Thursday Notes
11/20/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 9: Turning from Lies." (pp. 181-200). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
In this chapter Welch begins by pointing out the role witnesses have in attempts to resist sin. In particular, he sees the fear of the Lord shining a light on our sin (Welch 2001, p. 1810.). The exposure we feel in that situation, rather than simply condemning us, guides us to a change in life (Welch 2001, p. 182). At their root, addictions may be tied closely to lies and deception, two connections which can ruin relationships.
The biblical commands of truthfulness are rooted in the simple fact that God himself is truth (Welch 2001, p. 182). Because God doesn't lie, neither do we. Welch points out, on the other hand, that Satan doesn't tell the truth (Welch 2001, p. 183). He is the deceiver. For this reason, Welch considers speaking the truth to be an affirmation of allegiance to God rather than to Satan (Welch 2001, p. 184).
In terms of addictions, lies are a mainstay of the addict's behavior (Welch 2001, p. 185). There is normally a substantial difference between the addict's private and public life. Lies are a way of life (Welch 2001, p. 186). Welch suggests requesting that an addict not answer a question immediately, but rather think for a moment about a truthful answer (Welch 2001, p. 187).
One common way that addicts lie is by blaming others for their own failures (Welch 2001, p. 189). This has been the pattern since our first parents in Genesis 3:11-13. After developing a habit of blaming others, it is difficult to shift gears and accept responsibility (Welch 2001, p. 180).
Welch encourages his readers to strive to hold to the truth (Welch 2001, p. 191). Self-deception is very common, especially among those dealing with addictions. A primary lie we tell ourselves is that God is not good (Welch 2001, p. 192). Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking there is someone or something greater than God. We are warned against this throughout Scripture. A related lie we tell ourselves is that we are good by nature but make mistakes (Welch 2001, p. 193). The Bible describes us as fallen people who are selfish by default. Our sinful cravings provoke sinful actions (Welch 2001, p. 1294). A third like we tell ourselves is that our idols are harmless (Welch 2001, p. 196). Yet time and again we find that addictions lead to a loss of control and ultimately that they enslave the addict.
Welch closes this chapter with a reminder that when we are confronted by our sin and failure we are being called to confess it before God and receive his forgiving grace and restoration (Welch 2001, p. 198). Welch's section of practical theology is focused on confronting the lies we tell others and ourselves, gaining the ground of truth, and being reconciled to God.
11/20/25
Welch, Edward T. (2001). "Chapter 9: Turning from Lies." (pp. 181-200). In Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Publishing (Personal Library)
In this chapter Welch begins by pointing out the role witnesses have in attempts to resist sin. In particular, he sees the fear of the Lord shining a light on our sin (Welch 2001, p. 1810.). The exposure we feel in that situation, rather than simply condemning us, guides us to a change in life (Welch 2001, p. 182). At their root, addictions may be tied closely to lies and deception, two connections which can ruin relationships.
The biblical commands of truthfulness are rooted in the simple fact that God himself is truth (Welch 2001, p. 182). Because God doesn't lie, neither do we. Welch points out, on the other hand, that Satan doesn't tell the truth (Welch 2001, p. 183). He is the deceiver. For this reason, Welch considers speaking the truth to be an affirmation of allegiance to God rather than to Satan (Welch 2001, p. 184).
In terms of addictions, lies are a mainstay of the addict's behavior (Welch 2001, p. 185). There is normally a substantial difference between the addict's private and public life. Lies are a way of life (Welch 2001, p. 186). Welch suggests requesting that an addict not answer a question immediately, but rather think for a moment about a truthful answer (Welch 2001, p. 187).
One common way that addicts lie is by blaming others for their own failures (Welch 2001, p. 189). This has been the pattern since our first parents in Genesis 3:11-13. After developing a habit of blaming others, it is difficult to shift gears and accept responsibility (Welch 2001, p. 180).
Welch encourages his readers to strive to hold to the truth (Welch 2001, p. 191). Self-deception is very common, especially among those dealing with addictions. A primary lie we tell ourselves is that God is not good (Welch 2001, p. 192). Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking there is someone or something greater than God. We are warned against this throughout Scripture. A related lie we tell ourselves is that we are good by nature but make mistakes (Welch 2001, p. 193). The Bible describes us as fallen people who are selfish by default. Our sinful cravings provoke sinful actions (Welch 2001, p. 1294). A third like we tell ourselves is that our idols are harmless (Welch 2001, p. 196). Yet time and again we find that addictions lead to a loss of control and ultimately that they enslave the addict.
Welch closes this chapter with a reminder that when we are confronted by our sin and failure we are being called to confess it before God and receive his forgiving grace and restoration (Welch 2001, p. 198). Welch's section of practical theology is focused on confronting the lies we tell others and ourselves, gaining the ground of truth, and being reconciled to God.
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