Yes, Jesus’ sacrifice does cover a fallen flesh’s need for nicotine.

People get addicted to nicotine through smoking. Smoking is a physical addiction. Upon stopping, the body and brain will have strong cravings and reactions. Without nicotine, the body begins to crave carbohydrates. Some people can’t sleep, and others will develop a persistent cough. Many develop flu-like symptoms: mild fever, sinusitis, body aches, and malaise. Because the brain is missing nicotine, it is not functioning normally either. People become irritable, stressed, and have difficulty concentrating. Nicotine addiction is a physical disease.

Smoking harms the body, but thankfully doctors can help people quit. There are good prescription medications, over-the- counter gums and tablets, and support groups to help people to quit. 

What kind of sin is an addiction? It is a hamartia, or a falling short of obeying God due to our fallen flesh. Jesus’ sacrifice covers that sin. “If we confess our sins (hamartia), he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness,” 1 John 1:9. Yes, there is a certain willfulness in it because we return to it. But we don’t return because we oppose God with hard hearts. An unforgivable sin is an act of open defiance against God. Smokers return because their bodies actually need the nicotine to function normally. The body is not trying to sin. The body is creating strong cravings to get more nicotine so it can function. 

So, be wise. Attack this disease with a doctor’s help. Whatever you have been trying has not been working. Instead, ask God for more help and direction. James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

God’s will for his children is always what is best for them – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Like any good father, God gives wise counsel and instruction with the goal of raising healthy, well-balanced children. Whether or not a child chooses to follow good advice is, of course, quite a different matter.

The nation of Israel was given God’s law, replete with plenty of “Thou shalts” and “Thou shalt nots.”  In many respects, this made it easy to determine God’s will in any given situation. The gospel message, while not contradicting the Law, was refreshingly simple: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, mind, and strength” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31).

On a very practical level with regard to our daily habits, how can a dedicated Christian show their love for God? “Have you forgotten that your body is the temple of the holy spirit, that lives in you and is God’s gift to you, and that you are not the owner of your own body? You have been bought, and at a price! Therefore, bring glory to God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Phillips) “Since we have these promises…let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”  (2 Corinthians 7:1) “Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV).

Medical science has determined the extremely detrimental effect smoking has on a human being. Smoking is definitely not beneficial to us or glorifying to our heavenly Father.  We can express our love for God by making every effort to take care of the amazing body he has given us.

With regard to loving our neighbors as ourselves, there is absolutely no benefit to those around us if we smoke.  Secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone’s health, pollutes the air, and is offensive to breathe.  We owe it to our friends and family to respect them and show consideration in what we do when we are around them.

A Christian bears a special responsibility to set a good example to the world as a representative of the Lord. We often hear “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.” While this is true, what a wonderful testament a holy life can be, as we seek to overcome the world, and our fallen flesh. “Giving no cause for offense in anything, in order that the ministry be not discredited” (2 Corinthians 6:3). “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1200: “Could an Addiction Block My Christian Growth?”
Learning to identify and manage compulsive and addictive behavior
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CQ Rewind Show Notes