TWELVE STEPS AND THEIR

BIBLICAL COMPARISONS

 

1. We must admit that we are powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors and that our lives have become unmanageable. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.  For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”  Romans 7:18

2. We believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity.  “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”  Philippians 2:13

3. We must make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.  “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1

4. We must make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.  “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.”  Lamentations 3:40

5. We must admit to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs  “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”  James 5:16

6. We must become entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.  “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.”  James 4:10

7. We must humbly ask Him to remove all our shortcomings.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

8. We will make a list of all persons we have to them all.  “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”  Luke 6:31           

9. We will make direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.  “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”  Matthew 5:23-24

10. We will continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong, promptly admit it.  “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 1 Corinthians 10:12

11. We seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying for knowledge of His will for us and power to carry that out.  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”  Colossians 3:16

12. Having been transformed as a result of these steps, we will try to carry this message to others, and practice these principles in all our affairs.  “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”  Galatians 6:1

 

A MINISTRY OF HOPE & HEALING Bethany Reformed Church 1315 Washington Street 920-452-0051 Deb Runge, Celebrate Recovery Coordinator bethanychurch@charterinternet.com