14.1. Assaults Against the Soul
Perspective
( Matt. 5:21-22 ; Matt. 5:27-28 ) Assaults against the dignity and beauty of the soul come about through any form of abuse which involves either a desire to destroy and or a desire to use. Core kinds of harm involved are murder, anger, adultery, and consuming lust.
Desire for More
( Gen. 1:26 ) We all have a driving desire for more. Initially, God designed us that we may be filled with His Presence – to do as He does: being a blessing, a state of ‘being’ in God and thus, ‘doing’ what God commands. Not following God’s commands and desires (‘doing’ in order to ‘be’) leaves a void, a vacuum. We are inclined to fill the emptiness horizontally through things and people which creates a relationship of co-dependency: either as abuser or perpetrator or as a victim of the aggressor.
Destructive Anger
( James 4:2 ) We desire, we pursue through our schemes and devices in order to get that which satisfies, that is, we ‘do’ in order to ‘be’. We use created things, people or things to fulfill our needs. This opens the way to anger and a desire for vengeance, to bring judgment down on those who have stood in our way to gain satisfaction. Adding to this intensity is that our longings and desires are almost always partially blocked and, thus, disappointment is an ongoing reality, and so is potential anger.
The soil of our fallen being is ripe to inflict emotional and physical abuse which involves the omission of involvement (neglecting or abandoning the other emotionally) or the destructive commission of shaming the other. The elements of emotional abuse (abandonment and shame) and physical abuse (cruelty, inconsistency and rage) are perpetrated to some degree by all those with whom we have a relationship. Anger attempts to destroy those who stand in our way.
Destructive Lust
Harm also comes from those whose lust to avoid emptiness and find satisfaction causes them to use other people as food for their empty souls: a desire to find satisfaction illegally, apart from God and His righteous path. A person who so lusts not only sucks life out of a host in order to dim the intensity of his loneliness, but also relishes mastery and power over someone or something.
Lust is the effort to possess another in order to steal enough passion to be lifted out of our current struggle into a world that feels (for an instant) like the Garden of Eden. If anger is the desire to make someone pay for blocking our return to the garden, then lust is our efforts to push our way back into the garden. Lust, in part, is a desire for union, that is, a desire to be absorbed into another. Nonsexual lust is ‘co-dependency’. Like sexual lust, it is the desire to find a host who will provide a vital energy that appears to be missing in the co-dependent.
The excesses of this need to be fulfilled and satisfied leads to perversion which is a wedding of lust and rage: someone to pay for the pain of emptiness we are forced to experience.
( 2 Cor. 10:1-5 ) We all live in this world of war: being a perpetrator or a victim of anger and rage and consuming lust to fill our emptiness and longing to be satisfied. We are to become warriors, warriors of love, who despise evil, and anything inconsistent with the beauty and love of God. This requires a radical change, a radical conformity to the image of Christ as God initially planned ( Gen. 1:26-27 ).
See also Section 7.12, “True Dying” and Section 5.10, “Perfectionism” .
14.2. Lusts, Desires – Inordinate
Perspective
( Exodus 20:4-5,17 ; Matt. 5:28 ) The ‘flesh’ desires many things. It wants power, pleasure, wealth, status, admiration, and the like. Nothing wrong with liking things. But lust is more than liking. It is the will to possess. Lust turns good things into objects of worship and this is closely linked to idolatry. We are to image God in our thoughts, our emotions, our memories and in our wills – not people or things.
Hope
( Gal. 3:13-14 ; Gal. 5:16-18 ) It is a question of desire: replacing desire with desire, desire to please God rather than to please self. As we choose to honor God in our thoughts daily, the desire of the inordinate flesh will fade away. This battle is a lifetime of spiritual warfare: a continuous engagement in replacing ungodly images with godly ones in order to raise ourselves above ourselves – a purification process of the soul ( Rom. 8:5-13 ).
( Luke 9:23-24 ; Matt. 22:37-39 ; Gen. 2:18 ) Pornography, masturbation, and other misdeeds are substitutes for intimacy. By these acts a person is addicted to self-centeredness, committed to serving themselves, doing whatever they can to avoid dying to self. This is a spiritual problem, not primarily physical. It always involves the spirit of man: either in concert with the will of God, communing with the Holy Spirit; or in rebellion against that will, trying to push the Holy Spirit out of the way.
Change
( Rom. 12:1-2 ; Col. 3:1-5 ) Concentrate on setting your heart and mind on things above: then after you do this, put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature by the entire renewal of your mind, the memory thereof – it all begins here.
( Matt. 5:29 ; Matt. 6:9-10 ) Just because you can’t help lusting does not make it acceptable. Jesus is dedicated to bringing in another kingdom. To be His disciple, you must put lust to death. You must learn to want what He wants for you, and to put away everything else. Accordingly, actively hate by thought, by speech and by action the pleasures of sin, and immediately fill the vacuum with praises and thanksgivings to God for His mercies – the key is immediacy (a delay in this transfer of imaging favors evil). Practice the new thought pattern until it becomes spontaneous.
