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TOGETHER WE
CAN CHANGE THEWORLD
T R I S T O N B I B E R
F L O W E R B A Y R O A T A N
2 4 4 5 4 0 6 3
8 9 7 5 1 5 9 7
Triston
THIS BOOK IS ALL ABOUT TEAM WORK AND
BRINGING PEOPLE CLOSER TO GOD
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TRISTON REMAN
THE BEST OF THE WEST
TOGETHER WE CAN
CHANGE THE WORLD
IN CHRIST
BY: TRISTON REMAN
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Information about this Book
Overview
This book publication is provided as a service of making god word our own
is part of a larger collection. Please visit Tbklove.missionplace.com for
complete list of available publications
About the Author
Triston Reman is considered to bring people closer to god
Because there are a lot that don’t believe in him
This is m first book and its is for ou to en!o
"urther #inks
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for our interest and feedback and wish ou 3od’s blessing as ou read.
(O%T&%T$
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A 2ord to the Reader . . . . . . . . . . .
(hapter /0. 4ow helping other can reduce stress and increase happiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
(hapter /. 4ow 3od 2orks in Our #ives. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(hapter /5. 4ow to (hange 6ourself7 . . . . . . 88.
(hapter /9. 4ow can we be sure :esus has forgiveness; 888.
(hapter /<. 3od help with our trouble888888
(hapter /=. $elf control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(hapter />. 2hat the bible sa about mone. . . . . . . .
(hapter /?. Pride versus humilit. . . . . . . . .
(hapter /@.Relationships. . . . . . . .
(hapter 0/.24AT T4& BIB#& $A6 ABO)T #O&. . . . . . . . .
(hapter 00.3ossip . . . .
(hapter I . 2hat the bible sa about fait.. . . . . . . . . .
(hapter I5.'odern da idolatr. . . . . . . . .
(hapter I9.$et our minds on things above* not on earthl things. . . . . . . . . . . .
(hapter 0<. Temptation. . . . . . . . . . . .
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(hapter 0=. Team work . . . . . . . . .
(hapter 0>. #oneliness. . . . . . . . .
(hapter 0?. #)(C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(hapter 0@. 3uilt. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(hapter /. 4onest . . . . . . . .
(hapter 0. Blasphem . . . . . . . . .
(hapter . Re!ection. . . . . . . . .
(hapter 5. second coming of the lord888..
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(4APT&R 0
4ow 4elping Others (an Reduce $tress and Increase 4appiness
4elping others brings good feelings to the giver and the receiver of the good deeds. )sing
our special gifts to help others can be a gift to ourself as ou en!o a self esteem boost for
making others’ lives better* and make the world a better place. 6ou feel more worth of
good deeds ourself* our trust in the decenc of people is reinforced* and ou feel more
connected to ourself and to others. In fact* research shows that those who demonstrate
more altruistic social interest tend to en!o higher levels of mental health* above and
beond the practical benefits of receiving help and other known pschospiritual* stress* and
demographic factors that ou would e+pect.
(reating a balanced lifestle that includes service to others can help ou feel less stress as
well* as ou feel more connected to our spirit* more grateful for what ou have* and less
invested in the Drat race’ that causes stress for so man of us. "ocusing on the positive in
life* and creating more positive things in the world* can help ou to maintain greater
feelings of happiness and fulfillment as well.
The following articles can give ou ideas and resources for how to create a life that includes
more helping others.
"inding 'eaning Through 4elping Others7 Eo ou have a nagging feeling that somethingFs
missing; 'an people find volunteering time* mone or castoffs as a wa to give life
meaning. #earn more about how getting involved in a cause ou believe in can help reduce
stress* increase happiness* and bring more meaning to our life. These tips make it eas for
people of various lifestles.
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"ollow 6our Passion7 This resource from Oprah helps ou to look within ourself and see
what ouFd like to be doing to help others* and then do itG
%etwork "or 3ood7 This site can help ou keep track of our charitable donations for ta+
purposes. Better still* it can help ou find volunteer opportunities in our area that fit our
criteria* whether ouFre looking to help a lonel senior* pla with a homeless pupp* or getinvolved with a different cause.
2hen ou help other who need help ou receive blessing from de lord* is god to help one
And each other* team work is al its take to get the !ob done. 4ere are some of the some of
the verse that talk about team work7 &cclesiastes 97@0 &$ H </? helpful votes
Two are better than one* because the have a good reward for their toil. "or if the fall* one
will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift
him upG Again* if two lie together* the keep warm* but how can one keep warm alone; And
though a man might prevail against one who is alone* two will withstand hima threefold
cord is not Juickl broken.
0 (orinthians 07/< &$ H
As it is* there are man parts* et one bod. The ee cannot sa to the hand* KI have no
need of ou*L nor again the head to the feet* KI have no need of ou.L On the contrar* the
parts of the bod that seem to be weaker are indispensable* and on those parts of the bod
that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor* and our unpresentable parts are
treated with greater modest* which our more presentable parts do not reJuire. But 3odhas so composed the bod* giving greater honor to the part that lacked it* ...
Philippians 705/ &$ H
$o if there is an encouragement in (hrist* an comfort from love* an participation in the
$pirit* an affection and smpath* complete m !o b being of the same mind* having the
same love* being in full accord and of one mind. Eo nothing from rivalr or conceit* but in
humilit count others more significant than ourselves. #et each of ou look not onl to his
own interests* but also to the interests of others. 4ave this mind among ourselves* which is
ours in (hrist :esus* ...
:ohn 0>7/5 &$ H
KI do not ask for these onl* but also for those who will believe in me through their word*
that the ma all be one* !ust as ou* "ather* are in me* and I in ou* that the also ma be
in us* so that the world ma believe that ou have sent me. The glor that ou have given
me I have given to them* that the ma be one even as we are one* I in them and ou in me*
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that the ma become perfectl one* so that the world ma know that ou sent me and
loved them even as ou loved me.
0 Peter 70< &$ 7$o put awa all malice and all deceit and
hpocris and env and all slander. #ike newborn infants* long for the pure spiritual milk*
that b it ou ma grow up into salvation if indeed ou have tasted that the #ord is good.As ou come to him* a living stone re!ected b men but in the sight of 3od chosen and
precious* ou ourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house* to be a
hol priesthood* to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to 3od through :esus (hrist. ...
0 (orinthians 07090= &$ H
"or the bod does not consist of one member but of man. If the foot should sa* KBecause I
am not a hand* I do not belong to the bod*L that would not make it an less a part of the
bod. And if the ear should sa* KBecause I am not an ee* I do not belong to the bod*L that
would not make it an less a part of the bod.
It’s often been said that it’s better to give than to receive* but did ou know that this clichM
is actuall backed b research; 2hile man of us feel too stressed and bus to worr about
helping others with their burdens* or would like to think about doing good deeds when we
have more Dspare’ time* energ and mone* altruism is its own reward* and can actuall
help ou relieve stress. Altruistic acts can improve our Jualit of life in several was* and
are absolutel worth the effort. 4ere are some was that helping others helps ou.
Ceeping Things In Perspective
'an people don’t reali,e the strong impact that their comparisons have on their outlook.
4owever* our e+pectations of life and the people ou compare ourself to can make a real
difference in our level of life satisfaction. "or e+ample* our home ma seem shabb to
ou if ou’re comparing it to the living rooms ou see in the pages of decorating maga,ines*
or it ma seem palatial and opulent compared to the structures inhabited b people in
impoverished countries. 4elping others in need* especiall those who are less fortunate
than ou* can provide ou with a sense of perspective on how fortunate ou are to have
what ou do in life be it health* mone* or a safe place to sleep* and help ou focus less on
the things ou feel ou lack. 4elping others with their problems can also help ou gain amore positive perspective on the things in life that cause ou stress.
These are was ou help lead a person in (hrist
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$tep one7 3odFs purpose* peace* and love. 3od wants ou to e+perience peace and life
abundantl and eternall NRomans <70* :ohn 570=* 0/70/.
$tep Two7 Our problem7 $eparation. 3od created us in 4is own image to have abundant
life. 4e did not make us robots to automaticall love and obe 4im but gave us the gift of
free choice. 4ence* we chose to disobe 3od on our own will* which resulted in ourseparation NRomans 575* =75. Our attempts through the ages have failed to bridge the
gap NIsaiah <@7* Proverbs 0970.
