Breaking Ground
Who was your favorite teacher in school? Why?
The Dig
This Sunday, we concluded our series 12 Words, in which we’re using the 12 Step Program as a tool for experiencing Christlike transformation. Begin by reflecting upon the series as a whole.
What has been the most impactful word, step, or teaching of this series for you? Why?
Next, reflect upon Step 12: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, & to practice these principles in all our affairs” which we summarized with the word messenger.
Critically, this final Step is comprised of 3 parts:
- “Having a spiritual awakening…”
- “Carrying this message to others who still suffer…”
- “Practicing these principles in all our affairs…”
What stands out to you about each of these three components? How does each help define the term messenger & serve as a capstone to the entire 12 Step process?
In many ways, this Step reflects an overarching theme of the Scriptures, which is that God’s People are only ever blessed by God so that they can, in turn, become a blessing to others. We see this stated directly in the Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), throughout the Prophets, & in Jesus’ own teachings (for example, in Matthew 5, Jesus follows up his beatitudes, or blessings, with the command that we must become a beacon of light for others in a dark world). Simply put, the Bible teaches that all healthy spirituality moves people outwards to help others. With this in mind, consider how this same sentiment is mirrored within this final step.
What does it mean to have a spiritual awakening? Why must this take place before attempting to become a messenger to others? What happens when we get this wrong?
Why is serving others & giving away what we’ve been given so essential to healthy spirituality? What happens when we fail to move beyond our individual experiences of healing?
Do you have a story about someone who acted as this sort of messenger in your own life? How did that help you heal? Is there anyone who you can be that for in this season?
Finally, the Step & Jesus challenges closes by challenging us to practice the spiritual principles they’ve taught us in all our affairs. Why is this necessary for healthy spirituality? What happens when we fail to do this &, instead, compartmentalize our spirituality? Which spiritual principle of the Steps do you wanna take with you from this series & apply to your daily life?
Getting Out of the Hole
In this series, take time each week to reflect upon the entire 12 Step journey.
Which Steps & Words have impacted you the most? Encouraged you? Challenged you? Been stuck in your mind? Try to identify why that is & what God may be saying to you through those feelings. Consider how you can take these steps with you into this next season of life.
Journal about how this prayer practice makes you feel this week. Share your experience with your group next week.
Additional Resources*
TheBibleProject.com
Breathing Under Water by Richard Rohr
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous by Bill W
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
Coming Up This Week:*
Sunday, August 3rd: Join us next Sunday for BAPTISM SUNDAY!* Please see mye3.org for details.