(Clip) Persistence in The Prayer Closet Breaks Chains of Addiction
Shane Idleman teaches that persistent prayer in the secret place is essential to breaking the chains of addiction, which he identifies as a form of idolatry.
This sermon emphasizes the concept that addiction is a form of idol worship, diverting our focus from God. It highlights the importance of persistent prayer in breaking strongholds and chains of addiction, illustrating that the strength of our pursuit of God can overcome any obstacle. The message encourages discipline, diligence, and a continuous seeking of God to become prayer warriors and soldiers in faith, stressing the need for unwavering persistence in prayer to truly hear God's voice.
Full Transcript
So a lot of times that temptation will stay there to teach us to go to God and not, basically addiction is idol worship, idolatry. I know it's a hard thing to grasp, but addiction is idolatry. We're worshiping something other than God.
And when we worship God prevails, that's where we're drawn to God. But it's in that persistent prayer and being persistent. And also strongholds are not easily broken.
Are they? It's hard, break every chain. You know how hard it is to break a chain? You get a big binder on that chain and just crank it down. Sometimes you gotta get a cheater bar out.
It's a big old bar and you get in, cheat, oh, and then finally, what happened? The strength pulling was greater than the strength of the chain. Did you catch that? Because that could change some of your prayer lives tonight. The strength pulling on that chain was greater than the strength of the chain itself.
That's what persistence does. Persistence. Take a little hacksaw and a chain.
Just go over it three times. What's gonna happen? Go buy 20 blades at Home Depot and just sit there for a few hours. Now you can break that chain.
Persistence, discipline, diligently seeking Him. I'm trying to make prayer warriors and soldiers. That's what God's word says, that we're soldiers and we're prayer warriors.
So to be, actually, to hear God's voice in prayer, you've gotta be persistent in prayer. That means falling forward. That means probably everybody in this room is convicted right now, including myself, because any time you can say, oh, I pray enough, I'm good, then you're not good.
You're just, you're lying to yourself. That's the good thing about conviction. Lord, I want, if I'm, even right now, I'm preaching, going, Lord, I wanna pray more.
Good, get up in the morning when it's dark out, when you wake up to go to the restroom, get up and go pray. Oh, I wanna go back to bed. No, see, that conviction draws me to the prayer closet.
No conviction, no drawing. So that's, that's.
Sermon Outline
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I. Understanding Addiction as Idolatry
- Addiction is worshiping something other than God
- Temptation teaches us to turn to God
- Idolatry is the root of addiction
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II. The Power of Persistent Prayer
- Persistence breaks strongholds and chains
- Prayer requires discipline and diligence
- Hearing God's voice demands persistence
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III. Practical Steps to Develop Persistence
- Pray even when it’s difficult or inconvenient
- Respond to conviction by going to the prayer closet
- Be a prayer warrior and soldier for God
Key Quotes
“Addiction is idol worship, idolatry.” — Shane Idleman
“The strength pulling on that chain was greater than the strength of the chain itself.” — Shane Idleman
“To be, actually, to hear God's voice in prayer, you've gotta be persistent in prayer.” — Shane Idleman
Application Points
- Respond to conviction by setting aside dedicated time for persistent prayer each day.
- Recognize addiction as a spiritual battle and use prayer as a weapon to break its chains.
- Commit to becoming a prayer warrior by cultivating discipline and diligence in your prayer life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Shane Idleman say addiction is idolatry?
Because addiction involves worshiping something other than God, replacing Him with a false object of devotion.
How does persistence in prayer help break chains of addiction?
Persistence in prayer builds spiritual strength that surpasses the power of the chains holding a person captive.
What does it mean to be a prayer warrior?
A prayer warrior is someone who diligently and persistently prays, engaging in spiritual battles through prayer.
What practical advice does the sermon give for persistent prayer?
Get up early or during the night to pray, respond to conviction, and commit to consistent time in the prayer closet.
Why is conviction important in prayer?
Conviction draws believers to God and motivates them to deepen their prayer life.