Deliverance from Addictions, Trauma and Sin

There is a big difference between a person who wilfully and unscrupulously follows evil ways and a person who is overcome by sin.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Gal 6:1 NIV

A young man thinks he is a born-again Christian. He loves to read books about faith. He talks enthusiastically about missions and wonderful testimonies. He is a Jesus fan.

At the same time, he has a pretty girlfriend. She works in a brothel and wants to continue working as a prostitute. She has no inclination to seek a different life.

This young religious man seems to have no remorse. He wants to continue to enjoy his sexual adventures and at the same time remain a Jesus fan.

Is this man on the path that leads to heaven? What does Jesus say?

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Mt 7:21 NIV

Should we help this man with gentle counselling? Perhaps he needs to fear God's judgement.

Then there are completely different situations in which true disciples of the Lord are overwhelmed by temptation.

Peter told Jesus that he was ready to die for his Lord.

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” Mt 26:34 NIV

Jesus did not scold Peter, but corrected him mercifully with love and grace.

I know a pastor who was overwhelmed by his responsibilities and financial problems. He loved Jesus with all his heart, but he was overwhelmed that his faith was not strong enough to get out of trouble.

He tried to pay his debts by gambling with poker machines. He not only lost his own money, but money that belonged to the church. When he openly confessed his sin, he was  deeply humiliated had to resign from his position as pastor.

Peter was not condemned when he failed before the cross, nor do I believe that this pastor and his wife were condemned. They repented and are faithful servants of the Lord to this day.

I also know Christians who go wrong after unbearable abuse and bullying. Some with gambling addictions, others with porn or sexual sin, others with alcohol or other drugs.

God understands your trauma. You hate your sin and Jesus hates that sin too. He does not look down on you. He wants to heal your broken heart. He wants to set you free from your addiction and sin.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Ps 147:3 NIV