Perseverance and Community: The Journey of Faith

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we are reminded that perseverance is key. The story of Eugene Lee, a campus pastor and martial artist, illustrates this beautifully. He once told me, "A black belt is just a white belt that keeps showing up." This simple yet profound truth applies to our spiritual walk as well. We are invited to embark on the greatest adventure of all—following Jesus. This journey requires us to keep showing up, even when the path seems daunting.

The story of Bill W., the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and community. Bill was a hopeless alcoholic who found redemption through the Oxford Group, a community dedicated to living out the teachings of Jesus in practical ways. His experience of surrendering to a higher power led to a profound spiritual awakening, illustrating that even in our darkest moments, there is hope and light.

Bill's journey led to the creation of the 12 Steps, a framework for spiritual growth and recovery. These steps emphasize the importance of community and a structured way of life. They are not mere rules but a lived experience of transformation. The steps are written in the past tense, highlighting that they are not theoretical but proven paths to healing and wholeness.

The essence of these steps is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Bible, particularly the book of James, which emphasizes the connection between faith and works. The mantra "keep coming back, it works if you work it" encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and community that is essential for spiritual growth.

As we reflect on these stories and teachings, we are reminded that spiritual power is available to us. It requires a commitment to community and a way of life that aligns with the teachings of Jesus. By embracing these principles, we can experience transformation and find strength in our weaknesses.

Key Takeaways:

- Perseverance in faith is akin to the journey from a white belt to a black belt in martial arts. It requires showing up consistently, even when the path is challenging. This commitment to the journey is essential for spiritual growth. [01:41]

- The story of Bill W. highlights the power of surrender and the transformative impact of community. In moments of utter hopelessness, turning to a higher power can lead to profound spiritual awakening and healing. [04:56]

- The 12 Steps offer a structured path to spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of community and a way of life rooted in the teachings of Jesus. These steps are not theoretical but are lived experiences of transformation. [08:33]

- The teachings of the book of James remind us of the connection between faith and works. True faith is demonstrated through action, and this principle is central to the journey of spiritual growth and recovery. [11:17]

- The mantra "keep coming back, it works if you work it" underscores the importance of perseverance and community in the spiritual journey. By committing to this path, we can experience transformation and find strength in our weaknesses. [11:47]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - The Black Belt Analogy
[01:59] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[02:13] - The Story of Bill W.
[03:46] - The Oxford Group
[04:29] - Bill W.'s Spiritual Awakening
[06:16] - The Power of Community
[07:20] - The 12 Steps
[08:33] - The Past Tense of Transformation
[09:23] - The Role of Desperation
[10:10] - Dallas Willard's Insight
[11:02] - The Book of James
[11:47] - Keep Coming Back
[12:05] - Series Conclusion
[12:47] - Prayer and Community Connection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. James 2:14-17 (NIV) - "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
2. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) - "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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the analogy of the black belt and white belt signify in the context of spiritual growth? [01:41]
2. How did Bill W.'s experience with the Oxford Group lead to his spiritual awakening? [04:56]
3. What role does community play in the 12 Steps and in the journey of faith according to the sermon? [06:49]
4. How does the book of James connect faith and works, and why is this connection important in the context of the sermon? [11:17]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the analogy of a black belt being a white belt that keeps showing up apply to one's personal spiritual journey? [01:41]
2. In what ways does the story of Bill W. illustrate the power of surrender and community in overcoming personal struggles? [04:56]
3. How do the 12 Steps reflect the teachings of Jesus, and why are they considered a lived experience rather than theoretical rules? [08:33]
4. What does the mantra "keep coming back, it works if you work it" suggest about the nature of perseverance in faith? [11:47]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge in your spiritual journey. How did perseverance play a role in overcoming it? [01:41]
2. Bill W. found hope in a community when he was at his lowest. How can you seek or provide support within your community during difficult times? [04:56]
3. The 12 Steps emphasize a structured way of life. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to align more closely with the teachings of Jesus? [08:33]
4. The book of James emphasizes faith accompanied by action. Identify one area in your life where you can put your faith into action this week. [11:17]
5. Consider the mantra "keep coming back, it works if you work it." What is one area of your life where you need to keep showing up, even when it's difficult? [11:47]
6. How can you embrace your weaknesses as opportunities for God's strength to be revealed in your life? [06:49]
7. Think of a person in your life who might benefit from the message of hope and community. How can you reach out to them this week? [06:49]

Devotional

Day 1: Perseverance in Faith: The Journey from White to Black Belt
In the journey of faith, perseverance is essential, much like the progression from a white belt to a black belt in martial arts. This analogy reminds us that spiritual growth requires consistent effort and dedication, even when the path is challenging. Just as a martial artist must show up and practice regularly to advance, so too must we commit to our spiritual journey, showing up in prayer, worship, and community. This commitment to perseverance is not just about enduring hardships but about actively engaging in the process of transformation. [01:41]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to show up more consistently? How can you commit to this practice today?


Day 2: Surrender and Community: The Story of Bill W.
The story of Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, highlights the transformative power of surrender and community. In his darkest moments, Bill found hope and healing by surrendering to a higher power and engaging with a supportive community. This experience led to a profound spiritual awakening, demonstrating that even in times of utter hopelessness, faith and community can bring about redemption and transformation. Bill's journey reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that by reaching out to others and surrendering our burdens, we can find strength and healing. [04:56]

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a burden you are carrying alone that you need to surrender to God or share with a trusted community member? What steps can you take today to do so?


