“In these verses, where do we get this revelation? Where can we turn to look for hope and help for people struggling with addiction? We can look to God’s son. The foundation is Jesus.”
– Dr. Matt Martin
What does the book of Hebrews have to do with addictions? Is it a stretch to use this book to help the addicted? I would answer it in this way: not at all! The book of Hebrews has one central message that the addicted and their family members must hear:
Jesus is Better.
In this first chapter in Hebrews above, the passage talks about how Jesus is better. Giving examples of countless things that Jesus is indeed superior to is common throughout the book of Hebrews. Jesus is better than the angels is just one example here in the first chapter of Hebrews.
Hurting Yourself
Why do addicts continue to hurt themselves by continuing to risk their lives with the sinful choices of addiction, especially in light of the dangers of fentanyl being added to illicit pills and drugs? Unfortunately, the answer goes back to believing the lie that drugs are better than anything else. We have been deceived by sin that something else is better than Jesus and living for this thing that is supposedly better is the definition of idolatry. And the deception is possible even for believers who temporarily allow their doubts and unbelief to lead them to fall away from the living God according to Hebrews 3:12 ESV [1] “12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.”
There are many warning passages in Hebrews. There are dangers of not following Jesus and not putting Jesus first. That’s the key to overcoming addiction in a way that glorifies God and brings healing in this life as well as the sure promise of eternal life.
Hope For You
Drug addiction affects everyone. It is not a hidden, private problem that only affects the addicted person.
Because the problem is so overwhelming, it takes a village of persons willing to help the addicted by stepping into their lives and God’s village is His design of the local church. We would urge you to go to your church first for help. While there might be physical elements in all kinds of addictions, the spiritual elements are clearly in the domain of a local church family who can offer support and a biblical understanding of the sinful heart issues that often drive addiction. Our ministry offers helps for church members to begin the process of disciple-making for the addicted and their family members.
Hope Through the Body of Christ
If you are sitting in your church on Sunday mornings, let me encourage you: don’t be afraid to help somebody who has been or might still be addicted. There is much you can do. Prayer tends to be viewed as the last resort for some believers but that is the first thing you can do for them. Also, ask families what you can do for them. Serving the family is often a neglected aspect of addiction counseling that the local church can do to help. The church is not just there for Sunday mornings and we as the church often miss the opportunity to help people.
The book of Hebrews speaks to a lot of different things. There are foundational truths that can be found, and the layout of the book is excellent. Read it this week to find the treasure God offers in His Word in revealing His character and the person you can become. The goal is to become more like Jesus Christ in every way possible because Jesus is better.
Need Help?
The Addiction Connection offers hope and healing to those struggling with addiction to opioids. Start your search for biblical programs here.
Consider contacting one of our Commissioned Addictions Biblical Counselors who are available to help you.
Residential Programs we recommend.
Non-residential Programs we recommend.
Do you want to start a Biblical outreach to those in addiction? Check out this disciple-making curriculum we created just for you entitled Next Steps: Be TRANSFORMED.
[1] Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.