The foundation of spiritual growth is acknowledging that we are powerless to change ourselves. Because we are self-reliant people, we try (repeatedly) to stop doing things we shouldn’t and start doing things we should, using nothing but our own effort and willpower.

Note: Posts in this series have been adapted largely from a study called “Christian Recovery” from Providence Church.

As long as we are trying to change apart from dependence on God’s continuing work of grace, we will experience frustration and even despair. It is by breaking our patterns of self-reliance and relying on God’s grace that we begin to experience real change. Until we acknowledge that we are powerless – that apart from Christ we can do nothing – we will never find victory over sin.

DISCOVERING THE PRINCIPLE IN SCRIPTURE

This principle is true of everyone. In fact, maybe the best description of powerlessness comes from the Apostle Paul in Romans 7. Let’s look at that passage together and as we read it, I just want you to look for what it says about this principle: that we are powerless to change on our own. Read Romans 7:7-25

  1. What does this text say about our powerlessness?
  2. Why are we unable to obey the law?
  3. If we can’t obey the law, then why shouldn’t we just keep doing whatever we want?
  4. What are some reasons you can see from this text (or from your own experience) that we should fight against our “flesh,” as Paul calls it?

This passage illustrates how powerless we are to change on our own. We want to focus on three aspects of this principle: 1) We are powerless to change ourselves, 2) we are delusional and don’t recognize that the problem lies within us, and 3) the problem is progressive in that the more we indulge our sin, the harder it is to change.

 

APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE

We want to talk about the concept of powerlessness and connect it to specific things in our lives. So think about one area of sin in your life that fits this pattern of powerlessness, delusion, and slavery. The more specific you can be, the better (try to avoid generalities and think about your actual life).

  1. I am Powerless: The things I don’t want to do, I do; the things I do want to do, I don’t.
    1. What is one thing in your life that fits this verse … something that is a persistent struggle for you?
    2. What do you wish you were like in this area of your life?
    3. What are you actually like in this area of your life? What are the consequences of this sin?
  1. I am Delusional: I refuse to acknowledge that I am powerless. I try to overcome my sin on my own, or I try to cover it up so at least others won’t see.
    1. Related to the issue you just mentioned, how have you tried to change on your own?
    2. How do you try to cover it up—pretend it’s not that bad, blame it on someone else, or hide it from others?
  1. Sin is Progressive: The more I indulge my sin and gratify the desires of my flesh, the more I become enslaved to sin. It distorts my thinking and weakens my will to resist, until I feel unable to resist at all.
    1. Has this been your experience … that the more you sin, the easier it is to sin?
    2. How do you feel when you think about how difficult this struggle has become for you?

 

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT FOR GOING DEEPER

Each week in GC, we are introducing a principle in a process of growth in the gospel. Just exploring and discussing these things will bear fruit in our lives. However, you may feel the need to go deeper. We want to encourage further reflection by giving you a “homework” assignment each week! You can do these exercises on your own or with a mentor. The saying is true: you will reap what you sow. This is a means of sowing the seeds of the gospel deeper and wider in your life.

Below is a chart to help you think through this principle as it relates to your specific struggles. We have given the example of anger. Identify and articulate three more areas of powerlessness, and discuss them with your mentor. Spend time meditating on John 15:1 – 8  this week.