$tep Three7 3odFs remed7 The cross. :esus (hrist is the onl answer to this problem. 4e
died on the cross* rose from the grave* and paid our penalt NI Timoth 7<* I Peter 570?*
Romans <7?.
$tep "our7 Our Response. To receive (hrist* we must trust in 4im b personal invitation
NRevelation 57/* :ohn 070* Romans 0/7@. Then pra with the individual and make sure
the receive discipling. And focus on the basics* which include praer* scripture* devotionallife* accountabilit* and discipleship.
Priorities7 2e should see a church that is growing in :esus (hrist in three priorities7
"irst* worship* praise and stud NPhilippians 570/.
$econd* growing in a relationship with other believers and discipleship N'atthew <75*
Proverbs 0>70>.
Third* reaching our friends* neighbors* and the world N'atthew ?* 3enesis 0705.
The Romans Road
The Romans Road is a group of Bible verses from the book of Romans that are used to help
people to better understand $alvation* and to lead people to (hrist. NRomans 575* <7?*
=75* 0/7@0/* 0/705
The "irst thing ou have to reali,e is that 6O) AR& a sinner. Romans 575 states* Q"or
all have sinned and fallen short of the glor of 3od.Q
2e are A## sinners. But* 3od loves us and 4e sent 4is son* :esus (hrist* to die on the
cross for our sins.
%e+t reali,e that 3od #oves 6O). Romans <7? sas* QBut 3od demonstrates his own love
for us in this7 2hile we were et sinners* (hrist died for us.Q There is no greater love than
that someone would la down their life for a friend. ThatFs what (hrist did for us.
2ithout 4im* ouFre literall doomed. Romans =75* Q"or the wages of sin is death* but
the gift of 3od is eternal life through :esus (hrist.Q
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6es* the wages of sin is death* but 3od has given us the privilege of &ternal life in (hrist.
ItFs a gift* ou donFt have to work for it* !ust A$CG 2hat a giftGGG
(onfess our sins.... Romans 0/7@0/* QThat if ou confess with our mouth* F:esus is
#ordF* and believe in our heart that 3od raised him from the dead* ou will be saved. "or
it is with our heart that ou believe and are !ustified* and it is with our mouth that ouconfess and are savedQ Romans 0/705* Q"or &verone who calls on the name of the #ord*
will be saved.Q
ThatFs all ou have to doG N(all on the name of :esus and ask him into our heart* and ou
will be saved from the eternal pits of 4ellG
T4& PRA6&R.... If ou honestl* in our heart* believe everthing that was said here* pra
this praer7
Eear :esus* I C%O2 I am a sinner. I know that ou were sent b 3od to die on the cross* to
save me from m sins. I ask ou now to forgive me of the sins I have committed* and come
into m heart. Thank ou for ding on the cross for me. "rom this da forward* I will
follow our will and serve ou. A'&%.
If ou praed that Praer* and believe* welcome to the kingdom of 3odG 2e wish ou
would share this with a friend or famil member* and we would love to hear from ou.
2hat %e+t;
4elp and 'ake sure that person will7
"ind a (hurch. %ow ou will need to find a church* so ou can !oin the famil of 3od.
The will be there to lead ou down the path of (hristian living. The are not onl spiritual
guides* but also can be ver close friends. The will alwas be there when ou need them.
3et a Bible. A Bible is one of the most important tools for a (hristian. I would recommend
an %#T N%ew #iving Translation or the %I N%ew International ersion. A stud Bible is
the best. If ou would rather read a more literal translation of the Bible* ou should get a
%A$B N%ew American $tandard or C: NCing :ames ersion.
Pra dail. Praing is another important factor. Pick a time that everdaS ou have Juiet
time to pra everda. $uch as before ou go to bed* or when ou get up in the morning.
$ee our QArticle Erawing %ear to the 4eart of 3odQ and others on our Eiscipleship
(hannel for more information and helpsG
2hatever approach ou use* never argue or condemn the other personFs beliefs. "ocus on
3odFs love for the person* :esusF death on the cross for our sins* 4is resurrection* and the
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personFs need to make a commitment to follow (hrist. Invite the person to actuall pra
with ou and commit his or her life to (hrist.
(4APT&R
4ow 3od 2orks in Our #ives
The Bible tells us that we can have a relationship with 3od. 4ow would a relationship with
3od impact us; $ome relationships are like nuclear e+plosions. There is blinding heat and
light and then a whole lot of damage. $ome relationships are like roller coasters ; up and
down. $ome relationships never seem to change. 2hat is a relationship with 3od like; 4ow
does 3od work in our lives;
According to :esus* over time* 3ods influence on our lives grows beond our e+pectations
until it becomes allconsuming. Relationship with 3od takes place over time. 3od builds a
relationship with us continuall and faithfull* but not e+plosivel. 4e does not bpass our
wills* 4e changes them slowl over time. But the result is beond our e+pectations.
)ltimatel* we become like 4im and 4e becomes the ver center of our lives.
The Bible promises that anone is able to know 3odFs will* be forgiven of sin* resist
temptation* endure hardship* serve obedientl* and receive eternal life. 3od provides the
power we need through :esusF blood* the $criptures* praer* hope* love* and other
(hristians. %o one needs to be lost. Anone can overcome their past* achieve victor over
sin* and become what 3od reJuires himHher to be.
:oshua 07>*? 'ost people want to succeed in some area7 business* famil relations* music*
athletics* politics* education* etc. 3od promised :oshua he could succeed in the most
important activit in life7 serving 3od.
People toda also need reassurance that we can succeed in being right with 3od.
People who are not (hristians are sometimes overwhelmed b the sacrifices (hristians
must make* the work to do* habits to change. The become so discouraged the do not eventr.
(hristians ma also become discouraged as the tr to live for 3od and find the have
failed in some area. $ome give up entirel. Others pretend to serve 3od while living in sin
and e+cusing themselves b saing the simpl cannot accomplish what the Bible sas.
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The purpose of this stud is to show that 3od has provided all the blessings we need to
serve 4im successfull and receive eternal life.
These blessings are available to everone. 2e must meet conditions that reJuire effort and
sacrifice* but all of us are capable of meeting these conditions. 6ou can have 3odFs power
working in our lifeG
(onsider the Bible promises. %ote words referring to power* strength* and abilit in these
verses.
&+7 $uppose a powerful enem is coming to attack our cit* destro our wives and
children* causing great pain and grief. The enem has a powerful weapon which our arm
is convinced it cannot defeat.
Then the soldiers learn of someone who has a powerful new weapon. &verwhere it has
been used* the enem has been defeated.
The new weapon is obtained so ever soldier can have one. The weapons come with an
instruction manual. 'eetings are set up so the soldiers can learn how to use the weapon.
6our arm can successfull win the victorG All the soldiers have to do is attend the
meetings* stud the manual* and use the weapons provided.
2ould ou want those soldiers to sta home from 0H to H5 of the meetings* when the
could come; $hould the dadream through the meetings; $hould the take the manuals
home* la them on the shelf* and rarel read them;
The enem is $atan. 6ou and I are the soldiers. 2e will surel lose* not !ust our lives* but
our souls eternall unless we learn how to defeat $atanFs forces. 3od has provided armor
that is guaranteed to defeat $atan* but we must learn to use it. It comes with a manual we
must stud the Bible. The church is instructed to provide meetings so we can learn to use
the weapons.
6ou can successfull win the battle against $atan b the means 3od has supplied. Are ou
studing and attending the meetings diligentl so ou can be successful; Are ou as diligent
as ou would want soldiers to be if the were defending ou and our famil in wartime;
4ave ou even et enlisted in the arm;
Philippians 07=
As we !ourne down the road of life* it has man twists and turns in it and also some
mountaintop and valle e+periences. In the midst of all this* we ')$T see 3odFs hand
working throughout our lives.
