January 21, 2025

Step 1: Freedom in Powerlessness

Step 1: We admit we are powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives have become unmanageable.

 

^{Romans 7:18} And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t (NLT).

 

Benefits of Admitting Powerlessness

Admitting powerlessness opens the door to God’s __________

.

^{2 Corinthians 12:9} My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.  

Admitting powerlessness breaks the __________

of __________________.

^{Proverbs 3:5} Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Admitting powerlessness creates __________

for ___________.

^{Psalm 147:3} He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their

wounds.

Admitting powerlessness leads to _________

_____________.

^{Judges 6:15} But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!

• Admitting powerlessness leads to freedom!

^{John 8:36} So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Steps to Recognizing and Accepting Powerlessness

____________

and _________ there is a problem.

^{Proverbs 28:13} People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Surrender ___________

to God.

^{1 Peter 5:7}Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Seek ___________

.

 

Principle: Change happens in community.

^{James 5:16}Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

Commit to _________

______________.

^{John 15:4} Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

 

How to Develop Daily Dependence

1. Start each day with ______________

   Add A Note

   .
2. Seek the Lord in _______

   Add A Note

   __________

   Add A Note

   .
3. _________

   Add A Note

   and _________

   Add A Note

   throughout the day.
4. Keep a ____________

   Add A Note

   ____________

   Add A Note

   .

Paul’s Thorn in The Flesh

^{2 Corinthians 12:7}Even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. ⁸Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. ⁹Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. ¹⁰That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

Principle: When I am weak, He is strong!

Leader’s Question(s):

• Reflecting on Romans 7:18, what areas of my life do I feel powerless to control? How can admitting powerlessness in those areas open the door for God’s grace and strength?
• How has God shown His power in my moments of weakness?