Celebrate Recovery: Principle One — Admit Powerlessness

Host: Craig — a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with alcoholism and approval seeking
Series: Celebrate Recovery | Principle 1

Episode Description

Tonight we begin where real freedom starts: “I am not God.” Craig walks through Celebrate Recovery’s Principle One and Step One—why admitting powerlessness isn’t failure but the doorway to grace. We name the two gatekeepers at the start of recovery (past failures and fear of change), expose denial, and invite you into Christ-centered community where healing takes root.

Key Scriptures & Step

• Matthew 5:3 — Blessed are the poor in spirit

• Romans 7:18 — Desire to do good, but can’t carry it out

• Hebrews 12:1–2 — Throw off what hinders; run with perseverance

• Philippians 3:13–14 — Forgetting what’s behind; pressing on

• Isaiah 43:18 — Do not dwell on the past

• 2 Timothy 1:7 — God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 — Power made perfect in weakness

• John 8:32 — Truth sets you free

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 — New creation in Christ

• Proverbs 24:16 — The righteous rise again

• James 5:16 — Confess and pray to be healed

• Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by renewing your mind

• Step One (12 Steps): We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors—that our lives had become unmanageable.

What We Cover

• Why surrender ≠ failure (it’s the start of strength)

• The two questions that stall recovery:

  1. Will I let past failures stop me?

  2. Am I afraid to change—and why?

• Three anchors that keep us stuck: resentment, guilt, grief—and how forgiveness, grace, and truth loosen their grip

• Breaking denial and letting the light in

• Why community is non-negotiable (James 5:16)

• The practical picture of surrender: stop “controlling the ocean” and let the Savior carry you

Reflection Prompts (Save for Group)

1. Where do you see unmanageability right now?

2. Which weighs more—guilt over the past or fear of the future?

3. What single truth do you need to bring from secrecy into the light this week?

4. Name two people for confession and prayer.

5. One-line surrender: “Jesus, I’m not God. I surrender ______ to You.”

Action Steps

• Admit: I’m powerless; my life is unmanageable.

• Ask: God, help me tell the truth.

• Act: Show up—don’t do this alone

Join Us (Pittsburgh Area)

Celebrate Recovery — Peters Creek Baptist Church
Fridays — Worship 7:00–8:00 PM · Open Share 8:10–9:00 PM
6300 Library Road, South Park, PA 15129

Not local? Find a group: crlocator.com
Support the ministry: pcbc.church/give → “Celebrate Recovery”

Resources Mentioned

• Life’s Healing Choices (suggested read)

• Principle 1 starter prayer & journal page (available on request)

Disclaimer

Celebrate Recovery is Christ-centered and complements, not replaces, professional care. If you’re in crisis, call your local emergency number or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.).

Follow & Share: If this helped you take a first step, follow, rate, and share the episode with someone who needs hope tonight.