Most people struggle with addictions at some point in life. Memorizing verses from the scriptures is a great way to help us overcome our addictions.
Beginning stages
Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
What causes lust?
In James 1, we know that sin begins through lust, but the feeling of lust comes from sight; us seeing the things in this world that appeal to our flesh, which then defile our conscience.
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
We are constantly fed with the wrong kind of information and visuals from the media, which deceive our minds and lead us to have the wrong type of imagination. The best is the remove all of the mediums and channels that broadcast this deceitful information. Otherwise, we need to cast down those imaginations caused by the media.
Proverbs 7:8 Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,
Verse 8 mentions that sin starts when we choose to go near its presence first. For example, in big cities around the world like San Francisco, people are more prone to sin than people living in more conservative areas.
Second Stage
Tempted to Sin
Proverbs 7:13-18 So she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him, I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows. [Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face, and I have found thee. I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning: let us solace ourselves with loves.
Verses 13-18 indicate that the second stage of addiction is when the sexual sins start to tempt us and grab us by putting words in our ears.
Third Stage
Dismiss Consequences
Proverbs 7:19-21 For the goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey: He hath taken a bag of money with him, and will come home at the day appointed. With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.
In verses 19-21, what happens next is the devil tries to make us dismiss the thought of getting caught or punished by God. When we are in an isolated state and not under any surveillance, we think we have more freedom to sin against God.
Proverbs 7 gives a clear explanation of how we are lured into sinning and fall into addictions.
How to Overcome Addiction?
Throw the Sin Away!
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Just flee, run as far as we can from temptation, dispose of any material or thing with a tempting element or effect.