Mindsets That Stop People From Being Set Free From Bondages

I have found the biggest problem with people who have addictions (alcohol, drugs, sex, food) to be set free is that there are some mindsets they have that stops them from being set free from the bondage they are in. Another way of saying mindsets is a way of thinking, an attitude.

1. Lack of Hope-Maybe you do not have hope that you personally can be set free. You have tried in the past and it has not worked. Have any of you tried and it has not worked. So have I. Every person has tried something and not had success. But those who walk in victory did not give up. They kept hoping to be set free, and doing what it takes to be free.

Listen to what the Bible has to say about hope.

Romans 5:3-8 (NASB)
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; [4] and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; [5] and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. [6] For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. [8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

We can have hope if we are a Christian (Pray the following verse over the attendees)
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
 

2. Lack of Faith-Maybe you do not have faith you can be set free. You do not believe in the miraculous power of God is available to you. You may have faith others can be free, but not yourself.

Listen to this definition of faith-it is powerful
Hebrews 11:1 (Living)
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.

Romans 10:17 (NIV)
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”

Do you want more faith? Then spend time in the Bible, go to bibles studies, go to church, and most importantly accept Jesus into your life so that you understand the Bible and the preaching of the Bible.

3. False Concept of God's Love-You may error in one of two different ways in regards to God’s love:
a. You see God as your enemy instead of your friend so you will not cry out to Him for help.
or
b. You believe you can continually live your sinful lifestyle and still have salvation.

God is love
God’s love and acceptance are unconditional. When your walk of faith is strong, God loves you. When your walk of faith is weak, God loves you. When you are strong one moment and weak the next, God still loves you. God’s love for you is the great eternal constant in the midst of all the inconsistencies of your daily walk. God is not waiting to beat you up. If He was, we would all be black and blue and dead already. He is merciful and patient with us.

Some have jokingly told me they will not walk into a church because they would be struck dead. Guess what? He can strike you dead wherever you may be.

The devil wants you to believe that God is against you. It is a lie. He is for you.

God is holy
We need to also mention God is a holy God. He will judge sin and sinful behavior. There is a time when He says enough is enough. We do not know that time and to play games with God is very dangerous. Your very soul and where you spend eternity is at stake.

Listen to me closely. The Bible clearly teaches that:

1 Cor. 6:9-10 (NASB) 

    Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, [10] nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

It does not state those who are fighting these bondages, but those who are willfully living the bondage. I don’t care how many times you have asked Jesus to be your Savior, He must be the Lord of your life. That means that you will not walk in willful rebellion to His principles. If you are in rebellion/backslidden you need to repent today! Right Now! Don’t leave this sanctuary until you have repented.

So far we covered the mindsets of Lack of Hope, Lack of faith, False understanding of God’s love.
 

4. Lack of Self Control-A belief that you do not have control over the addiction. Bottom line is that you refuse to take control over your sinful desires, or in more accurate terms, let God take control over your sinful desires.

2 Peter 1:6 (Living) 
Next, learn to put aside your own desires so that you will become patient and godly, gladly letting God have his way with you.

From this verse it is obvious that we CAN put aside our desires. We may need to learn how, but it is possible if are willing to learn how and do it. It is time to take control of your bodily desires instead of your body taking control of you. Nobody puts the bottle to your mouth except you. Nobody cooks up the dope but you. Nobody makes you have sex outside marriage but you.

You can have self-control with the help of God. That is why He sent His Holy Spirit to help you. He has even sent angels to help you.
 

5. Fear of Change-A fear of the unknown. A fear of what you may lose. Fear of failure.

What will you lose if you give up drugs, alcohol, illicit sex? A better question is, “What will you gain?” Peace, good friends instead of friends that use you, shelter, health, and most importantly eternal life.

Many will not go into treatment because they have already gone many times and not succeeded.-fear of failure. Guess what it takes many heroin addicts 5-6 treatment programs before they get set free. Does it matter how many times it takes as long as your free?

6. Fear of being judged, playing tapes of the past-You may have experienced judgmentalism, legalism, and hypocrisy from Christians and church leaders. Of course at times what you have experienced is the conviction of the Holy Spirit and you have resisted God’s will for your life.

Some of you will not get help from those who can help you because you are afraid of being judged. Or because you have had bad experiences from Christian leaders. Or because you have seen hypocrisy. Guess what? There always is going to be bad apples on an apple tree. There is always going to be some bad Christians. Some of you are those bad Christians. Don’t let others or bad past experiences stop you from being set free.

You need to be healed form the past. God can do that today. It is your choice to receive His healing for you. Put away the shame and condemnation. Shame and condemnation wil never change a person-NEVER. It is the love of God that changes us.

In closing, I have a question for you.

Which mindset, attitude are you walking in? What is stopping you from being free from that the thing that has you all bound up?

Is it: 
Lack of Hope
Lack of Faith
False Concept of God's Love
Lack of Self Control
Fear of Change
Fear of being judged, playing tapes of the past

Whatever it is God can set you free. Ask him to change the way you think. To renew your mind.

Romans 12:2 (NASB) 
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

You need CPR. Yes, you need Spiritual CPR
Confession
Praise
Repentance

Confess your sin, Praise God He has forgiven you of your sin, Repent-turn away from your sin.
 

If you do not know Jesus as your Lord & Savior, you will never have lasting victory over sin. Why not ask Him right now to be your Lord & Savior and your very best friend.