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(an we mess up 3odFs plan for our lives; $ort of es* and sort of no. 2e will do things that
are %OT 3odFs willS like sin* disobedience Nwhich is sin* etc.* that will get us off of 3odFs
track for our lives. But the moment we repent and seek 4im* 4e works us back into 4is
plan and will for our lives.6ou ma think no* ou donFt understand* I messed up too bad
for 3od to use me. %o* that is not soGGGI have wrestled with that mself* but we need to
remember that 3od is BI33&R than our messups. And guess what; 3od C%&2 ou
were going to mess up even B&"OR& ou messed up. 4e also C%&2 when ou would
repent and had A#R&AE6 laid out the path B&"OR&4A%E to get ou back on track with
4is will for ou 2O2GGG%ot onl does 3od move in straightening out our messups* but
4e also is moving in our everda life as we walk with 4im.
3od has probabl directed our lives as we have sought his will on specific matters. The
following twelve principles reveal how 3od can guide his children toda.
EI$(O&RI%3 3OEF$ P#A% "OR 6O)R #I"&
0. (ommit ourself to do 3odFs will N:ohn >70>S Rom. 070* .
. #ook for 3odFs will in the Bible NPs. 00@70/<.
5. Pra for guidance in appling 3odFs will N#uke 0?70.
9. 'ake sure our motives are pure in seeking 3odFs will N'att. =7.
<. Begin b doing what ou know is right NRom. 07.
=. "ace our own thoughts* strengths* and weaknesses realisticall N0 (or 0700* @50.
>. 6ou will have inner peace if our decisions are correct
NPhil. 97>S (ol. 570<.
?. $eek spiritual counsel from godl people NPs. 00709.
@. $tud circumstances to see whether doors are open or closed NActs 0=7=* >S 0 (or. 0=7@.
0/. Eo not move forward until ou know ou are obeing the Bible NIsa. 9/750.
00. :udge decisions b the long look NRom. 07S ?75@.
0. Be fle+ible about past decisions ou have made regarding the will of 3od NPhil. 5705.
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(4APT&R 5
4ow to (hange 6ourself
Becoming a (hristian reJuires change. 2e must remove old habits and develop new ones.
This stud considers Bible principles to help us improve ourselves7 faith* love* repentance*
Bible stud* praer* avoiding temptation* and patience. 3odFs word is the best source of
guidance for selfhelp and motivation for selfimprovement.
4ave ou ever had difficult tring to change a habit; 4uman beings are creatures of
habit. 2e tend to continue acting as we have acted in the past. #ike a river flowing through
a canon* the longer a habit continues* the more deepl it becomes ingrained* and the
harder it is to change. This is true of all habits* good or bad.
&phesians 979 shows that ma!or changes must occur when we are converted to serve
3od. Old practices and attitudes must be replaced b new ones. (hristians must learn good
habits like Bible stud* praer* love* faith* patience* attending church meetings* giving*
teaching others* etc. 2e must also eliminate bad habits like foul language* uncontrolled
temper* gambling* drugs* smoking* drinking* gossip* ling* pornograph* se+ual
promiscuit* etc.
Cnowing what changes to make is not enough. 2e also need to know how to make them.
(hange does not come easil. $ince the $criptures provide us to all good works N Timoth570=*0>* the give all the guidance we need. 3odFs word is the best source of guidance for
selfhelp and motivation for selfimprovement.
#et us stud 0 specific* practical steps the Bible gives to show us how to change and
improve our selves to become what 3od wants.
$tep07 (hange 6our Purpose in #ife.
Before people are willing to act* the must be motivated. A sound sleeper is more likel to
get up in the middle of the night if the house is on fire than if he remembers he did not
brush his teethG (hristians have some of the strongest possible motives for changing.(onsider some7
#ove and Eedication to 3od
Romans 070* (hristians are transformed Nchanged b renewing their minds Ncf. &ph.
975. To live differentl* we must think differentl. 2e must not seek to be like the world
but to use our bodies in 3odFs service.
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The 'acedonians practiced generous giving because the first gave themselves to the #ord
N (orinthians ?7<. (hanging our conduct becomes much easier when we are totall
dedicated to 3odFs service. N$ee also &cc. 0705S 'att. =755S 0=79.
0 :ohn <75S 970@*@ 2hat motivates us to obe 3od; Our love for 4im. 2hat motivates us
to love 4im; The fact that 4e loved us. 4ow do we know 4e loved us; Because 4e gave 4is$on to die to save us.
#ove is one of the strongest forces in e+istence. It can move a woman to rescue her children
from a burning building or a man to lift an automobile that has crushed a loved one. If ou
are having difficult changing ourself* ou need to learn to appreciate 3odFs blessings and
merc. N$ee also 0 :ohn 70<0>S 'att. 0/7595>S 75>9/S :ohn 0970<S (or. <7090>.
Imitation of (hrist
The desire to be like someone we admire is another powerful motivation. $ports heroes
inspire oung people in athletics. 2ashington and #incoln are models for patriotic citi,ens.
$o godl people like Abraham* %oah* Ruth* and 'ar motivate us to serve 3od. But the
greatest e+ample of all is that of :esus.
'atthew 0/79*< A disciple seeks to be like his master. (hristians are disciples of :esus
NActs 007=. 2e should follow 4is steps because 4e left us a sinless e+ample N0 Peter
70*.
As we face each decision in life* we should ask* Q2hat would :esus do;Q This will give us
strong motivation to change our lives. N$ee also 3al. 7/S 'att. 0=79S (ol. 570/.
Eesire for &ternal #ife* %ot &ternal Punishment
0 (orinthians @7< Athletes control their habits so the can win a temporar* earthl
honor. (hristians have an even stronger motive. 2e seek the crown of eternal life N:ames
070S Rev. 70/. 2e should set our minds on our eternal reward* not on earthl things N(ol.
570=S Peter 070/*00S Thess. 07?*@.
#ack of motivation is a ma!or reason people do not change to please 3od. The do not have
sufficient desire to change. Instead the want to please themselves or their friends and
famil. Often the are too concerned with the things of this life. )ntil our motives are right*
little else in this stud will help us. But when we are determined that serving 3od is ourmost important purpose in life* then we will find the means to make the necessar changes.
2hen we lack the motivation to change* let us think about wh we should love 3od* think
about the importance of being like (hrist* and think about our eternal destin.
$tep7 Believe 6ou (an (hange with 3odFs 4elp.
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Proverbs 975 Ceep our heart with all diligence* for out of it are the issues of life. The
wa ou act is determined b our attitudes and intentions. People and circumstances ma
influence ou* but ou do not have to give in. 6ou do what ou decide to do Ncf. 'att.
0<70?*0@S 07595>.
0 (orinthians 0/705 3od will not allow temptations that are beond our abilit to bear.4e will alwas make a wa of escape. Q3od is faithful.Q 4e will alwas keep this promise. It
follows that ou can break an bad habit and develop an good habit according to 3odFs
will.
Philippians 9705 2e can do all things through (hrist who strengthens us. This includes
changing to please 4im. If we trust our own strength* we will fail. $atan can defeat us. If we
use (hristFs strength we will succeed* because $atan can never defeat 4im. Perhaps we
have failed in the past because we have trusted our own power instead of using (hristFs.
People sometimes convince themselves* QI !ust canFt change. ItFs too late. Besides* IFm onlhuman.Q The are not !ust belittling themselvesS the are dening 3odFs word. The will
fail simpl because the will give up instead of persisting to use 3odFs power.
Psalm 5>7< If ou commit ourself to the #ord and trust 4im* 4e will accomplish 4is will
for ou. %o matter how strong a temptation ou face* no matter how long ou have
practiced a sin* if 3od sas to change* ou can change. N$ee also &ph. =70/0?S 57/*0S
(or. @7?S :osh. 07<@.
$tep 57 $tud the Bible about 6our 4abit.
:oshua 07? To succeed in 3odFs work* meditate on 3odFs word. #ist the pertinent Biblepassages about each habit ou need to change. #ist reasons wh ou should change.
'editate on these verses dail* filling our mind with them. N(f. Psalm 07S 00@700.
Eeuteronom =7=@ "reJuentl remind ourself of these verses. 2rite them and place
them where the will remind ou7 on our bathroom mirror* on the refrigerator door* on
our table at mealtime* on the T knob.
'atthew 97000 :esus overcame temptation b Juoting $cripture. But this worked onl
because 4e knew the $cripture. 'emori,e verses about our habit so that* when ou aretempted* the will come to mind and strengthen ou. uote them to ourself and to those
who tempt ou. N$ee also Prov. 57<*=S Tim. 570=*0>S &ph. =70>S Rom. 070=S 4eb. 970.
