Embracing Vulnerability: The Path to Healing and Hope

Summary

In our journey through life, we often encounter moments of despair and hopelessness, much like Daisy, a young woman who found herself homeless on the streets of Santa Cruz. Her story is a poignant reminder that sometimes the help we need is closer than we think, but we must first reach out and admit our need. Daisy's reconnection with her mother, who had been searching for her, illustrates the transformative power of vulnerability and the willingness to seek help. This narrative sets the stage for exploring the principles behind the 12-step program, which has been a beacon of hope for many struggling with various addictions and life challenges.

The first step in this program is the admission of powerlessness and the recognition that our lives have become unmanageable. This step is crucial because it acknowledges the reality of our situation without offering simplistic solutions like "just say no." Instead, it invites us to confront the truth of our limitations and the need for a higher power to restore us to sanity. This principle is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, as seen in the writings of Paul, who candidly expressed his struggles with sin and the human condition.

The Bible, particularly passages from Matthew, James, and Corinthians, offers profound insights into the nature of sin and the human struggle. It reveals that sin is not merely a list of wrongdoings but a fundamental brokenness in our relationship with God and others. This brokenness manifests in various forms, such as addiction, selfishness, and denial. Yet, there is hope for the hopeless, as Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes remind us that those who are "poor in spirit" are blessed because they recognize their need for God.

Admitting our powerlessness is not easy, as it goes against our natural instincts and societal values that emphasize self-reliance. However, it is a necessary step toward genuine transformation. The story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with her tears exemplifies the profound love and gratitude that arise from recognizing our need for forgiveness and grace. In contrast, those who believe they have it all together, like the Pharisee Simon, often miss out on the depth of God's love.

As we embark on this journey of self-discovery and healing, we must be willing to face the truth about our lives and seek help from others who are on the same path. This process requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to let go of denial. By doing so, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing the transformative power of God's love and grace, which offers hope for the hopeless.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Vulnerability: Daisy's story illustrates that reaching out for help, even when it seems daunting, can lead to unexpected and transformative outcomes. Admitting our need and vulnerability is the first step toward healing and restoration. [03:43]

- Admitting Powerlessness: The first step in the 12-step program emphasizes acknowledging our powerlessness over our struggles. This admission is crucial because it opens the door to seeking a higher power for help and guidance. [06:18]

- Understanding Sin: Sin is not just a list of wrongdoings but a fundamental brokenness in our relationship with God and others. Recognizing this helps us understand the root of our struggles and the need for divine intervention. [15:26]

- The Beatitudes' Insight: Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes remind us that those who recognize their spiritual poverty are blessed. This recognition allows us to experience God's grace and love more deeply. [18:48]

- The Challenge of Denial: Denial is a significant barrier to transformation. We must confront the truth about our lives and be willing to let go of denial to experience genuine change and hope. [36:53]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:14] - Daisy's Story
[03:43] - Unexpected Reconnection
[04:55] - Help for the Hopeless
[06:18] - The First Step
[07:21] - Powerlessness and Unmanageability
[10:02] - The Roots of AA
[11:06] - Biblical Foundations
[12:12] - Paul's Struggle with Sin
[14:19] - The Message Bible's Clarity
[15:26] - Understanding Sin
[18:48] - The Beatitudes' Insight
[21:38] - The Big Book's Wisdom
[24:01] - The Illusion of Control
[29:08] - Jesus and the Prostitute
[36:53] - The Challenge of Denial
[39:31] - The Truth of Hopelessness
[43:27] - The Hope of the New Testament
[45:24] - What Now? Steps Forward

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 5:3
- Romans 7:14-20
- Luke 7:36-50

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Observation Questions:

1. In Daisy's story, what was the turning point that led to her reconnection with her mother? How did this illustrate the power of vulnerability? [03:43]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of admitting powerlessness in the 12-step program? How does this relate to the biblical concept of sin? [06:18]

3. How does Paul describe his struggle with sin in Romans 7:14-20? What does this reveal about the nature of sin and human limitations?