Day 3: The 12 Steps: A Structured Path to Spiritual Growth
The 12 Steps, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, offer a structured path to spiritual growth and recovery. These steps emphasize the importance of community and a way of life rooted in faith. They are not just theoretical concepts but lived experiences of transformation, written in the past tense to highlight their proven effectiveness. By engaging with these steps, individuals can experience healing and wholeness, finding a new way of living that aligns with spiritual principles. This structured approach provides a roadmap for those seeking to grow in their faith and overcome personal challenges. [08:33]

"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: Consider one step from the 12 Steps that you can incorporate into your life this week. How can this step help you grow spiritually and connect with your community?


Day 4: Faith and Works: The Teachings of the Book of James
The book of James emphasizes the connection between faith and works, reminding us that true faith is demonstrated through action. This principle is central to the journey of spiritual growth and recovery, as it calls us to live out our beliefs in tangible ways. By aligning our actions with our faith, we can experience transformation and become a living testament to the power of God's work in our lives. This teaching challenges us to examine how our faith is reflected in our daily choices and interactions with others. [11:17]

"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?" (James 2:14-16, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where your actions did not align with your faith. What changes can you make to ensure your faith is demonstrated through your works?


Day 5: Keep Coming Back: The Mantra of Perseverance and Community
The mantra "keep coming back, it works if you work it" underscores the importance of perseverance and community in the spiritual journey. This phrase encourages individuals to remain committed to their path, trusting that transformation is possible through consistent effort and engagement with a supportive community. By embracing this mindset, we can find strength in our weaknesses and experience the transformative power of faith. This commitment to perseverance and community is essential for those seeking to grow spiritually and overcome personal challenges. [11:47]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively engage with your faith community this week to encourage and be encouraged in your spiritual journey? What specific steps can you take to "keep coming back"?

Quotes


A black belt is just a white belt that keeps showing up. Black belt is just a white belt that keeps showing up and our you and I are invited on The Greatest Adventure the greatest opportun that has ever been offered to human beings and that is to become followers of this man Jesus. [00:01:46]

Bill W and he was a utterly hopeless alcoholic and I won't go into the details of that part of his story but uh the utter hopelessness is a real important part that we'll take a look at as we're on this journey together and he had promised a hundred times that he would quit he had lost money he had lost jobs he had lost friends he had lost everything. [00:02:27]

At a point where he had become utterly hopeless one day he was visited by a friend eie T and eie had had even a worse Drinker than a drinking problem than Bill had but on this occasion um his eyes were clear and uh his face was bright and he and when Bill offered him a drink he said no I'm not drinking it. [00:03:02]

Bill thought well good more for me but then when he asked him why eie said that he had found God and Bill had no use for that at all except that he was so desperate EBY had become part of a group that was called the Oxford Group we'll talk more about them the Oxford Group was an attempt to recapture following of Jesus in concrete ways in the modern era. [00:03:27]

My depression deepened unbearably and finally it seemed to me as though I were at the bottom of the pit I still gag badly on the notion of a power greater than myself but finally just for the moment the last vestage of my proud obstinacy was crushed all at once I found myself crying out if there is a God let him show himself I am ready to do anything. [00:04:30]

Suddenly the room was lit up with a great white light I was caught up into an ecstasy which there are no words to describe it seemed to me in the Mind's Eye that I was on a mountain and that a wind not of air but of spirit was blowing and then it burst upon me that I was a free air slowly the Ecstasy subsided. [00:05:06]

I lay on the bed but now for a time I was in another world a new world of Consciousness all about me and through me there was a wonderful feeling of presence and I thought to myself so this is the god of the preachers a great peace stole over me and I thought no matter how wrong things seem to be they're all right things are all right with God in his world. [00:05:32]

Bill W went back to the Oxford Group because a single experience uh can be a gift from God but it's never enough and he began to learn how do you follow Jesus and uh then he met another man we'll talk about that story and then a group of people and uh over time uh fol who had been utterly helpless in their addiction discovered that if they were to seek after God with a certain kind of intensity in a certain kind of way and do it together that they would receive power. [00:06:11]

There are two ingredients that everybody needs if we're going to enter into that kind of life and one of them is we need a fellowship we need a community and then the other one is we need a way of life and so what happened for Bill W and other people is that they discovered from the Oxford Group a way of life now eventually Bill wrote These down in what are called the 12 Steps. [00:06:58]

You'll notice with these 12 steps you can read about them online if you want to and make them available today a real real important uh aspect of them they are written in the past tense these are not uh uh rules you know do this today it's very easy for somebody to write down this is what you ought to do this is not what happened here what happened here was Bill W and then Dr Bob and then another man and then another till they were about a 100 discovered that they found God when they had a way of life that made sense. [00:08:14]

They love that book of James and they love that connection between faith and works and it was from the book of James that a a kind of a mantra developed and to this day at the end of AA meetings very often after people say perhaps the Serenity Prayer or the Lord's Prayer they will join hands with one another I do that with you right now and they will chant together keep coming back it works or keep coming back it works if you work it. [00:11:23]

A black belt is just a white belt that keeps showing up. That's the the journey it starts today keep coming back it works if you work it. [00:11:56]

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Transcript
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