Volume 4
NEWLIFE
IN CHRISTBiblical answers to common lies
Living free byknowing the truth...
Biblical answers to common liesVolume 4
NEWLIFE
IN CHRISTLiving free byknowing the truth...
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For more information about the New Life in Christ materials contact: Email: [email protected] Phone: (503)236-6150(USA)
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FirstEnglishedition2012CopyrightMarkRobinsonProducedbyMarkRobinson,8625LaPradaDr.,Dallas,TX75228,USA
Sept.8,2012
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TeachersGuide............................................................ 4
Step1 Theliesthatbindus...................................... 6
Step2 Thetruththatfreesus................................... 8
Step3 Lie:I’mallalone............................................ 10
Step4 Lie:It’simpossible......................................... 14
Step5 Lie:Icandoit............................................... 16
Step6 Lie:I’mafraid................................................ 18
Step7 Lie:But...everyoneelsedoesit....................... 20
Step8 Lie:There’snojusticeintheworld................. 22
Step9 Lie:Godwon’tforgivesomeonelikeme....... 24
Step10 Lie:Ican’ttakeit.Whydowesuffer?......... 26
Step11 Lie:IfonlyIhadmoremoney.......................... 28
Step12 Lie:AllreligionsleadustoGod..................... 30
Memoryverses............................................................. 33
Certificate................................................................... 35
CONTENTS
1. Wecongratulateyouforacceptingthe challengeofdisciplingnewbelieversusing
NewLifeinChristasyourguide.Theresults ofthisstudycanproduceeternalfruit.
2. LettheBiblealwaysbeyourauthorityin answeringthequestions.Thestudentsshould
lookuptheBiblepassagesbythemselvesandtrytoanswerthequestionsbasedonwhattheBiblesays.
SomenewbelieversneedabrieforientationonhowtofindthereferencesintheirBibles.
3. Thismanualmaybeusedinmanydifferentways.Inmostcases,youwillstudyonelessonaweek,encouragingthediscipletodoalltheassignmentsineachlesson.
4. Trynottoletyoursessionsgettoolong.Keepaneyeonyouraudience’sattentionspan.
5. Encouragethestudentstoanswerthe questionsintheirownwords.Avoid copyingtheBiblewordforword.Using theirownwordswillhelpthemtoanalyze themeaningofthetextsstudied.
6. Avoidpreaching.Usequestionstodiscoverwhatthestudentsunderstandandtostimulateactiveparticipation.
7. Preparewellforeachsessionyourself.As theteacher,youshouldbefamiliarwiththe
contentandkeyconceptsofeachlesson.
Yourpreparationshouldincludeprayerforyourstudentsandforyourownhearttobepreparedforthelesson.
8. Trytohavethestudentsthinkaboutthe practicalimplicationsfortheirlives.Helpthem
tounderstandspecific,practicalapplications.
Eachlessonhassectionsmarkedbya STOPsign.Thesearedesignedforthe
studenttostopandthinkabouttheimplica-tionsofthelessonfortheirlives.Taketimetomeditateonthesesections.
Theassignmentsintheboxesatthesideofeachlessonaredesignedforthispurpose.Makeuseofthem.
9. Helpstudentscultivatethehabitofprayer.Teachthembyprayingtogetherwiththem.
10. ItisimportanttounderstandthatdiscipleshipismuchmorethanstudyingthelessonsofNewLifeinChrist.Discipleshipimpliesalifechangeforthedisciple.
Thismanualisjustaninitialhelp.Thestudentsneedcontinualhelpinseekingtochangetheircharacter,waysofthinking,habits,etc.
11. ItisoftheutmostimportancethatdiscipleslearnhabitslikedailyBiblereading,prayer,
andScripturememorization.
Atthebeginningofeachlesson,taketimetoreviewthepreviousmemoryverseandaskthemhowthedailyBiblestudyisgoing.Donotscoldstudentswhohavenotcompletedsomeoftheassignments,butbesureto
encouragethemtofinish.
12 BesensitivetowhatGodisdoinginthedis-ciple’slife.Taketimeoutofeachsessiontoansweranyquestionstheymighthave,ortohelpwithfacingproblemsintheirpersonallife.
Keepinmindthattherearetimeswhenitisnotpossibletogettoeveryquestioninthelessonbecauseoflackoftime.Inthesecases,choosethequestionsofmostimportancetodiscuss.
TEACHER’S GUIDE
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STOP
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METHODOLOGY
Thisbookisdedicatedtothestudyofsomeofthemainliesthattheworldandthedevilusetoconfuseus.Wewillseelieslike:“I`mallalone,”“Ican’tdoit;it’simpossible,”“Thereisnojusticeintheworld,”“Godcan’tforgivesomeonelikeme,”“IfonlyIhadmoremoney...”etc.
ForeachliethatSatanandtheworldtellus,wewillgivebiblicalanswersthatwillpermitustoliveinfreedomandholiness.
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Thenyou will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
Step 1Lies that bind us
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ Satan is the main cause of sin in the life of the Christian.
_____ Non-believers often believe that our message is foolish.
_____ Satan’s main weapon is his use of witchcraft and the occult.
LIES THAT ENSLAVE US
Todaywefindourselvesinthemidstofagreatbattle.WhyaresomanyChristiansdiscouragedandlivingdefeatedlives?Someareenslavedbytheirpast,whetheritissufferingcausedbytheirownsin,orharmdonebyothers.Someareincapableofdealingwiththeirweaknesses,almostasiftheyweretrappedbyanoutsideforcethatdoesnotallowthemtobefreeoffailure.What’sgoingon?
1. GoingbacktotheGardenofEdenhelpsusunderstandtheoriginofourproblems.Everythingbeganwithasimplelie.Genesis3:1saysthattheserpentwasmore____________thananyotherofthewildanimals.WecanseehowdevioushewasbythewayhetrickedEve.WhatliesdidtheSerpentuseinGenesis3:1-7?
v.1(comparewith2:16-17)___________________________________________________________________
v.4-5(comparewith2:17)____________________________________________________________________
v.6ThefruitlookedgoodbutdiditgiveEvethewisdomshewanted?_______________________________
2. WasAdamanymoreinnocentthanEve?Why?v.6,12___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________3. Today,thedialoguemightgosomethinglikethis:
• Satan: Aha, so God has forbidden everything, as if he doesn’t want you to have any fun. Enough of all the boring rules; enjoy life, be happy.
Relax, nothing is going to happen to you. Nobody believes in hell anymore. It’s just an old fashioned way to scare you into keeping someone else’s rules.
Are you sure God really wants what’s best or does he just want to control you? These rules restrict your freedom and limit your happiness. How do you expect
to be happy with so many restrictions?
• Eve:It looks so good. I want it and deserve it. Why should I deny myself? I’m not hurting anyone and besides; no one will know anyway.
• Adam justified his sin:She did it, so why can’t I? What’s the big deal? Everyone else does it.
It´s not my fault, the woman you gave me as a wife gave it to me. I’m only human; how do you ex-pect me to resist so much temptation? My friends will laugh at me if I don’t go along with them.
• Eve:Itwasjusttoohardtoresist,andbesides,Adamdidittoo. Thesamethinghappenstoday.Goingbacktothequestionofwhy are so many Christians defeated? Oneofthemainreasonsisthattheyconstantlytripthemselvesupbypayingattentiontotheliesofthe
devilandwhattheworldtellsthem.Whentheyfailtodetectthedeception,theyunconsciouslylettheenemydirecttheirdecisionsandasaresult,defeatisguaranteed.Oftentheydon’tevenrealizetheyare
introuble.
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Satan promises the best, but pays with the worst;
he promises honor and pays with disgrace;
he promises pleasure and pays with pain;
he promises profit and pays with loss;
he promises life and pays with death.1
THE PARABLE OF THE COW
When an argumentative citizen seemed unconvinced, Abraham Lincoln said, “Well, let’s see how many legs does a cow have?”
“Four, of course,” came the reply disgustedly.
“That’s right,” agreed Lincoln. “Now suppose you call the cow’s tail a leg; how many legs would the cow have?”
“Why, five, of course,” was the confident reply.
“Now, that’s where you’re wrong,” said Lincoln. “Calling a cow’s tail a leg doesn’t make it a leg.”2
Manypeopletodaymistakenlybelievethateveryoneshouldde-cideforthemselveswhatisgoodorbad.TheysaytheBibleistoooldfashionedtobeusefulinourchangingworld.
EventhoughourculturesayssomethingisOK;thatdoesn’tmeanit’sreallyOK.Somebelievethatsinisn’tsinjustbecausetheygiveitanothername.Listentoothersthisweektoseeifyoucanfindexamplesofthiskindofthinking.
GROWING STRONGER
Read Luke 1-7(onechapterperday).
Memorize John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” NIV
“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” NKJV
SATAN’S MAIN WEAPON
5. John8:44saysthedevilisamurdererwhodoesn’tholdtothe__________,
becausethereisno____________inhim.Heisa_____________andthefatherof____________.
LiesarethemainweaponSatanusestodeceive,intimidateandenslave.Whilehedoesusethingslikewitchcraftanddemonpossession,hecanaccomplishthesamethingswithasimplelie.Forexample,ifhecancon-vinceusthatmoneywillmakeushappy,wewillbetemptedtodowhat-everittakestogetmore,evenifwecheatorhurtotherstogetit.
6. AlthoughJesusspokethetruth,somedidnot________________.John8:45
Why?Verse47saysthatwhoeverbelongstoGod_________God’swords,whilethosewhodonotbelongtoGodwon’tlisten,muchlessbelieve.WhensomeonerefusestolistentoGod,theylettheliessteerthemtowardevil.
Who are you listening to?
