all to come to Him, yet He will never violate our free-will; our ability to choose for ourselves, even if we choose not to serve Him. The choice is ours. 24-25. Ecclesiastes 11:4 & Jeremiah 13:23: ‘I just need to get my stuff straight first’…’Wait until I get some things taken care of’…’I’m not ready yet.’ Ever said something like this before or heard it said by someone you love? Procrastination is of the devil and God was the 1st to state that actions speak louder than words through John’s letter in I John 3:16-18. The longer we take to give our lives over to the care of Jesus; the harder it becomes. We become so engulfed in the darkness of sin that we soon come to a point where we start to forget we’re even lost. Thing’s will not get better on their own or through our desire for them to. Points # 11-12 should be reviewed if one honestly thinks they can change on their own. 26. A.A. 58: ‘Faith without works is dead’ and ‘Actions speak louder than words’. Synonymous statements, well known by the Christian and secular communities alike. Interestingly enough, the principle is not only biblical but both are found directly in the bible itself. The former is a direct quote from James 2:20 and the latte is a commonly understood paraphrase for I John 3:16-18, which was emphasized in pointes # 24-25.
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
Deliverance from Chemical Addiction 15 **Project Status**
The principle of this…Once we honestly decide that we want the change; we are obligated to ourselves to put 110% of ourselves into it. We have to be open to anything and willing to faithfully submit to its demands on us and our lives. This not only includes giving our life over to Jesus but it’s the very principle, of one giving their life to Jesus. Trust (Proverbs 3:5-7) and submission (James 4:7) go hand in hand as do; being ‘willing to go to any length to get it’ and giving Jesus a chance to work His deliverance in our lives. Are you willing? Will you give Him 110%? Matthew 7:7-8 promises us that those who seek Him will find Him. Luke 4:18 gives an awesome example of Jesus’ life mission. ‘Deliverance to the captives.’; ‘set free those who are oppressed’….sound like us? He will do His part if we do ours. 27. A.A. 45: 28. A.A. 59: 29. A.A. 49: 30. A.A. 50: 31. A.A. 51: 32. A, B, & CA.A. 76 BJames 2:17-20: 33. A.A. 68: 34. A.A. 77: 35. A.A. 83: 36. A.A. 72: 37. A.A. 63: 38. A.A. 62: 39. A.A. 84: 40. A.A. 75:
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
Deliverance from Chemical Addiction 16 **Project Status**
Conclusion
Created by: James A. Isaacs Jr.; Founder of D.O.T.S. Created 2004 – Revised & Digitized 1/11/2013
