written by Mike Cleveland of "Setting Captives Free"
"If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
Many groups that work in the area of addiction instruct the addict who is attending a 12-step program on his/her need to continue to "work the program" as they learn new behaviors and habit patterns. The encouragement of other individuals and the support of the group as the addict is in the process of change, are cited to be necessary ingredients to remaining sober from whatever particular addiction one has. While we can acknowledge the importance of encouragement and support from others, and while we do agree on the need for ongoing accountability in the life of every Christian, at Setting Captives Free (see link at left) we do not subscribe to the opinion that an "addict" gets free by working any program, or by following any prescribed set of steps. Rather we believe that salvation from sin, and ongoing sanctification, is a work of God’s grace in the heart of one who repents and believes the gospel.
"But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares righteous the ungodly, his faith is credited for righteousness." Romans 4:5 (HCSB)
"For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age" Titus 2:11-12 (HCSB)
While we acknowledge the need for every believer to remain ongoingly vigilant against sin, we affirm that Jesus Christ saves us, and that salvation is not by our own works, not through a series of steps, and not by working any program. Moreover, we affirm that Christ keeps us safe in Him, and that His Holy Spirit is sanctifying us, so that ongoing obedience to God’s Word and ongoing victory over sin are by God’s grace alone, through the faith He gives us as a gift.
The teaching in the 12-step movement for addicts (and from here on in this article I am mainly referring to the Christian 12-step groups) to continue to "work the program" stems from a flawed understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and its effects in the lives of those who believe. To counter the influence and teachings that are spreading within the church today, it is important to see the beauty and power of the gospel, and the effects of this gospel in the hearts of believers.
The gospel is good news. It tells us of Jesus Christ Who is Almighty God the Creator, Who humbled Himself and became a Man, and further humbled himself and became obedient unto death, that He might save all who believe. It tells us that God’s wrath has been satisfied fully in Jesus’ death, and it tells us that all who believe are forgiven of all sin of which we could not be forgiven through the law. It tells us that at the cross full payment for our sins was made and that our guilt and shame were removed from us. It tells us that through Jesus’ death we have been reconciled to God. Those who were previously enemies and estranged, and rebels against the King, are now friends who have been brought near through the blood of Jesus. It tells us that our eternal life has been secured by Jesus’ death, and that Jesus will not lose any for whom He died.
"For through the law I have died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:19-20 (HCSB)
We encourage the one who was previously in bondage to begin loving Truth. Jesus Christ is the way, the Truth, and the Life. And Truth is revealed to us in God’s Word. It is this love of truth, and the daily feeding on it, that sets us free and keeps us free. "You will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
Bless Thou the truth, dear Lord, to me, to me, As Thou didst bless the bread by Galilee; Then shall bondage cease, all fetters fall; And I shall find my peace, my all in all.
This methodology is different from the teaching of the 12-step movement, and has many applications in the life of one who was previously in bondage to sin. At Setting Captives Free we hope to continue to show ongoing fruitfulness in ministry as we teach God’s truth, and as we give out God’s grace to those who need freedom from sin. Each of us here who are freed captives are living epistles to the power of grace, and to the importance of truth. We desire to be known and read by all so that freedom in Jesus Christ will be desired much more than life-long addiction, and a perceived need to ongoingly "work the program."
grace and truth, Mike Cleveland
team member www.settingcaptivesfree.com (excerpted)
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1 comment:
I absolutely agree that we cannot accomplish lasting change by a program that focuses on outward behavior. Very sadly, I believe the secular 12-step programs are way off base from the original purpose, as the steps have been watered down and Christ is not even remotely a part of the picture. I have seen many, many Christians become despondent in this type of program because they are not given opportunity to share their beliefs and Christ is not at the center. It turns into nothing but a gripe session.
I have had the privilege for the past 4 years of working and leading a Christ-centered 12-step program called Celebrate Recovery. The emphasis is on a personal relationship with Christ and another trusted individual, called a sponsor. As a leader, I choose to call myself a mentor.
Each individual has a workbook that he/she does in his/her own quiet time, the foundation of which is ALL scripture.
The purpose of the group meeting is for the individuals to learn to talk about their problems in a very structured and safe environment where they are free to express themselves without being interrupted, judged, or threatened in any way. Anonymity and confidentiality are emphasized.
In this way, the Holy Spirit is able to operate within their hearts to show them truth and grace. They also have the opportunity to hear others talk, especially the mentor, who should be demonstrating Christ-like love and compassion and should be overcoming and walking in victory in his/her own life.
The group learns together who they are in Christ and experience hope as they see and hear how God is working in the lives of the other members, most particularly the mentor. In this way, many of the individuals in the group learn to tell themselves the truth about their situation as the Holy Spirit brings conviction, comfort, guidance, strength, hope.
Scripture is the very foundation of these steps and the emphasis is on God's grace in solving our problems. Celebrate Recovery is based on the Beatitudes - the heart attitude - it is NOT behavior oriented or legalistic. Much of this is determined by the type of leader. I have personally found these steps very helpful in helping others connect with God and learn to accept His Grace on a daily basis. Many are addicted to things besides drugs and alcohol - food, pornography/sex, material things/spending, gambling, and even to other people - as a means of coping with life. Celebrate Recovery can be effective in helping these individuals turn from these things and grow spiritually strong in Christ.
Unfortunately, in a program like this, many feel they are ready to lead after they experience one small victory in their lives (or a major victory, but only for a short period of time). They have little foundation, are over-zealous and oftentimes quite immature. This is where people get hurt. As a leader in Celebrate Recovery, I have always emphasized a personal relationship with Jesus and much prayer and Bible study, especially meditation. In sharing my personal struggles and the victory I have in Christ, others see that we all suffer and that they are not alone in their suffering.
The secular programs suggest that each individiual reach out and find someone to "sponsor" them, but in the very small meetings that I lead, I do not follow that criteria because they are not yet ready to offer support to hurting individuals and oftentimes this inhibits their own spiritual growth. The focus is on healing ourselves and not trying to "rescue" others. Again, as I said earlier, many are over-zealous to rescue others when their lives are still a shambles. This is another reason why people get hurt and real change does not occur.
I cannot change anything in my own strength (flesh). I do not have the power to overcome sin in my life. It is only through God's grace on a daily basis.
I leave you with this:
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:21 "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."
Kathy Rioux
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