$tep97 Repent of $in.
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Acts ?7 $in reJuires repentance. Repentance is a change of mind a determined
commitment to cease sin and obe 3od Nsee 'att. 07?*@S Acts 0>75/S 0075. Before one
can change his conduct* he must change his mind.
Proverbs ?705 Eo not cover up our sin* den it* e+cuse it* or blame someone else. Admit
the error and be trul sorr N (or. >70/. But sorrow is not enough. 2e have trulrepented onl when we are so sorr that we determine to change our conduct.
'ost other achievements in life reJuire about 0/U abilit and @/U !ust plain
determination and hard work. In spiritual matters* ever accountable person has the
abilit to please 3odS so changing to please 3od is 0//U determined b our choice. 3od
has provided everthing we need. The decision is ours.
2e will never change until we make up our minds to pursue the means 3od provides until
we succeed. The decision to do this is repentance* and no one will change to please 3od
without it.
$tep <7 Eevelop a Plan of Action.
Proverbs 097 2e must devise to do good* not evil. 3odFs e+ample demonstrates the
importance of planning. 4e purposed manFs redemption NRom. ?7?* the church N&ph.
570/*00* the temple N4eb. ?7<* etc. Ncf. 3en. 070>. #ikewise* 3odFs servants need to have
a plan to succeed in 4is service N#uke 097=55S Ean. 07?S Psalm 0>75S Acts 0075S (or.
@7>.
In what other important endeavors will we succeed without a plan; (onsider the
forethought needed to build a house* run a business or a household* program a computer*etc. 2orthwhile activities* to be successful* need planning.
#ikewise* to change our life* ou need a specific* practical checklist of steps ou will take
to change. Anal,e the circumstances or causes that lead ou to fail to do right* then plan
how to avoid those causes. It ma help to write our plan down and modif it as needed.
This plan will include some specific points we are studing plus other points that fit our
specific problem.
'an people fail to change to please 3od because the never planned to succeed. The did
not plan to fail* but the failed to planG
$tep =7 Pra Regularl.
Praer is essential in two was.
A child of 3od should pra for forgiveness.
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If ou are not et a child of 3od* ou need to believe in :esus* repent of sins* confess (hrist*
and be bapti,ed to be forgiven of sins N'ark 0=70=S Rom. 0/7@*0/S Acts 75?S 70=. 2hen
ou have done those things* ou become a child of 3od N3al. 57=*>S Rom. =75*9S 0 Peter
07*5. If ou sin afterward* ou need to pra for forgiveness NActs ?7S 0 :ohn 07?0/S
Prov. ?705S 'att. =70.
Then pra for 3odFs help.
'atthew =705 Ask 3od to Qdeliver us from evilQ Ncf. 'att. =790. Tell 3od e+actl what
our problem is. Pra often and regularl N0 Thess. <70>S (ol. 97. Pra especiall at the
moment when ou face temptation N'att. =75=9=.
3od has promised that* if ou ask 4is help* 4e will hear and answer N0 Peter <7>S Phil.
97=*>S &ph. =700*05*0?.
$tep >7 $eek 4elp from Other (hristians.
:ames <70= (hristians should confess their faults to one another so the can pra for one
another. 2e should bear one anotherFs burdens N3al. =7. If our sins have harmed specific
individuals* we should apologi,e to them N'att. <75*9.
2hen we are fighting an especiall difficult habit* it ma help to choose one or two special
counselors to talk with regularl. The can give us Bible passages and good advice about
how to change. The can encourage us. It ma motivate us !ust to know that others are
aware of our problem. And the can surel pra for us.
Public church meetings are especiall designed to give encouragement N4eb. 0/79*<S
570*05S &ph. 970<*0=. 2e need to attend regularl for man reasons* but especiall we
need encouragement as we tr to become what 3od wants us to be.
$tep ?7 Eiligentl Practice 2hat is Right.
0 (orinthians 0<7<? Be steadfast* immovable* alwas abounding in the #ordFs work.
Abundant* steadfast work is needed.
2e have discussed several steps to prepare us to change* but none of them can substitute
for hard work and dedicated effort. All the good attitudes in the world will not get the !ob
done until we follow through with action. 3od does not promise change will be eas* but 4epromises it is possible if we work diligentl according to 4is word.
:ames 07< Be doers of the word* not !ust hearers. 4abits are formed b repeated
action. 2e learn to ride a biccle b forcing ourselves to practice* even when it feels
unnatural and uncomfortable. But repetition produces a habit that then feels natural and
en!oable.
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$o we change to serve 3od onl when we compel ourselves to do what we know is right and
repeat it until it becomes Qsecond nature.Q N$ee also Rom. =705S 'att. >70S #uke =79=.
$tep @7 $ubstitue 3ood 4abits for Bad Ones.
&phesians 975 Eo not !ust put off the old man. Put on the new man. %ote thee+amples7 $peak truth instead of falsehood Nv<* work and give to others instead of
stealing Nv?* speak good instead of evil Nv@* show kindness and forgiveness instead of
anger and bitterness Nv50*5.
'atthew 07959< A demon left a man but later found the manFs life still empt. 4e moved
back in bringing seven other demons with himG :esus applied this to Israel* but it is a
general principle.
Q%ature hates a vacuum.Q Remove the air from a bottle* and it will tr to get back in. "ill
the bottle with something substantial* and the air stas out. $o our life cannot sta a
spiritual void. It will fill with good or evil. Replace bad habits with good and the bad is less
likel to return.
"or e+ample* suppose ou determine to watch less T* so ou turn it off* but sit in front of it
with nothing else to do. $oon ou will turn it on again. But if ou become activel involved
in famil activities* Bible stud* etc.* soon ou will replace it with other habits.
"or ever bad habit ou Qput off*Q find some useful activit to Qput onQ in its place.
$tep 0/7 Avoid Temptation.
'atthew =705 2e should pra* Qlead us not into temptation.Q If we pra this* surel we
obligate ourselves to avoid people* places* and situations that tempt us Ncf. Rom. 05709.
0 (orinthians 0<755 &vil compan corrupts good habits. %ote7 QEo not be deceived.Q
'an people think the can return to bad compan without returning to bad habits. The
are deceivedG
'an habits such as drinking* smoking* drug abuse* gambling* and se+ual promiscuit
are begun and continued because of Qpeer pressure.Q Breaking such habits b themselves is
hard enough* but it is far more difficult when QfriendsQ urge us to continue them N0 Peter
975*9S Prov. 057/S &+. 57.
Psalm =7< 2e should hate the congregation of evildoers. Too often people sa* QI wonFt
drink Nor dance or gamble* etc.. IFll !ust go to the tavern Nor dance hall or casino to be
with m friends.Q 2hen people have gathered together for the purpose of practicing sin*
(hristians belong somewhere elseG N(f. (or. =7090?S &ph. <700.
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6ou cannot change a bad habit while continuing to run with the QcrowdQ that caused the
habit. (hanging the habit will reJuire changing our friends because the QfriendsQ are part
of the habitG
$tep 007 "ace One Ea at a Time.
'atthew =755*59 Eo not worr about tomorrow. TodaFs temptations will be enough to
handle toda. 4andle tomorrowFs temptations tomorrow if tomorrow comes.
Often people Juit tring to serve 3od because the are overwhelmed b the sacrifices
reJuired to live the rest of their lives for 3od. But ask ourself this7 Q(an I practice what is
right toda !ust toda;Q Of course ou can. $o when ou get up each morning* promise
ourself and 3od* QI will live toda for 3od.Q EonFt worr about handling tomorrow. If it
comes* ou can handle it the same wa ou will handle toda.
Two men were climbing a steep path up a tall mountain. One looked to the top and asked*
Q4ow will we ever make it;Q The other replied* QOne step at a time.Q And that is the onl
wa for ou to change ourself.
$tep 07 Be Patient.
Romans 7> 2e receive eternal life if we continue patientl in well doing. 2e must be
steadfast* immovable* alwas abounding in the #ordFs work N0 (or. 0<7<?.
