Calling men of all ages to join us at 7:30 a.m., May 26 for our monthly men’s breakfast. Share a message, a meal and the Word with other Courageous Men. Invite your friends–men of all ages are welcome. Be there. Or be a woman. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

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The Road To Recovery—Step 8

I. A SUMMARY OF RECOVERY: THE BEATITUDES

(Matt. 5:3–12)

“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.”

R __________ I’m not God; I admit I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.

“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

E ____________ believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.

“Happy are the meek.”

C ___________ choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.

“Happy are the pure in heart.”

O _______________ examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.

“Happy are those whose desire is to do what God requires.”

V___________________ submit to every change God wants to make in my life ... Read More »]]> RECYCLING MY PAIN (Answer Key at the bottom of this document)

The Road To Recovery—Step 8

I. A SUMMARY OF RECOVERY: THE BEATITUDES

(Matt. 5:3–12)

“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.”

R __________ I’m not God; I admit I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.

“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

E ____________ believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.

“Happy are the meek.”

C ___________ choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.

“Happy are the pure in heart.”

O _______________ examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.

“Happy are those whose desire is to do what God requires.”

V___________________ submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask him to remove my character defects.

“Happy are the merciful.” “Happy are the peacemakers.”

E __________________ all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.

R _________________ a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to do it.

Y_____________________ myself to God to be used to bring the Good News to others by both my example and my words.

II. WHY GOD ALLOWED MY PAIN

1. HE’S GIVEN ME A _______________________

“I am giving you the choice between God’s blessing or God’s curse. There will be blessing if you obey my commands.” Deut. 11:26-27 (TLB)

2. TO GET MY __________________________

“Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.” Prov. 20:30 (GNB)

“I am glad … not because it hurt you but because the pain turned you to God …” 2 Cor. 7:9 (TLB)

3. TO TEACH ME TO ______________________

“We were crushed and overwhelmed … and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God who alone could save us .. and HE DID HELP US!” 2 Cor. 1:8–10 (TLB)

“ … it was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws!” Ps. 119:71 (TLB)

4. TO GIVE ME ___________________________

“Why does God do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them the same help and comfort God has given us.” 2 Cor. 1:4 (TLB)

“[They] intended it to harm me, but God intended it for good.” Gen. 50:20

III. HOW TO USE MY PAIN TO HELP OTHERS

“Always be prepared to give an account to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

“If someone is overcome by some sin … humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be you who is in the wrong. Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s commands.” Gal. 6:1–2 (TLB)

Suggestions (1 Thess. 2:3–12)

1.

2.

3.

“But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus … the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.” Acts 20:24 (TLB)

RECYCLING MY PAIN (Answer Key at the bottom of this document)

The Road To Recovery—Step 8

I. A SUMMARY OF RECOVERY: THE BEATITUDES

(Matt. 5:3–12)

“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor.”

R EALIZE I’m not God; I admit I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.

“Happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

E ARNESTLY believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.

“Happy are the meek.”

C ONSCIOUSLY choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.

“Happy are the pure in heart.”

O PENLY examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust.

“Happy are those whose desire is to do what God requires.”

VOLUNTARILY submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask him to remove my character defects.

“Happy are the merciful.” “Happy are the peacemakers.”

E VALUATE all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.

R ESERVE a daily time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to do it.

Y IELD myself to God to be used to bring the Good News to others by both my example and my words.

II. WHY GOD ALLOWED MY PAIN

1. HE’S GIVEN ME A FREE WILL.

“I am giving you the choice between God’s blessing or God’s curse. There will be blessing if you obey my commands.” Deut. 11:26-27 (TLB)

2. TO GET MY ATTENTION.

“Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways.” Prov. 20:30 (GNB)

“I am glad … not because it hurt you but because the pain turned you to God …” 2 Cor. 7:9 (TLB)

3. TO TEACH ME TO DEPEND ON HIM

“We were crushed and overwhelmed … and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God who alone could save us .. and HE DID HELP US!” 2 Cor. 1:8–10 (TLB)

“ … it was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws!” Ps. 119:71 (TLB)

4. TO GIVE ME A MINISTRY TO OTHERS

“Why does God do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them the same help and comfort God has given us.” 2 Cor. 1:4 (TLB)

“[They] intended it to harm me, but God intended it for good.” Gen. 50:20

III. HOW TO USE MY PAIN TO HELP OTHERS

“Always be prepared to give an account to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