( Gal. 5:13-14 ; Rom. 6:3-6 ) Having been ‘buried’ with Christ in our baptism, we are ‘made alive’ with Him by the Spirit. See self in the spiritual realm as a member of the household of God, endued with the Spirit of God, now enabled to live by God’s commandments to be a blessing and a servant to others on earth. This is the true you.
( Gal. 2:20 ) As a result of your union with Christ ( Eph. 4:1 ; Eph. 4:20-21 ; Eph. 5:6 ), you are compelled to speak truthfully ( Eph. 4:25 ), to build up ( Eph. 4:29 ), to die to self ( Eph. 5:1 ), and to not be ruled by self, passion or anger ( Eph. 4:31 ) in relationships especially in marriage.
( 1 John 4:7-8 ; 1 John 1:6-9 ) God says if my heart is kept pure by continually meditating on the word in the context of God’s sanctifying work, I will have the power to overcome temptation that leads to indulgence, pornography, masturbation, and similar actions. It is not psychological techniques, not a problem of dealing with our drives but of sanctifying our hearts in communion and intimacy with God and with others – the purification of our intellect, our memories, and our wills.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
1 Tim. 4:7
Devotion:
BSAF on 2 Tim. 2:22 ; Phil. 2:3-4 ; 1 Tim. 4:7 .
Put-Off/Put-On:
Review and briefly answer the following questions:
• Lust Objects: What controls or possesses you – magazines, x-rated films, quest for power, status, wealth, etc. ?
• Relationship Lusts: What are your relationship desires? What do you want out of a relationship? Do you want to be close? distant? Do you want to get involved in the lives of others? or do you want nothing to do with people?
• Life Meaning Lusts: What do you believe makes life work? What’s important? What isn’t? What do you believe you must have in order for your life to work, to function, to be successful?
Key: Reprogram your life so that God’s honor and glory and the welfare of others are to be foremost.
Note: In order to penetrate and understand the workings of the self, keep a journal of times when you are tempted. Review for trigger mechanisms such as stress, disappointments, rejection, bitterness, resentments and similar reactions. Use Section A.9, “Contingency Plan” to counteract. Review worksheets Section 14.13, “Life-Dominating Sins” and Section 9.1, “Cleansing and Purifying the Soul” .
14.3. Feelings/Faith
( Heb. 10:38 ) Christian is to walk by faith (God in the present moment), not by feelings or emotions. We are naturally disposed to live by our feelings and emotions, and to react according to life’s confrontations. When emotional we react according to the emotion; when we feel bad, we react irresponsibly: grumble, complain, murmur. If we feel good, we act happy. Our behavior is determined by how we feel and react to emotional experiences. Living by one’s feelings is contrary to God’s will. “The just shall live by faith”. This is God’s will. Faith is to control our life and to face life’s particular problems according to God’s word and wisdom – not by our feelings.
( Rom. 8:29 ; Heb.4:9-10 ) When memories of the past influence us, the past directs our life, and we become our own god. We are to be in control by keeping our memories pure regardless of what is happening. Only in this spirit of a pure heart and memory do we allow God to work through us in order to conform us to His Son and to overcome life’s adversities.
How does a believer live by faith? What does it mean to live by faith? It means to do four things, and that, consistently.
1. The believer is to commit his life and his problems to God all day long – throughout his waking hours: a life of prayer and meditation. He is to take his experiences and his problems of the day and commit them to God, immediately and once for all. He is to believe that God hears his commitment and gives strength to walk triumphantly throughout the day. He is to know that God does not like a whining, whimpering child begging and begging for strength, wallowing around in self-pity ( James 1:5 ).
2. The believer is to deny self: the feelings, the emotions, and selfishness of his flesh, to put off these reactions. He is to put on and clothe himself with the new and better self resembling God in the righteousness and holiness of the truth ( Eph. 4:22-24 ). (See also Section A.5, “Dying To Self” )
3. The believer is to act as though he has made a commitment to God, to keep on, keeping on regardless. His feelings are immaterial. He is to act responsibly. He is to do what God’s word says to do, to behave as he should: that is, to respond to life daily forgiving all offenses with a heart full of benevolence and compassion ( Matt. 5:43-48 ).
4. While he is doing what he should be doing, he is to ask God for strength and grace. He is to acknowledge God in all his ways throughout the whole day – walking in prayer, asking forgiveness when he slips and falls, and to praise and to thank God for His mercy and grace. God does not direct a believers path. It is when the believer is going about his affairs in a responsible manner that God directs his path. When a believer chooses to follow God’s way rather than to follow his feelings or fleshly instincts, then God enters into the situation and provides the wisdom and strength and grace to perform and complete an appropriate biblical response. ( Gen. 4:7 ) (See also Section A.9, “Contingency Plan” .
The Description of Faith:
The key to any of us being great in the eyes of God is faith: faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith is the substance, the actual possession, of things hoped for (eternal values), the evidence and reality of things not seen. It is both an act and a possession of the thing believed. It is believing and trusting in that which actually exists. We may not be able to see it, but it is real and existing, and we can possess it by believing and having faith in it. We can possess it now-we cannot see it, but we can actually possess the very substance of it by believing and entrusting our lives to it.
To be possessed and influenced by what we see is to live by natural grace – the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil – following the pattern of the 1st Adam which leads to futility.