3alatians =7@ #et us not grow wear while doing good* for in due season we shall reap if
we do not lose heart. 6our habits did not develop overnight and will not likel disappear
overnight. It will take time. If ou fall* repent* and ask 3odFs forgiveness. But get up and go
on. Eo not give up. N0 :ohn 07?7
Peter 570? Becoming a mature (hristian is a process of growth. 6ou are born again as a
bab and graduall grow up in (hrist. 6ou ma look at mature (hristians and think*
Q2h canFt I be like them;Q But the probabl took ears to mature. Eo not be impatient
with ourself.
(4APT&R 9
4ow (an 6ou Be $ure :esus 4as "orgiven 6our $ins;
Eifferent ideas are taught about how a person receives forgiveness of sins b the blood of
:esus (hrist. Are we saved b Qfaith onl*Q or must we obe the gospel; Is baptism
necessar to salvation from sin or is obedience not essential; Is baptism sprinkling*
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pouring* or immersion; $hould babies Ninfants be bapti,ed; 2hat can we learn from %ew
Testament e+amples of people who were forgiven; 2hat does the Bible teach;
Introduction7
To receive eternal life according to the gospel of (hrist* a person must be forgiven of sinsb :esusF blood N&phesians 07>S 'atthew =7?S 0 Peter 79. But man people are unsure
about whether or not the have been forgiven. Others ma think that the have been
forgiven* but would be surprised to learn that :esus does not agree.
'atthew >705 'an people* who believe in the #ord* will e+pect :esus to accept them
at the !udgment. Instead 4e will re!ect them because the have not done the will of the
"ather.
Acts 570S =7@ $aul was a :ew who opposed :esus in all good conscience* doing what he
sincerel believed he should do. 6et he was the chief of sinners N0 Timoth 0700<. (learl
he had been misled.
2hat about ou and me; Is it possible we have been misled like these people; 2hat about
baptism or Qfaith onl.Q 2hat about repentance and confession; $hould babies be
bapti,ed; Is baptism sprinkling* pouring* or immersion; $urel these Juestions deserve
our careful investigation.
The Bible teaches that we can be sure :esus has forgiven us if we have obeed the gospel
conditions of forgiveness.
4ebrews <7@ :esus is the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obe 4im. N$ee also
Acts 0/75<S #uke =79=S 0 :ohn 75=.
0 Peter 07 2e purif our souls in obeing the truth.
Romans =70>*0? 2e are made free from sin when we obe from the heart the doctrine
delivered.
If we recogni,e :esus as our #ord* then we must obe the conditions of forgiveness !ust as
the gospel reveals them* without an human changes NActs 0>700S 3alatians 07?*@S :ohn
@.
This stud is designed to help each be sure about salvation.
Please begin with a brief selfe+amination to show us where we are now N (or. 057<. Then
we will stud what the Bible sas about salvation and we can each compare our own case to
:esusF teaching.
0. 4ave ou made a personal commitment to serve :esus; Na es* Nb no.
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. 4ave ou been bapti,ed; Na es* Nb no. If so* how old were ou;
2ere ou bapti,ed b Na sprinkling* Nb pouring* or Nc immersion;
2h were ou bapti,ed; Na to please loved ones* Nb as a sign I had been saved* Nc to
receive forgiveness of sins* Nd because others were doing it* Ne to !oin a denomination* Nfother7
2hen ou repented of sin and determined to live for 3od* how long was it till ou were
bapti,ed;
5. $uppose a person sincerel does the following things. At what point do ou believe his
sins would be washed awa; 2hen he Na hears the gospel* Nb believes* Nc repents* Nd
confesses :esus* Ne pras for forgiveness* Nf is bapti,ed*
Is it possible to be deceived* thinking 3od is pleased with us when he is not; 'att. >705
sas there are man people who think the are doing wonderful works in :esusF name* butthe will be surprised in the !udgment when 4e re!ects themG 2hat about ou and me;
2ill we be among that number; 2hat must we do to be sure this does not happen to us;
:esus answers this Juestion in verse 0. 2e must do the will of the "ather.
2hat does the "ather reJuire us to do to be forgiven of sins; :esus said all people must be
taught the gospel* and Qhe that believeth and is bapti,ed shall be savedQ N'ark 0=70<*0=.
To be sure we are saved* then* we must hear the gospel* believe it* and be bapti,ed. %otice
that baptism* according to 3odFs word* does not come after salvation* but is an essential
step in order to receive salvation.
#ater* in Acts 75?* Peter preached about :esus* then he commanded7 QRepent* and be
bapti,ed ... for the remission of sins...Q This shows that hearing* repentance* and baptism
are essential to forgiveness. Again we note that remission is a result that follows from
baptism. It does not come before baptism.
"inall* Romans =75*9 sas we are buried b baptism into :esusF death. %ow :esusF death is
what provides forgiveness* and this passage sas we contact that death in baptism* not
before. "urthermore* the passage teaches that baptism is a burial or immersion* not a
sprinkling or pouring. And since people must hear the gospel* believe* and repent before
the are bapti,ed* it follows that baptism is not for babies.
2hat about ou; 4ave ou done the will of the "ather* or will ou be one of the man
people who will find out too late that 3od is not pleased with them; 4ave ou heard the
gospel* believed it* repented of our sins* and been $cripturall bapti,ed; 2as our
baptism an immersion in water* and did ou do it for the purpose of receiving forgiveness
of sins.
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(hapter <
3od help with our trouble
&verone has troubles. 2e face problems* affliction* suffering* and hardship. 2e need
strength* endurance* and patience. 2h do people suffer; Are all trials the result of sin
committed b the one who suffers; 2h does 3od allow trials* worries* an+ieties* and
difficulties; $hould we blame 3od and turn from 4im; (an troubles and suffering actuall
make us better people; Is it possible to faithfull endure our difficulties; 2hat solutions
does the Bible offer to help us endure and overcome our problems* afflictions* and
hardships;
2hat ever ou need or what ou !ust have to kneel down talk to the lord first ou have to
thank him for all the things he has do for us.
Q'an who is born of woman is of few das and full of troubleQ N:ob 0970. 2e can
especiall appreciate these words when we think of the suffering endured b the one who
spoke them. Eifferent people deal with different problems and afflictions* and it seems that
some suffer more hardships than others do. But we all know b personal e+perience and
from the e+periences of those we know* that :obFs statement is true.
Troubles concern us* not !ust because hardship itself is a burden* but also because affliction
can lead to spiritual temptations. 2e ma be tempted to feel that our trials !ustif
committing sin. 2e ma become so discouraged that we blame 3od for our troubles* lose
faith in 4im* or begin to doubt 4is goodness and merc. As :obFs wife said* Q(urse 3od
and dieQ N:ob 7@.
The purpose of this stud is to offer Bible answers to Juestions people often ask about
suffering. 2h do people suffer; (an good come from suffering; Is it possible to endure
affliction with patience and faithfulness; 4ow can 3od give us strength to endure our
hardships and overcome our temptations; 2hat does the Bible sa;
2h do people suffer
There are several reasons* not !ust one reason* wh people suffer.$ometimespeople suffer as a result of their sins.Cing $aul lived a miserable life and
eventuall was slain because he had rebelled against 3od N0 (hron.
0/705*09.:udas killed himself because he had betraed :esus N'atthew >75
<.#ikewise toda* alcoholics ma develop disease* thieves ma be imprisoned*
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etc.$ome people think this is the onl reason people ever suffer* but we will see
that it is not.
$ome people think that onl wicked people suffer* but 3od is on the side of the righteous
and will remove all their troubles. It follows that* if a person is suffering* he must have
committed some sin he should repent of.
This was the theor of :obFs friends N:ob 97>@S disproving this idea is a main theme of
that book. This same false doctrine is taught b man Qfaith healersQ who teach people that
3od must remove all their problems if the are right with 4im.
But we have learned that even righteous people suffer. This is important for the following
reasons7
2e should not conclude that we have been guilt of sin ever time we have a problem.
'abe we are suffering because of sin* so we should e+amine our lives. But mabe we are
suffering for other reasons* perhaps because we are righteous.
2e should surel never re!ect a Bible teaching !ust because it ma lead to suffering. If all
suffering was the result of our own sin* and if a course of action led to suffering* then we
would conclude it was a sinful act. But we have learned that godl people often suffer for
doing right.
