4 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ADDICTED

(From Proverbs 31:4-7)

 

1.  Perishing - to lose oneself, fail, be undone, be destroyed, undone

HOPELESS AND LOW SELF IMAGE

The Lie - I am the same old, poor sinner who is helpless and hopeless and will never change.

The Truth - The old person I used to be was crucified with Christ (Rom 6:4).   I am a new creation (2 Cor 5:17), who is dead to sin (Rom 6:2). I am a righteous saint (2 Cor. 5:21).

 

2.  Anguish-bitter, provoked, grieved, vexed & discontented

BITTER and GUILTY

The Lie - I deserve to be punished and condemned and I can't face the truth about myself.  I am a prisoner of my past.

The Truth - There is no more guilt and condemnation in Christ (Rom. 8:1).   God has taken care of my past in the cross and I am now a product of the cross.

 

3.  Poverty - to be destitute, have lack, needy, poor DESTITUTE and DEFEATED

The Lie - I am unloved and unaccepted and have been forsaken and and am without support .

The Truth - God loves me and accepts me and will never leave me or forsake me (Heb. 13:5,6) and has given me everything I need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3), every spiritual blessing (Eph 1:3) and victory (1 Cor 15:57).

 

4.  Misery - to toil severely with irksome, wearying effort WEARY and BURDENED

The Lie - It is up to me and I am giving out.

The Truth - God will do it all for me (1 Thess 5:24) and has called me to give up (2 Cor 1:8,9) and rest in Him (Heb 4:10)