Train Yourself to be GodlyAn 8-week Spiritual Fitness Class

Strength Endurance Flexibility

For today’s lesson, please turn all cell phones OFF.

Solitude:

To go without noise or connections to others for the

purpose of quieting my soul to listen to God.

There are two sides:SILENCINGLISTENING

SilencingIncludes abstaining from—• Radios• Internet• Television• Phone calls• Text messaging• cd’s• dvd’s• ipods• You get the idea.

Types of Solitude:• Health issues or sickness.

• Chosen solitude: short time alone and/or of silence.

• Partial solitude (like partial fasting)—refraining from speaking of a particular topic for a period of time.

Misuses of Solitude“Worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4

“God’s voice comes to me directly, apart from Scripture.” (only spirit)

“God’s voice is only in Scripture and never speaks to me or prompts me.” (only truth)

When God speaks to my spirit, it will be, it must be, in agreement with what He has

spoken in Scripture.

Temptation Difficulty Action “Another time”

Stones into bread He was very hungry. “God isn’t going to provide what I need. I must take matters into my own hands and get it myself.”

Deut. 8:3 “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Mark 8:14-21The disciples had forgotten to bring bread.

All Kingdoms of the world

It was promised to Him by rights—Psalm 2. Didn’t have to WAIT or go to the Cross and endure suffering.

Deut. 6:13 “Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”

Matthew 6:20-24Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”

Jump from Temple Mount

Self-exaltation.“You are doing something great and everyone needs to know who you are! God will bless you and take care of you!”

Deut. 6:16 “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

John 7:2-4Jesus’ brothers said to him, “No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret.”

Jesus’ Example:

1. He was filled with the Word of God.

2. He recognized the voice of the enemy.

3. He withdrew often to listen to his Father.

How do I recognize what is Satan’s lies, God’s voice or my own thoughts?

Notice there are really only 2 sides:

God’s Voice Not God’s VoiceSatan’s liesMy “default” natureMy new heart

Satan’s lies are bent on attacking my value and destroying mydesire to come to God.

Satan’s lies often are broad accusations about my failures and require no specific response.“always…” “never…” “everything…”

Satan’s lies draw me toward hiding and covering in relationships with others.

God’s voice affirms my value and always invites me to come TO Him, regardless of where I am.

God’s voice deals with specific attitudes and actions and prompts me what to do.

God’s voice draws me toward authenticity and realness with others.

The voice of my “default” nature is prone to whining. “I don’t feeeel like it.” “I don’t waaaant to.”

The voice of my “default” nature expresses what is in the old heart: pride, envy, jealousy, slander, lust, impurity.

The voice of my new nature agrees with what is good and right. It wants to please God.

The voice of my new nature builds me and others up in the Lord.

Who’s Talking?"I am so disappointed in you.""God is so disappointed in me.""I am sooo tired this morning. I don't feel like talking to God.""Come here, child.""You don't belong with these other strong believers." “You never do what you are supposed to.”“You are always complaining. When are you going to learn?!”

Who’s Talking?

“Don’t fear. I am with you.”"Nobody is going to want you there.""I should pray about this, but God might make me do something I’m not going to want to do.""How can you call yourself a Christian?""Pray now for this person.""I wonder what God says in His Word."

Who’s Talking?"I should invite that person to our event. It would make them feel included.""That person doesn't deserve to be forgiven for what they have done to me.""I am not going to forgive that person." "I am such a failure at being a ___ (wife, mom, Christian).""Your words were sharp toward your ___ (husband, child, co-worker). You need to ask them to forgive you."

Who’s Talking?“You are precious to me. I have known you since before you were born and you are mine."“Your sins have been paid for. I have removed them from you!”"I have begun my good work in you and I will complete it!"“My child, I can hardly wait until I see you face-to-face!”(Happy Valentine’s Day!)

Practical Guidelines for Solitude

Go an hour without saying anything at all.Go an entire day without saying anything at all.

When you wake up first thing in the morning, use it as a time to actively listen to the Lord instead of filling the mind with the daily “to do” list.

Practical Guidelines for SolitudeAsk the Lord questions when you don’t know what to do, or are fearful and anxious, and then LISTEN to what comes to mind.

Once a quarter have a time to withdraw and set goals.

Do deeds without any explanation.

Practical Guidelines for Solitude

Turn off the internet for a day; not checking anything electronic. (No email, messages, etc.)

Choose a topic that has been bothering you, and you find yourself often talking about, and put it under a “ban of silence” for a designated time.

Practical Guidelines for SolitudeHave a time of silence: no music—at home or while riding in the car. Be intentional about listening.

Find a church or chapel that is open during the week and sit in quiet before the Lord.

Take advantage of little solitudes. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence.

Assignment: Do you practice Solitude?

Select a time for a complete solitude.

Select a topic for a partial solitude for the week.