But what you see is made from what is unseen which is the true reality. Thus, we are to attain to possess Christ from Whom all things proceed. In Him, we possess all things in its true form, that is, we act and live from the Tree of Life (Supernatural Grace) by which we give honor and glory to Our Lord.
Memory Possession
Thus, anything that possesses us and controls us other than the word of God, to that extent it keeps us from being possessed by Life itself – Christ. To the extent we keep our memories pure and current (not possessed or occupied by the past, by things, by people, by circumstances), to that extent we are possessed by God.
The first step to take to insure that we are moving from natural grace to supernatural grace is to turn our will over to God the Father, to allow His will to be our will, which is His word. Regardless of what is happening, declare “Thy will be done!” This declaration will raise us above ourselves and the circumstances that surrounds us ( Matt. 26:42 ).
The second step is to keep our thoughts and images from being polluted and desensitized by the world’s influences (TV, movies, etc.). We are to keep our memory fresh and pure by focusing on eternal values, and, thus, looking at, and seeing life from God’s perspective ( Col. 3:1-3 ).
Faithfulness
Being a committed Christian is a 24 hour affair. Thus, be aware that life is but a training exercise and the battle field is what you allow to occupy your mind: living by the Tree of sight and sense – the lower nature; or the Tree of life – faith, the unseen but the true reality, the higher nature. Faith must be tested because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict ( Rom. 12:1-2 ; James 1:2-4 ; 2 Pet.1:3-10 ).
Approval
Accordingly, the reward of faith is God’s approval, and when God approves us, He accepts us into His eternal Presence. The approval of God means that God fulfills all His promises to us, and the promises of God become a living reality in our experiences. This means that God looks after and cares for us, giving us victory over all the enemies of this world. As we speak, it is God speaking through us establishing His kingdom and His will on earth ( John 5:19 ).
Review Section 11.1, “Mind” and Section 11.2, “Abiding” .
14.4. Bondages
Perspective
( John 8:31-32,36 ) Good news of the Gospel is that the Christian is free to become like the person God wants him to be, to achieve the goals God wants him to achieve, to obtain maximum enjoyment of life in Christ. Many, however, are slaves to bondage of sins, habits and thought patterns that keep the inner man bound. There are 3 major areas of bondage that rob us of our freedom: bondage of inferiority, of insecurity, and of inadequacy.
Hope
( 2 Pet. 2:17-22 ; 2 Tim. 1:7 ; Rom. 8:11-18 ; Isa. 58:12 ; Heb. 10:17-19 ) Oppressive influences are to be dealt with by your position in Christ, and not by blaming others or circumstances. Inferior people try to impress others to cover up their sense of inadequacies. Inferiority can only be overcome by righteousness. We need to build up the waste places of our lives and establish firm foundations of God’s word. Jesus’ blood forgave us and cleanses us once and forever. The blood frees us from all inferiorities.
( James 5:15-18 ; Isa. 32:15-20 ) Exercise of prayer is the exercise of power. Rule your environment on the inside and the outside. Be ruled by peace, quietness, assurance; live in sure dwellings and quiet resting places and know that in all adversities His fruit remains regardless. Believe your beliefs, doubt your doubts.
( 2 Cor. 5:21 ; Rom. 5:12 ; Isa. 53:10 ; Heb. 12:1-3 ) Jesus broke sin’s dominion over us. It is sin that makes us inferior, inadequate and thus full of fear. But we are free, and free to reign in righteousness. We cannot lose for winning. Christ is unlimited and so are we in Him ( 1 John 4:17 ).
Change
( 1 Sam. 11:1-5 ; Jer. 10:2-7 ) We are more than a conqueror because nothing has the power in and of itself to subjugate us, but only one’s perception of it. See yourself living in the shelter of the Most High, under shadow of the Almighty Who delivers you from the lies of the devil – this is the true reality, the whole of one’s personality centered in God.
( 1 Chron. 4:9-10 ) Whatever has you conquered, call on God and come free. Whatever names you were called by your parents, whatever experiences in life made you feel ashamed, guilty and condemned, all the patterns of thought developed over the years which have led to inferior ideas and images, come out from under and be on top in Jesus.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
Col. 2:9-10
Devotion:
BSAF on Ps. 112 .
Put-Off/Put-On:
1. Read chapter one of Ephesians, identify and personalize each “In Him” by inserting your name: In Him, I, (your name) have redemption through His blood”;
2. How were you placed in Christ? ( 1 Cor. 1:30 ; Rom. 6:4-6 )
3. What does Paul say about our inadequacies? ( 2 Cor. 3:5,6 )
4. How do we know the truth that sets us free? ( John 8:31 )
5. Why must we be careful to stand daily in our freedom in Christ? ( Gal. 5:1 )
6. How do we keep standing firm? ( Gal. 5:16 )
Practice these truths until they become a living reality in your spirit! Takes time, in fact, a lifetime – be patient.
14.5. Purpose vs. Need
Perspective
( Rom. 8:28 ; Eph. 1:11 ) Needs will dominate your vision and motivation and become the reason why you pray, believe, work, and serve. Purpose motivation, however, is reaching out to the why am I here and what am I to do for Him: then things work together for good, and God will meet my needs according to His riches in glory.