2e should not become (hristians thinking it will automaticall solve all our problems. If
this is our motive* we ma fall awa when the hardships come.
If we believe that all suffering results from a personFs own sin* and if we see good peoplesuffering* we ma be tempted to blame 3od or to think 4e is not keeping 4is promises. But
we have learned that all people suffer* whether or not the are righteous.
The command to endure suffering is !ust another part of a (hristianFs life* like the
command to stud the Bible* pra* worship* etc. "aithful (hristians of all ages have
sufferedS we are not the onl ones. 2e should e+pect suffering to come* so our faith will not
be shaken when it does.
The ultimate and primar blame for suffering rests on $atan who tempts people to sin and
thereb brought sin into the world. The secondar blame rests upon people* ourselves
included* who have given in to temptation and committed sin that led to suffering.
6es* 3od did create suffering as a punishment for sin* but onl after 4e had given people a
life without problems and had warned them of the conseJuences of sin. 2hen the chose to
sin* 4e should no more be blamed for punishing them than a parent should be blamed
when he must punish a rebellious child. N(f. :ames 0705*0<.
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Remember* if ou blame 3od and re!ect 4im because ou are suffering* then ou are doing
e+actl what $atan wants ou to do. 4e has defeated ouG The onl wa to defeat $atan and
reall overcome hardship is to maintain our faithfulness to 3od in spite of it.
:ames 079 (ount it !o when we face trials Nhardl the natural reaction* because this
leads to patience and completeness in 3odFs service. 2hoever developed patience when hispatience was never tried;
Romans <75< Re!oice in tribulations because the work steadfastness* approvedness* and
hope.
&ven in the phsical realm* which bones and muscles are the strongest; The ones that face
the most hardship. If ou la a block of ice and a block of cla in the sun* one is melted and
the other is hardened. The same circumstance produces opposite results.
The stor is told of two sons of an alcoholic. One son became a drunkard* the other became
a teetotaler. Both e+plained their conduct the same wa7 Q2hat can ou e+pect with a
father like mine;Q The same problem produced opposite results.
Trials defeat some people but strengthen others. It depends on how we deal with them.
(4APT&R =
$&#" (O%TRO#
2hen we practice selfcontrol* we do so b limiting and restraining those things which arein opposition to what 3od reJuires.
$elfcontrol in a person can take man forms. In other words* selfcontrol will be shown in
different was for each individual person. "or e+ample7
If someone does something bad to ou V some people ma want to get even with that person
b abusing them or hitting them. The person needs to e+ercise selfcontrol b restraining
themselves.
If ou like beer ou ma be tempted to drink a lot of it and become drunk. B e+ercising
selfcontrol ou will onl drink alcohol in moderation.
If ou en!o food V some people will keep on eating it beond what is health. These people
need to show restraint in the amount of food the eat V the need selfcontrol.
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6ou are alone with our bofriend or girlfriend V the temptation to have se+ together is
ver real for some people. $elfcontrol of their desires is important to avoid an unwise
decisions being made.
Paul advice on selfcontrol
$amson is a case of a man who couldnFt e+ercise self control.
$amsonFs birth was promised b an angel to the childless wife of 'anoah of the tribe of
Ean. The angel announced Q...for the child shall be a %a,arite to 3od from the womb to the
da of his deathQ. $uch a vow reJuired the person to separate or devote himself entirel to
3odFs service for a fi+ed period of time. The central part of the vow therefore was in its
devotion and separateness. And of course this same vow applies to all people who are called
b the 3ospel we are to be separate.
$amson was not like most of the other !udges. 4e was not appointed to lead an arm* but
rather with his great phsical strength* coupled with braver* he was to do the work of the
arm himself. 4is work was to begin to deliver Israel from the Philistine oppression.
2e know then* that $amsonFs special gift from 3od was supernatural strength. 4is
strength was such that at a place called Ramathlehi he found the new !awbone of an ass
and with it killed one thousand of the Philistines. 4is strength was so great that he carried
awa the gates of a cit.
But despite all these great conJuering* he didnFt have the strength to rule his own lustful
passions. The phsical strength that $amson had* seems to have produced in $amson self
confidence rather than dependence on 3od. As a result he broke the %a,arite vow because
he couldnFt resist the Philistine women. As a result he ended up grinding corn in a Philistine
grist mill with his ees bored out.paul thought that selfcontrol was important and so he
wrote a lot of advice about it. This can be seen in a letter he wrote to Titus. 4e stated that
the elders must be selfcontrolled. $ince an overseer is entrusted with 3odFs work* he must
be blamelessnot overbearing* not Juicktempered* not given to drunkenness* not violent*
not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather he must be hospitable* one who loves what is good*
who is selfcontrolled* upright* hol and disciplined. Titus (h.07>? %I
4e told Titus to teach selfcontrol to the older men.
Teach the older men to be temperate* worth of respect* selfcontrolled* and sound in faith*
in love and in endurance.
Titus (h.7 %I
The older women were to teach selfcontrol to the ounger women.
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#ikewise* teach the older women to be reverent in the wa the live* not to be slanderers or
addicted to much wine* but to teach what is good. Then the can train the ounger women
to love their husbands and children* to be selfcontrolled and pure* to be bus at home* to
be kind* and to be sub!ect to their husbands* so that no one will malign the word of 3od.
Titus (h.75<
The oung men were also encouraged to have selfcontrol.
$imilarl* encourage the oung men to be selfcontrolled.
Titus (h.7=
$o from these writings of Paul we can see that everbod needs to learn to be self
controlled. Paul made this such a big point because he knew that selfcontrol does not come
naturall.
$elfcontrol and sin Ndisobedience to 3od
$elfcontrol is a challenge to everbod. &ach person has some area in thought or action
where the find selfcontrol difficult. 4owever* if we don’t e+ercise selfcontrol then it can
lead to sin Ndisobedience to 3od.
Eo ou not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of 3od; Eo not be deceived7
%either the se+uall immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor
homose+ual offenders nor thieves nor the greed nor drunkards nor slanderers nor
swindlers will inherit the kingdom of 3od.
0 (orinthians (h.=7@0/
All of these sins listed in these verses come about because of poor selfcontrol.
Praise of selfcontrol
$elfmaster is the greatest of all victories.
Better a patient man than a warrior* a man who controls his temper than one who takes a
cit. Proverbs (h.0=75 %I 'en who have subdued entire kingdoms have been defeated
in the efforts to control themselvesG "or e+ample* lack of selfcontrol of a bad temper can
be evidence of pride and impatience. There are man e+amples of those who did control
their temper. Eavid staed calm when he was cursed. %ehemiah also showed that he could
control his spirit even when the enem sneered at him and attempted to destro him.
4owever $amson and ),,iah are e+amples of people who could not control themselves7 a
man who controls his temper Wis betterX than one who takes a cit.
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(hapter >
2hat the bible sa about 'one
Perhaps ou’ve heard the e+pression Qmone is the root of all evilQ. 'an people assume
that means that 3od hates mone. #et’s take a closer look at that verse...
The love of mone is a root of all kinds of evil. $ome people* eager for mone* have
wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with man griefs. But ou* men of 3od*
flee from all thisS and pursue righteousness* godliness* faith* love* endurance and
gentleness. 0 Timoth =70/00
'one7 root of all evil or a gift from 3od;
$o this is reall a warning to beware of the distraction that the pursuit of mone can be*
and a challenge to make 3od the priorit in our lives.
"or where our treasure is* there will our heart be also. #uke 0759
'one is not evil* in fact the Bible clearl states that mone is a gift from 3od.
6ou ma sa to ourself* Q' power and the strength of m hands have produced this
wealth for me.Q But remember the #ord our 3od* for it is 4e who gives ou the abilit to
produce wealth. Eeuteronom ?70>0?
Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fi+ their hope on
the uncertaint of riches* but on 3od* who richl supplies us with all things to en!o.
Instruct them to do good* to be rich in good works* to be generous and read to share*
storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future* so that the ma
take hold of that which is life indeed. 0 Timoth =70>0@
2e know that Abraham* Isaac* :acob* 4e,ekiah* :ob and :ehoshaphat were ver wealth
men of Bible times. $o* if we know that mone is a gift from 3od then the wa we use
mone and the priorit we give it in our lives is ver important.
