1 Corinthians 9:24–27

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

What Are Habits?

1. Habits are learned patterns of behavior or attitudes repeated so often that they become typical of a person
2. Habits are based on thinking, and they reflect the heart.
3. Habits are either good or bad.

Examples of good habits

• Reading and obeying God’s word
  Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
• A private prayer life
  Luke 5:16 But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
• Attendance at public worship
  Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.

Warnings to avoid certain habits

Hebrews 10:25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

What are addictions?

1.  Addictions are a compulsive
2. Addictive habits are based on deceitful desires
3. Usually, addictions come in groups

The solution:

1. Surrender your life to Jesus (Matthew 16:24)
2. Start with a commitment to truth (Psalm 119:133)
3. Separate your sinful habit (Psalm 1:1)
4. Set a new goal – Make it your goal to please God. (2 Corinthians 5:9–10).
5. Stand on the truth – Read your Bible every day in order to get strength from God. (Psalm 119:28)
6. Substitute God’s thoughts for your thoughts (1 Corinthians 10:13, Isaiah 40:29)
7. Stay on track (Romans 5:1–2)
8. Share your plan with an accountability partner (Proverbs 27:17)

1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.