12 Steps – Dave W. – 12 Steps For The Recovering Pharisee – 2012

About This Speaker Tape

The speaker dissects the Pharisee mindset—the urge to earn favor and judge others—using biblical examples. He contrasts the Pharisees' belief in merit with the concept of grace, citing the parable of the vineyard workers who all receive the same denarius, regardless of effort. The core message is that true spiritual freedom requires relinquishing the need to control Higher Power or others.

This surrender allows for genuine worship, dependence on a Higher Power, and a sense of community built on shared, equal need, rather than status or achievement.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction to the 'recovering Pharisee' concept: the tendency to work at salvation and judge others.
• 0:45 Discussion of the first two steps: admitting the pleasure in judging others and exalting oneself by lowering others.
• 1:40 Focus on Step Three: realizing the detestation of mercy given to those who haven't worked for it.
• 3:00 Reading and analysis of Matthew 20:1-16 (The Vineyard Parable). The speaker points out the grumbling of the first workers.
• 5:30 Analysis of the complaint: the first workers were upset not by what they received, but by what the other guy received.
• 7:15 The speaker discusses how the economy of grace makes Pharisees unnecessary, as grace renders all effort insignificant.
• 10:00 The speaker outlines the three necessary actions for freedom: worship, dependence on Higher Power, and community.
• 12:30 Concluding thought on community: standing on common ground of sin and equal grace, rather than status.