Addict, Part 1: INTERVENTION
Why do we fall short? However we define right, why do we do wrong? The Bible calls it SIN. But what is SIN, really? And is there hope? This first message in our six-week series “addict” is our INTERVENTION, identifying our powerlessness over our addiction to me. Letting the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous be a guide, we can find real, lasting hope in Jesus when we admit our problem.
Scripture: Romans 7:14-25
14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. 15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. 16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. 17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[d] I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. 20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power[e] within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.
Key Definitions & Ideas
LAW: The behavior baseline to stay in a connection with God.
SIN: Voluntary separation from God in order to break God’s law
Addicted to ME: Compulsive disowning of God so I can be my own god
I admit I am powerless over my addiction to me (SIN), and that my life is unmanageable. Will I turn over complete control to the Jesus?
Audio from Sunday, July 9 Message “Addict, Part 1: INTERVENTION”
Click below to listen
For Further Conversation
- Why do you think people act against their own convictions? Have you ever done so? Why?
- “The law was given to show us how someone connected with God acts. Its a behavior baseline.” Read Romans 7:14-25: How does Paul describe his problem? What does he fear?
- “SIN is the disowning of God so I can be own god. I want control.” Romans 6:23a says “The wages of sin is death” With such a high cost, why do you think people continue to sin?
- “We are under this illusion of power when in reality we are powerless. We must give up complete control because we are terrible managers of ourselves.” Why do you think this must be the first step to hope and healing? Why is this step so difficult for many?
- “Yesterday’s faith won’t take care of you today.” In what area of your life are you trying to retain or regain control? What is your NEXT STEP with Jesus?