7. Theworldhasatotallydifferentperceptionofthetruththanwedo.Howdoesanon-believerseethethingsofGod?1Corinthians2:14
_______________________________________________________________
Dotheyunderstand?____________________________________________
Ourcultureconstantlymakesfunofbiblicalvalues,seeingthegospelasnarrowmindedandoutdated.Muchofwhattheworldteachesas“truth”isreallyalie.Thingsdon’tworkoutwellforthembecausetheirlifeisbuiltondeception.Theybecomeslavestothelies.Forthemtherearenoabso-lutes;insteadtheybelieveeverythingisrelative,dependingonthecircum-stances.Thereforeeveryonehastheirowntruth.TheyrefusetosubmittoBiblicalstandards,believingthathumansmaketherules,notGod.
8. Ontheotherhand,1Corinthians2:15saysthatthespiritualperson
_____________________allthings.Byexaminingallthings,theyareabletodistinguishtruthfromerrorandmakewisedecisions.Thelessonsthatfollowinthismanualwarnusaboutsomeofthemostcommonliesthatweoftenhear.Thebestwaytodetect“lies”istoknowthe”truth”asitisrevealedintheWordofGod.
A practical application: When a Christian speaks the truth as revealed in the Scriptures, many will reject it because their minds are closed to the truth. They can neither accept nor understand the truth. The fact that the majority reject our message should not discourage us, but rather challenge us to keep swimming against the current of those popular beliefs which are based on falsehoods.
9. Startbyjottingdownthreeexamplesofliesthathaveaffectedyouinthepast.
• ____________________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________________
• ____________________________________________________________
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STOP
STOP
Step 2The truth that frees us
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ Most Christians are mature enough to not be easily fooled by false ideas.
_____ If you practice sin, you become a slave to sin.
_____ Biblical truth brings freedom.
THE TRUTH THAT FREES US
Everydaywearebombardedbypopularbeliefs.Everyonewantstotelluswhattothink.Whoshouldwebe-lieve?It’surgentthatwelearntodistinguishbetweenthevoicesoftruthandtheclamorofconfusionandlies.
1. WhatdidJesussaywouldfreeus?John8:31-32_________________________________________________
Ifthetruthfreesus,thenwhatenslavesus?______________________________________________________
2. Howcanweknowthetruth?John8:31-32______________________________________________________
HoldingfasttoChrist’steachingswillleadustothetruth.Sadly,manybelieverstodayliveinignoranceofwhattheBibleteaches.Theyseldomread,muchlessstudytheirBibles.Insteadtheyfollowwhatotherstellthemandoftenendupconfused.Evenchurchleaderscanbecaughtupintheconfusion.Ontheotherhand,therearethosewhoknowwhattheBibleteaches,butdon´tfollowitsteachings.Theytooendupbadly.
3. Here’ssomethingtothinkabout.Onetimeajailinmatesaid,“I’m thankful I was caught. When I was out-side, I thought things were great, but now I see that was just ignorance. I was really a prisoner to sin. Here on the inside, when I read the Bible I have encountered true freedom, eternal life and peace.” 3
Whatdoesthisstoryhavetodowithyou?Althoughyoumightneverhavebeeninjail,areyoureallyfree?ThosewhowerespeakingwithJesusinJohn8:33claimedtheyhadneverbeenslavestoanybody.
HowdidJesusanswerthem?John8:34_______________________________________________
Haveyoueverfeltthefrustrationofbeingenslavedbysin?Yes❏No❏
How much of your life is really based on the truth? Which of the following statements apply to your life?
❏ IreadtheBibleregularlybymyself.
❏ Tobehonest,myknowledgeoftheBibleisverylimited.
❏ Idon’tliketojudgeothers,soIdon’tfeelqualifiedtosaywhohasthetruth.
❏ Ithinkformyself.Ievaluatewhatotherssaybycomparingitwithwhatthe Bibletellsme.ThereforeIcandiscernwhoistellingmethetruth.
❏ IletotherChristiansorthosewhoteachinmychurchtellmewhatto believe.It’seasierthatway.
COUNTERING THE LIES WITH THE TRUTH
4. WhatisthefirstpieceofourspiritualarmormentionedinEphesians6:14?___________________________
Whyisthatpiecesoimportant?Howdoesithelpusinspiritualwarfare?____________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
It’sinterestingtonotethatthelastpieceofthearmoristheSword of the Spirit,whichistheWordofGodwherewefindthetruth.Aswordisbothanoffensiveaswellasdefensiveweapon.Itprotectsagainsttheliesofthedevilasitattackslieswiththetruth.
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“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set youfree.” John 8:31-32
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5. Whatwillhelpustoavoidevilways?Psalm119:104-105_________________________________________
Ifitwasn’tfortheBible,wewouldnotbeabletodetecttheliesandfleefromthem.Verse105comparestheBibletoalampwhichilluminatesourmindtoseetheliesthatwilldetourusfromthepath.
6. Inlightoftheabove,whatdidthePsalmistdecide?Psalm119:106_________________________________
Hedidn’twaverbutconfirmedhisdecision,andnothingwouldkeephimfromobeying.Thescripturesshouldnotonlyfillourminds,butmustmoveustoputintopracticewhatwereadinthem.
LIVING IN THE TRUTH
7. Philippians4:8.Whatarewetodowiththethingsthataretrue?___________________________________ Differenttranslationsworditdifferently,butwearetothink,meditate,ordwellonwhatistrue.What
doyouthinkitmeansto“meditate”onthetruthofGod’sword?___________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
8. 1John1:9-10speaksabout__________________oursins.Confessionistellingthetruthaboutoursin.Whenwestoptryingtocoveritup,weallowthebrightlightofthetruthtoshine.
Accordingto1John2:4,anyonewhosays,“Iknowhim,”yetdoesn’tdowhathecommandsisa_______
and___________________________________.Onceagain,theemphasisisonobeying,notjustknowing.9. Ephesians4:24-25tellsustoputonthenewnature.Thismeanstoputoff________________andspeak
__________________.Why?_________________________________________________________________
10.Acts17:10-11saysthatthebelieversinBereaweremorenoblethanthoseinotherplaces.Notonlydid
theyreceivethemessagebuttheyalso_________________________________________________________
InwhatwaysshouldweimitatetheBereans?____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
• Ifyouaren’tsatisfiedwithyouranswerstothequestionnaireonthepreviouspage,whatcanyoudo?Theansweris:abideinorholdontotheWord(John8:31-32).
• WhatdoyouplantodothisweektoabideintheWord?_________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
• AbidingintheWordismorethanjustaquickreadingofapassage.It’s importanttoanalyzethepassagetounderstandwhatitsaysandwhatit
means.Buteventhisisnotenough.Thereisanotherstep.
• Afterstudyingapassage,itisimportanttolookforapplicationsforyourlife.James1:22saysit’snotenoughjusttoheartheword,youmust__________
_________________________________________________________________
Attheendofyourstudy,raiseyoureyesuptoGodandaskhim:“Lord, what do you want me to do now in response to what I have read?”
• ThisworkbookisdedicatedtothestudyofsomeofthemostcommonliesthattheworldandSatanusetoconfuseus.BeginningwithStep3wewillexaminelieslike: “I’m all alone,” “I can’t do it; it’s impossible,” “God could never forgive someone like me,”andmore.Witheachlie,wewilllookatbiblicalanswersthatwillallowustoliveinlibertyandholiness.
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GROWING STRONGER
Read Luke 8-14 (onechapterperday).
Memorize John 8:31-32
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” NIV
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” NKJV
STOP
Step 3Lie: I’m all alone
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ God is not interested in those who have not been faithful.
_____ If you want to get ahead in life, you need to look out for yourself because no one else will.
_____ There is always hope, even when everything looks dark and there doesn’t seem to be any solutions.
THE LIE:
“I feel completely alone.” “Nobody can help me.” “Everyone has aban-doned me.” “I feel as if God were far away, or as if he has gone on vacation and left me.” Eveninthemidstofacrowd,manyfeelalone,abandoned,fearfulanddesperate.Facedwithloneliness,somefilltheirtimewithactivi-ties,friendsandworktokeepthemfromlookinginthemirrorandasking.“Does anyone care about me?” Othersdesperatelylookforconsolationinthewrongplaces,inabusiverelationships,insex,alcoholordrugs.
THE ANSWER
Isitreallytruethatyouarealone?No!Thisisoneofthemostdestructiveliesofourtimes.Howdoweknowit’salie?TheBibleisfullofpromisesforthepersonwhofeelsabandonedandalone.Forexample:
1. WhatdoesIsaiah41:10saytothepersonwhofeelsabandonedandalone?___________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Godpromisedthistoasinfulandrebelliouspeople.Althoughtheydidnotdeserveit,hewasalwaysthere.
2. Whyshouldn’tyoufear?JotdownthepromisesinIsaiah41:10andmeditateonthemeaningofeachone.
•___________________________________________•_________________________________________
•___________________________________________•_________________________________________
How do you feel knowing that these promises are true? ______________________________________________
And if you didn’t know the promises or refuse to believe them, then what? ______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Psalm23hasbroughtcomforttomanyovertime.HowisGodpresentedinPsalm23:1-3?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Whatistheworkofonewhoshepherdssheep?Howmightitbedifferentfromthatofacattleman?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Whatassurancedowehavewhenhardtimescome?v.4_________________________________________
5. ExplainwhatGodknowsaboutyourlife?Psalm139:1-5_________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Whycan’tyouescapefromGod’spresence?Psalm139:7-12______________________________________
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A CURIOUS STORY
To point out how lonely people can be, Charles Swindoll mentioned an ad in a Kansas newspaper. It read: “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00.”
Swindoll said, “Sounds like a hoax, doesn’t it?” But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet. It wasn’t long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day.
