What does the Bible say about addiction?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that addiction is a form of sinful bondage from which Christ calls people to repentance, self-control, and lasting freedom by his grace. Scripture warns that believers must not be mastered by anything but Christ (1 Corinthians 6:12), since sinful desires can grow into temptation, sin, and death (James 1:12-15). Christians are called to resist the devil, flee fleshly passions, and avoid influences that corrupt godly character (James 4:7; 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Corinthians 15:33). Yet God faithfully provides help in temptation and strength to endure (1 Corinthians 10:13). Through faith, prayer, the Spirit's renewing work, and the support of Christ's church, those who struggle may pursue repentance and hope in the God who restores his people (1 Peter 5:10).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
- 1 Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
- James 1:12-15
[12] Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. [13] Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. [14] But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.
- 1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn't the Father's, but is the world's.
- 1 Corinthians 6:12
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
- James 4:7
Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
- 1 Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
- Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
- 1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
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