1. Life Changes for Couples “A” - Admit Powerlessness”
Today’s Lesson – May 22, 2016
Life Changes for Couples
“A” - Admit Powerlessness”

2. Life Changes for Couples by James M. Reeves
A Biblical 12-Step Journey for Marriage Enrichment

3. The Difference Between Men and Women’s Brains

4. “A” - Admit Powerlessness

5. We Want to be in Control Admitting there is a problem is scary Why?
We have a desire to be God - or at least - have His power
We threw away the original boundaries

6. God’s Wheel by Shel Silverstein

7. “God is opposed to the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6
Practically speaking - what does this Scripture mean?

8. God makes His grace available to rebuild - and re-order our lives
We try to Control how Others see Us (Image Management)
We try to control God (God management)
We try to Control Others (People Management)

9. We Try to Control How Others See Us (Image Management)
Read Acts 5
What sort of things do you see people doing to manage their image?
Are you guilty of the same things?
Table Talk

10. We Try to Control God (God Management)
What Are Some Thoughts About God that are Attempts to Control Him?
Table Talk

11. We Try to Control Others (People Management)
Sometimes this is done subtly - almost as if you are a puppeteer
Star Wars - the Jedi mind trick
Can you think of ways others have tried to change you?
Or ways you have tried to change your spouse?
Table Talk

12. Admitting We are Powerless does not mean there is nothing we can do.
It means we cannot be maximally effective if we are trying to do things in our power and in our way

13. The place of surrender is the beginning of experiencing God’s power
What does the statement - from II Corinthians 12 mean - “when I am weak, then I am strong” to you?
Table Talk

14. Our Weaknesses Make Us Careless and Vulnerable
Judges 16 Tells the Story of Samson
What was His Undoing?

15. Alert: Red Flags of Warning
Internal Reactions
External Dependencies
Infernal Actions
Real and Lasting Change can only come from the inside

16. Homework List things you are powerless over in your marriage
Ask for God’s strength and power in this area
What one thing will you do this week because of this lesson?

17. Prayer Time Pray for your marriage
Pray for your spouse – no fix them prayers
Pray for Team Mates – arm us for spiritual warfare
Pray for yourself – seek to realize your need to be more giving to your spouse

18. Life Change for Couples
Next Week…
June 12th
Life Change for Couples
Chapter 6
Beilieve the Truth