R2R (Step 2) We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us.

Introductions

Go around the room and introduce ourselves.

Introduce Road to Recovery ( A Twelve Step Programme)

Recap

Step 2 - Believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity. (Sanity because we find ourselves struggling to stop doing something we dont want to do)

In Step 1 we admitted that we were powerless over our problems, that our lives had become unmanagable and that is why we ended up at R2R in the first place. We also looked at the reflections of man called Paul who came to realise the same thing. Paul knew that deep down he wanted to do what was right, but often found himself doing what he did not want to do, he thought of himself as a slave. (Romans 7:18-20)

Romans 7:18–20 NIV

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

Recognising that in of ourselves we are powerless. If our lives are ever to become healthy we have to admit that have been powerless. At this point we talked about Truth, and how if truth puts us on the Road to recovery then truth is a friend to run towards not an enemy to run away from. The difference between those who find recovery and those who dont has to do with thier resonse to Truth, particularly the truth that they have been powerless.

But just because we faced the truth and realised that we were powerless in and of ourselves does not mean that we have to become victims, If we are powerless then who should we turn to?

Discussion

1) When we realise we are powerless what can we Do about it?

When we realise we are powerless what can we Do about it?

2) Who can we turn to? (What if we have no frineds or family).

3) We need to turn to someone more powerful than ourselves.

Paul founf his help in a Higher Power, For Paul that power was found through Jesus.

“So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

In order to taske the second step, We need to come to a place where we believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity (Step 2). When you think about it we have to become dependent on someone else. That can be a very hard truth to swallow especially if we have thought of ourselves as being very independant People, but the bible would teach us that there are no truly independent people for its in God that we love and move and have our being. In order for us to take the second step in many ways we have to become like children:

In order to taske the second step, We need to come to a place where we believe that a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity.

In any Society Children are the most dependant members.

Discussion

In what ways are children dependent?

They have no inherent power or self protection,

no means to ensure that their lives will be safe comfortable or fulfilling.

Little Children are singularly relient on the Love, care and nurture of adults for their most basic needs.

They must trust their lives to someone who is more powerful than they are....

The bible would teach us that if we would have Gods help, then we must come to a place where we admit our dependency. Jesus put it this way. “

Mark 10:13–16 NIV

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Addictions are like Quick Sand:

Discussion

The more you struggle, the more you wiggle, the faster you sink, you need someone (you need another persons power, to pull you out)

In what ways might another person or a group of people might be able to help

Support

Encouragement

Accountabilty.

Discussion

Paul realised that the anser to his problems lay in a higher power, in response to his struggles to overcome he asked, “who is going to rescue me from this body o

Who are you going to look to? What power?

Do you believe God can help you?

Do you believe God would be willing to help you? “The Truth of God will set you free”

Do You believew God wants to see you well and healthy and in a sober frame of mind?

Do you know God? Does God know you?

How are we made right with God?

Conclution.

Step 1: Admit that you are powerless

Step 2: Believe that a power greater than ourselves can can restore us to santiy. (A frame of mind where we are not controled by our addictions and are living in freedom).

Philippians 2:13 NIV

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Romans 4:6–8 NIV

David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

Ephesians 1:6–8 NIV

to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,

Colossians 1:21–22 NIV

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

Hebrews 11:1–10 NIV

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.