Hope
( Matt. 6:7-8,33 ) Your needs are driving your prayer life, and most people are motivated by a historical created need; therefore, they move out to their future with yesterday’s created demand. When you are need-dominated, you will always look for something to meet that need: Your hope is in things, not on God from Whom all things come. As you change the focus to accomplish God’s purposes (in Him you own all things), He will fulfill your needs as a by-product.
( Matt. 6:24-26 ) We are either trusting God, or in the supplier of our need which is a creation of our own desires. Whole world is dominated by its need, which causes man to trust in externals. Externals become gods. To recognize this and seek God’s purposes starts the healing and salvation processes. Emotional and intellectual needs are part of need-domination. We put this need on others and expect them to perform to fulfill this demand. Thus, we are to take ‘no thought’ for life, but seek God’s purposes in order to please Him.
( Phil. 4:6 ; 1 Pet. 5:7 ) Take no thought for life, we are to let God be God for God is intimately involved in my well-being. We let God be God by having every thought centered on and directed by His word.
Change
( Ps. 23:1-6 ) Lord’s leadership is a deliverance and is my security. His leadership sets me free from wants. Step into His shoes and see life from His perspective, His purposes, not by my wants. Be connected to His purposes and Eph. 3:19-20 will be a reality. Don’t trust in mammom or people to fulfill your needs. Our greatest troubles allows Christ’s leadership to be manifested and this without stress and strain – no longer need-dominated but purpose-motivated.
( Eph. 1:11 ; Rom. 8:28 ; 1 Kings 17 ) His purpose in anything is the release of provision in everything. We no longer depend on people, things or circumstances to change to meet my needs for the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. No longer looking for things or people I could trust in to meet my need but now I rather recklessly abandon my life to my Shepherd.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
Ps. 25:1-2
Devotion:
Ps. 23
Put-Off/Put-On:
Make up a list of all your needs, desires, and problem areas, then fill out Section A.8, “Freedom From Anxiety” . Read and review this worksheet for input data, allow God to speak to and in your spirit.
14.6. Purpose or Need
Perspective
( Matt. 11:28-29 ) It is easy to be controlled by your needs and the pressures of life, such as health, finances, family problems, education, employment, etc. This never-ending cycle of needs, of external pressures and seeking to resolve them is not what God has planned for us.
These are legitimate concerns but we are to trust God for our needs in order to be free to accomplish His purposes. Until my creature soul activities are at rest, I can not be led by the Lord Himself.
Hope
( Eph. 1:11 ) We are to be motivated by our consciousness of God’s design for my life. Accordingly, our attitude and motivations need to change from need-orientation to God’s purpose for my life.
( Matt. 6:7-8 ; Matt. 6:31-33 ) Seeing needs consistently, we consistently seek relief by asking and asking, just like the heathen, who are in constant need and obsessed by them. But we are not to ‘take thought’, to dwell on needs, but asked God, make plans and necessary efforts, do our part, and leave the rest to God.
( Phil. 4:6 ; 1 Pet. 5:7 ) Needs can rule your mind, emotions and your will. Remember, your concerns are God’s concerns. God did not design us to be full of worry and anxiety. He designed us to trust in Him for all things. He is the source of our life.
( Luke 10:38-42 ) Worry is an expression of your need and can control your whole life. Martha, a born-worrier, because she looked always at her needs first over purpose. Pattern of being need oriented develops from our life experiences: patterns of fear, of want, of conflicts, of debts, of a way of life. These patterns control our lives. We are to practice and to realize God is the answer to our needs and He always provides and exceeds our needs.
Change
( Phil. 4:19 ; Eph. 3:20 ) See and perceive that God meets our needs. His ability far exceeds any demands I make: for He gives all things in abundance. It is not according to my ability, my efforts at prayer, or any sacrifices on my part but according to His riches in glory. Look beyond your needs and see God’s abundance.
( Matt. 6:9-11 ) God answers according to His will, not ours. Purposes of God are primary. Answers to our needs follow to enable us to work out God’s purposes.
( Eph. 1:3-4 ; Eph. 1:9-11 ) God’s purposes originated before anything was created. God created all things on earth to meet man’s needs. All that man needed was waiting for him when God created man. All is already provided for man: no sweat involved here.
( Eph. 2:8-10 ) We are not made complete. God works through us daily as we go along the paths and road of life. Our needs are not met in order for me to complete myself: but God provides and gives what I need in order for me to accomplish His purposes.
( Isa. 46:10 ) God is the author of me. He has already decided my life’s purposes. My job is to find out the why, what, and how to follow God’s leadings and instructions. Otherwise, I will pressure God to fulfill my needs.
( Rom. 8:28 ) God works all things through me as I work along with Him. His provisions follow His purposes. But as soon as I strive by my efforts, as I take ahold, anxiety begins, and my needs prevail.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
Eph. 1:11
Devotion:
BSAF on Ps. 24:1-5 .
Put-Off/Put-On:
Considering the principles discussed as listed on this sheet, complete Section A.8, “Freedom From Anxiety” .
14.7. Eating Disorders
Perspective
Labels tend to type anorexia and bulimic conditions as ‘disease’. This provides and gives one an excuse for sin; therefore, God needs to heal them of this disease: it is God’s fault. We turn away from the truth to a deception, a problem of wrong thinking and doing as defined by the Bible.
