Elephants Wk. 1 - (Addiction)

One of the biggest elephants in the room is addiction.

When we hear that word, we think of drugs or alcohol, but addiction shows up in everyday things too.

Maybe it’s:

Video games — zoning out for hours, ignoring what’s around you.

Food — eating for comfort or control.

Gossip — can’t wait for the next piece of drama.

Alcohol or vaping — a way to escape or fit in.

Or your phone — checking it every few minutes.

Addiction can make you feel trapped — like you’re stuck and can’t break free.

Illustration: Think of an elephant tied with a small rope. When it was young, it couldn’t break free, so it stopped trying. As an adult, it’s powerful enough to snap it easily, but it’s convinced it’s stuck. That’s how addiction works — we believe the lie that we can’t change.

But you weren’t meant to live as a slave. You were meant for freedom — for life to the full in Christ.

TRUTH

Addiction affects us both biologically and spiritually.

Biologically: Our brains release a chemical called dopamine — the pleasure signal. When something makes us feel good, dopamine floods our brains. Over time, we build tolerance and need more to feel the same high. It becomes a cycle that’s hard to break.

Spiritually: Paul understood this tension.

Romans 7:14-20 (CSB):

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 7

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold as a slave under sin. 15 For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. 19 For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, I am no longer the one that does it, but it is the sin that lives in me.

Addiction isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit.

So what do we do? Paul gives an answer:

Ephesians 5:18 (CSB):

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 5

18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:

Paul’s point: don’t depend on your addiction — depend on God’s Spirit. Our addictions are often ways we try to fill a void. But only God can satisfy that emptiness.

APPLICATION

If we want to overcome addiction, we need to replace dependence on things with dependence on God. Here’s how:

1. Pray and Fast. When you feel the pull of addiction, turn to God in prayer. Fasting helps us say, “God, I need You more than this thing.” When you’re tempted, pray, read His Word, or take a walk and talk to Him.

2. Get Accountability. You weren’t meant to do this alone. Have someone who can ask the hard questions and remind you of truth. Accountability isn’t about guilt — it’s about encouragement and freedom.

3. Get Professional Help if Needed. If you’re in deep and can’t seem to break free, talk to your parents or leaders. There’s no shame in getting help. God often works through people, programs, and community to bring healing.

GOSPEL

The ultimate example of dependence on the Spirit is salvation itself. Our sin — including addiction — is a weight we can’t carry. But Jesus already did.

His death and resurrection brought freedom not just from guilt, but from sin’s power. When you surrender to Christ, you’re not just forgiven — you’re transformed.

John 8:36 (CSB):

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 8

So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.

If you’ve never taken that step, tonight could be your moment. Let go of the chains and let the Spirit begin His work of freedom in you.

CONCLUSION

You don’t have to fight addiction alone. Christ came to set you free — not just someday, but now.

Romans 12:21 (CSB):

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 12

21 Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.

This freedom is a journey. It takes prayer, accountability, maybe fasting or help, but above all, it takes dependence on the Spirit.

You don’t have to be strong enough on your own. You just have to depend on the One who is.

Let’s pray and ask for the Spirit’s help to lead us into true freedom.