2hat place does mone have in our life; Is it the most important priorit;
%o one can serve two mastersS for either he will hate the one and love the other* or he will
hold to one and despise the other. 6ou cannot serve 3od and mone. 'atthew =79
$o what does it mean to serve mone; 4ere are a few Juestions to ask ourself7
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Are ou too bus working long hours to take time to read the Bible and pra;
Eo ou put our career ahead of our famil’s needs;
Eo ou make our decisions based on what it will cost or on what will please 3od;
Eoes the thought of sacrificing mone or career opportunities to do something for someone
else frighten ou;
If the answer to an of these Juestions is es* it’s time to take a close look at our priorities.
$o how do ou make 3od a higher priorit in our life;
Eo not let this Book of the #aw NBible depart from our mouthS meditate on it da and
night* so that ou ma be careful to do everthing written in it. Then ou will be
prosperous and successful wherever ou go. :oshua 07?
#et our character be free from the love of mone* being content with what ou haveS for
4e 4imself said* QI will never desert ou* nor will I ever forsake ou.Q 4ebrews 057<
4onor the #ord with our wealth. Proverbs 57@
If we make 3od our priorit he promises to make us prosperous and successfulG
2hoever trusts in his riches will fall but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs
007?
Eo not la up for ourselves treasures upon earth* where moth and rust destro* and where
thieves break in and steal. But la up for ourselves treasures in heaven* where neither
moth nor rust destros* and where thieves do not break in or stealS for where our treasure
is* there will our heart be also. 'atthew =70@0
2e are surrounded b pressure to achieve success* to work harder* earn more mone* bu a
bigger house* a newer car8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. "or we brought nothing into the world* and
we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing* we will be content with that.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into man foolish and
harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 0 Timoth =7@
But let the brother of humble circumstances glor in his high positionS and let the rich man
glor in his humiliation* because like flowering grass he will pass awa. "or the sun rises
with a scorching wind* and withers the grassS and its flowers fall off* and the beaut of its
appearance is destroedS so to the rich man in the midst of his pursuits we fade awa.
:ames 07@00
If we trust in 3od and tr to follow 4is was we know that...
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3od will meet all our needs according to his glorious riches in (hrist :esus. Philippians
970@A faithful man will be richl blessed* but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
Proverbs ?7/
$o do not worr* saing* Q2hat shall we eat; Or Q2hat shall we drink;Q or Q2hat shall
we wear;Q for the pagans run after all these things* and our heavenl "ather knows thatou need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness* and all these things will
be given to ou as well. 'atthew =75055
:esus said to 4is disciples* Qtrul I sa to ou* it is hard for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of heaven. QAnd again I sa to ou* it is easier for a camel to go through the ee of
a needle* than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of 3od.Q
And when the disciples heard this* the were astonished and said* QThen who can be
saved;Q And looking upon them :esus said to them* Qwith men this is impossible* but with
3od all things are possible.Q 'atthew 0@70==
$o check our priorities* and invest in an eternal future7
Eo not love the world* nor the things in the world. If anone loves the world* the love of the
"ather is not in him. "or all that is in the world* the lust of the flesh and the lust of the ees
and the boastful pride of life* is not from the "ather* but is from the world. And the world is
passing awa* and also its lustsS but the one who does the will of 3od abides forever.
(hapter ?
Pride versus humilit
2hat e+actl is pride; It is having an opinion that ou are more important or superior
than those around ou. This pride can be in the mind of the person or is displaed in his or
her behavior.
2hat is humilit; It is having a opinion that ou are less important or inferior than those
around ou. This humilit can be in the mind of the person or is displaed in his or herbehavior.
3od talks about pride.
2hoever slanders his neighbor in secret* him will I put to silenceS
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whoever has haught ees and a proud heart* him will I not endure. Psalm (h.0/07<
3od also talks about humilit.
4as not m hand made all these things* and so the came into being;Q declares the #ORE.
QThis is the one I esteem7 he who is humble and contrite in spirit* and trembles at m word.
Isaiah (h.==7
2hen ou read through the Bible a common theme is that we must avoid pride and take on
humilit as part of our character.
Romans chapter 07
"or b the grace given me I sa to ever one of ou7 Eo not think of ourself more highl
than ou ought* but rather think of ourself with sober !udgment* in accordance with the
measure of faith 3od has given ou. verse 5
Be devoted to one another in brotherl love. 4onor one another above ourselves. verse 0/
#ive in harmon with one another. Eo not be proud* but be willing to associate with people
of low position. Eo not be conceited. verse 0=
Pride lures us into living independentl of 3od
There is an incompatibilit between blind arrogance and the presence of 3od in our heart.
3od isn’t watchingL the sa to themselvesS Khe’ll never knowGL. Psalm 0/700 W0X
The proud person depends on himself rather than on 3od. This causes 3od’s guiding
influence to leave his life. 2hen 3od’s presence is welcome* there is no room for pride.
Pride can cut us off from 3od and others.
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everbod
else* :esus told this parable7 QTwo men went up to the temple to pra* one a Pharisee and
the other a ta+ collector. The Pharisee stood up and praed about himself7 F3od* I thank
ou that I am not like other menrobbers* evildoers* adulterersor even like this ta+
collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.F
QBut the ta+ collector stood at a distance. 4e would not even look up to heaven* but beat his
breast and said* F3od* have merc on me* a sinner.F
QI tell ou that this man* rather than the other* went home !ustified before 3od. "or
everone who e+alts himself will be humbled* and he who humbles himself will be e+alted.Q
#uke (h.0?7@09
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The Pharisee in :esus parable did not go to the temple to pra to 3od but to announce to
all within earshot how good he was. The ta+ collector went recogni,ing his sin and begging
for merc. $elfrighteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride* causes a person to despise
others* and prevents him or her from learning anthing from 3od. Eon’t let pride in our
achievements cut ou off from 3od.
2hen is pride bad;
'an people have different forms of pride. $ome pride is regarded b 3od as being good
and some as being bad.
3od sees pride as being bad when it is related to7
a. pride in appearance
2e are not tring to commend ourselves to ou again* but are giving ou an opportunit to
take pride in us* so that ou can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than inwhat is in the heart. (orinthians (h.<70
b. pride in riches
The were proud of their beautiful !ewelr and used it to make their detestable idols and
vile images. Therefore I will turn these into an unclean thing for them. &,ekiel (h.>7/
(are needs to be taken to ensure we are not taking pride in riches
B our great skill in trading ou have increased our wealth* and because of our wealth
our heart has grown proud. &,ekiel (h.?7<
c. pride in comparing one with another
%ow* brothers* I have applied these things to mself and Apollos for our benefit* so that
ou ma learn from us the meaning of the saing* QEo not go beond what is written.Q
Then ou will not take pride in one man over against another.
0 (orinthians (h.97=
&ach one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself* without comparing
himself to somebod else*
3alatians (h.=79
d. pride in things ou have achieved
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#et another praise ou* and not our own mouthS someone else* and not our own lips.
Proverbs (h.>7
&phraim boasts* QI am ver richS I have become wealth. 2ith all m wealth the will not
find in me an iniJuit or sin.Q
3alatians (h.=79
e. boasting
6our boasting is not good. EonFt ou know that a little east works through the whole batch
of dough; 0 (orinthians (h.<7=
#ove is patient* love is kind. It does not env* it does not boast* it is not proud. 0
(orinthians (h.0579
"or everthing in the worldthe cravings of sinful man* the lust of his ees and the
boasting of what he has and doescomes not from the "ather but from the world. 0 :ohn
70=
)suall when 3od speaks about pride he is referring to this bad pride. This tpe of human
pride has one overriding characteristic V it is selfcentred.
2hen is pride good;
$ometimes in the Bible pride is referred to as being good.