Common Characteristics of Eating Disorders
Habits and the desire for instant gratification (to be as the world says you are to be):
• Compulsion to binge and purge can be defined as greed and self-promoting satisfaction.
• Looking for triggers of this action reveals lust of both mind and body. ( 1 Cor. 10:13 ; Nu. 11:4, 6, 13-24, 31-34 ; Ps. 78:17 )
• The issue is clearly trusting in God and not circumstances.
• Compulsions can also be related to excessive worry, anxiety, etc.. ( Matt. 6:25-32 ; Col. 3:5 ).
Ungodly desire for a ‘surface’ perfection and pride; “The Pharisee within”.
• Matt. 23 says a lot about living for one’s outward image.
• Apt to cover up and hide binges and purges. The healing requires confessing to God and others;
• And maintaining a journal depicting eating habits – when, where, how much, etc..
Desire to save herself for her sins:
• Purging can be an act of penance or self-flagellation.
• This penance is sinful as it exposes the heart which trusts in its own efforts instead of in Christ and His provisions ( Phil. 3:7-9 ; Gal. 2:16 ).
• Becomes one who serves the law rather than grace.
Laziness and desire for instant solutions:
• Putting off and putting on takes effort and time ( Prov. 13:9 ; Prov. 21:25-26 ).
• The lazy way (purge) leads only to more cravings (binge) and ultimate death.
• slothfulness and laziness are shortcuts and may be pervasive in other areas that need investigation.
How to Help
1. Be sure of their salvation.
2. Set the agenda. Anything that is less than pleasing God is unacceptable.
3. Plan to deal with resistance to the truth ( Prov. 26:16 ).
4. Establish accountability – give and check homework. Maintain a journal and review same, and have person accountable to someone in their family.
5. Teach them how to handle temptations to binge (use Section A.9, “Contingency Plan” ).
6. Cry out to God for help and identify motives that tempt her.
7. Draw near to God for both mercy and grace to help in time of need ( Heb. 4:16 ).
8. Avoid places that trigger binges.
9. When tempted, keep on the move, change locations, leave house if necessary.
10. Remember that the escape of purging is no longer opened to her. At that point she is to call upon her Saviour for the true way of escape ( 1 Cor. 10:13 ).
11. Call a friend for prayer.
12. If she has already started to binge, cry out for His help.
13. Read Isa. 53:3-7 . Become aware of particular ‘triggers’: e.g., moods, time of month, difficult situations, etc.. Anticipate and be ready for them.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
2 Cor. 5:15
Devotion:
BSAF on 2 Cor. 5:1-10 .
Put-Off/Put-On:
Prepare Section A.9, “Contingency Plan” , guided by paragraph above, How to Help . Work out Section A.4, “Victory Over Sin Worksheet” for entrenched patterns. A day at a time will do it!. Review Section 13.1, “Self Hatred” and Section 13.2, “Self-Acceptance” .
14.8. Covenant Foundations
Perspective
( Heb. 13:20-21 ; Phil. 2:12-13 ) No human effort here whatsoever, it is the power of the Blood of Jesus. This is the grace of God, God does it all after all. It is not what I do right or my motives, it is Jesus working through me accomplishing His goals and objectives. My life is not based on what I do or not do, it is based on what Jesus did for me. What He works in me, it is my responsibility to work it out.
Hope
( Lev. 17:11,14 ; Heb. 9:22 ; Heb. 9:12 ; Heb. 10:1-10 ) Blood is the seal of the covenant. The life is in the blood. The blood remits sin, blood is the only way to God. Through the blood we are ripped out of the confines of humanity and catapulted into the nature of Christ-a one time action, a finality! This revelation comes in degrees, the realization that the covenant is for us to live and to act as God’s representative here on earth.
( Rev. 12:10-11 ; Eph. 6:11-16 ; Heb. 10:19-23 ; John 14:6 ) The Blood speaks over the life of the believer, and all the promises of God are our inheritance. The Blood speaks to Satan because the blood remitted all sins of humanity. Jesus sacrificed Himself to make us free. The armor is the very nature of God Himself. It is God praying and willing through me. He is the source. I don’t have to win a war, it is God’s battle. Jesus defeated Satan on the cross.
( John 14:6 ; Heb. 9:12 ; Heb. 10:19-23 ) By the Blood of Jesus, we enter into the pure holiness of God’s Kingdom: not anything I do but by Jesus I have instant access and the confidence to enter. Because I have fellowship with God, I can proclaim and declare God’s word.
Change
( Luke 16:9-13 ; 2 Cor. 4:5-7 ) God trusts me because of covenant. He puts into my hands His words and promises. I have a bond and trust with the Lord and He trusts me to carry out His commands. I am in trade with God. My job is to provide revelation knowledge of God and make others wealthy in covenant understanding.
( 1 John 1:3,7 ) We have fellowship, joint participation and experience with God Himself. We are not inferior to anyone because the Blood of Jesus perpetually washes my relationship. I have no choice but to love. Nothing on earth can break my relationship with God for it is sealed with His blood and promises.
