Thursday Notes
11/27/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 10: Saying 'No.'" (pp. 201-223). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
Addiction, on the surface, looks very much like a matter of self control (Welch 2001, p. 201). Welch observes that many addicts have attempted to force change through self control many times. Giving up control to God is, however, a nebulous suggestion (Welch 2001, p. 202). It is rare for someone to experience an effortless change in a set of addictive behaviors.
Addictions may well be seen as a devotion to excess of something (Welch 2001, p. 202). Welch sees this as a greed which plays out in the form of idolatry (Welch 2001, p. 203). The desire for satisfaction is pursued in something other than God. This may be a physical, emotional, or spiritual desire, visible or invisible.
Welch does observe candidly that we pursue sin because we like it (Welch 2001, p. 204). The fact that we are rarely willing to admit it does not mean that we actually don't like it. Yet an honest acknowledgement is important in efforts to change.
An emphasis on the temporary nature of the pleasure of an addiction is also of value (Welch 2001, p. 205). Indulgence does not last forever. The craving can only be satisfied for a brief time. Yet those cravings are complex, having both physical and spiritual dimensions (Welch 2001, pp. 206-207).
Welch views at least some of our temptations to addictive behavior as being driven by Satan, the spiritual enemy (Welch 2001, p. 208). He actively attempts to entice us at times of spiritual weakness.
While calls for self control often fail, Welch considers that the context of a spiritual battle involving temptation to idolatry makes the idea of self control more like good news than bad news (Welch 2001, p. 209). The boundaries we create for self control are now protective in nature. In cases of addiction, many boundaries which enforce self-control may involve other people, who can act as gatekeepers for our behavior. A key element in self control is arranging to think before acting (Welch 2001, p. 210). Welch sees this as the heart of all sorts of wisdom.
There is a common view that self control is an avoidance of passions. However, Welch sees passions as capable of being good or evil (Welch 2001, p. 211). We should develop a passion for what is good, as well as against evil. Intense emotions are appropriate, so long as they are directed rightly.
The description of a defective view of self-control Welch made at the outset of the chapter actually proves to be a description of self-dependence (Welch 2001, p. 212). This always finally results in exalting oneself above God. It is possibly better than the abuse of substances or other people. However, it falls short of the character approved by God. Welch describes a biblical view of self control. It is treated as a good and desirable thing, available to all (Welch 2001, p. 214). The problem is that we don't always want what we should. Welch sees this also in theological terms. We don't want what is best (Welch 2001, p. 216). However, God's grace is available to all who ask. As we contemplate on the Scripture and God's character, we can expect to be moved out of our former bondage and to develop a love for God's priorities (Welch 2001, p. 217). This becomes more neutral as we consider the promised return of Jesus, who will usher in the end of the very sins we are trying to avoid (Welch 2001, p. 218).
Welch applies the preceding discussion of self control by suggesting development of a clear strategy for accountability, which is adequately public that the person struggling with addiction can be called to abstinence (Welch 2001, p. 220).
Welch closes the chapter with a number of prompts for thought and discussion (Welch 2001, pp. 222-223).
11/27/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 10: Saying 'No.'" (pp. 201-223). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
Addiction, on the surface, looks very much like a matter of self control (Welch 2001, p. 201). Welch observes that many addicts have attempted to force change through self control many times. Giving up control to God is, however, a nebulous suggestion (Welch 2001, p. 202). It is rare for someone to experience an effortless change in a set of addictive behaviors.
Addictions may well be seen as a devotion to excess of something (Welch 2001, p. 202). Welch sees this as a greed which plays out in the form of idolatry (Welch 2001, p. 203). The desire for satisfaction is pursued in something other than God. This may be a physical, emotional, or spiritual desire, visible or invisible.
Welch does observe candidly that we pursue sin because we like it (Welch 2001, p. 204). The fact that we are rarely willing to admit it does not mean that we actually don't like it. Yet an honest acknowledgement is important in efforts to change.
An emphasis on the temporary nature of the pleasure of an addiction is also of value (Welch 2001, p. 205). Indulgence does not last forever. The craving can only be satisfied for a brief time. Yet those cravings are complex, having both physical and spiritual dimensions (Welch 2001, pp. 206-207).
Welch views at least some of our temptations to addictive behavior as being driven by Satan, the spiritual enemy (Welch 2001, p. 208). He actively attempts to entice us at times of spiritual weakness.
While calls for self control often fail, Welch considers that the context of a spiritual battle involving temptation to idolatry makes the idea of self control more like good news than bad news (Welch 2001, p. 209). The boundaries we create for self control are now protective in nature. In cases of addiction, many boundaries which enforce self-control may involve other people, who can act as gatekeepers for our behavior. A key element in self control is arranging to think before acting (Welch 2001, p. 210). Welch sees this as the heart of all sorts of wisdom.
There is a common view that self control is an avoidance of passions. However, Welch sees passions as capable of being good or evil (Welch 2001, p. 211). We should develop a passion for what is good, as well as against evil. Intense emotions are appropriate, so long as they are directed rightly.
The description of a defective view of self-control Welch made at the outset of the chapter actually proves to be a description of self-dependence (Welch 2001, p. 212). This always finally results in exalting oneself above God. It is possibly better than the abuse of substances or other people. However, it falls short of the character approved by God. Welch describes a biblical view of self control. It is treated as a good and desirable thing, available to all (Welch 2001, p. 214). The problem is that we don't always want what we should. Welch sees this also in theological terms. We don't want what is best (Welch 2001, p. 216). However, God's grace is available to all who ask. As we contemplate on the Scripture and God's character, we can expect to be moved out of our former bondage and to develop a love for God's priorities (Welch 2001, p. 217). This becomes more neutral as we consider the promised return of Jesus, who will usher in the end of the very sins we are trying to avoid (Welch 2001, p. 218).
Welch applies the preceding discussion of self control by suggesting development of a clear strategy for accountability, which is adequately public that the person struggling with addiction can be called to abstinence (Welch 2001, p. 220).
Welch closes the chapter with a number of prompts for thought and discussion (Welch 2001, pp. 222-223).
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