UNSTUCK #4 - Fearless Moral Inventory // Chris Holm

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Sermon Summary:
In our "Unstuck" sermon series, we explored Step 4 of the 12-step recovery program: making a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. This practice, which began with Bill W. in 1935 through Alcoholics Anonymous, isn't just for those struggling with addiction but offers freedom to everyone.

While the first three steps are somewhat theoretical (admitting powerlessness, believing in a power greater than ourselves, and turning our lives over to God's care), Step 4 marks the transition to concrete action. Here we put pen to paper, getting specific about our defects of character instead of hiding behind vague statements like "everyone has issues."

Jesus demonstrated the importance of moral inventory throughout his ministry. He often helped people see truths about themselves they couldn't or wouldn't acknowledge. The difference is that Jesus could do this for others because he was without sin, while we need to focus primarily on examining ourselves rather than others.

A proper moral inventory is both searching (thorough and deliberate) and fearless (done with the confidence that we're in God's care). When we avoid honest self-examination, we tend to fall into either despair or self-righteousness – neither of which leads to growth.

The practical approach involves examining four key areas: resentments, fears, harms we've caused others, and sexual conduct. Through this process, we begin to recognize patterns and underlying issues that keep us stuck. While this inventory takes time initially, it eventually becomes a natural rhythm in our spiritual lives.
This process isn't about shame but freedom. At communion, we remember that Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate answer to our moral inventory – the intersection of our honesty and his mercy is where true healing occurs.
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Discussion Questions:

1. What makes the concept of a "searching and fearless moral inventory" feel intimidating or uncomfortable? What fears might prevent us from engaging in this process?
2. The sermon mentions that we're often quick to do moral inventories on others rather than ourselves. Can you think of a time when you focused on someone else's flaws to avoid examining your own?
3. Of the four areas for moral inventory (resentments, fears, harms, and sexual conduct), which do you find most challenging to examine honestly? Why?
4. How might regular self-examination change your relationships with others? Can you think of a specific relationship that might benefit from this practice?
5. The sermon suggests that patterns emerge when we do this inventory thoroughly. What patterns of behavior or thinking have you noticed in your own life that might be worth examining more deeply?
6. How does knowing that God's grace covers all our failings change how we approach this process of self-examination? How might communion serve as a reminder of this truth?