( John 6:53-58 ; 1 Cor. 11:23-26 ; Heb. 7:25 ) Blood flows continuously and perpetually. The Blood brings to mind all covenant actions and promises. Realize the past is remitted completely, the stains of sin removed forever. Thus, dwell always on God’s promises. God bestowed life into my life, give this life to others to complete the process. All shame, guilt, defeat and inferiority are gone. I am strong in the power of His might by the Blood of Jesus. No longer co-dependent but completely dependent upon God. I am invincible and awesome in God.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
Heb. 10:22
Devotion:
BSAF on Heb. 9 .
Put-Off/Put-On:
Study this sheet, dwell on the blood of Jesus and visualize all sense of shame, guilt, low esteem, sense of inadequacy and inferiority washed away. Realize you are made in the image of Christ. All sins are remitted, the Blood speaks to Satan, he has nothing on you. Jesus’ sacrifice made us free. Thus, on the basis of Rev. 12:10-11 , write out in 50 words or so what the blood of Jesus means to you and how you should respond to life henceforth.
14.9. God’s Motivational Plan
Perspective
( Luke 9:62 ) Not looking back to your own needs but commit self to fulfill God’s purposes, break free from looking back. Can’t serve God and mammon, has to be one over the other, no compromise.
Hope
( Eph. 1:8-9 ; Isa. 46:10-11 ) World uses external force to move me to its objective. God within operates inside of me to move me toward God’s purposes. God reveals His will in me, not ‘to’ me. God does what pleases Him and as I follow Him, He leads, guides me to please God. We do all to please God, not our needs or pleasures enter into the equation. God saved us for His purposes and His pleasures. God’s purpose is tied to His pleasure.
( Phil. 2:12-13 ) God does all for His pleasure, not mine. It is His will and purpose. My job is to obey and follow through not to reason why but to act out what God works in. I am not even saved for my benefit but for His. God works inside of me regardless of external pressures and forces. He takes me out of doubt and moves me to act out His will to please Him. My job is to cooperate with God, make myself willing to be made willing for God to work in me. Not for me to do something but for God to do something and that for His pleasure.
Change
( 1 Thess. 2:13 ; Eph. 3:20-21 ) Our job is to work out what God works in. My brain is useless to God. Purposes of God are not for me to figure out, to add to, but only for me to understand by revelation, to hear what God is saying. God answers not to my mind or head, but through me to my spirit. We are impelled within by God’s unlimited power to accomplish His purposes.
( Col. 1:25-29 ; 1 John 2:20 ) I must work with Him working in me. Trying to get God to reveal Himself through my brain power will not work. God reveals Himself to me through and in my spirit. He does this not to fulfill my desires and needs or desires of others but to fulfill His program. Christ, the Anointed One, lives within me and works in me mightily to counteract self-desires and needs.
( 2 Cor. 4:18 ; Matt. 7:21-27 ) We can live a lifetime of activity, controlled by my own needs and desires and not live according to God’s will, purposes and designs.
( Eph. 2:10 ) I am God’s ambassador with a purpose and God backs me up. My job is to allow Jesus to fulfill Himself in me, to manifest Him and His purpose, to accomplish His agenda. Endeavor no longer to accomplish human endeavors which becomes only ashes, but to obey from the heart that God’s will only will suffice. Not to look for a good thing to do but to look for revelation from God, not to seek my pleasures, but His pleasures. We are not here for ourselves but for Him.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
Eph. 2:10
Devotion:
BSAF on Col. 1:25-29 .
Put-Off/Put-On:
Review the principles listed on this sheet, then complete the 3 columns of Section A.2, “Think And Do List” .
14.10. Out of Control
Perspective
( Eph. 1:17-23 ; Rom. 6:22 ) Jesus is head over all principalities and powers, and so are we in Him. We were formerly subject to death by process of impurity, lawlessness and absolute corruption. Now we are no longer in union with Satan, we are now in union with the Spirit of God.
Hope
( Rom. 6:1-7 ) When you are willingly or unknowingly under control of something other than God’s Spirit, you are in bondage to sin. However, God has broken the power of sin through the Lord Jesus Christ. You can overcome sin’s power by depending on His strength and being obedient to His word.
( 2 Pet. l:3-4 ) We live in a new dimension of truth, of principle, of thought, of action by our partaking of the divine nature: by this we escape the corruption of the world of lust. With this new mindset, I need to develop this new attitude through practice, that is, to add virtue to faith, to this add knowledge, to this self-control, follow this with perseverance, godliness, and brotherly kindness. With practice and commitment, you will not fail in life.
( Eph. 1:17-19 ) God’s strength is united with mine, and He will never leave or forsake me, His strength is always there, all I need to do is to act in faith, choose God’s way, and victory is mine.
Change
( 2 Cor. 10:3-5 ) To change a thought pattern is to invite a challenge. Regardless of any thought whether good or bad, check it out with God first. Turn it over to Him and receive from Him the right thought and subsequent action to follow. Respond with God’s answer, not react by your feelings which are death.
( Rom. 6:11 ; Phil. 2:5 ) I live in a new dimension of thought, the supernatural. From this level I speak being dead to the sin. As I practice this on a regular basis – the life of Christ – His thoughts and action begin to take over until I live regularly in the spirit, no longer controlled by the flesh in that area of temptation. As a spouse and a parent, I realize whatever I think can and will affect my children – good or bad.
