People of the first century were just as tortured by habitual failings as we are. We’re not talking about missing the mark here and there, but behaviors bordering on addictions.

None of these sins keep us from salvation, of course, as Christ saved us while we were still sinners. None of these sins keep us from justification, from rising to meet the Lord in the air, or from being seated among the celestials at God’s right hand. So what possible method could there be for helping those trapped in a cycle of misery? Because this is not about judging people or condemning them or shaming them. Paul approaches this topic with no other interest other than helping his fellow saints!

In our day we have 12 step programs. Paul did not have such a thing. He certainly could not throw Law at the believers, telling them “stop doing these things or else!“ But there was another way. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul has taken our 12 step program and, in direct communication with the God of the universe, has reduced the 12-step program to a single step. And it works! Let me share the details.