The pain of loneliness was so sharp that some were willing to try any-thing for a half hour of companion-ship. 4
STOP
10.Whatdoyoudoinuncertaintimesorwhenyourfutureisindoubt? _____________________________________________________________ WhenJoshuawasabouttotakeoverleadershipoftheIsraelites,they
wereabouttoenterenemyterritoryandconquerthepromisedland.Hedidn’tknowwhatwouldhappenbuthereceivedsomeimportantadvice:
Moses said: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
God said: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
11.HowwouldthesepromiseshavemotivatedJoshuainuncertaintimes?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
NeitherJoshuanortheIsraeliteswerealone.NotonlydidGodpromisetobewithJoshua,toneverleavehimorforsakehim,Healsopromisedtogo before him, wherever he went.
12.Godisatourside.Heisalsoaccessibleandhasgivenusafamilytowhichwecanbelong,thefamilyofGod.Ephesians2:18-19says:
“For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household”
Howdoesitmakeyoufeeltoknowyouareafellowcitizenwithothers
fromGod’sfamily?_____________________________________________
When you feel alone you have two options: • Live as if you were alone, falling into depression and desperation. • Look up and call out to the invisible God, accepting by faith that he is present in your life.
Decide between the two and remember: You are never alone!
AN INSPIRING STORY
ReadthestoryofElishaandtheSyriansin2Kings6:8-18,payingattentionespeciallytov.15-17.Whatisthemainlessonyoulearnfromthisstory?
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
GROWING STRONGER
Read Luke 15-21(onechapterperday).
Memorize Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“ NIV
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” NKJV
7. HowdotheseteachingsinPsalm139makeyoufeel?_______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Psalm46:1-2assuresusthatweareneveraloneindifficulttimesbecauseGodis_______________________
_______________________________________________________________.Thereforewewillnot_________
eventhough______________________________________________.“The LORD Almighty is with us”. v. 7
9. Psalm145:18-19TheLordis____________toallwho__________________________.Whatcanweexpect
whenwecallonGod?v.19___________________________________________________________________ AlthoughGodisnear,thosewhofailtocallonhimliveasiftheywerealoneandabandoned.Theydon’t
receivecomfort;insteadsadness,fearandagonyruletheirlives.Whatatragedy!
Are there times when you do not call out to God for help? Why?
❏ You don’t realize that God is near because you don’t know the scriptures.❏ You don’t believe he is near because you cannot see him.❏ You don’t want to call on God because you’re unwilling to submit to him.
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STOP
STOP
A Daily Surrender To Christ
Romans12:1exhortsustosurrenderourbodiestoChrist.Thefollowingprayermayserveasa
modelforthisdailysurrender.
“Lord, I surrender myself to you.
Take my mind and what I think
Take my eyes and what I see
Take my ears and what I hear
Take my lips and what I speak
Take my heart, what I feel and my attitudes.
Take my hands and what I do
Take my feet, where I go
Take my body, it is your temple.
Fill me with your Holy Spirit.
I want to obey you.
I want to do your will.”
FromNewLifeinChrist,Volume1,Lesson4
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Detecting and rejecting the lies.
Principlestohelpyoubaseyourlifeonthetruthinsteadoflies.
Asyouhaveseeninthepreviouslessons,aChristiancanonlybefreeifhislifeisbasedonthetruth.Eachlessonlaysoutaspecificlieandthengivesbiblicalanswerstocorrecttheeffectsofthelieonyourlife.Obviously,itisnotpossibletospeakofevery liethedevil invents,butwecan learn to recognizeandcombatany liewhen itpresentsitself.
Whatyoubelievedetermineshowyouwillact. If youbelievesomethingistrue,youwillliveasifitweretrue.Forexample, ifyoudon’tbelieveGodiswatching,youtendtolivearecklesslife.Ontheotherhand,ifyouareawarethatGodispresent,youtendtoliverighteously.Ifyoubelieveyoucan’t,youwon’t.Ifyouseeyourselfasaloser,youwilllivelikealoser.IfyouseeyourselfasanewcreatureinChrist,youwillliveinvictoryasanewperson.Ifyoubelievesomethingisfalse,youwillrejectit,evenifitistrue.Theprinciplesthatfollowwillhelpyouunderstandhowtoliveinfreedomandvictory.
1. Learn to think biblically. This happens when yousaturateyourmindwiththeWord.
2. DoindepthBiblestudy,notjustaquickreadingoftheWord.WhenyoustudytheBibleregularly,youare creating a library in your mind full of biblicalknowledge. As time goes by you will accumulatemoreandmoreresourcestohelpyouconfrontlife’sdailyproblems.
3. Live according to the scriptures you already know.Eachday,applywhatyouhavereadtoyourdailylife.
4. Cultivatethehabitofquestioningwhatyouseeandhear.Withoutbecomingnegative,orcynical,learnto examine everything in the light of God’s Word.Continuouslyaskyourself:Isthattrue?WhatdoestheBiblesayaboutthat?
5. Think for yourself. Don’t believe something justbecausesomeone(evenaChristian)saysitstrue,orbecauseitspopular.
6. WhatwouldJesusdoinyoursituation?
7. When you feel tempted, burdened, discouraged,doubtfulorevenenthusiastic,askyourself:
• WhatamIbelievingthatmakesmefeelthisway?Isittrue?
• Wheredomy current thoughts andmy feelingscomefrom?FromGod?Thedevil?Myculture?Myself?Mymomordad?
• AmIbeingpressuredbysomeonetobelieveoractinawaythatcontradictstheBible?How?
• Howmightmycurrentcircumstancesbedistortingmypointofview,forgoodorforbad?
• What does God say about the beliefs that arepopularinmyculture?
• AmIdoubtingsomethingthattheBibleclearlytellsmeistrue?
• AmIdoubtingwhattheBibletellsmebecauseIcan’tseeitortouchit?
• WhatdoIdoif Idon’t likewhattheBiblesays?WhatpoordecisionsmightIbemakingbecauseIamunwillingtosubmittowhattheBibletellsme?
8. Meditateontheimplicationsofyourdecisions.Whatwillbetheshorttermeffects?Longterm?
9. Areyouaware that realitymightbedifferent thanwhatyouarecurrentlyseeingorfeeling?Godissov-ereignandispresent.WithHim,anythingispossible.
AreyouwillingtofocusonwhatGodcandoorareyouonlylookingatyourpresentcircumstances?Areyouwilling to trustGodwithyourpresentcircum-stancesandtellHim:“Lord,hereIam,yourservant,willingtodoyourwill.Itrustyouforthethingsinmylifethatseemimpossible.EventhoughIcan’tdoit,youcan.
10.WheremightyoubepayingmoreattentiontowhatpeoplethinkthantowhatGodsays?
11.Makealistofnegativemessages(lies)thatyouhear. Nextwriteatruestatementtoreplaceeachnegative
message.
Step 4
Lie: It’s impossible
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ There are times when nobody or nothing can help me.
_____ When I feel responsible to solve all my problems by myself I am putting myself on the road to failure.
_____ God’s power manifests itself when I admit my weaknesses.
THE LIE
Haveyoueverfoundyourselfincircumstancessodifficultthatyou’vesaid: It’s impossible. I don’t see any way out of this. I might as well throw in the towel?Perhapsyouhavetriedtochangeyourcharacterbutwithoutsuccess.Oryou’vesaid: I’ve been a failure as a husband, mother, son...DoyoufeelfrustratedbyyourinabilitytoachievethevictoryintheChristianlifethatothersseemtohaveattained?Andthelistgoesonandon.
THE ANSWER
Youcan’t,butGodcan!Isaiah41:13says“Do not fear; I will help you.”LookandseeallthatGodhasdonethroughouthistory.Forexample,putyourselvesintheshoesofthethreeHebrewyouthsastheystoodbeforethekingofBabylonia,threatenedwithbeingthrownintoafieryfurnacefordisobeyingtheordertobowdowntotheking’sidol.ReadthisinspiringstoryinDaniel3:10-27whichtellshowtheyriskedtheirlivestochallengetheking’sedict.
1. Whyweretheyunwillingtobowdowntoafalsegodeventhoughtheirrefusalputtheirlivesindanger?
Daniel3:17-18_______________________________________________________________________________
Andtheresults?ReadDaniel3:19-27.Godbroughtthemoutoftheflamessafeandsound,withouteventhesmellofsmokeonthem.
2. Whatthingsinyourpresentlifeseemimpossible?_________________________________________________
HowdoesRomans8:31,37makeyoufeel?______________________________________________________
3. WhatcouldbemoredifficultthanthepromisemadetoMary,thatshewouldhaveasoneventhoughshe
wasavirgin?Theangelencouragedherbysaying________________________________________Luke1:37
4. Ifsomeoneeverhadtherighttosay¿“It’simpossible”,itwouldbeMary,butinstead,whatwasheranswer?
Luke1:38___________________________________________________________________________________
•We can say the same today when we confront “impossible” situations. We can ask ourselves: “Am I going to believe that nothing is impossible for God, or will I focus on the problem and lose hope, give up, and give in to depression, anger or failure?”
•What impossible situations are you facing today? Write them down on a separate sheet of paper, then go through the list saying: “Lord, this looks impossible, but I believe that it is possible for you.”
5. Whatarethetwocommandsin1Peter5:6-7forthepersonwhoworries?
v.6______________________________________Why?____________________________________________
v.7______________________________________Why?____________________________________________
6. Haveyoueversaid:Ihavenomoney;howamIgoingtopaymybills?WhatdidJesussayinMatthew6:25?
__________________________Why?v.26______________________________________________________
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STOP
TO ENCOURAGE YOU
Ifyoufeeldiscouragedbecauseeverythingjustseemslikeit’simpossible,readthefollowingpassages.Theywillinspireyou.
Hebrews11talksabouttheheroesofthefaith.
