October 21, 2018

Masquerade : Breaking Free
October 21, 2018
Dr. Tim Clinton

 

Open:

How does one break free from an addiction, whether food, medication, or something that tempts you beyond your resistance? Wherever you go, it seems you are offered that which you are struggling to be free from. What are some methods that may be helpful?

One of the masks we wear in society is that of being completely in charge of our lives, when the truth is that something has many of us in slavery. Satan—our adversary—not only knows our weakness, but preys on it, trying to keep us broken, overwhelmed, and chained to something we try to escape from. Today Dr. Clinton shares a professional perspective on recognizing the downward spiral we are on and gives us insight into breaking free and recovering our heart.

Focal Passages: 2 Corinthians 11:1-3, James 1:19-20; Gen. 2:18; Rev. 12:10.

Discuss:

LOSING HEART

  • Attack: 
    • Who is at the root of deceiving us? Whose choice is it to ultimately take the step that starts the downward spiral?
    • Read 2 Cor. 11:1-3.
  • Anger:
    • What happens when something in your life gets out of control and you have no way to fix it? What emotion do you find beginning to occur often?
    • Read Jas. 1:19-20. What does it say?
  • Anxiety:
    • When life is out of control and anger sets in, what is the next reaction that turns the downward spiral into a tight coil? This creates what psychologists refer to as the “flight or fight” response.
    • What does that mean?
  • Aloneness:
    • Once someone is in the throes of anxiety and/or depression, and God does not seem to show up to relieve the situation, what is the next downward spiral?
    • Why does one want to be alone?
    • How does this cause more alienation?
  • Adulteries of the Heart:
    • Read Gen. 2:18.
    • When someone feels so alone, and it seems no one cares, what does the natural man begin to do?
    • Does it have to be a person?
    • What other types of “adulteries” are used to cover the pain?
  • Addiction:
    • Now we reach the area where Satan has his field day.
    • What happens as we find temporary solace in a situation or medication (or another form of indulgences)?
  • Accuser whispers lies:
    • Read Rev. 12:10.
    • What is another of Satan’s evil tactics?
    • Not only does he accuse us to God, but where does he start first?
    • What are some of his accusations?

RECOVERY OF THE HEART

  • Affection of/for God:
    • Read Matt. 22:37.
    • What is the first commandment?
    • Why is that like a building block, or a foundation for our temple (our life)?
    • Why is that more necessary to have in place than a great marriage, kids, etc.?
  • Assessment:
    • Read Psa. 139:23.
    • Once we truly believe God loves us as a loving Father cherishes his child, what tests can we apply to our lives?
  • Awareness of God:
    • How can we develop a daily awareness of God in our lives?
    • What will that eventually do for us?
  • Attachment:
    • Read John 15:1-5.
    • What is so special about having an attachment bond to Christ?
    • What about the bond you have with your spouse or child—can you imagine that bond being so great as the one you can have with God?
    • What Actions will that bond produce in your life?
    • Read 1 Tim. 11:1.
  • Accountability:
    • Why would it now be vital to find someone who will speak truth to you, and be an accountability partner who will keep you close to Christ?
  • Alive Again:
    • As you press in against God, drawing near to Him, you will find Him faithful and you’ll become alive again. A three-fold cord is not easily broken, Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. Rejoice in that!

 

Close:

This message is one we all need to hear as everyone either struggles with an addiction or knows someone who does. These steps are desperately needed to identify addictions and break free. God has told us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom, and all of us need the reality that Satan’s lies can no longer keep us chained to things that will ultimately kill us. Take time to hit the highlights of Dr. Clinton’s powerful sermon and sit down with someone God has brought to your mind, going over each item slowly with them, then continuing on the path with them as they break free. You’ll gain a brother and pull a soul out of the teeth of the Devourer.

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:3: But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

 

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