“If someone is overcome by some sin … humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be you who is in the wrong. Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s commands.” Gal. 6:1–2 (TLB)

Suggestions (1 Thess. 2:3–12)

1. BE HUMBLE

2. BE REAL

3. DON’T LECTURE

“But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus … the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love.” Acts 20:24 (TLB)

The Road to Recovery—Part 7

Rick Warren

“RELAPSE”—falling back into a self-defeating pattern

How it happens

1. Complacency

2. Confusion

3. Compromise

4. Catastrophe

1. WHAT CAN CAUSE A RELAPSE?

1. REVERTING TO _________________________

“How can you be so foolish! You began by God’s Spirit—do you now want to finish by your own power?” Gal 3:3 (GNB)

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord; … you will succeed because of my Spirit.” Zech. 4:6 (TLB)

2. IGNORING ______________________________

“You were doing so well! who made you stop obeying the truth?” Gal 5:7 (GNB)

3. TRYING TO RECOVER ___________________________

“Two are better off than one, because if one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him.” Eccl. 4:9–10 (TLB)

“Let us not ... Read More »]]> MAINTAINING MOMENTUM (Answer Key at bottom of this Document)

The Road to Recovery—Part 7

Rick Warren

“RELAPSE”—falling back into a self-defeating pattern

How it happens

1. Complacency

2. Confusion

3. Compromise

4. Catastrophe

1. WHAT CAN CAUSE A RELAPSE?

1. REVERTING TO _________________________

“How can you be so foolish! You began by God’s Spirit—do you now want to finish by your own power?” Gal 3:3 (GNB)

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord; … you will succeed because of my Spirit.” Zech. 4:6 (TLB)

2. IGNORING ______________________________

“You were doing so well! who made you stop obeying the truth?” Gal 5:7 (GNB)

3. TRYING TO RECOVER ___________________________

“Two are better off than one, because if one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him.” Eccl. 4:9–10 (TLB)

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together.” Heb. 10:25 (GNB)

4. BECOMING ___________________________

“Pride goes before destruction.” Prov. 16:18 (TLB)

“So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12 (NRSV)

II. HOW TO PREVENT A RELAPSE

R eserve a ___________________ with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and gain _____________________to do it.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. For the spirit is willing but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38

1. EVALUATION

“Check up on yourselves …” 2 Cor. 13:5 (TLB)

“Let us examine ourselves … and let us repent.” Lam. 3:40 (TLB)

What to Evaluate:

• · Physical:
• · Emotional:
• · Relational:
• · Spiritual:

“Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.” Gal. 6:4

When:

1. __________________________

2. __________________________

3. __________________________

2. MEDITATION

“___________________________ long enough to hear God.”

“Happy are those who … are always meditating on God’s laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. They are like trees along a river … that do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.” Ps. 1:1–3 (LB/GN)

“I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.” Ps. 119:11 (TLB)

3. PRAYER

“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven; May your holy name be honored; may your kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs that we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done us. Do not bring us to temptation, but keep us safe from the Evil One.” Matt. 6:8–13 (GNB)

ANSWER KEY

“RELAPSE”—falling back into a self-defeating pattern

How it happens

1. Complacency

2. Confusion

3. Compromise

4. Catastrophe

1. WHAT CAN CAUSE A RELAPSE?

1. REVERTING TO WILLPOWER

“How can you be so foolish! You began by God’s Spirit—do you now want to finish by your own power?” Gal 3:3 (GNB)

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord; … you will succeed because of my Spirit.” Zech. 4:6 (TLB)

2. IGNORING ONE OF THE STEPS

“You were doing so well! who made you stop obeying the truth?” Gal 5:7 (GNB)

3. TRYING TO RECOVER WITHOUT SUPPORT

“Two are better off than one, because if one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him.” Eccl. 4:9–10 (TLB)

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together.” Heb. 10:25 (GNB)

4. BECOMING PRIDEFUL

“Pride goes before destruction.” Prov. 16:18 (TLB)

“So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12 (NRSV)

II. HOW TO PREVENT A RELAPSE

R eserve a DAILY TIME with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and gain THE POWER  to do it.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. For the spirit is willing but the body is weak.” Mark 14:38

1. EVALUATION

“Check up on yourselves …” 2 Cor. 13:5 (TLB)

“Let us examine ourselves … and let us repent.” Lam. 3:40 (TLB)

What to Evaluate:

• · Physical:
• · Emotional:
• · Relational:
• · Spiritual:

“Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.” Gal. 6:4

When:

1. SPOT CHECK INVENTORY

2. DAILY REVIEW 

3. ANNUAL CHECK-UP

2. MEDITATION

“SLOW DOWN long enough to hear God.”