4. In the account from Luke 7:36-50, how did the actions of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet contrast with the attitude of Simon the Pharisee? What does this tell us about recognizing one's need for forgiveness?

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is admitting powerlessness considered a crucial first step in the 12-step program, and how does this principle align with biblical teachings on humility and reliance on God? [06:18]

2. How does the concept of being "poor in spirit" in Matthew 5:3 challenge societal values of self-reliance and independence? What does it mean to be blessed in this context?

3. In Romans 7:14-20, Paul speaks of a struggle between his desires and actions. How does this passage help us understand the internal conflict that believers face in their spiritual journey?

4. Reflecting on the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet, what does this narrative teach about the relationship between forgiveness, love, and gratitude? How does this apply to our own experiences of grace? [33:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt hopeless or powerless. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to seek help and support in similar situations in the future? [04:55]

2. In what areas of your life do you struggle to admit powerlessness? How can acknowledging these areas open the door to seeking God's guidance and strength? [06:18]

3. How can you cultivate a "poor in spirit" attitude in your daily life, recognizing your need for God and His grace? What practical steps can you take to deepen your reliance on Him?

4. Consider the internal struggles you face, similar to Paul's description in Romans 7. How can you address these struggles through prayer, accountability, and community support?

5. Reflect on the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet. How can you express gratitude and love for the forgiveness and grace you've received? What actions can you take to demonstrate this in your relationships with others? [33:21]

6. Denial can be a barrier to transformation. Identify an area in your life where denial might be present. What steps can you take to confront the truth and seek genuine change? [36:53]

7. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with feelings of hopelessness or powerlessness? What role can you play in offering hope and encouragement?

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Vulnerability
In life, vulnerability can be a daunting prospect, yet it holds the key to profound transformation. Daisy's story is a testament to this truth. Homeless and feeling hopeless, she found the courage to reach out and admit her need for help. This act of vulnerability led to a life-changing reconnection with her mother, who had been searching for her. It illustrates that when we open ourselves to others, we create opportunities for healing and restoration. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward embracing the support and love that can change our lives. [03:43]

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been hesitant to ask for help. What is one step you can take today to reach out and embrace vulnerability in that area?

Day 2: Embracing Powerlessness for True Change
The first step in the 12-step program is the admission of powerlessness, a concept that challenges our natural instincts and societal values of self-reliance. This step is crucial because it acknowledges the reality of our struggles and the unmanageability of our lives. By admitting our powerlessness, we open the door to seeking a higher power for help and guidance. This principle is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, where the recognition of our limitations is the beginning of true transformation. It is not about giving up but about surrendering to a power greater than ourselves to restore us to sanity. [06:18]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel powerless. How can you invite God into this space to begin the process of transformation?

Day 3: Understanding Sin as Brokenness
Sin is often misunderstood as merely a list of wrongdoings, but it is fundamentally a brokenness in our relationship with God and others. This brokenness manifests in various forms, such as addiction, selfishness, and denial. Recognizing sin as a deeper issue helps us understand the root of our struggles and the need for divine intervention. The Bible offers profound insights into this nature of sin, reminding us that it is not just about actions but about the state of our hearts and our need for reconciliation with God. [15:26]

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a relationship in your life that feels broken. How might understanding sin as brokenness change your approach to seeking healing in that relationship?

Day 4: The Blessing of Spiritual Poverty
Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes remind us that those who recognize their spiritual poverty are blessed. This recognition allows us to experience God's grace and love more deeply. Being "poor in spirit" means acknowledging our need for God and our inability to navigate life on our own. It is a posture of humility that opens us to the richness of God's kingdom and the transformative power of His love. Embracing spiritual poverty is not about despair but about finding hope in the divine provision and grace that God offers. [18:48]

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel spiritually impoverished. How can you invite God's grace into this area to experience His blessing and love?

