Overcoming Bad Habits and Addictions — Part 17
Years ago, I contacted Jamie Lash to ask permission to include links in my writings to his teachings about freedom in Christ. I had two reasons for wanting to link to his teachings. First, his teachings had a powerful impact on me when I was younger, and secondly, I felt that I would never be able to explain freedom in Christ as well as he did in his teachings.
I encourage you now to watch his video message entitled, “How Sin is Overcome” ( https://embassymedia.com/media/how-sin-overcome-romans-6 ). In this powerful message, Jamie emphasizes the need to fully believe truth in order to overcome sin in our lives.
If you have been born again, the truth is that Jesus Christ has freed you from all bad habits and addictions. Your old self is dead, and you are a completely new person who is completely free of all bad habits, addictions, and their cravings.
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites *and *desires.”—Galatians 5:24 (AMPC)
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”—2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
But if you do not believe that truth, you will not experience its benefits. If you believe that you are still addicted to bad habits, then you are.
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”—Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV)
” … those who are perishing, because they did not welcome the love of the truth [of the gospel] so as to be saved [they were spiritually blind, and rejected the truth that would have saved them].”—2 Thessalonians 2:10 (AMP)
A born again believer in Jesus Christ cannot be bound to a habit or addiction without believing a lie.
“An evildoer gives heed to false lips”—Proverbs 17:4 (NKJV)
To experience all of the freedom that is yours as a new person in Christ, you must embrace and fully believe the truth.
“Stand firm, therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness”—Ephesians 6:14 (ISV)
“I won’t speak lies nor will I utter deceit.”—Job 27:4 (ISV)
“Lord, who shall dwell [temporarily] in Your tabernacle? Who shall dwell [permanently] on Your holy hill? He who walks and lives uprightly and blamelessly, who works rightness and justice and speaks and thinks the truth in his heart”—Psalm 15:1-2 (AMPC)