Daniel6speaksaboutDanielandthelion’sden.
GROWING STRONGER
Read Luke 22-24and Psalms 33-36, (onechapterperday).
Memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. NIV
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. NKJV
15
ContinuereadingMatthew6:26-32whereJesusclaimsthatGodwillpro-videforyourdailyneeds.Ifhetakescareofthebirdsanddressesthelilieswithbeauty,won’theprovideforuswhoareworthsomuchmore?Worrywon’thelpus.Itjustsapsourstrength.Godknowsaboutallourneeds.
7. Whatshouldwedofirst,insteadofworrying?Matthew6:33
_______________________________________________________________
ToseekthekingdomofGodmeanstosubmitmomentbymomenttotheauthorityofChrist,yourking.WhatdoesGodpromisewhenwesubmit
tohim?v.33__________________________________________________
8. WhatdidPaulsayinPhilippians4:13?_____________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Initscontextthispassagespeaksaboutfinances.PaulhadlearnedtotrustGodforhisneeds,whetherhehadmoneyandwhetherhewasinneed.Italsoappliestootherareasoflife.WithChrist,nothingisimpossible.
9. Whichofthesesvariationsofthephrase,“It’s impossible,”applytoyou?❏ Icannotforgive. ❏ Ican’tchange,thisisjustthewayIam.
❏ Ican’tbepatient. ❏ IwillneverbeavictoriousChristian.
❏ Idon’tbelieveGodwillforgiveme.❏ Myfamilyproblemsareunsolvable.
❏ Idon’tbelieveGodcanuseme. ❏ Ican’tovercomemyaddictiontopornography.
❏ Iwillneverhavegoodfriends. ❏ Iseenohopeforsolvingmymoneyproblems.
❏ Ican’tovercometemptation. ❏ Ican’tgetgoodgradesinschool.
❏ Ifeellikeafailure. ❏ Other_________________________________
10.Thinkingabouttheabovelist,meditateon2Corinthians12:7-10.Why
didPaulrejoiceinhisweaknesses?v.9_____________________________
_______________________________________________________________
v.10ForwhenIam_______________Iam________________
11.Onwhomdoesvictorydepend?❏ Me❏ God
Whenyoufeelresponsibletosolveyourownproblemsyoucondemnyourselftofailure.Itisnotaquestionofyourcapacitytoovercomebyyourownefforts.Godsays,“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”PaulallowedGod'spowertorestonhim.ToliveingraceistodependonGodinsteadofyourownresolve.
IT’S TIME TO DECIDE Check the following statements you agree with.
❏ I’m willing to say: When I am weak, then I am strong”. 2 Cor. 12:10
❏ I will not focus my attention on my problems or limitations, rather on God who says “Do not fear; I will help you”. Isaiah. 41:13
❏ I believe I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13
❏ I am willing to trust God with my circumstances and tell him:
“Lord, here I am, your servant, ready to do your will. I trust you for the things that seem impossible in my life. I can’t solve my problems but you can”.
STOP
Thisliedealswiththeproblemofself-sufficiency.Whenyousay:“I can do it; I’m capable; I’m better than others...”youaretrustinginyourselfinsteadofthepowerofGod.
“I CAN DO IT” AND SALVATION
Whatcanyoucontributetoyoursalvation?Canattendingchurch,prayingtotheVirginorstoppingabadhabitsaveyou?Manysay:Do what your religion demands and you will go to Paradise.Requirementsvaryfromonereligiontoanother,buttheyareallbasedonworks.Theyaresellingthelie:You can do it if you work hard enough.
1. AreyoucapableofcontributinganythingtoyoursalvationaccordingtoRomans3:10,20,23-24?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Ifyouworkhard,canyousaveyourself?______Ephesians2:8-9Why?______________________________
___________________________Whatis“grace”?________________________________________________
SalvationisafreegiftfromGod.Itcannotbebought,onlyacceptedbyfaith,orrejected..
3. Galatians3:10-11saysthosewhotrytobejustifiedbythelaw(selfeffort)areundera__________becausetheydonotcontinuetodo___________thatthelawdemands.NoonecanobeytheTenCommandments100%.Ifsalvationdependedonworks,nobodycouldeverreachit.ThankGodit’sbyfaith,notworks.
Howmanysincereand“good”peopletodayareunderacursebecausetheybelievethelie:“I can do it.”
“I CAN DO IT” AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Ifyoucan’tcontributeanythingtoyoursalvation,whataboutyourChristianlife?Whatplacedoworksandpersonaleffortplay?AlthoughSalvationdoesnotdependonworks,thereisnodoubtthatgoodworksarethefruitofbeingsaved.Ephesians2:10sayswewere“created in Christ Jesus to do good works”.The point isn’t whether good works are important, but rather: Where do they come from? Is the Christian life a matter of trying harder or of letting God work in you and through you?
4. Gobackto2Corinthians12:7-10thatyoustudiedinthelastlesson.Atthebeginningofthechapter,Paulmentionsavisionhehadofwhatnooneelsehadeverseen.Butthenhewasgivenathorninhisfleshwhichcausedgreatsuffering.AlthoughheaskedGodtoremoveitthreetimes,itwasstillwithhim.
Whatwasthepurposeofhistrial?2Cor.12:7__________________________________________________ Whensomeonehasspecialabilities,itiseasytoletpridetakeover:“Look at me. I’m very capable. I’m
better than others.” Godallowsweaknessinourlivestoremindusthatwecan’tdoanythingwithouthim.
5. That’swhyPaulsaidin2Corinthians12:10When I am __________, then I am ___________. Weaknessisaneffectivewaytoremindusofourlimitationsandtotemperourpride.
6. Galatians2:20-21.IhavebeencrucifiedwithChrist,ItisnolongerIwho_______,but________livesinme.
Step 5Lie: I can do it
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ If I try hard enough I will be saved.
_____ If I try hard enough, I can be a victorious Christian.
_____ There are ministries today that are based more on the will power of determined men than on the power of God.
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.
STOP
NowIliveby_________inthesonofGod.It’salietosay,“Icandoit”whentheessenceoftheChristianlifeislettingChristlivethroughme.
WhatdeterminesmyrelationshipwithGod?v.21Itisn’taboutwhatIdoforGod,butwhatChristhasdoneforme.
7. InJohn15Jesussaidthatheisthevineandwearethebranches.Whatdoverses4-5teachabouttheideathat“I can do it”?
_______________________________________________________________
Whatdoesitmeanto“abide”or“remain”inChrist?_________________
_______________________________________________________________
8. James4:6-7WhodoesGodoppose?__________________Insteadof saying,“Icandoit,I’mcapable,”whatshouldmyattitudebebefore
God?v.7,10__________________________________________________
9. Sometimesthereisrivalrybetweenchurchesorministries,butintheend,
whocausesgrowth?1Corinthians3:4-6___________________________
10.1Corinthians3:11-15illustratesthewaysChristiansbuildtheirlives.Some,trustinginGod’spower,buildwithgold,silverandpreciousstones.Otherswhotrustintheirowneffortsbuildwithwood,hayandstraw.Whatwill
happenintheend?______________________________________________
WewillallappearbeforethejudgementseatwherefirewillrevealwhetherwebuiltourlivesinthepoweroftheSpiritorintheflesh.Manysay:“I’m capable and talented.”Youcandoalotintheflesh,evenbuildministriesthatseemsuccessful,butthinkaboutwhatwillhappenwhenGodexamineseverything.
11.Somegradetheirchurchonitssize,thebiggerthebetter.Doyouthinkthisisagoodwaytomeasurethesuccessofaministry?Why?
_______________________________________________________________ SomeministriesaretheworkofGodwhileothersaremonumentstomen.
“I CAN DO IT” – LEGALISM OR GRACE?
12.WhentheChristianlifebecomesalifeofhumaneffort,itbecomes“anothergospel”whichisrepulsivetoGod(Gal.1:6-8).PauldealtwiththisproblemoflegalisminthebookofGalatians.Somewantedtorequirenewgentilebelieverstosubmittocircumcisionandotherpracticesofthelaw.Somethingsimilarhappenstoday:
•Somebelieversfeelsuperiortootherswhodon’tfollowtheirlistsofprohibitedactivities.Theycriticizeothersandshametheminsteadofmotivatingtheminlovetodogood.TheirChristianityisbasicallynegative.
•Othersareproudofnevermissingservices,oroffasting,prayingorreadingtheirBiblesmorethanothers.TheytrytoimpressGodandotherswiththeirworks.
13.ManyChristiansdependonthemselvesandtheir“Christianworks”thinking:“If I just work hard I can do it.”Thinkingaboutwhatyouhavelearnedinthislesson,whatiswrongwiththatkindofthinking?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
GROWING STRONGER
Read Exodus 1-7 (onechapterperday)
Memorize John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” NIV
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do noth-ing.” NKJV
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the
branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the
vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4
DIGGING DEEPER
ReadthebookofGalatianstobetterunderstandwhatthetruegospelis.Learnhowtoliveingraceandavoidlegalism.
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#13, I think its probably more subtle than that a lot of the time. We probably know working hard isn’t it, but yet that is the way we live all too often. Although that is one thing that bothers me at Grace. All too often I hear people talking about trying. I don’t think this message has been really taught or that the majority of the people understand this.
Step 6
I’m afraid
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ Feeling that God is far away brings fear to our lives.
_____ Sometimes things aren’t what they seem to be at first glance.
_____ To “fear God” means to be afraid of him.
Allofusexperiencefearattimes.Checkwhichofthefollowingthingsarecausingfearinyourlife.