Day 5: Confronting Denial for Genuine Change
Denial is a significant barrier to transformation, preventing us from confronting the truth about our lives. To experience genuine change and hope, we must be willing to let go of denial and face the reality of our situations. This process requires honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to seek help from others on the same path. By confronting denial, we open ourselves to the possibility of experiencing the transformative power of God's love and grace, which offers hope for the hopeless. [36:53]

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a truth about your life that you have been avoiding. What steps can you take today to confront this denial and seek God's transformative power?

Quotes

I kind of want to start this morning by kind of sharing a kind of a synthesis of experiences. My wife and I spent several years in Santa Cruz. We actually really enjoyed it. For those of you who know us, you might think that's kind of strange because my wife's from Oklahoma and I'm from Wyoming and we're, we are country folk and you wouldn't expect to find country folk, especially happy country folk in Santa Cruz. But for some reason it was, it was a good fit. We really enjoyed our time there. When we lived in Santa Cruz, you'll still see some homeless folks in Santa Cruz, but it was nothing like it was in the 90s when we were there. It was, it was probably had one of the largest teenage homeless populations in the country. [00:00:00] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Daisy was a homeless teenager. She'd been on the streets in Santa Cruz. She found herself in Santa Cruz because it's got beautiful weather. And there's a lot of other teenagers like herself that hung out there and didn't have a place to stay. And they just kind of had each other's back. And sometimes, you know, you slipped inside, sometimes you're out. But there was other young people to do it with, so it wasn't so bad. At least not at first. But as time kind of went on, life, it was overwhelming for Daisy. The romance wore off. Nights started getting cold. The lack of food started bothering her. It's just, it got scary because not everybody, not everybody homeless is scary. But some people who are homeless or not homeless that prey on the homeless are scary. [00:01:17] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And so we talked through this and she shared and we prayed for her. And then for whatever reason, Daisy kind of reached the end of her rope. She had nothing left that she could do. And so she did, in her mind, the unthinkable. She called her mom. And she did not get what she expected. She expected a lecture. She expected indifference. She expected her mom to pretty much communicate, nice to hear from you, but I got somebody else more important in my life. But instead, she got a mom in tears who had been searching for her daughter for months. A mother who realized that her daughter was more important than her. And she got a mom in tears who had kicked him out a long time ago and was just happy that Daisy called. [00:03:29] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And we're coming together here for several weeks now, and we're looking at the principles behind a power that changes people. We know it changes people. This program, the 12-step program, is used throughout the world. And what professionals cannot do, what multi-million dollar conglomerate health agencies have not been able to do, these 12 principles have had much more success than everything else combined. And so we're going to take a look at these. But let me just tell you up front, we're going to go back to the source. When we look at these. Okay? Because the 12-step, somebody, it wasn't just a couple guys and gals who got together and said, you know what, we need to recover, so let's come up with, you know, 12 how-tos in order to help people recover. [00:05:31] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Step one, if you went to any kind of 12-step program, would say this. We admitted that we were powerless and that our lives had become unmanageable. Now, depending on the program you go to, let's say you went to AA, Alcoholic Anonymous. Okay? They would add, we admitted that we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable. If you went to Overeating Anonymous, we admitted that we're powerless over food, and then our lives become unmanageable. Whatever anonymous program you go to, they just put in the thing. It could be anger. It could be relationships, pornography, body image, gambling, tobacco, the Internet, shopping, video games, adrenaline highs, fantasy, just always living in a fantasy world, making money, or the opposite, just plain laziness. Whatever it is, whatever it is that's got this grip on your life, they would say, hey, we admit that we are powerless over this thing, and that our lives have become unmanageable. [00:06:53] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