“Happy are those who … are always meditating on God’s laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. They are like trees along a river … that do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.” Ps. 1:1–3 (LB/GN)

“I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin.” Ps. 119:11 (TLB)

3. PRAYER

“This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven; May your holy name be honored; may your kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need. Forgive us the wrongs that we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done us. Do not bring us to temptation, but keep us safe from the Evil One.” Matt. 6:8–13 (GNB)

The Road To Recovery—Part 6 (Answer Key at the bottom of this document)

Rick Warren

R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y. Step 6

E valuate all my relationships. ______________to those who’ve hurt me and ____________________ for harm I’ve done to others except when to do so would harm them or others.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger … along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph. 4:31–32.

PART 1: FORGIVE THOSE WHO’VE HURT ME.

WHY?

1. Because ___________________________

“Never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Col. 3:13 (TLB)

2. Because ___________________________

To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do.” Job 5:2 (GNB)

“You are only hurting yourself with your anger!” Job 18:4 (GNB)

“Some men stay healthy till the day ... Read More »]]>             REPAIRING RELATIONSHIPS

The Road To Recovery—Part 6 (Answer Key at the bottom of this document)

Rick Warren

R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y. Step 6

E valuate all my relationships. ______________to those who’ve hurt me and ____________________ for harm I’ve done to others except when to do so would harm them or others.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger … along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph. 4:31–32.

PART 1: FORGIVE THOSE WHO’VE HURT ME.

WHY?

1. Because ___________________________

“Never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Col. 3:13 (TLB)

2. Because ___________________________

To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do.” Job 5:2 (GNB)

“You are only hurting yourself with your anger!” Job 18:4 (GNB)

“Some men stay healthy till the day they die … others have no happiness at all; they live and die with bitter hearts.” Job 21:23–25.

3. Because ______________________________

“When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too.” Mark 11:25 (TLB)

HOW?

1. _________________________ my hurt.

Make a list of those who’ve harmed me and what they said … thought … did.

2. _________________________my offender.

“How many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? … Jesus answered, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven times!” Matthew 18:21–22

“Empty chair” technique

3. _____________________ my hurt with God’s peace

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Col. 3:15

PART 2: MAKE AMENDS TO THOSE I’VE HURT

WHY?

“Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives. Heb. 12:15 (TLB)

HOW?

1. Make a ___________ of  those I’ve _____________ and what I did.

Debts? Broken promises? Over-controlling? Over-possessive? Hypercritical? Abusive verbally? Emotionally? Physically? Forgetting? Unfaithful? Lying?

2.         Think how _______ others to make amends to me.

“Do to others as you’d have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

• · The right __________________

“There is a right time and a right way to do everything.” Eccl. 8:6 (GNB)

• · The right ____________________

“Speak the truth in a spirit of love.” Eph. 4:15

• · Is it ___________________?

“Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.” Prov. 12:18

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Rom. 12:18

3. _____________________________ my life.

“Put your heart right, reach out to God … then face the world again, firm and courageous. Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.” Job 11:13–16 (GNB)

(ANSWER KEY)

R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y. Step 6

E valuate all my relationships; OFFER FORGIVENESS to those who’ve hurt me and MAKE AMENDS   for harm I’ve done to others except when to do so would harm them or others.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger … along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph. 4:31–32.

PART 1: FORGIVE THOSE WHO’VE HURT ME.

WHY?

1. Because GOD HAS FORGIVEN ME.

“Never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Col. 3:13 (TLB)

2. Because RESENTMENT DOESN’T WORK.

To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do.” Job 5:2 (GNB)

“You are only hurting yourself with your anger!” Job 18:4 (GNB)

“Some men stay healthy till the day they die … others have no happiness at all; they live and die with bitter hearts.” Job 21:23–25.

3. Because I NEED FORGIVENESS IN THE FUTURE.

“When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too.” Mark 11:25 (TLB)

HOW?

1. REVEAL my hurt.

Make a list of those who’ve harmed me and what they said … thought … did.