❏ Fearofrejection ❏ Fearofdeath ❏ Fearsaboutthefuture ❏ Fearoffailure
❏ FearofGod’sjudgment ❏ Fearofenemies ❏ Fearofthedevil ❏ Fearofbeinglaughedat
❏ Fearofwhatotherswillsay ❏ Fearsabouthealthissues ❏ Fearofneverfindinglove
❏ Fearofnotbeingabletopayyourbills❏ FearthatGodwillnothearyou❏ Other________________________
GOD: THE REFUGE FOR THE JUST
1. Psalm11speaksaboutamomentofterror.WhenDavid’sfriendssawthathisenemieshadarrowsontheirbowstringsreadytofireagainstthejust,theyadvisedhimtofleetothemountainslikeabird.v.1-2
Davidwasindignant.Howdidherespond?v.1__________________________________________________ SinceDavidlookedatGodashisrefuge,hecouldnotimaginefleeing
2. Davidaskedwhatrighteousshoulddowhenitseemsliketheirworldiscrumblingaroundthem?v.3
Thinkabouthowyoureactinacrisis.WhatwasDavid’sanswerfortimesofcrisis?v.4________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Atfirstglancehisanswerdoesn’tseemtorelatetohissituation,buttakeasecondlook.Davidwassayingthat things aren’t as they appear.Itmayseemlikeevildoersareinchargeofourworld,orthatoursitua-tionisimpossible,butthereality is different:God,isstillsittingonhisthroneandseeseverything.
WhatisGoddoing?v.4Isheuptherebitinghisfingernails,notknowingwhattodo?________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________ ThesovereignGodexists,seeseverythingandrules.He’sstillinchargeofourworldevenifwecan’tsee
him.
3. Readv.5-7.Althoughitlookslikeevildoersarewinning,inhistimeGodwilljudgethem.Then,whatcan
thejustexpect?v.7_________________________________________________________________________ TheNewAmericanStandardBible,likemanytranslationssays“The upright will behold His face.”
4. Whatistheremedyforfear?Psalm46:10-11.____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
• Meditate on the implications of these verses for your life. God exists. He sees everything. He is over all the
earth. He is with us. He is our refuge. What more could we ask? _____________________________________
• Are you fearful? What or who do you fear? _______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
• Is there really a God who reigns over everything? ❏ Yes ❏ NoCanheseeeverything? ❏ Yes ❏ No Does he stand with you? ❏ Yes ❏ No Do you really believe this to be true? ❏ Yes ❏ No
• Think about this: When you look around and only see problems, remember that what you see is not the whole picture. God is in charge, not people or our circumstances. If that’s true, what is there to fear?
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DeathDeath
STOP
5. Whatdothefollowingpassagesteachaboutfearandhowtoovercomeit?
Proverbs29:25________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Psalm18:1-2___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
John16:33____________________________________________________
6. DoesGodevergettiredofhearingfromus?Psalm71:3
_______________________________________________________________7. InPsalm34(below),underlinethewordsandphrasesthatarethemost
helpfulinovercomingyourfears.Taketimetomeditateoneachone.
Psalm 34:4-9, 14-17
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. 6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.
14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
* Other comforting passages are Psalm 91 and 1 Crónicas 28:20
• Inthislessonyouhavereadmanypassagestohelpyoudealwithfear.Whichthoughtsorideashavecaughtyourattentionthemost?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
• Onaseparatesheet,makealistofnegativemessages(lies)thatyouhear.Nextwriteatruestatementtoreplaceeachnegativemessage.
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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the
storm rage and calms his child.5
Inyourcurrentsituation,doyoufeelthatGodiscalmingthestormorcalmingyouasyoupassthroughit?
__________________________________________________________________
SO HOW DOES GOD SEE US?
DoyouneedtobeafraidofGod?Romans5:1
____________________________________________
WhenyoutrustedChristasSavior,youwerejustified,de-claredrighteousbasedonChrist’sblood.Insteadofaccusingyou,heforgivesyou.Romans8:28-39emphasizesthatheisonourside,notagainstus
GROWING STRONGER
Read Exodus 8-14(onechapterperday).
Memorize Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” NIV
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” NKJV
Fut
u re DEAT H
STOP
Step 7
But...everyone else does it.
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ Christians are called to live differently than others.
_____ The world offers a lot of fun, but it does not last.
_____ Many Christians are strange, as if they came from another planet.
THE LIE
“Everyone does it, why should I be different? It can’t be that bad if it is so popular.” Friendsofthosewhowanttoliveaholylifesometimessay: “Don’t be a fanatic, relax, enjoy life. Do you think you are better than us?” Beingdifferentisuncomfortable.It’snoteasytoswimagainstthetide.Wemightfollowtheworldduetopeerpressure;butothertimeswedoitbecausesinlookslikefun,andwedon’tthinkabouttheconsequences.
1. Listsomeexamplesofcommonpracticesinoursocietythatpeoplejustifybysaying“Everyoneisdoingit.”
________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
The Salmon
Inthecoldwatersofmanyriversthesalmonswim.Theyareborninfreshwaterstreams,butmigratedownstreamtothesea.Notallofthemsurvivethetrip,butthosethatreachtheoceangrowtohugesizes.Afterseveralyearsatsea,instinctcallsthemtoreturntothestreamwheretheywereborn.
Thetriphomeishard,astheyfightthecurrent,rapids,predatorsandotherobstacles.Whenawaterfallblockstheirpaththeyjumpoverandoveruntiltheyreachthetop.Atlasttheyreachtheirdestination,wheretheylaytheireggsanddie,givingrisetoanewgeneration.
Whatifthesalmondidn’twanttoswimagainstthecurrent?Itwouldremainatsea,unabletoreproduce,bringingtheendoftheirspecies.
Whathappenstobelieverswhowon’tswimagainsttheworld’scurrent?
_______________________________
_______________________________
Belikethenoblesalmon.Perse-vereagainstthecurrentandevery-thingtheworldthrowsatyou.
THE TRUTH
2. HowdoesRomans12:2contradicttheliethatsays“...it’s OK because
everyone else does it?”_______________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Godhasn’tcalledyoutocopytheworld’sways,buttobetransformedintoanewkindofpersonwhoisdifferent.Ifyourfriendsscoffbe-causeyouareabelieveryoucouldrespond:“Yes, I’m different! So what? I’ve chosen a different path. I have a higher calling.”
3. Tobedifferent,itisnecessarytorenewyour_________________.v.2
Howcanyourenewyourmind?_______________________________
____________________________________________________________
• Onewaytotransformyourthinkingistoallowbiblicaltruthtoreplacetheliesyouhavelearnedfromthedevilandtheworldduringthecourseofyourlife(Psalm119:11).Yourmindneedstobereprogrammedinorderforyoutobelightinthedarknessinsteadofjustadoptingtheworld’swayofthinking.Thatispreciselywhythismanualwaswritten,tohelpyouidentifytheliesandexchangethemforthetruth.
• Romans12:1givesanotherwaytobedifferent:PresentyourbodytoGodasalivingsacrifice.PrayandsurrenderallofyourselftoGod,todohiswillinsteadoftheworld’sbidding.How?See“A Daily Surrender to Christ”onpage12.
4. WhatdoesMatthew7:13-14sayaboutthepersonwhowantstobe likeeveryoneelse.Wheredoesthewide roadlead?______________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
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5. Writedownsomeareasinyourlifewhereyouarefeelingpressuredto
moldyourselftotheworld.Bespecific:___________________________
______________________________________________________________
6. 1Peter2:11comparesbelieversto_______________and____________
Explainwhatitmeanstoseeyourselfasasojournerorforeigner.
______________________________________________________________
As a sojourner, the believer is different from others because he is just passing through this world. Meditate on how that will effect your life.
Howshouldyoulive?v.11______________________________________
Abstainingfromevildesiresisn’toptional.Thesedesirescombatagainstyoursoullikeparasites,slowlysuckingawayyourspiritualenergy.
7. Whyshouldyoulivewell?v.12__________________________________
Believersarecalledtobehaveinawaythatwon’tgiveunbelieversanexcusetocriticizethem,butrathercausethemtopraiseGod.
8 InPhilippians2:15-16,Godcallsyoutoliveablamelesslifeinthemidst
ofa________________________________________culture,likeshininglightsforalltosee.HoldfasttoGod’sword,allowingittoalwaysbeyourguide.Do you accept the challenge to shine? ❏ Yes❏ No
Think of a practical way you could shine for God today? What is it?
9. Psalm1tellsushowtoliveineviltimes.Whatthingsdorighteous
peopleavoid?Psalm1:1_______________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
10.Incontrasttothewicked,howdotherighteouslive?Psalm1:2?
_____________________________________________________________
HowmuchtimedoyoudedicatetotheWord?____________________
11.Psalm1:3-4.ThosewhomeditatesontheWordarelikea___________
plantednexttoariver,strong,stableandfruitful.Thewickedwhofollowothersarecomparedto________________thatisblownawaybythewind.
• Now close your eyes and imagine the tree next to the river and the chaff driven by the wind. See the huge difference between them?
• Which represents your life now, the tree or the chaff? __________________
_________________________________________________________________
• Which would you like to be? _______________________________________
• Have you been listening to bad advice, or following bad examples? Explain:
________________________________________________________________
• Make a personal plan to meditate on the Word day and night so as to coun-teract the world’s influence. Write your plan on a separate sheet.
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Whenyouwanttodosomething,yetarenotsureifyoushoulddoitornot,askthefollowingquestions:
3 WhatwouldJesusdo?
3 Whatdoesyourconsciencesay?Ifyourconscienceisclear,whythenareyoutryingtojustifyyourbehaviorbysaying...“everyone does it”?
3 WhatdoestheBiblesay?
GROWING STRONGER
Read Exodus 15-21 (onechapterperday).
