Page 36 - Overcoming Addiction

Exodus 13:21-22
Yahweh was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on
the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might
travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day,
nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

We are only assured of victory over sin as we are careful to follow the Spirit
wherever He would lead us. Yahweh gave the Israelites the following instructions
concerning the pillar.

Numbers 9:17-23
Whenever the cloud was lifted from over the tent, afterward the sons of
Israel would then set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down,
there the sons of Israel would camp. At the command of Yahweh the sons of
Israel would set out, and at the command of Yahweh they would camp; as
long as the cloud settled over the tabernacle, they remained camped. Even
when the cloud lingered over the tabernacle for many days, the sons of
Israel would keep Yahweh’s charge and not set out. If sometimes the cloud
remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the command of
Yahweh they remained camped. Then according to the command of
Yahweh they set out. If sometimes the cloud remained from evening until
morning, when the cloud was lifted in the morning, they would move out;
or if it remained in the daytime and at night, whenever the cloud was lifted,
they would set out. Whether it was two days or a month or a year that the
cloud lingered over the tabernacle, staying above it, the sons of Israel
remained camped and did not set out; but when it was lifted, they did set
out. At the command of Yahweh they camped, and at the command of
Yahweh they set out; they kept Yahweh’s charge, according to the command
of Yahweh through Moses.

God has provided a very clear and detailed account of this matter for
mankind. The reason for doing so is that these words serve as instruction for His
children today. Yahweh wants all men to understand the vital necessity of
constantly looking to Him to know what His will is. What He says, we are to do.
Where He says go, we are to go. When He says “Do not go,” we are to stay put. Our
very lives, safety and continued liberty are dependent upon our obedience.
You may ask, “The Israelites had the pillar of cloud and of fire to follow.
What has God given me to follow?” The Christian is given the indwelling Holy
Spirit. Yahweh has promised His Holy Spirit to all who ask Him for it. He knows
we need the Spirit to walk as He would have us to. We need the Holy Spirit to
overcome the sin that dwells in our flesh. We need the Holy Spirit to deliver us
from our adversary, Satan.
Consider the message of the following parable of Christ as it relates to the
Christian receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.