God is our all-sufficient Creator and Provider. In the first of the Ten Commandments He says, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Ex. 20:3). Yet with addictions, we are revealing the fact that our hearts are bowing down to something we believe God cannot provide. The alcohol and drugs are not the essence of the issue. The problem is a heart that worships other gods. Maybe it’s the god of pleasure or the god of love or the god of acceptance or the god of peace or the god of control. You see, the problem is not outside of us. It’s not ultimately at the liquor store or on the Internet. The problem is within us and the booze and pornography are only satisfiers of deeper idols within our hearts. The problem is not the idolatrous substance. The problem is a passion in our heart that is wrongly satisfied with a false god (Concept adapted from Ed Welch, Addictions, p. 49).
Randy Smith

Bible – English_World – Titus Chapter 3:1-15.

Index: World English Bible

 

Titus 3

[1]
[2]
[3]

3:1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

3:2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

3:3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

3:4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,

3:5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

3:6 which he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior;

3:7 that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

3:8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

3:9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

3:10 Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning;

3:11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned.

3:12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

3:13 Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.

3:14 Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

3:15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.