Memorize Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.” NIV
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” NKJV
STOP
STOP
STOP
THE LIE
Whenyoulookaround,itwouldbeeasytoconcludethatthereisnojusticeinourworld.Weseesuffering,crime,injustice,povertyandcorruption.Theliewewillstudyinthislessonexpressesitselfindifferentways:“Why do evil men prosper when the righteous suffer? It’s unfair. The forces of good are losing the battle. It’s not worth trying to do the right thing when doing evil brings greater rewards.”
THE TRUTH
It’struethatthewickedoutnumbertherighteous,butthatshouldnotsurpriseus.Themostpopularpath,withthemosttrafficistheonethatleadstodestruction(Matthew7:13-14).Whydothegoodpeoplesufferatthehandsofevildoers?Isittruethatevilpaysbetterthandoinggood?Whatattitudeshouldtherighteoustakeinthelightofsomuchinjustice?
Psalm 37 is key to finding answers to these issues. Read the whole Psalm and answer questions 1-8.
1. Whataretherighteouscommandedtodoinv.1?_______________________________________________
Whydoyouthinkagoodpersonwouldenvythewicked?_________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Isittruethatsometimesthewickedprosper?❏ Yes❏ NoThenwhyshouldn’ttherighteousenvythe
wicked?v.2_______________________________________________________________________________
3. UsethreedifferentcolorstounderlinethefollowingthemesthatarefoundinPsalm37:
• WhatGodcommandstherighteoustodo.• Whatwillhappentoevildoers.• WhatGodpromisestothosewhodogood.
MY ATTITUDE WHEN FACING INJUSTICE(continueinPsalm37)
4. Whatshouldyoudoinsteadofenvyingthewicked?v.3“__________intheLordand_______________.” Thisversesaysitall.Insteadoflivingwithenvy,anger,complainingorvengeance,yourattitudeshouldbe
tofocusondoinggood.“Doinggood”includesallthattheBiblecommandsus.Thetendencyofmanybelieversistofocusontheinjusticeanduseitasanexcuseforourbadbehavior.ButGodsays,“leaveittome,I’lltakecareofit.”(Romans12:19).Yourresponsibilityistodowhatisright,nomatterwhat.
5. WhatelsedoesGodaskustodointhefollowingverses?v.4_____________________________________
v.5_______________________________________________________________________________________
v.7_______________________________________________________________________________________
v.8_______________________________________________________________________________________
Step 8
There’s no justice in the world
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ Sometimes the wicked prosper more than the righteous.
_____ One day the wicked will have to pay for their deeds.
_____ It’s not worth it to do the right thing when you can do better doing evil.
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WHAT GOD PROMISES TO THE JUST
6. WhatwillGoddoforthosewhoobeyhim?Psalm37
v.4_________________________________________________________
v.6_________________________________________________________
v.11________________________________________________________
v.28________________________________________________________7. Whatdoesv.16saytomotivateus?______________________________
______________________________________________________________
WHAT GOD PROMISES TO THE WICKED
8. Whatwillhappentothewicked?Psalm37:9-10___________________
______________________________________________________________
v.13TheLord________atthewicked,for_________________________
v.14-15______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
v.20Thewickedwillperish,theywillvanishlike___________,asiftheyhadneverexisted..
9. Shouldweseekvengeance?Romans12:19Why?_________________
______________________________________________________________
10.AccordingtoRevelation19:11-16,howwillhistoryend?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
11.Meditateonthefollowingstatementsanddiscussthemwithothers.:
3 Itishardtoacceptthatsometimesevildoerscontinuetoprosperanden-joyalonglife.WhereisGod’sjustice?Whydoesn’thestrikethemdownnow?Wedon’tknowwhyheholdsbackbutGodisincharge,andwilljudgeeachoneinduetime.SeeRomans12:19
3 Theevilonesarecomparedwithgrass(Psalm37:2)thatdriesupandwiththesmokethatvanishes.Eventhosewholivetooldagewillhavetoleavetheir richesandpowerbehind. Theonly thing thatawaits them is thejudgementofaholyandjustGod.
3 Additionally,thingsaren’treallyastheyappear.Itseemslikethewickedhaveeverything,butdotheyliveinpeace,oraretheycontrolledbyenvy,greed,jealousy,prideandfear?
• Share with your group a difficult situation that you are currently facing.
• Remember Psalm 37:3 Trust in the Lord and do good.
• Don’t let injustices or any other circumstances turn you into a bitter or envious person. Keep on doing good, leaving those who do evil in God’s hands.
• If you are in an abusive relationship, ask God for wisdom and seek advice from a mature Christian. There is a place for resistance.
A STORY OF HOPE
Imagine a city under siege. The enemy that surrounds the city will not let anyone or anything leave. Supplies are running low and the citizens are fear-ful. But in the dark of the night, a spy sneaks through the enemy lines.
He has rushed to the city to tell the people that in another place the main enemy force has been defeated; the leaders have already surrendered. The people do not need to be afraid. It is only a matter of time until the besieging troops receive the news and lay down their weapons.
Similarly, we may feel we are surrounded by the forces of evil, disease, injustice, oppression, death, but the enemy has actually been defeated at Calvary. Things are not the way they seem to be. It is only a matter of time until it becomes clear to all that the battle is really over. 6
“A little while, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found.
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace
and prosperity.”
Psalm 37:10-11
GROWING STRONGER
Read Deuteronomy 28-34and Joshua 1-3(onechapterperday).
Memorize Psalm 37:9
“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” NIV
“For evildoers shall be cut off;But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.” NKJV
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STOP
THE LIE
Thislietakesseveralforms:What I’ve done is just too awful. How can I ever be forgiven? I’m not worthy; how can God love someone like me? I’m afraid that I’m a lost cause. God has given me so many opportuni-ties that I’ve not taken advantage of. I can’t believe he would give me another chance.
THE TRUTH
Thislie,likesomanyothersisamixtureoftruthandlies.Ontheonehand,apersoniscorrectinsayingthattheyaren’tworthy.Theyrecognizestheirstillsins,andfeeltheydon’tdeserveGod’sforgiveness.Theyhavecometobelievethatthereisnoremedyfortheirsin.Why?Perhapsbecausethereissomuchwrongwiththeirlife,orbecausetheykeeponcommittingthesamesinoverandover.Perhapstheyfeelincapableofovercomingtheirweaknesses.ThispersonprobablybelievesthatGodwillforgiveotherswhosinless,butnothimorher.
1. Wheredothedoubtscomefrom?Revelation12:9-10describesoneofSatan’smaintactics.Verse9says
thatSatan_______________________thewholeworld.Verse10callshimthe_________________ofour
_________________________,who______________thembefore________________dayandnight.
AlthoughheisnotabletofoolGodwithhisaccusations,heoftenconvincesuswithhislies.Heisrightwhenhesayswehavesinned,butlieswhenhesaysoursinsaretoomanyortoogreattobeforgiven.Ifwebelievethis,theenemywillparalyzeuswithremorseanddoubt.
2. WhatisGod’sattitudetowardsinners?Ephesians2:4-5Godisrichin__________________.Evenwhen
weweredeadinsin,hemadeusalive.By_______________youhavebeensaved.
Thewordsmercyandgraceareliketwosidesofthesamecoin:
•Mercy: God’s compassion that moves him to hold back a punishment we deserve.
•Grace: God’s great love that moves him to give us a gift we do not deserve, pardon.
3. ReadRomans8:31-39.InsteadofaccusinguswhatdoesGoddo?v.33_____________________________
Insteadofcondemningus,whatisChristdoingnow?v.34_______________________________________
WhatcanseparateusfromGod’slove?v.38-39_________________________________________________
4. So,whatdoesGodwant?❏ Punishus❏ ForgiveusGodisonourside!Hewantstoforgiveusandgiveuspeace.Heisnotplaying“hideandseek”withbelievers.Wedon’thavetobegortrytocon-vincehimtoforgiveus.Healreadydecidedtoforgiveusandwantstorestoreustofellowship.
5. WhathappenswhenwereceiveChrist?Romans5:1Weare______________________________________
andhave_____________________________.
Step 9God will never forgive
someone like me
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ There are many sins that God isn’t ready to forgive.
_____ Although I have confessed my sins, I still feel guilty. God probably hasn’t forgiven me.
_____ I don’t deserve God’s forgiveness.
24
JustifiedbyfaithmeansGodhasdeclaredusrighteousbasedontheworkofChrist.Thisisnotbecauseweareworthyorwithoutsin,butratherbecauseGodcreditedtherighteousnessofChristtoouraccount.ItisbasedonthefinishedworkofChristonthecross,independentofourownrighteousness.
HowdoesGodseeusnow?Romans8:1says,“there is now no condemna-
tion for those who are in Christ Jesus.”Inspiteofourweaknesshedeclaresusrighteous.Hedoesn’tseeoursins,butratherChrist’sbloodthatcoversthem
•Have you accepted Christ as your savior? Are you in the shadow of the
cross? ___________________________________________________________
• If not, is there anything to stop you from doing it now? ______________________
• Is there any sin that the blood of Christ does not cover? ______________________
• Can God forgive someone like you, even with your many faults? _______________
WHAT COLOR IS THE WALL?
Itiscommontodescribethingsbytheircolor.Forexample...”thewhitebuildingwiththeblackgate.”Butifwethinkaboutit,thebuildingisprobablynotwhite.Why?Ifitismadeofconcreteblocktherealcolorofthewallisgray,thecolorofconcrete.
Wecallitwhitebecauseweseethewhitepaintthatcoversthewall.Inlikemannerwe,beingsinners,havebeencoveredwiththebloodofChrist.WhatGodseesisasaint,declaredrighteousbytheblood.
GROWING STRONGER
Read Joshua 1-7, (onechapterperday).