( Prov. 25:28 ; Eph. 4:26-27 ) You are to control your spirit, slow to anger, put-off wrath, abusive speech, strife, and put-on patience, humility, bearing with one another: being self-controlled.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
He: 2 Cor. 10:3-5 ; She: Eph. 4:29 .
Devotion:
BSAF 1 Pet. 2:9-12 .
Put-Off/Put-On:
From failure list begin working out a plan of action to overcome via Section A.4, “Victory Over Sin Worksheet” and/or Section A.2, “Think And Do List” .
14.11. Sexually Abused
Symptoms
• Authority principle ruptured, distrust and fear of all authorities.
( Ps. 130:7 ; Isa. 51:3 ) Because authority figure cannot now be accepted as a sanctuary or hope for reliable direction, there are no eternal truths to rest in. Thus, abused person is left with nothing but the ‘idol of feelings’. Her mind works frantically to justify those feelings ( Deut. 29:17-19 ).
• Root: Fear and inability to trust any authority figure.
• Confusion of Identity: Abused by father-role reversal-replaced mother’s functions: female, daughter, wife or mother; thus, tattered and torn. Sense of glory, dignity and worth destroyed instead of celebrating her femaleship.
Remedy
( Heb. 7:25 ; Matt. 18:4 ) God forever cleanses us even the past we can’t remember. Seek hidden memories of being abused and any statement and vows made to defend and protect self ( 1 Cor. 12:8 ; 1 Cor. 4:5 ).
( John 20:23 ) Wash away the filth of the past, and expose the memories of the spirit of the person to light ( Phil. 3:13-14 ; Luke 11:46 ; Luke 6:45 ; Eph. 5:13 ).
( Rom. 6:10-14 ) Allow the Lord to expose our hearts, to the light of His grace, compassion and forgiveness, and apply the cross to our practical responses and reckon them as dead ( Isa. 51:3 ; Prov. 20:5 ; 1 Cor. 13:11-12 ; Eph. 1:18 ; 1 Cor. 4:15-16 ; Eph. 5:8 ; Isa. 61:1-3 ).
Calling to Life
( Luke 4:18 ; John 11:44 ) We, ourselves, are called by God and commanded to ‘unbind them, and let them go!. Don’t resort to gimmicks, techniques, or methods, abide in the Presence of the Lord, grow daily in skills of listening and the gifts of discernment.
Suggested formulas , use only as a guide:
• Intercessory prayer is the most powerful tool ( Isa. 30:18 ; Eph. 1:18-19 ; Eph. 3:16 ; Ezek. 36:26 ).
• Prepare the heart of the wounded ( Ps. 139:8-10 ; Prov. 1:29-33 ; Ps. 112:7 ; Phil. 1:6 ).
• Prayers of intercession are not to be manipulative, but only to help others to restore their will to be free from captivity and to equip her to make her own choices.
• ( Heb. 12:14-15 ) Regardless of horrors, we must eventually, by our will, forgive the offender so that we can regain the freedom in Christ.
• ( Luke 6:45 ) Since we see and hear and speak from that which fills our hearts, unforgiveness, hatred, lodged in the treasures of our heart perverts all perceptions and adversely affects our relationships.
(See also Chapter 15, Bold Love Series .)
14.12. Sexual Abuse 2
Perspective
( Eccl. 3:11 ; Heb. 2:18 ; Heb. 10:11-23 ) Use washing of the word, rather than the blood in dealing with sexually abused.
( 1 Cor. 6:16-20 ) Husband and wife become one flesh? An unholy union with child, the spirits reach out to latch on. Intercessory prayer required to break this unholy union. Child needs to feel especially chosen and loved. A deposit of confusion exist in her spirit, an unwanted identification of her spirit with the one who molested her. Woman abused need the critical factor of faithfulness, integrity, and purity of motives in relationships especially with counselor – this must be displayed and conveyed.
( 1 Thess. 2:7-11 ; 2 Cor. 1:3-5 ) One must be there with the wounded with tenderness and respect. Don’t challenge their excesses in emotions, of their behavior, be calm, not judgmental. Understanding and unconditional acceptance is itself comforting. Use comforting Scriptures, such as Isa. 40:11 ; Ps. 23:2-3 .
( Matt. 18:18 ) Vows or self-curses made in the past can be broken by the power of Christ: “I am no good”, “never be intimate with any man”, etc..
( 1 Pet. 2:24 ; Rom. 6:6-7 ; Rom. 6:11-14 ; Rom. 8:11-13 ) Break old habit patterns, self-opinions. Begin to walk in the ‘new you’ – not go back to old thoughts and habits.
( John 19:30 ) When Jesus died He accomplished the finished work, and so are we in Him, but we must walk it out daily. Renounce old habit structures, flight patterns, sinful self protection: to trust the Lord to be her defense.
( Gal. 5:24 ; Gal. 2:20 ; 1 Cor. 15:31 ) When tempted to freeze-up, say, “NO! This died on the cross with Jesus. I will be open to my husband, thank you, Lord, for your enabling power and grace.” The healing itself is done by the Lord as He is invited in by prayer to do His good works.
