Bad Advice: Part 2 - "How to Become an Addict" with Craig Groeschel - Life.Church

Giant, You’re Coming Down

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Corinthians 6:12
• 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
• Galatians 5:16-17

Other references

• Isaiah 44:14
• Jeremiah 3:13
• Galatians 5:1
• Proverbs 28:13
• John 8:32

Overview

Addiction never starts with someone deciding, “I want to ruin my life,” yet countless people end up mastered by something that promises relief but delivers bondage. Pastor Craig unpacks the “bad advice” we often live by, then counters it with God’s truth: in Christ we have divine power to demolish every stronghold. When we expose the lie, confess our need, and walk by the Spirit alongside honest community, the giant of addiction—whatever its form—must fall.

Main Points

Addictions are modern-day idols

• Anything we “need” before we need God becomes a false god.
• Illustration: Isaiah 44 – the same wood that warms a fire can be fashioned into an idol that demands worship.
• Addiction is often a symptom; the deeper issue is misplaced dependence.

Four pieces of “bad advice” that keep you trapped

1. Never admit you have a problem
   • Tell yourself you can quit anytime; ignore loved ones who confront you (Jeremiah 3:13 calls us to acknowledge, not hide).
2. Gratify every fleshly desire
   • Let feelings drive decisions; keep ready access to whatever feeds the habit (contrary to Galatians 5:16-17).
3. Keep your addiction a secret
   • Sin grows best in the dark; Proverbs 28:13 warns that concealed sin blocks prosperity.
4. Depend on your own power—never God’s
   • Isolation and self-reliance guarantee defeat.

God’s path to freedom

• We fight with supernatural weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3-5): the Word, prayer, spiritual armor, and Spirit-led community.
• God’s dunamis power demolishes the lie that we are prisoners forever.
• Freedom is our calling (Galatians 5:1); Jesus’ truth sets us free (John 8:32).

Naming your giant and facing it

• Look at what has mastered you—food, porn, spending, social media, nicotine, adrenaline, etc.—then look at Christ and ask, “What do you offer that He does not?”
• Refrain (repeated):

  “Giant, you’re coming down.”

• Like David, we view the giant through the size of our God, not the size of the problem.

Pastor Craig’s personal example

• Story: Two rounds of counseling revealed his own addiction to adrenaline and work performance. Accountability from his wife, team, and schedule guardrails help keep this idol dethroned.

Key Truths

• What masters you reveals where you seek what only God can provide.
• Concealed sin flourishes; confessed sin meets mercy.
• The flesh and the Spirit are perpetually at war; whichever one you feed wins.
• God supplies divine power that doesn’t merely restrain addiction—it demolishes it.
• Freedom in Christ is not a future wish but a present reality to stand in.

Response

• Admit specifically where you are being mastered.
• Bring the struggle into the light with a trusted friend, spouse, or life group.
• Remove easy access to the object of temptation.
• Daily choose to walk by the Spirit, saying yes to His promptings and no to the flesh.
• Declare aloud, “Giant, you’re coming down in Jesus’ name.”
• Seek professional help or rehab when needed, viewing it as a step of faith, not failure.

Closing

Addiction is a lying giant, but the cross proves Jesus is greater. When we confess, renounce, and rely on His power together, the idol loses its grip and freedom becomes our new normal.

“Giant, you’re coming down.”

Prayer

The congregation prayed for God’s immediate and ongoing power to expose every hidden bondage, grant courage to confess, surround each person with supportive community, and let the freedom purchased by Christ become their lived experience.

Resources

• YouVersion Bible App