Memorize Romans 5:1
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” NIV
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” NKJV
CONFUSION ABOUT GOD’S PROMISE
6. Whatdoes1John1:9promise?_________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Confessionmeans_____________________________________________
7. IfGodpromisestoforgiveusandcleanseusfromallevil,whyisitthatsomebelieversstillfeelguiltyafterconfessingtheirsin?
Whatdoyouthinktheproblemis?❏Theyweren’tsincere ❏Goddidn’tforgivethem❏TheyfailedtoacceptGod’sforgiveness ❏TheyneedtobelievethatGodhasforgiventhem.❏Other
PerhapstheyfeeltheproblemmightbelackofsincerityorthatGoddoesnotwanttoforgivethem.TherealreasonforcontinuingtofeelguiltyisthattheyhavefocusedontheirsininsteadofonthebloodofChrist.Theybelievetheliethattheirsinisunforgiveableorthatitwillrequiresomesortofpenitencetobeforgiven.TheyaregoingbytheirfeelingsratherthanwhatGodhassaid.Theybelievethelie:“If I don’t feel different, maybe God didn’t forgive me.”
• Ask yourself: What is greater, the power of my sin or the power
of the blood of Christ? ___________________________________
• Learn the following healthy habit: After confession, get into the habit of consciously receiving God’s forgiveness. You could pray this way:
“God, I have confessed my sin, believing that Christ paid my punishment with his death. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I accept it. I believe 1 John 1:9, that you have forgiven me. I will continue to live as if that were true because it is. I refuse to keep beating myself up with guilt or believe the lie that you don’t want to forgive me.”
• Close your eyes and try to imagine yourself standing in the shadow of the cross as shown in the drawing above. Give thanks to God for de-claring you righteous through Christ’s blood. Your forgiveness is based solely on the finished work of Christ on the cross. You don’t need to do anything except receive it.
God sees me as righteous through the blood of Christ
STOP
STOP
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26
THE LIE
Whensomethingbadhappens,itiscommontohear:Where is God? I don’t deserve this. I can’t take it any-more. Why are all these trials coming my way? If I’m God’s child, why does he treat me this way?Inmomentsofpain,everyonewantstoknow,Why?Therearen’teasyanswers,buttheBibledoeshavealottosayaboutit.
THE TRUTH• Godhasneverabandonedyou.He’salwaysatyourside.Hebrews13:5-6
• Doyoudeservethis?Oftenyouwon’tunderstandwhy,butit’simportanttoknowthatnothinghappensbyaccident.Thereisaplanforeverything.Romans28:28-29
• Whydoyousuffer?therearemanyreasons,butitisimportanttorememberonething:The most important question is not “Why?” but “How should you respond when you suffer?”
• Whensomethingbadhappenstherearetwooptions:Youcanbecomedepressedorangry;oryoucantakeitasifitwereaschooltobuildyourcharacter.1Peter5:10tellsusthatafteryouhavesufferedalittlewhile,God“will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
A GOSPEL WITHOUT PAIN?
ManyteachthatGod’swillisthatHischildrenshouldneversuffer.Theyclaimsufferingistheresultofaper-sonsownsin,orduetolackoffaith.Theypreachaneasygospel,withoutpain.But,whatdoestheBiblesay?Wewillseethateveryonesuffers;eventhejust,butoursufferingisn’tnecessarilytheresultofGod’swrath.Weshouldn’tbesurprisedwhenwesuffer;that’sjustnormal.
1. InJohn16:33Jesussaid:Itoldyouthesethingssoyoumighthave___________.Inthisworldyouwill
have____________but______________________.Ihave_________________________________________.
2. IsittruethatGoddoesnotwantyoutosuffer,andifyoudosufferitisalwayscausedbyyourownsin?
2Corinthians11:23-28_______________________________________________________________________
1Peter4:12-14_____________________________________________________________________________
Verse14saysspecificallythatChristianssometimessufferjustbecausetheyarebelievers.Haveyouever
sufferedforbeingaChristian?_______________________________Shareyourexperiencewiththegroup.
3. Howshouldyourespondtosuffering?Writedownthetwothingsmentionedin1Peter4:19.
____________________________________________and___________________________________________
Insteadofcomplaining,lookatyourtroublesasanopportunitytogrow.GrowthoccurswhenthebelieverturnsallhiscircumstancesovertoGodandkeepsdoinggood,eveninthemidstofhispain.
Step 10I can’t take it.
Why do we suffer?
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ If God were with us, we wouldn’t have so many problems.
_____ God does not want his children to suffer. Suffering is always caused by sin or by lack of faith.
_____ Trials are a reason to rejoice because they help us mature.
27
Sometimessufferingisthedirectresultofyourrebellion.SufferingmightbeGod’sattempttogetyourattention,soexamineyourlife.Repentifneeded.ButhowgreatisGod!Hedoesn’tgiveuponyou,butwantstorestoreyou.HedisciplineshischildreninloveuntiltheyreturntoHim(Heb.12:5-6).
WHAT DOES GOD WANT TO ACCOMPLISH WITH SUFFERING?
4. Isthereaplanforyourlifeorareyoujustdriftingalone?Romans8:28
_______________________________________________________________
5. TheapostlePaulcouldspeakaboutsufferingfromhisownexperiences.Read2Corinthians4:7-12tounderstandhispointofview.What’sthe
purposeofourweaknesses?v.7___________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
WhatattitudedidPaulexpressinv.8-9?____________________________
_______________________________________________________________
6. Somesay:“IfGodwasreallywithme,thiswouldnothavehappened.”
Howshouldyourespondtotrials?James1:2-4______________________
Why?_________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
7. Whatotherpurposesforsufferingaregivenin2Corinthians1?
v.4,6________________________________________________________
v.8-9_________________________________________________________
SUMMARY
3 Suffering should not come as a surprise.IfChristandtheapostlessuf-fered,canweexpectanyless?Thosewhopreachagospelwithoutpainarepreachingfantasy,notthetruegospel.
3 There is a plan.Everythingworkstogetherforgood.Godneverleavesus.Wearehardpressedbutnotcrushed,persecutedbutnotabandoned.
3 Suffering is like a school to teach compassion. Theworldisfullofsufferingpeople.Whowillcomfortthem?Thoseofuswhohavepassedthroughtrialshavebeenpreparedtoconsoleothers.
3 Suffering teaches us to depend on God instead of ourselves.
3 Suffering is an opportunity to grow.Ithelpstomoldandpolishus.Trialsteachusthingswecouldneverlearnanyotherway.
3 Suffering can be God’s call to examine your life and repent if needed.
3 Our reaction to trials determines whether we will be strengthened or whether we will sink into resentment, depression and sadness.
•Write down on a separate sheet the trials you face now.
• Pray over each trial like this: Lord, show me if there is sin in my life that needs to be confessed. I put
myself into your hands during this trial and commit myself to continue doing good. I refuse to become discouraged or bitter because of what is happening to me. May these days be my school for compassion. I expect to receive your comfort and to comfort others in the future. Amen
TESTED BY ADVERSITY
• Have you noticed that trees that grow alone, subject to wind and drought, are the strongest, while those which grow protected in the forest are weaker?
• A clay vessel is weak until it passes through the fiery kiln.
• If the steel of a knife blade is not tempered by fire, it will never be able to hold a sharp edge.
• Someone asked C.S. Lewis, “Why do the righteous suffer?” “Why not?” he replied. “They’re the only ones who can take it.” 7
• “Today the church must have people who have not been offended or destroyed by their sufferings, a people who are not cast down, dejected, full of ques-tions, but holding fast to His love, proving Him faithful in all things - patient, enduring, strong in faith. They are to be an example to the weak, to be a source of true com-fort and consolation” 8
• Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them; and he proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires.9
GROWING STRONGER
Read Joshua 22-23and Psalms 37-41 (onechapterperday).
Memorize John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” NIV
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJV
STOP
THE LIE
Likeotherlies,thisonetakesvariousforms.Money is everything. The most important thing is to live comfortably, with all the stuff I want. Money will make me happy and solve my problems, etc.Butmoneyisn’ttheonlythingforwhichpeoplearelooking.Besideswealth,someseeksecurityinsex,fame,friends,acareer,etc.
Therichsay:My bank account is what makes me feel important and secure. I’m “somebody” now that I have money, a career, fame, friends.Ontheotherhand,thepoorsay:I’m nobody because I don’t have what oth-ers have. Fromthelistbelowchoosethethingsyouwouldmostliketohave.
❏ Money ❏ Financialsecurity ❏ Anicehome ❏ Agoodcar ❏Sex
❏Intelligence ❏ Promotionsinmycareer ❏Goodfood ❏Fame ❏ Friends
❏ Beauty ❏Goodbody,figure ❏ Athleticability ❏Talent ❏Power
❏ StylishClothes ❏ Computer,smartphone ❏ Goodgrades ❏ Health ❏Other
Aretheremoreimportantthingsthanthoselistedabove.Examples?___________________________________
THE TRUTH
1. Isitwrongtowantthethingslistedabove?______________________________________________________
Althoughthereisnothingwrongwithwantingtolivewell,ifyouonlyfocusonmaterialthings,whathap-penswhenyoulosethem?Forexample,ifawomenfeelssecurebecauseofhergoodfigure,willshestill
behappywhentheyearsbringwrinklesandsomeextrapounds?___________________________________
2. Thefollowingpassagesexpressadifferentpointofview.Whatisit?
Luke12:15_________________________________________________________________________________
Mark8:36_________________________________________________________________________________
2Corinthians4:18__________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Whatwouldyousaytosomeonewhosays:“I’m someone because I have money and influence”?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Writedownelementsofyourcurrentlifethatwilllastforever:_____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Now,elementsofyourcurrentlifethatwillnotlastforever:________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Step 11If only I had more money...
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ It’s impossible to be happy without lots of money.