( Eph. 3:14-19 ) This is our intercessory prayer for those still suffering.
( Col. 2:5-7 ; Isa. 51:3 ; Isa. 61:1-3 ) Working with the Lord, healing process depends upon quality of ministry and response of the wounded.
Starting With The New Birth
( Heb. 10:14 ) Positionally made perfect, made alive, sitting in heaven.
( Eph. 2:4-6 ; Phil. 2:12-13 ) Work it out in experience and grow in Him.
( Col. 3:9 ) Put-off old and put on new, my inheritance made possible by the finished work of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
( Gal. 2:20 ; Gal. 5:24 ) go hand in hand.
Armor
( Eph. 6:13-18 ) Either we have God’s armor of righteousness or we have fleshly one, no neutral area. Putting on God’s armor by His words and His actions leaves no room or house for demons to dwell in, they must leave.
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Put-Off/Put-On:
Review and apply the approaches in Section 14.13, “Life-Dominating Sins” ; Section 13.1, “Self Hatred” ; Section 13.2, “Self-Acceptance” .
14.13. Life-Dominating Sins
Drunkedness, Drug Addiction, Homosexuality
People with these problems need total restructuring. Drunkenness, drug addiction, and homosexuality are life-dominating sins, that is, they usually affect every area of life.
1. These problems are sin: 1 Cor. 6:9 ; Gal. 5:19-21 .
2. These problems are life-dominating sins: Eph. 5:18 ; 1 Cor. 6:12 ; Deut. 21:21 ; Prov. 20:1 ; Prov. 7:6-23 ; Prov. 23:29-35 ; Isa. 5:11,13,22 ; Joel 3:3 ; Joel 1:5 ; Amos 6:6 ; Hosea 4:11 .
Accordingly, these sins affect the person’s
• Eating habits,
• Home relationships,
• Sleep,
• Job,
• Friends (social life),
• Church attendance and service,
• Emotions (self-pity, anger),
• Finances,
• Health,
• Character and practices (deceitfulness),
• Marriage and family life.
Insecure And Unhappy
These people are insecure, unhappy – people who are looking for satisfaction. They often do not know how to cope with life and are riddled with guilt. They turn to the bottle or drugs for quick satisfaction. For example, when Joe performs poorly at work, he feels bad, so he turns to the bottle for satisfaction. Then he performs worse and feels worse. So he drinks again, and in time, his health suffers and his relationship with his wife becomes strained. This causes him to feel worse, and he turns again to the bottle for relief.
Hope
( 1 John 1:7 ; 1 Cor. 6:9-10 ; Rom. 6:14 ; Eph. 5:18 ) Since the problems are sin (not disease), there is hope.
Change
God’s solution to life-dominating sin is the filling of the Holy Spirit ( Eph. 5:18 ).
To be filled with the Spirit means to submit to the Spirit’s directions in every area of life. It means to be filled with right things. It means to put-off the old man and to put-on Jesus Christ. It means restructuring your life according to God’s word. It means submitting to God’s directives concerning work. It means handling your problems God’s way. It means handling money in a God-appointed way. It means learning to relate to people according to the Scriptures.
To be filled with the Spirit involves replacing the unbiblical behavior and attitude with Biblical behavior and attitudes ( Eph. 4:17-22 ). It involves reorganizing and reorienting your responses into a new pattern ( Rom. 6:19 ).
It may involve probing into every area of your life to discover concrete ways you are failing God and others. Honesty and thoroughness are essential.
Then, having discovered the ways you are operating unbiblically, you must repent and adopt Biblical patterns. You probably will need to replace certain friendships. You must avoid all close contact and associations with companions with whom you have indulged in this practice ( 1 Cor. 15:33 ; Prov. 13:20 ).
You will also have to stay away from those places frequented by people engaged in the same practice. Conversely, you will need to deepen or develop friendships with Christians who are strong in the Lord ( 2 Tim. 2:22 ; Heb. 10:24-25 ). Your whole life may need to be restructured; how you do your work; where and how you spend your time; how you relate to people; how you spend your money, etc.
You will need to institute a meaningful program of Bible reading, prayer, Scripture memorization, and church attendance and fellowship. You may also need assistance in setting Biblical goals for living and for attaining them. You should establish a regular schedule, making sure you have time for all your God-given responsibilities.
You may also need to keep a daily journal of times when you are tempted; what you do when you are tempted; where you are; with whom you are; what you are thinking about. This journal may be of immense value in overcoming your problem.
You must devise a specific plan to use whenever you are tempted and put that plan into practice immediately and regularly when the temptations comes ( Rom. 12:17 ). You must exercise (discipline) yourself for the purpose of godliness ( 1 Tim. 4:7 ).
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
Memory Verse(s):
Eph. 4:22-24
Put-Off/Put-On:
To assist in developing and restructuring the mindset (attitudes) and in order to attain and maintain godly habits and patterns of thought, speech and actions that are pleasing to God, use and apply any or all of the forms and worksheets listed in the Appendix. Use the Section A.12, “Anchor Posts” and Section A.9, “Contingency Plan” as standard guides and directions for life.
Reference: See [17][Mack3], [22][Sanford2] for further reading.
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