Step Twelves -- "Related" Scriptures

"Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-2)

This scripture means absolutely nothing with a clear and unshakeable standing on the Finished Work of Jesus Christ.

To fulfill "the law of Christ" is to love one another, just as He loved us:

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13: 34)

Many people in the Body of Christ do not know the love of God at all. Yet we cannot love unless we know how much he first loved us (1 John 4: 19)

Too many people have a piece-meal understanding of God's love. They think that their sins are forgiven until they sin again, then they must restore fellowship with God through some set of rituals. They believe that God has forgiven them for the past, but they are on their own for the rest of their walk on earth. They believe that Jesus has died for them, yet believers still continue to esteem their work, their families, and other sources of stress and fear as greater still.

Yet the Bible is very clear:

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8: 31-32)

Paul also puts to death once and for all the folly of following the 12 Steps:

12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1: 12-17)

Jesus put Paul into the ministry, not the other way around.

He lavishly praises the "exceeding abundant grace' of God which Paul -- as well as you and I -- receive through Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to save sinners, not to die for us but then tell us that we have to work a few more steps to enjoy His life in us.

Paul cannot manifestly glory Jesus enough. How do you see Him? Do you see Him as "King eternal, immortal," are you still trying to see the "invisible" God with your natural eyes through natural means. Do you see Him as all powerful and wise, or are you still thinking that Jesus "needs" a little help from "Bill W." or "Dr. Bob", among many who claimed to be sober, but in truth whose teachings have done nothing but harm.