All recovery is spiritual.
The Bible is clear: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12).
In an excellent sermon on spiritual warfare, Pastor Sam Rainer said there are two false views of Satan: (a) all-powerful, equal to God, and (b) cartoon character with horns and a pitchfork. Rainer concluded that while the enemy is not an equal to God, he is a threat. Let me suggest three ways. Satan uses these three tools to trap you in your addiction:
- Delusion – ignoring the problem
- Isolation – building a wall around ourselves
- Secrecy – hiding our sin from others
What’s the answer? Surrender your life to God.
Recovery Step: Make a decision “to turn your will and life over to the care of God as you understand God” (Step 3).
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
