Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  6000 Sin and salvation  »  6100 Aspects of sin  »  6106 addiction

The devotion of a person to something, whether sin in general or food, alcohol or wealth in particular, so as to become dependent upon it. A person will never be satisfied in such a state of slavery. The answer to addiction is self-control through the resources of the new life in Christ.

Addiction is the consequence of sin

2 Peter 2:19 See also John 8:34

Addiction to food, alcohol or drugs is to become dependent upon them

Philippians 3:18-19 See also Isaiah 5:11; Isaiah 28:7-8; Isaiah 56:12; Titus 2:3

Addiction to wealth is to be controlled by it

Mark 10:21-22 pp Luke 18:22-23 See also Matthew 26:14-16 pp Mark 14:10-11 pp Luke 22:3-6; Acts 16:19; Acts 24:26; 2 Peter 2:15

Addiction never satisfies

Addiction to sinful habits does not satisfy

Romans 6:20-21

Addiction to food, alcohol or drugs does not satisfy

Ecclesiastes 6:7 See also Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 21:17; Proverbs 23:20-21,29-35; Hosea 4:10-11 pp Matthew 19:21-22

Addiction to wealth does not satisfy

Ecclesiastes 5:10 See also 1 Timothy 6:9-10; James 5:1-3

The answer to addiction: self-control through the new life in Christ

Proverbs 23:1-4; Romans 6:6-7,11-14 See also Proverbs 25:16; Romans 6:16-19; Romans 8:12-15; 1 Corinthians 6:12; Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 5:22-23

See also

4434  drinking
4544  wine
5775  abuse
5866  gluttony
5939  satisfaction
6020  sin
7446  slavery
8224  dependence
8339  self-control
8475  self-denial
8808  riches