Overcoming the craving to sin

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wsbg Jul 24, 2005

Hi. I'm looking for some help. I'm a Christian and have been for a couple years now. Recently though I was talking to a co-worker about the crazy teenage years we both had. It brought back some memories and feelings that I do not want. I seem to have a strong longing for alcohol, other drugs, and a generalized want to get closer to the life I left behind. Doing things such as listening to goth and industrial music and growing closer to darker spiritual forces. The thing is, I utterly abhor my former life and I intellectually don't want to drink, do drugs, etc. Does anyone have any ideas of how to grow closer to Christ and as far from worldliness and darkness as they can? I'm thinking of looking over the 12-step stuff again, but something inside of me is burning to do wrong. I do not think that I will give in, but it is highly annoying. I also rationalize sometimes. I might think for example, "well only a little drink surely will not hurt me - it can even prevent people from getting colds and such." Thanks for your suggestions.

D

dohzman Jul 24, 2005

May I suggest a daily early morning devotional life with the person of Jesus Christ where you enjoy his person and presence. I'm not talking about prayers and petitions although you may pray and offer up petitions, Im not talking about intercession or a warring in the spirit til the answers or manifestations of God happen, although you may go into intercessory . I'm talking about a set amount of time every morning with Jesus to just get to know Him and enjoy His presence. The rest will take care of itself.

J

Joshua99 Jul 24, 2005

Hello, I know and understand what you are going through. The answer, my friend, is as clearly said by Carter Conlon "The presence of God in our lives, is the power, for us to obey". I have been delivered from alcohol and drugs now for 10 years, not once have I slipped, I have just been spending alot of time in His Presence, studying, praying and just fellowshipping with the Lord. Brother the key to dealing with all sin, is getting into the Presence of God, as Dohzman has said. The difficulty is really how we see it(the craving, lust-sin) our problem, before God, it is one and the same, that is sin, whether ts the lusts of the flesh, or being tempted by the devil. Here is what I'm saying, get down right serious about this with the Lord, get in His Presence much more than you have been, not out of duty, but from a heart filled with Love for Him, His Word. Be confident in Jesus, He will deliver you, learn patience while you wait on the Lord for Victory! By the Spirit, I have victory over, Pornagraphy, drugs, alcohol, slander, gossip. As far as the music, I have been a musicain now for 28 years, I've been in many hard rock bands etc. nothing has been more satisfying than worshipping the Lord. From good rocking praise music to deep worship, like listening to Hillsong and Paul Baloche music.There are many anointed artists out there. You will have to simply choose what is going to inspire your spiritual life, that you so desperately need. Let me know what I can do to help, be blessed in Jesus mighty Name! :-)

