Revelation 9:20,21 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
We are a drug addicted society. Drug addiction is a scourge that is affecting millions of Americans. Is this a medical issue, or a sin issue? Granted, after an individual is addicted to any kind of drug, it becomes a physical matter. But what is the root of the problem? How is an individual delivered or set free, really set free from addiction? Any addiction? In Revelation 9:21 God talks about those who have not repented of sorceries. What is sorcery? The Greek word there is “pharmakeia”. We get the word pharmacy from this word. This is a far reaching word that describes the use or the administering of drugs. It has at its roots the idea of poisoning. It is connected with magical arts, and is often found in connection with idolatry, or self love. Pharmakeia is deceptive and seductive.
This word pharmakeia is translated “witchcraft” in Galatians 5:20, where it is listed as a manifestation of the flesh. Thus, drug addiction, like any other addiction, be it sex addiction or addiction to materialism (covetousness), is a sin that needs to be repented of in order to be delivered from its demonic grip on one’s soul, mind and body. Yes, an individual with an addiction may successfully complete a rehab program and, by the grace of God, be cleaned from the bodily toxins and all. Yes, seek the medical help that you need. But unless an individual confesses that addiction as sin in the eyes of God, and repents of it by falling on the mercy of Jesus Christ, he or she will never be truly free. Sin and bondage go hand in hand. Medication may help an individual function better physically, but the only real cure for all sin is a gift from our Creator, and it is given to those who repent and surrender themselves to the grace, mercy and love of The Lord Jesus Christ. He died for sinners. He came to set the captives free. Trust Him, beloved.
