Colossians 2:8 reads, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”. God also said, “Your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:5 NKJV).
This is the concept behind the Transformed curriculum. It is a survey of God’s Word to study biblical principles that lead to restoration and wholeness from life-dominating sins. You don’t have to manage sin. Jesus will set you free.
Believing the philosophy that addictions are diseases, psychologists tell addicts that they are not responsible for their actions and they’re hopeless. This philosophy states that addicts can never be cured of their disease, and therefore, must label themselves as addicts forever. This philosophy is contrary to the Word of God. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)
If this is your belief, please consider the following: What other diseases are self-inflicted and by choice? Is it not true that a substance abuser always has a choice? There is no question that the body learns to crave addictive substances, but this can be overcome. Even with withdrawal symptoms, the person always has two choices: to take that temporary fix or to endure through the discomfort of withdrawal.
Yes, there is a truth to science regarding psychology that the brain operates in certain ways, but most of our problems deal with coping. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the Word of God has the answer for these life-dominating sins. Even with the physiological issues with respect to neurological function, God’s Word offers a solution.
The Bible states that addiction is not a disease, but a sinful state. Sins such as drug and alcohol along with pornography, homosexuality, gambling, eating disorders, anger issues, or some other compulsive behaviors. You may be tempted to suppose that these sins are some kind of physical addiction that God cannot help people overcome. If you have come to the conclusion that those who have addictive or compulsive behaviors desperately want to stop but cannot, there’s hope.
Jesus said, “28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NKJV).
When a person chooses to endure through the withdrawal, they are limited, relying on their own strength. Yet if they rely on Jesus Christ as their Savior — to save them from their addiction —and/or any struggle in their life allowing God’s Word to rule their thoughts and actions — they will have success. If Jesus is Lord of your life, you no longer have to manage your sin. “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:8-9 NKJV)
Jesus wants to free a person from addiction, not manage it. When a person receives Jesus as the Lord of their life, essentially, they’re inviting Him to rule their life. They now have a relationship where God comes and lives inside of them and changes them from the inside out. They recognize that those addictive habits are wrong and sinful. As they read God’s Word and apply it to their lives in complete obedience, victory happens. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)
Jesus heals people instantly. For there is an instant transformation for those that are in Christ Jesus. There are countless numbers of stories of how Jesus came into people’s lives and brought transformation, brought change, and freed people from destructive patterns. For a believer, we have the hope of knowing that God is at work in us, that God is in the process of bringing that change, and God has the tools necessary to make that change. “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13 NKJV)
Transformed Ministry curriculum is a tool that God uses to bring victory with Christ Jesus in the life of a believer.
Adoration – Giving praise and honor to God for who He is and what He does.
Confession – Honestly deal with sin; acknowledge to God the ways (and whys) you fall short.
Thanksgiving – Verbalize your gratitude; express your praise and a thankful heart.
Supplication – Pray specifically for the needs of others, ourselves, our church, our nation.
