Dr. JayBurns

The Prodigal Ministry

Dallas, Texas

Community in Recovery

Biblical call to Community God himself lives in eternal community (Gen 1:26) Jesus gave us an example of living in community

through his relationship with the twelve disciples Early church believers continued this example of

community (Acts 2:42) Life change in christ happens best in the context of

relationships (hebrews 10:24, 25) Community guards against isolation (prov 18:1)

Biblical call to Community “I have my own deal with God” “that’s between me and God” Genesis 2:18 It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable

for him. 59 One anothers

Love Instruct Teach Correct Encourage Serve Etc…

Community in Recovery

• Our father in heaven…

• We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable

What is the Goal of Community ?

Community , authenticity, and accountability is not the goal. It is simply a mechanism and

tool to help us grow more Christlike.

They are means for each of us to achieve the Goal of being a more fully devoted follower

of Christ. That is the goal

Questions ?

• How did you do this year… this week…today… in regard to:– dying to self ?– serving others ?– Evangelism ?– Producing fruit?– Maintaining joy in all circumstances?– Spiritual disciplines– Overcoming recurring sin – Giving up control to God

Recovery Questions ?

• How did you do this year… this week…today… in regard to:– Setting boundaries?– Enforcing consequences?– Trusting your child to God?– Laying your Isaac down?– Not enabling and rescuing?– Not living in fear?– Having joy and glorifying God in the midst of your

prodigal chaos?

Ask Yourself…

• Community ?– I Thess 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn

those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patients with everyone

• Isolation ?

Solutions

• Believer / Holy spirit

• Word / truth

• Prayer

• Community

“Those who hold to the biblical doctrines of the work of Christ as the basis of acceptance tend also to take the Bible’s instructions concerning righteous living more seriously. Those who have created a system of their own tend to water down what is required in the practice of their faith. They also tend to create standards of behavior that fit their own lifestyles; standards that they know they can meet without the need of supernatural assistance. The outcome is a way of life that is characterized by ignorance and conceit.”

William Wilberforce 1797

Behavior is driven by core beliefs…

George Barna 2006

Ephesians 4:14-1514 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Lack of Community : Isolation

• Example : DAVID

2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the King’s men and the whole Israelite army.

Biblical Community

Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

1 Cor 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.

“Self deception is one of the great enemies of practical faith. That is why it is often helpful to have relationships with other Christians who can give you an accurate appraisal of the true state of your life…are you after the wrong thing? Because it is so easy to get caught in self deception, check this with a few close friends. If you are unwilling to do this, it should be a signal that something is wrong…when you become aware of this, begin to distrust yourself”

William Wilberforce 1797

Lessons I have learned…• Put God first

– lead by God’s word ( II Timothy 3:16)

• Lead wife well and be on same page (Eph 5:22-25)

• Be willing to let community speak truth into your kids and your parenting (ouch!) (Proverbs 27:6)

• Don’t forget the goal : your Purpose (Eph5:1)

– Walking with God– Responsible adults

Lessons I have learned…• Tools to Implement Goals

– Building Responsibility• Define boundaries

– Greatest word to define boundaries ? – Protect, define Biblical principles

• Enforce consequences (Proverbs 29;15,17,19,21 Prov 19:18,19)

– Be consistent• Matt 5:37

– Love unconditionally, trust must be earned• You don’t have to be “fair”

• And finally the greatest lesson I have learned…

God loves me !

Psalms 119:71

Core Values

• Jesus is our Lord and Savior• All teaching is based on Biblical Truth• Our purpose in life is to glorify God• Scriptural guidance in best applied in the

context of community• Our goal is transformation, not just

information

Prodigal Format

• Newcomer meeting (one week-hope)• Open group (5 weeks – core values)• Work groups (indefinite)

– Allow cross talk !

• 24 week curriculum• Prodigal is “safe, but not comfortable”

Vision Statement To bring hope and peace to those in the midst

of prodigal chaos, through the application of God’s truths and the message of Jesus Christ, so that they may glorify God in all circumstances.

Final Thought and Question

What does a win look like ?