Step 1, Admit: Foundation 1 – Romans 7:18
Verse: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”
Exposition:
Paul’s letter to the Romans addresses the struggle between the law of God and the law of sin. Here, “flesh” refers to the human nature that is prone to sin. Paul is expressing the internal conflict that every believer faces—the desire to obey God but the inability to do so due to our sinful nature. This struggle is a part of the sanctification process, where the Holy Spirit works in us to overcome our sinful tendencies.
Cross-References:
- Romans 8:7-8: “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”
- Galatians 5:17: “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.”
Step 2, Believe: Foundation 2 – Psalm 103:2-5
Verses: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Exposition:
David’s psalm is a call to remember and praise God for His many benefits. It highlights God’s comprehensive care: forgiveness of sins, healing, redemption, love, mercy, and provision. This psalm encourages believers to focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness, fostering trust and gratitude.
Cross-References:
- Psalm 103:8-12: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
- Isaiah 40:31: “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Step 3, Trust: Foundation 3 – Ephesians 2:4-5
Verses: “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.”
Exposition:
Paul contrasts the hopeless state of humanity with God’s intervention through His mercy and love. While we were spiritually dead due to sin, God made us alive in Christ. This underscores the doctrine of salvation by grace alone, emphasizing God’s initiative in saving us.
Cross-References:
- Titus 3:5: “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
- Colossians 2:13: “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.”
Step 4, Inventory: Foundation 4 – Psalm 51:6
Verse: “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
Exposition:
Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba. Here, David acknowledges God’s desire for honesty and integrity in our innermost being. Making a moral inventory involves self-examination and openness to God’s correction and teaching.
Cross-References:
- Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
- Proverbs 2:6: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Step 5, Confess: Foundation 5 – 1 John 1:7-9
Verses: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Exposition:
John emphasizes the importance of living in the light, which means walking in truth and holiness. Confession is crucial for maintaining fellowship with God and others. It involves acknowledging our sins and receiving God’s forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Cross-References:
- James 5:16: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
- Psalm 32:5: “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
Step 6, Repent: Foundation 6 – 2 Timothy 2:22
Verse: “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
Exposition:
Paul advises Timothy to avoid youthful lusts and to actively pursue virtues that reflect a godly life. Repentance involves a deliberate turning away from sin and a dedication to living according to God’s will, supported by a community of like-minded believers.
Cross-References:
- 1 Corinthians 6:18: “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
- 1 Timothy 6:11: “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.”
Step 7, Follow: Foundation 7 – Galatians 5:22-25
Verses: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Exposition:
Paul lists the qualities produced by the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life. These fruits are evidence of spiritual maturity and a transformed life. Following the Spirit involves crucifying sinful desires and aligning our behavior with God’s will, continually seeking to grow in these virtues.
Cross-References:
- Romans 8:13: “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
- John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Step 8, Forgive: Foundation 8 – Ephesians 4:32-5:1
Verses: “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.”
Exposition:
Paul calls believers to reflect God’s character in their interactions with others, especially through forgiveness and kindness. Forgiving others as God forgave us is foundational for Christian living and relationships, promoting unity and healing.
Cross-References:
- Colossians 3:13: “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
- Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Step 9, Amends: Foundation 9 – Romans 12:17-18
Verses: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Exposition:
Paul advises against revenge and promotes living honorably and peaceably. Making amends involves seeking reconciliation and taking responsibility for our actions. It highlights the importance of personal integrity and peacemaking in relationships.
Cross-References:
- Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
- Hebrews 12:14: “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
Step 10, Continue:Foundation 10 – Psalm 139:23-24
Verses: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”
Exposition:
David’s prayer for God’s examination and guidance reflects a desire for ongoing self-examination and spiritual growth. Continually seeking God’s direction helps us stay aligned with His will and experience His transformative power.
Cross-References:
- Psalm 19:12-14: “Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
- Jeremiah 17:10: “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Step 11, Intimacy: Foundation 11 – John 17:3
Verse: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Exposition:
Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Himself. This verse emphasizes the importance of a deep, personal relationship with God as the essence of eternal life. Intimacy with God involves growing in knowledge and communion with Him.
Cross-References:
- Jeremiah 9:23-24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.'”
- Philippians 3:8-10: “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”
Step 12, Regenerate: Foundation 12 – 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Verses: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Exposition:
Paul speaks of the transformative power of being in Christ, resulting in a new creation. This new identity involves leaving behind the old ways and embracing a life reconciled to God. The ministry of reconciliation is a call to share this message of transformation with others.
Cross-References:
- Romans 6:4: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
- Ephesians 4:22-24: “To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”