The Bible's actually not one book, it's 66 books. One of the authors is a guy named Paul. He writes a letter to a church in Rome, so that's why we call the letter Romans. Obviously, when he wrote a letter, it was just a letter. It didn't have chapters and verses in it. But in order for us to find our way around, we put chapters and verses in so we could. So we're going to read Paul's letter to the Romans. Part of it, if I was pointing to that paragraph in his letter, I'd say Romans chapter 7 verses 14 through 20 that read like this. It'll come up on the screen. We know that the law is spiritual, but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. [00:11:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Now, let me just, again, just for clarification, some of you hear that word sin, and instantly, again, you're thinking of rules, the Ten Commandments, and you disobeyed, and so, you know, you got a lightning bolt coming to you. It is so, it's so much bigger, and it's also so much simpler, and it's so much more fundamental. See, God, God created you and I to be in a beautiful, intimate, unashamed relationship with him and with others. That's how he created us, and anything that breaks that relationship, either with him or others. Yes, alcohol is a problem. Getting drunk is a problem, but it's really not the problem. The problem is, is that alcohol, the problem is, is that bad relationships, the problem is that selfishness separates you from the God you love and separates you from the people that you want to be accepted by and that you want to have a relationship with that you need. [00:14:52] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And so, when he says here, it's no longer I myself who do it, but it's sin living in me. He says, there's a nature of me that seems to always resist the very thing I want, and that's what he identifies as sin. I know. I know, verse 18, 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. Now, many of you, of us, let me change that. Many of us avoided church for a long time because we thought church was for a place that people went to who desired to do good and did it. You're wrong. Just like we were wrong. And still are, a lot of us. Church is a place for people who desire to do what is good, but they cannot carry it out. [00:16:54] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Like I mentioned earlier, one of the fundamental principles of the first step came from the Beatitudes. I know that's a fancy word, so just let me explain this. Jesus gave a sermon. It's one of his most famous sermons. You can find it in a letter called Matthew, chapters five through seven. It's called the Sermon on the Mount because he gave it on a mountain. We're creative that way. We're creative that way. And he gives this sermon. And the interesting thing is the sermon starts out with a series of blessings, but they catch you off guard because of what they don't say. Because you would think that Jesus would say, blessed are those who go to church. Blessed are those who read the Bible. Blessed are those who make the right decisions and say no to them. That's what you would expect it to say. But it actually almost seems to say the opposite. It says things like, blessed are those who mourn. [00:18:32] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

and it kind of leaves you scratching your head, and here's the first, the very first blessing he gives in this sermon, is this, comes from Matthew chapter 5, verse 3, it says, blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, now again, this, this, we had to leave the original crowd scratching their head, because what he's saying is this, think of what you think a spiritual person is, somebody who's right with God, right, blessed are those who aren't that, blessed are those who, who are like, it's kind of like, I wish I had a bank account like that, but my bank account's here, blessed are those who wish their spiritual life was here, but are really here, and then he says, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of heaven, that's, that's where God lives, he says, for these people who wish they were here, but are really here, they're so blessed, they get to reside with God, what, again, let me, let me go to Eugene, Eugene puts it this way, I love this, he says this, you're blessed when you're at the end of your rope, with less of you, there is more of God in his rule, when you finally get to that point, when you're like, I wish I was, but I'm not, I'm at the end, God goes, great, I'm ready to do it, it's a spiritual principle, that the first step is you're powerless, and your life is unmanageable, but there are, there are some hindrances here, there is a challenge here, right, there's, there's, there's several things that we have to admit, there's two things here specifically we have to admit, we have to admit, A, that we're powerless, and B, that our lives are unmanageable, we have to, we have to admit that we're in utter defeat, that we're bankrupt, that we're hopeless, that we've hit bottom, there is nothing in us that's going to make this better, ouch, [00:19:30] (126 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And people who have experienced power that has changed them started in a place by saying, you know what, I'm going to go against everything I've been taught. I'm going to go against my own nature and begin to embrace the fact that I am powerless and life is unmanageable. And it's that hope, when they begin to see the lives of others who do that, that begins to settle in. that drives them to the change that's always eluded them. Because there's help for the hopeless. [00:26:25] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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