sermonindex Jul 24, 2005

"The Old Creature lusts againsts the New Creature", the New Creature is Christ in you, that newness on the inside of you is the real you, it's the reality that exists in this world, that which you do not see is eternal, you do not see who you are on the inside you are eternal, the outer man the old creation is not eternal. Thank God.What you need to do like everyone us at one time must do is read Romans chapters 6, 7, and 8. Another great book which has helped thousands of believers undertand this sin nature and how to deal with is by Watchman Nee, "The Normal Christian Life", your local christian book store should have it.Getting closer to Christ is a battle we must all face, it's so much easier to please the flesh, and many of us have had the pleasure of doing that, but it only lasts for a season and then we feel the effects of sin. You may end up doing the very things that you say you hate doing. Paul speaks of this in "Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, I don't do that; but what I hate, that is what I do."There is really no forumulae, anyone of us could say, read your bible, pray, go to church and be a very good little christian. If that is idea that we must follow and we knew the results would be guaranteed, we'd all do it. But it doesn't work that way.Reading your bible is not the answer, praying is not the answer, and going to church will not do it either. What is needed is simple faith to believe that Christ is faithful and just to deliver us from all unrighteousness and that He accomplished this when He died upon the cross. Once you have established that in your thinking, then you can read your bible, and pray that the holy Spirit will reveal it's treasures to you so that you will be able to overcome as Christ overcame.Mark my words, YOU WILL FALL INTO SIN, but you also must understand that He that is in you is greater than the old creation, Christ has made you more than a conqueror.When you fall into sin, don't allow the old creation to condemn you, it will try to condemn you, "the flesh continues to lust AGAINST the Spirit", and you may give into the condemnation, which will only make you more weak, and you will fall back into sin more and more until you learn that you can live above sin through the cross. Aren't you glad for the grace of God? The grace of God enables us to come to the Father with boldness thru the precious blood of Jesus. His grace enables us to overcome sin, even tho we will fall into sin, yet the grace of God is like a springboard, you fall on it and you bounce right back on your feet again. God is amazing, man.King David said one time, "Though my foot slips, yet your mercy holds me up".Avoid the forumulas, they don't work for the believer. I could go on a diet, and eat all my greens and make healthy choices, but if my heart is set on some grease laden hamburger with fries and pop while I diet, guess what?? sooner or later, I will be at the greasy spoon putting in my order.Remember that urge to sin is in your members, don't ever think that because you sin it's all over for you, no sir not for a long shot. What is happening is the the holy Spirit is stirring this crap that is in your heart, He is showing you what is in there, and He wants you and Him to walk thru this together so that you may be healed. "If you by the holy Spirit, kill the deeds of the flesh you shall live".God loves you and is not willing that you die in your thinking because you lack knowledge to overcome the sin nature.Becareful of the religeous mind set that tells you that you have to follow a set creed and to dress a certain way to attain God's blessings, avoid them like AIDS, run from them, they DO mean you harm. Take the LORDs advice, "Let your No be no and your yes be yes", "don't make vows, you'll only break them." (All scripture quotations were paraphrased)

L

letsgetbusy Jul 24, 2005

Your temptation is guaranteed as a believer. As a Christian, we receieve temptation, tribulation, and persecution. We also receive eternal life, though!! I found that: idleness brings back temptation, and going back to something I was called out of quiets my conscience (like when the disciples went back to fishing instead of fishing for men), then you are not listening for God.Find something to do for Christ that keeps your mind and body occupied, and soak your mind in Scripture and prayer. If you put an abundance of good in you brain, whenever you reach in and randomly choose something, it will be good.Hope this helps.

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wsbg Jul 26, 2005

Thanks for all your suggestions. I haven't really had a well defined prayer life, such as putting aside some time in the morning to go to God in prayer. This idea seems like it would be beneficial. In response to: "I'm talking about a set amount of time every morning with Jesus to just get to know Him and enjoy His presence" I am left thinking "Cool, but how do I do that?" I suppose there would be bible study, reading Christian books, praying, and fellowship with other believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit. I wish that I could be filled more with the Holy Spirit, but it seems that when I ask I am not answered in abundence.It's comforting to know that other people have struggled with the same things I have Joshua99.Healingwaters: I've just ordered the book from amazon.ca, it will get here within 2 weeks. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.I'm also wondering,What if I have changed, but the people around me still see me as I was, as I pretended to be, or how I was rumored to be. They seem to assume that people do not change, that my change is only pretended, or that they simply do not care; that they want to hate me whether I am redeemed or not. These people as a rule are not Christians. Some claim to be, but seem to be superficial. It seems that I am asked the same questions, over and over again - like they simply won't settle for the truth and must ask again. How should I deal with this? :-)