_____ Some things you can’t see are more important than money.
_____ We can learn to be content with little or with wealth.
28
5. Whatdilemmadobelieversfaceeveryday?Matthew6:24
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
6. WhatsolutiondoesMatthew6:19-21presenttothisdilemma?_______
______________________________________________________________
7. Whataresomewaystostore up treasures in heaven?________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
CONTENTMENT
8. AreyoucontentwithwhatGodhasgivenyou?Isitreallypossibletobecontent?WhathadPaullearnedaboutmoney?Philippians4:11-13
v.11-12______________________________________________________
v.13_________________________________________________________
WhenPaulsaid“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”hewastalkingabouttheabilitytobecontentandcarryonwhetherornothehadplentyofmoneyorwasinneed.
9. Whycanyoubecontentorsatisfiedwithwhatyouhave?Phil.4:19
______________________________________________________________10.InMatthew6:25-35Jesuspromisedtosupplyourbasicneedslikefood
andclothing.Heconcludesinv.33bytellingustoseekfirst
_______________________________and___________________________
andallthesethingsshallbe______________________________________
11.Somemistakenlytaketheseandotherpassagesaspromisesofeconomicprosperityandriches.However,isthatwhattheysay?Theyneverprom-iseprosperity;rathertheyguaranteethatGodwillsupplyourbasicneeds.Didn’tPaulspecificallysayinPhilippians4:11-12thathewascontentwhetherhewasinneedorwhetherhewaslivingwithabundance?
Theimportantthingisnothowmuchmoneyonehas,ratherthepeaceinknowingthatGodwillalwaysgivehimenoughforacontentedlife.
What makes you feel secure or happy? Are you content?
• When someone believes that material things are what matter most, he builds his life on a foundation that will disappear with the passage of time.
• Have you swallowed the lie that material things are the only things that are real or of value?
• If your bank account is what makes you feel important, it is not nearly as important as you think.
• Instead of making your life a quest for money, seek first God’s control over
your life. Doing this, he will take care of the rest of your needs.
GROWING STRONGER
Read Joshua 15-21(onechapterperday).
Memorize Mark 8:36 “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ” NIV
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” NKJV
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Meditateonthefollowingpassagesandtheanswerstheygivetomaterialism
“The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is,
seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly
things.
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ
in God. “ Colossians 3:1-3
29
STOP
Once the devil was walking along with one of his cohorts. They saw a man ahead of them pick up something shiny. “What did he find?” asked the cohort.
“A piece of the truth,” the devil replied.
“Doesn’t it bother you that he found a piece of the truth?” asked the cohort.
“No,” said the devil, “I will see to it that he makes a reli-gion out of it.” 10
30
IS IT TRUE THAT ALL RELIGIONS LEAD US TO GOD?
Itiscommontohearpeoplesaythattherearemanyroadstoheaven.Theysaythatthemostimportantthingistobesincereinthepracticeofyourreligionandtotolerateotherbeliefs.Otherssayitisenoughtojustloveothersregardlessofwhatchurchyouattend.
Allofthissoundsgreatanditisverypopulartothinkthisway.It’seasybecauseitallowsyoutochoosethebeliefsyoulikeandrejectthoseyoudon’t.But,whatdoestheBiblesay?WhatdidJesusteach?
1. WhatdidJesussaytoNicodemus,whowasaveryreligiousman?WasheacceptingofthewayNicode-muspracticedhisreligion?John3:1-3_________________________________________________________
2. AccordingtoJesus,whocangettoheavenwithoutgoingthroughHim?John14:6_________________
Doesthispassageleadyoutobelievethatthetruthissomethingthatisalwayschangingdependingon
thetimes,circumstancesorpopularopinion?___________________________________________________
WhenpeopleaccuseChristiansofbeingclosemindedforbelievingthatJesusistheonlywaytoheaven,wemustremindthemthatthisisnotouridea,butwhatJesushimselftaught.Itisinterestingtonotethatmanywhoclaimtobesoopenmindedaretolerantofeverythingexceptthetruegospel.
3. DoestheBibleleavethedooropentotheideathatallreligionstakeustoGod?Whyorwhynot?
Acts4:12_________________________________________________________________________________
Exodus20:3-4_____________________________________________________________________________
Galatians1:8______________________________________________________________________________
Step 12All religions lead
us to heaven
Answer TRUE (T) or FALSE (F)
_____ The most important thing isn’t what you believe, but that you are sincere.
_____ It would be like treason to go against the religious traditions of my family.
_____ There are many paths that lead to heaven.
5. Whyisn’ttheideaofreincarnationastaughtbyBuddhismorHinduismcompatiblewiththebiblicalteachingofwhathappensafterdeath?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Religion
• Religionsarehumaneffortto reachGod.
• Althoughtherequirementsvary fromgrouptogroup,religion requiresmentoearntheirway toparadisethroughtheirworks.
The Gospel
• ThegospelisGod,reachingdownfromheaventoreachhumanity.
• ThegospelisbasedonthefinishedworkofChristinsteadofonthe
worksonemightdo.Salvationis completelyfree.
4. Thedifferentworldreligionshaveverydifferentbeliefs.Whatis thedifferencebetweentheGospelandanyotherreligion?
31
GROWING STRONGER
Read Joshua 8-14 (onechapterperday).
Memorize Acts 4:12 “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” NIV
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” NKJV
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Inlightof1Timothy2:5,whatdoyouthinkaboutthesephrasestakenfromtheRosary?
Hail Holy Queen: “...Turn then most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us,....”
Hail Mary: “ ...Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
“You have let go of the commands of God and
are holding on to human traditions.” Mark 7:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human
tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world
rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8
6. ChristiansbelieveinonlyoneGodwhileotherslikeHindusandAnimistsbelieveinmanygodsorspirits.Ifonereligioncontradictsanother,isit
possiblethatbotharetrue?_______________________________________
SHOULD I FOLLOW THE TRADITIONS THAT MY PARENTS GAVE ME?
7. • Itobviouslydependsonwhattraditionsyouaretalkingabout.Sometraditions arebiblicalandgood,othersnotsomuch.Somearejustneutral.
• ManytimesthedecisiontofollowChristrequiresonetobreakwithsome aspectsofhispast.
• OftenanewChristian’sfamilyorfriendswillconsiderthemoddoreventraitorstotheirreligiousheritage.Therewillbeopposition,scoffingandpersecution.
• RemembertheteachingofthetwopathsinMatthew7:13-14?Themajoritywereonthewidepaththatleadtodestruction.
• Whatyoumustrememberisthatonjudgmentday,youwillhavetogiveanaccounttoGod,nottoyourparentsorrelatives.(Revelation20:11-15)
You could paraphrase Mark 8:36 this way: What good will it do to make your family and friends happy, yet forfeit your soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
8. WhatbroughtJesusintoconflictwiththereligiousleaders?Mark7:9
_______________________________________________________________
9. HowmanymediatorsaretherebetweenGodandman?1Timothy2:5
_________Whatisamediator?___________________________________
DoyoubelievethattheVirginMarycanmediateforus?_______________
_______________________________________________________________
WestrayfromthetruthwhenwepraytoanyotherpersonexcepttheGodoftheBible,orwheneverwefollowanyreligionnotbasedontheBible.
YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS OTHER RELIGIONS
10.Whatdoes1Peter3:15-16command?_____________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Whatshouldyourattitudebetowardsthosewhoquestionyourfaith?
_______________________________________________________________
11.WhatwasJesus’attitudetowardsthelost?Why?Matthew9:36-38
_______________________________________________________________
• You need to have firm convictions about what you believe and why. Don’t be upset if others accuse you of being close minded. Remember that Jesus himself said that he was the only way to heaven.
• When you speak to those of other religions, express yourself with compassion and courtesy, never with scorn or sarcasm.
• The goal is not to win arguments, but to win souls.
STOP
STOP
32
Quotes:
1. ThomasBrooks,quotedinLiesWomenBelieveAndTheTruthThatSetsThemFree byNancyDeMoss
2. BitsandPieces,July,1991
3. Fromapersonalconversationoftheauthorwiththeprisoner.
4. Authorunknown
5. Authorunknown
6. RichardJ.Mouw,UncommonDecency,p.149-150.
7. C.S.Lewis
8. DavidWilkerson-WhydotherighteousSuffer,Sept.26,1988
9. JohnNewton
10.KlyneSnodgrass,BetweenTwoTruths-LivingwithBiblicalTensions,1990,Zondervan PublishingHouse,p.35.
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Step 4 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. NIV
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” There-fore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. NKJV
Step 5 John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing..” NIV
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing..” NKJV
Step 6 Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them..” NIV
“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” NKJV
Step 1 John 8:44
“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” NIV
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. NKJV
Step 2 John 8:31-32
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” NIV
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” NKJV
Step 3 Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.“ NIV
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. NKJV
Step 7 Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be trans-formed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.” NIV
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God..” NKJV
Step 8 Psalm 37:9
“For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” NIV
“For evildoers shall be cut off;But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.” NKJV
Step 9 Romans 5:1
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” NIV
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” NKJV
Step 10 John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” NIV
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have over-come the world.” NKJV
Step 11 Mark 8:36 “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ” NIV
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” NKJV
Step 12 Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. NIV
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. NKJV
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Certificate
This
certi
ficat
e is p
rese
nted
to
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who
has s
atisf
acto
rily
com
plet
ed al
l the
less
ons o
f thi
s man
ual
New
Life
in C
hrist
Vo
lume 4
Li
ving
free
by
know
ing
the
trut
hBi
blic
al a
nsw
ers t
o co
mm
on li
es
Instr
ucto
rD
ate
“If y
ou h
old to
my t
each
ing,
you
are r
eally
my d
iscip
les.
Then
you
will
know
the t
ruth
, an
d th
e tru
th w
ill se
t you
free
.. ” J
ohn
8:31
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