Truth in Hebrews for 2025
Twelve-step recovery stands on the truth of life change generated by the work of God.
In his goodness God provided his Son incarnate who lived as a man, died as a man, and was resurrected on the third day after his death—through faith in this truth the stoney heart is replaced by a fleshly heart (Ezek. 36:26) and human life is changed eternally. Working the steps of recovery simply prepares the human heart for the reception of this gospel.
The author of Hebrews is acquainted with the difference between a life transformed in a relationship with God by faith, and reliance on moralism for life change. Through a series of quotes in Heb. 3:7-15, the actions of Isreal (the people of God) in “rebellion” against the truth of God’s word that led to a “harden heart” (Ps. 95:7-11; Acts 7:36; Heb 4:3,5) are outlined.
Then a caution is offered in the closing of chapter 3 where it is stated,
Hebrews 3:15–16 (CSB)
15As it is said: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.
16For who heard and rebelled? Wasn’t it all who came out of Egypt under Moses?
and,
Hebrews 3:18–19 (CSB)
18And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, if not to those who disobeyed?
19So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.
Twelve-step recovery stands on the truth of life change generated by the work of God. Moralism replaces this gospel truth with the belief that a life “lived like Jesus” will offer healing and hope—that if we can just grit through the choice to not look at something Jesus would not look at, somehow our life will get better. Don’t be deceived! The twelves steps are not a moral recipe, they are medicine for a hardened heart that suffers life wounds. “Living like Jesus,” a moralism that replaces the unlimited power of God with the limited power of humanity, is not equal with a life lived by faith in the work of God. Doing the work a recovery program demands is not the life changer, it’s the heart preparer.
Happy 2025, it’s here! We are on lesson 2 in our curriculum and have a full testimony schedule for 2025. It’s a great time to start your recovery.