2. RELEASE my offender.

“How many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? … Jesus answered, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven times!” Matthew 18:21–22

“Empty chair” technique

3. REPLACE my hurt with God’s peace

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Col. 3:15

PART 2: MAKE AMENDS TO THOSE I’VE HURT

WHY?

“Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives. Heb. 12:15 (TLB)

HOW?

1. Make a LIST Of those I’ve HARMED and what I did.

Debts? Broken promises? Over-controlling? Over-possessive? Hypercritical? Abusive verbally? Emotionally? Physically? Forgetting? Unfaithful? Lying?

2.         Think how I’D LIKE others to make amends to me.

“Do to others as you’d have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

• · The right TIME.

“There is a right time and a right way to do everything.” Eccl. 8:6 (GNB)

• · The right ATTITUDE.

“Speak the truth in a spirit of love.” Eph. 4:15

• · Is it APPROPRIATE_?

“Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.” Prov. 12:18

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Rom. 12:18

3. REFOCUS my life.

“Put your heart right, reach out to God … then face the world again, firm and courageous. Then all your troubles will fade from your memory, like floods that are past and remembered no more.” Job 11:13–16 (GNB)

MAKING CHANGES (Answer Key at the bottom of this document)

The Road to Recovery—Part 5

Rick Warren

R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y. Step 5

V oluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my __________________.

“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him … and let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.” Rom. 12:1–2 (GNB)

I. WHERE DO MY CHARACTER DEFECTS COME FROM?

Genetics explain predisposition but don’t excuse sin!

Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs.

Character defects are often positive qualities being misused.

II. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO CHANGE THEM?

1. Because I’ve had them ____________________________

2. Because I ___________________________________with them.

3. Because they have a ____________________________.

4. Because ______________________ discourages me.

III. HOW DO I COOPERATE WITH GOD’S CHANGE PROCESS?

“Be transformed by the ... Read More »]]>  

MAKING CHANGES (Answer Key at the bottom of this document)

The Road to Recovery—Part 5

Rick Warren

R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y. Step 5

V oluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my __________________.

“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him … and let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.” Rom. 12:1–2 (GNB)

I. WHERE DO MY CHARACTER DEFECTS COME FROM?

• · My _____________________________________

Genetics explain predisposition but don’t excuse sin!

• · My ______________________________________

Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs.

• · My ___________________________________

Character defects are often positive qualities being misused.

II. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO CHANGE THEM?

1. Because I’ve had them ____________________________

2. Because I ___________________________________with them.

3. Because they have a ____________________________.

4. Because ______________________ discourages me.

III. HOW DO I COOPERATE WITH GOD’S CHANGE PROCESS?

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom. 12:2

1.         Focus on changing ___________________at a time.

“An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.” Prov. 17:24

            2.         Focus on victory __________________ at a time.

“Give us this day our daily bread” Matt. 6:11

“Don’t worry about tomorrow, each day has enough troubles of its own.” Matt. 6:34

3.         Focus on ____________________ not willpower

“Can a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are used to doing evil now start being good.” Jer. 13:23 (TLB)

BUT…

“I can master anything with the help of Christ who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13 (JB)

4.         Focus on what I ______________, not what I ___________

“Fix your thought on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure … Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about …” Phil. 4:8 (TLB)

5.         Focus on _____good, not ______________good.

“If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence.” Gal. 5:16 (JB)

6.         Focus on ______who help me, not hinder me.

“As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.” Prov. 27:17(NCV)

7.         Focus on ________________not ______________________

“God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task with you is finally finished.” Phil. 1:6

ANSWER KEY:

V oluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my CHARACTER DEFECTS.

“Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him … and let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.” Rom. 12:1–2 (GNB)

I. WHERE DO MY CHARACTER DEFECTS COME FROM?

• · My CHROMOSOMES.

Genetics explain predisposition but don’t excuse sin!

• · My CIRCUMSTANCES.

Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs.

• · My CHOICES.

Character defects are often positive qualities being misused.

II. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO CHANGE THEM?

