1. Mad men: overcoming our addictions Lesson six
Man up Bible Series
Mad men: overcoming our addictions
Lesson six

2. The real world
So this is the last lesson in this series on overcoming addictions. One thing is for sure we as men need to be there for each other. Meet together. Ask each other the tough questions and be there to walk through it with each other. It is this simple. God wants us to be help men who are just like us. We understand each other. We know what they are going through. We are to help each other to become more like Jesus each day. This means we must move beyond the simple weather conversations to talking about how to be the men of god we are called to be. No matter what the cost. This is real life. This is what we were created to do and be. so reach out. Take a chance. Talk with some guy today. He needs it and so do you!

3. The real word Hebrews 12 New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
God Disciplines His Children
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,     and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,     and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined— and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

4. Real talk
Who could you go and talk to about an issue of addiction? Who can you help ? Do you think god has a special plan for your life? _______ what is it?

5. Real steps What is our calling as men?
Called to be real. ( I john 1: 7-9 )
Called to be compassionate. ( rom. 12:15 )
Called to be encouragers. ( Heb. 12:24 )
Called to be reconcilers. ( 2 Cor. 5:18 )
Called to be courageous. ( Matt. 18: 15 – 16)
Called to be available . (Heb. 12:1 )

6. Time to close
So go now and be a light in this dark world. Help each other up when you fall. Be real and authentic in your living. Extend grace to those who are hurting because you will want the same when it is your turn. Live in such a way that others will want to be like you and they will be able to talk with you because you are approachable. You will not always get this right. It is not about looking right on the outside. It is about cleaning yourself up from the inside out. Learn to give yourself and the guys around you a break. No one else does. That will make it easier to talk and to get to know each other. As Hebrews 1 tells us , we are to “throw off” the sin that so easily entangles us run the race set before us. Running means that we move forward and grab a guy on the left and right and help them in this race. We are all working to overcome our addictions and live in victory! Time to man UP!