sermonindex Jul 26, 2005

Brother, settle this in your heart, you can't change you into a better christian, we've all tried and failed. Forget about trying to find out if people see any changes in you, if the world sees it you'll know it. But rather be a believer in Christ and fellowship as much as possible with others of the same likemindedness. But even in the circle of believers you have to be careful, when a discussion arises that is controversial and profitless, (for example, 'where did cain get his wife) ask that the subject be changed or leave, fruitless talk produces more fruitlessness. It's like telling a harmless joke, sooner or later the joke gets dirty. But these are things you'll learn as you grow in Christ, as you become more sensitive to the holy Spirit you'll not want to grieve Him. Ask the LORD for friends that will do you some good, you'll be surprised how He sends to you both young and old, at least that is what He did for me. When we seek "things" rather then the creator of those things, we get into trouble and we become frustrated with our growth. We need to stay focused on Him, and who cares about the rest.Remember this: YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS!! When you sin, YOU ARE STILL IN CHRIST JESUS!! Don't let anyone tell you any differently. By knowing this, you will learn to overcome your sin quickly because you will not allow the old creature (the flesh man) to condemn you. It took me years to come to this understanding, and it has helped me to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ.By the way, what part of Canada do you live in? I am in New Brunswick.CheersKarl

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wsbg Jul 28, 2005

I'm in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario in Canada. I'm about a half hour from Toronto.

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Sentry Jul 28, 2005

First, you CAN overcome this through the blood of Jesus and the Power of the Holy Spirit.Let me say this, and listen carefully....I drink and use drugs all I want to.HOWEVER, I DON'T WANT TO!I've lost the cravings and the desire to drink and use drugs. (both of which I did for over 20 years)How?I fell in love with my Savior, Jesus.I replaced one addiction with another...or as Carmen said years ago, A2J - addicted to Jesus.Drug and Alcohol abuse is Idolatry. Will we worship the creator or creation? A very common theme throughout scripture.Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.As mentioned already, it's a personal daily relationship with Jesus.12 steps? I wouldn't give you a plug nickel for them.I don't mean to sound harsh, but I deal with alcoholics and drug addicts on a daily basis.Most will tell you, Rehab didn't work, AA didn't work. I know a lady who has gone to AA for over 30 years!...she's sober, but very sad...still bound by her drinking, a "dry drunk".I'm talking about being completely free!Whom the Spirit sets free is free indeed!I'll be happy to talk more about it if you like.A good book to read if you can still find it is:"Two of Me, the struggle with Sin" by David Wilkerson.It's a small book and easy reading.Keep the faith...and don't believe the lies of the enemy and the World's doctrine.You can be free...for ever!In Christ,Mark

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AsliEren Jul 28, 2005

Hey,I agree with the advice already given but let me add to it. I was tempted today like everyday and Colossians 3 really helped out a lot. I would recommend reading the whole chapter and see if your particular sin is mentioned in the list....Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Col 3:4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Col 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: ...

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wsbg Jul 29, 2005

I know that getting drunk is a sin. The bible goes over this many a time. But, what is it to get drunk? Let's say I just have a drink or two a day to relax after a hard day's work and am still in control of my actions. Is that a sin? I know that I'd rather spend the money of better things and that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. But, if I'm not drinking every day, let's say once every month at a party or at most once every 2 weeks, am I doing something that will separate me from my saviour. At this point I don't need to drink. I have a drink once in a while because I feel the need to take my stress away from me for a while. However, I don't want to rely on my own understanding because I know how it has deceived me before, and I don't want to come to the point where I "need to drink." What do you think? What can I do and what can I not do in regard to drinking? I'm seeking two different things.. The first is to know legalistically what will send me to Hell and what will not. The second, and I think more important is the knowledge of what will allow me to have the closest relationship with God that I can. This one certainly is not as easy as the first question. I'm open to your ideas and suggestions. Thanks for your input.

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Sentry Jul 29, 2005

Hi,I was a drunk and drug addict for 20 years.For me, it's like this:Why would I ever want to pick up something that destroys so many lives.I can't help but believe that God is not pleased with me having anything to do with it.Not to mention what would someone think if they saw me have a beer.Rom. 14:16 "Let now your good be evil spoken of" KJVThe Word of God says" Love not the world, neither the THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD." 1 john 2:15I don't have much time right now to talk because I have to leave...but I hope this sheds a little light on it.My advice?Stay away, stay far away.Seek to please God with ALL your heart. Don't share your heart with any other affection.In Christ,Mark