I ADMIT AND ACCEPT THAT I HAVE BECOME POWERLESS OVER ALCOHOL, THE SUBSTANCE OR SOMEONE I HAVE ABUSED, AND THAT MY LIFE IS UNMANAGEABLE.

This principle states that I, as an individual caught in a lifestyle of sin and fear, am not only powerless over the substance I have abused, but (left to myself) am not capable of managing my own life without help from God.

The following scriptures will show me that without the LORD to manage my life, I can never obtain any real measure of peace or happiness.

Galatians 5:19-23—

What is the definition of the "sinful nature"? What and how many works can I identify with? What are the differences between "acts," "works" or "deeds," and "fruit"? Do both proceed from the heart of man?  When I depend on myself, which do I manifest, the "acts," "works," or "deeds" of the sinful nature or the "fruit" of the Spirit?

Genesis 4:7 (compare with (cf) James 4:17)—

If I know the right things to do and don’t do them, who is to blame? Who or what do I usually blame? Does blaming someone else change my guilt? How does sin gain control in my life? Do I have a pattern that allows me to fall into sin? Give an example.  Have I been successful at mastering sin by myself?

Romans 3:10 & 23—

What is the meaning of "righteousness"? Can I achieve "righteousness" on my own?  Am I equally guilty with all others? Can I be equally "righteous" with other believers?

James 2:10 (cf Romans 3:10-19)—

Have I ever tried to be really good or change my behavior on my own? How long did it last? What were the results? If what this scripture says is true, who can possibly make it? (cf Matthew 19:23-26)

Proverbs 14:12—

What does "the way that seems right to a man" mean? Is "the way that seems right to a man" the same thing as "doing my own thing," "according to my own understanding," or "I know in my heart that this is the right thing to do"?  Is this scripture saying that I’m not able to manage my own life (cf Jeremiah 13:23; Psalm 119:9)? What proof do I have to prove my results, good or bad? Give some examples.

2 Corinthians 1:9—

While caught in a lifestyle of sin and fear, did I ever experience guilt or remorse? How was it usually dealt with?  Have I felt the sentence of death in my life? Was there a pattern to feeling this? What was it?  How is this related to being powerless?

Romans 6:23—

Substitute "doing my own thing" for the word "sin"; is this a true statement?  How do the words "wages" and "gifts" differ?  What is the penalty for sin? How can I escape it?

John 8:34-36—

What does being a "slave to sin" mean? Could I substitute the word "habit" here?  Can I be "set free" and be a "slave" at the same time?  Am I still a slave to sin? How can I know for sure?

Romans 7:5-6—

What am I controlled by according to this scripture? What should I be controlled by? Are all people controlled by something?  How are we released from the law? (cf 2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 10:4) How permanent is it?  How does my belief affect this process?

Romans 7:18-20—

Am I still trying to be righteous? Is it possible on my own?  Am I desiring to do what is right? If so, can I carry it out on my own?  Substitute "compulsion to do it my way" for the word "sin"; is this a true statement?

Romans 7:24-25—

Can I as a Christian still find myself in this place sometimes?  Is it easy to serve two masters? Can Jesus rescue me from this dilemma?  Who is my only hope? Have I been trapped into thinking that it was a what, where, when, or who (other than Jesus) that would rescue me? Give some examples.

Romans 8:1-2—

If there is "no condemnation," why do I still sometimes feel condemned? Where do feelings originate from? Should I trust them? If they’re from my heart, should I trust them? (cf Jeremiah 17:9)  What does God promise will happen after I invite Jesus to be LORD of my life?  Why and how do I keep on condemning myself if Christ has set me free? Are my feelings telling me the truth?

Romans 8:9-10—

Since I am not controlled by the sinful nature when Jesus is LORD of my life, what am I controlled by? Do I need to surrender to the control of the Holy Spirit?  If I’m not controlled by the sinful nature, why do I still have habits that I can't master?

1 Corinthians 10:12-14—

Does the LORD tempt me? (cf James 1:12-16) What is the difference between "tempting" and "testing"?  Should I panic when temptation comes? Should I condemn myself? Should I rely on GOD and His Word?  When temptation comes to follow after that which I’m trying to stay away from, what does God promise He will do? (Titus 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 10:23)  Why is being self-confident or worshipping something else so dangerous? What should I do when I feel overconfident? What should I do when I realize I’ve turned away from my first LOVE?

1 Peter 5:6-7—

When worry and anxiety come upon me, what should I do to be lifted up? Do I have a plan?  How do I humble myself before God? Is it up to me to do this?  What does the scripture mean "in due time"? (cf James 1:2-4)

Proverbs 3:5-8—

How often should I turn to the LORD? Why shouldn’t I lean to "my own understanding"?  What are God’s conditions for health and recovery?

Copyright © 2004, 2008 Randall Nurmi 
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