1. Because I’ve had them SO LONG.

2. Because I IDENTIFY with them.

3. Because they have a PAYOFF.

4. Because SATAN  discourages me.

III. HOW DO I COOPERATE WITH GOD’S CHANGE PROCESS?

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom. 12:2

1.         Focus on changing ONE DEFECT at a time.

“An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.” Prov. 17:24

            2.         Focus on victory ONE DAY at a time.

“Give us this day our daily bread” Matt. 6:11

“Don’t worry about tomorrow, each day has enough troubles of its own.” Matt. 6:34

3.         Focus on GOD’S POWER not my willpower

“Can a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are used to doing evil now start being good.” Jer. 13:23 (TLB)

BUT…

“I can master anything with the help of Christ who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13 (JB)

4.         Focus on what I WANT, not what I DON’T WANT.

“Fix your thought on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure … Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about …” Phil. 4:8 (TLB)

5.         Focus on DOING good, not FEELING good.

“If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence.” Gal. 5:16 (JB)

6.         Focus on PEOPLE who help me, not hinder me.

“As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other.” Prov. 27:17 (NCV)

7.         Focus on PROGRESS not PERFECTION

“God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task with you is finally finished.” Phil. 1:6

Rick Warren

R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y.

R ealize I’m not God. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.

E arnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.

C onsciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.

O penly _______________ and _______________ my faults to myself, to God, and to _______________ I trust.

“What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.” Ps. 32:1–2 (TLB)

I. THE REASON FOR THIS STEP

1. Guilt destroys my __________________.

2. Guilt damages my _____________________.

3. Guilt keeps me __________________.

“You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your ... Read More »]]> The Road to Recovery—Part 4 (Answer Key at bottom of this document)

Rick Warren

R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y.

R ealize I’m not God. I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.

E arnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.

C onsciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.

O penly _______________ and _______________ my faults to myself, to God, and to _______________ I trust.

“What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.” Ps. 32:1–2 (TLB)

I. THE REASON FOR THIS STEP

1. Guilt destroys my __________________.

2. Guilt damages my _____________________.

3. Guilt keeps me __________________.

“You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up, then God will show mercy to you.” Prov. 28:13 (GNB)

II. HOW TO DO THIS STEP

1. Take a personal __________________________.

“Let us examine our ways and test them.” Lam. 3:40

“Search me, O God, and know my heart, test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad.” Ps. 138:23–24 (TLB)

2. Accept _______________________________

“The Lord gave us a mind and a conscience. We cannot hide from ourselves.” Prov. 20:27 (GNB)

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

3. Ask ____________________________

“If we freely admit that we have sinned, we find God utterly reliable … he forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil.” 1 John 1:9 (Phillips)

“No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you clean as freshly fallen snow.” Isa. 1:18 (TLB)

4.         Admit my faults ______________________________

“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16 (TLB)

Who?

What do you say?

When?

5.         Accept God’s forgiveness and _________________________________

“All of us have sinned … yet not God declares us not guilty if we trust in Jesus Christ, who freely takes away our sins.” Rom. 3:23–24 (TLB)

“There is no condemnation for those who live in union with Christ Jesus” Rom. 8:1

ANSWER KEY:

O penly EXAMINE and CONFESS my faults to myself, to God, and to SOMEONE  I trust.

“What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.” Ps. 32:1–2 (TLB)

I. THE REASON FOR THIS STEP

1. Guilt destroys my CONFIDENCE.

2. Guilt damages my RELATIONSHIPS.

3. Guilt keeps me STUCK IN THE PAST.

“You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up, then God will show mercy to you.” Prov. 28:13 (GNB)

II. HOW TO DO THIS STEP

1. Take a personal MORAL INVENTORY.

“Let us examine our ways and test them.” Lam. 3:40

“Search me, O God, and know my heart, test my thoughts. Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad.” Ps. 138:23–24 (TLB)

2. Accept RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY FAULTS.

“The Lord gave us a mind and a conscience. We cannot hide from ourselves.” Prov. 20:27 (GNB)

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

3. Ask GOD FOR FORGIVENESS.

“If we freely admit that we have sinned, we find God utterly reliable … he forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil.” 1 John 1:9 (Phillips)

“No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you clean as freshly fallen snow.” Isa. 1:18 (TLB)

4.         Admit my faults TO ANOTHER PERSON.

“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16 (TLB)

Who?

What do you say?

When?

5.         Accept God’s forgiveness and FORGIVE MYSELF.

“All of us have sinned … yet not God declares us not guilty if we trust in Jesus Christ, who freely takes away our sins.” Rom. 3:23–24 (TLB)

“There is no condemnation for those who live in union with Christ Jesus” Rom. 8:1