3od sees pride as being good when it is related to7
a. pride in 3od
' soul will boast in the #ORES let the afflicted hear and re!oice. Psalm 597
but let him who boasts boast about this7 that he understands and knows me* that I am the
#ORE* who e+ercises kindness* !ustice and righteousness on earth* for in these I delight*Q
declares the #ORE. :eremiah (h.@79
Therefore* as it is written7 Q#et him who boasts boast in the #ord.Q 0 (orinthians (h.0750
b. pride in others
as ou have understood us in part* ou will come to understand full that ou can boast of
us !ust as we will boast of ou in the da of the #ord :esus. (orinthians (h.0709
2e are not tring to commend ourselves to ou again* but are giving ou an opportunit to
take pride in us* so that ou can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in
what is in the heart. (orinthians (h.<70
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I have great confidence in ouS I take great pride in ou. I am greatl encouragedS in all
our troubles m !o knows no bounds. 0 (orinthians (h.>79
I will boast about a man like that* but I will not boast about mself* e+cept about m
weaknesses. (orinthians (h.07<
c. pride in self
&ach one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself* without comparing
himself to somebod else* 3alatians (h.=79
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one
who is rich should take pride in his low position* because he will pass awa like a wild
flower.
:ames (h.07@0/
Pride in the work of 3od is praised in the Bible. It is oka to have a feeling of pleasure or
pride in something well done for the work of 3od as long as ou don’t compare ourself
against other people.
4umilit is essential for service to others
People toda are eager to raise their social status* whether b being with the right people*
dressing for success* or driving the right car.
"or everone who e+alts himself will be humbled* and he who humbles himself will be
e+alted.Q #uke (h.09700
2hom do ou tr to impress; Rather than aiming for prestige* look for a place where ou
can serve. If 3od wants ou to serve on a wider scale* he will invite ou to take a higher
place.
(hapter @
Relationships
&ach one of us struggles at one time or another with our relationships. The can be a
source of great !o and contentment* but the can also be frustrating and inadeJuate.
Perhaps ou argue with our husband* can’t talk to our teenager* wish ou had a better
relationship with our parents* barel survive our toddler’s temper tantrums or wish our
neighbour’s were easier to get on with;
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6ou ma wonder what the Bible would have to sa about relationships* et 3od’s advice is
practical and relevant to us toda.
Being Angr
6es* it is ok to feel angr V it’s what ou do and how ou handle it that matters7
Be angr* and et do not sinS do not let the sun go down on our anger8 &phesians 97=
A gentle answer turns awa wrath* but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 0<70
&verone should be Juick to listen* slow to speak and slow to become angr* for a man’s
anger does not bring about the righteous life that 3od desires. :ames 070@/
Parents
4ave ou managed to make the transition from child and parent to friends* or is our
relationship with our parents still a work in progress;
A wise son brings !o to his father* but a foolish man despises his mother. Proverbs 0<7/
4onor our father and mother V which is the first commandment with a promise V that it
ma go well with ou and that ou ma en!o long life on the earth. &phesians =75
"athers* do not e+asperate our children* instead* bring them up in the training and
instruction of the #ord. &phesians =79
'arriage
'arriage was originall designed b 3od and the Bible is full of advice for the married*
and those who would like to be7
2hen one finds a worth wife* her value is far beond pearls. 4er husband entrusting his
heart to her has an unfailing pri,e.
Proverbs 5070/00
#ove is patient* love is kind. It does not env* it does not boast* it is not proud. It is not
rude* it is not selfseeking* it is not easil angered* it keeps no record of wrongs. #ove does
not delight in evil* but re!oices with the truth. It alwas protects* alwas trusts* alwas
hopes* alwas perseveres.
0 (orinthians 0579>
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4usbands* love our wives* !ust as (hrist loved the church and gave himself up for her.
&phesians <7<
(hildren
Raising children is a challenging role* full of !o and tearsG
$ons are a heritage from the #ord* children a reward from him. Psalm 0>75
Train a child in the wa he should go* and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs
7=
Eiscipline our son* and he will give ou peaceS he will bring delight to our soul. Proverbs
@70>
The #ord disciplines those he loves* as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 570
2e will tell the ne+t generation the praiseworth deeds of the #ORE* his power and the
wonders he has done. Psalm >?79
%eighbours
Relationships with neighbours can be difficult and frustrating* et 3od offers clear advice
to help resolve the conflict7
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances ou ma have against one another.
"orgive as the #ord forgave ou. (olossians 5705
A man’s wisdom gives him patience7 it is to his glor to overlook an offense. Proverbs 0@700
6ou have heard that it was said* Q#ove our neighbour and hate our enem.Q But I tell
ou7 #ove our enemies and pra for those who persecute ou* that ou ma be sons of
our "ather in heaven. 'atthew <7959<
3od’s love for us
The most rewarding relationship of all is the one we can have with 3od through his son*
:esus (hrist7
This is how 3od showed his love among us7 4e sent his one and onl $on into the world
that we might live through him.
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0 :ohn 97@
"or 3od so loved the world that he gave his one and onl $on* that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life. :ohn 570=
"or the #ord is good and his love endures foreverS his faithfulness continues through allgenerations. Psalm 0//7<
"or as high as the heavens are above the earth* so great is his love for those who fear him.
Psalm 0/5700
(4APT&R 0/
24AT T4& BIB#& $A6 ABO)T #O&
#ove is one of the fundamental parts of the Bible and as such it must be a central part of
the believer’s life. Throughout the pages of the Bible the message of 3od is one of love and
this is revealed in 4is forgiveness* patience* merc* gentleness and kindness.
Because the love of 3od is so great in the Bible it should come as no surprise that the
greatest commandment in the Bible is this one7
:esus said to him* K D6ou shall love the #ORE our 3od with all our heart* with all our
soul* and with all our mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second islike it7 D6ou shall love our neighbor as ourself.’ 'atthew 75>5@
The unfortunate fact is that man people either ignore the law of love or the onl partiall
obe it. 6et 3od is asking us for total commitment to this law.
The love of 3od
3od has shown us great merc and love. If we accept this* then we naturall want to show
merc and love to others. If we don’t* then we are not living a trul (hristian life.
Beloved* let us love one another* for love is of 3odS and everone who loves is born of 3odand knows 3od. 4e who does not love does not know 3od* for 3od is love. In this the love
of 3od was manifested toward us* that 3od has sent 4is onl begotten $on into the world*
that we might live through 4im. In this is love* not that we loved 3od* but that 4e loved us
and sent 4is $on to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved* if 3od so loved us* we also
ought to love one another.
0 :ohn 97>00
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3od has given us great love even though we don’t deserve it. In a similar fashion* we must
give our love to others whether the deserve it or not.
The love of 3od is ine+haustible.
3ive thanks to the #ORE* for he is good. 4is love endures forever. Psalm 05=70 N%I
Throughout the Psalm the phrase K4is love endures foreverL is repeated. 3od’s love will
never run out* because it flows from a well that will never run dr. In 4is love we will
alwas see kindness* merc and faithfulness.
The love of 3od is forgiving.
I sa to ou that likewise there will be more !o in heaven over one sinner who repents than
over ninetnine !ust persons who need no repentance. N#uke 0<7> I sa to ou that
likewise there will be more !o in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninetnine
!ust persons who need no repentance. #uke 0<7>
2e see the e+traordinar love of 3od when we read that 4e tenderl searches for sinners
and then with !o forgives them. This is the ama,ing love he has for each one of us.
The love of 3od is beond measure and is forever.
"or I am persuaded that neither death nor life* nor angels nor principalities nor powers*
nor things present nor things to come* nor height nor depth* nor an other created thing*
shall be able to separate us from the love of 3od which is in (hrist :esus our #ord. Romans?75?5@
%o matter what happens to us* no matter where we are* we can never be separated from the
love of 3od. 2hen the times are tough some people are driven awa from 3od* when in
fact this is the time that the should be coming to 4im and seeking his immeasurable love
for us. 3od tells us how great his love is so that we will feel totall secure in him.
Indeed it is impossible to separate us from the love of 3od which is in (hrist :esus our
#ord. If we !ust think about (hrist’s death we can see the proof of his unconJuerable love.
"or 3od so loved the world that 4e gave 4is onl begotten $on* that whoever believes in
4im should not perish but have everlasting life. :ohn 570=
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The love of 3od is sacrificial V 4is love is not selfcentred. 4e loved us so dearl that he
gave us the life of 4is $on V the highest price that he could pa. :esus* in turn* willingl
gave his life so that we could seek reconciliation with 3od. In a similar manner* we must be
willing to give up our own comfort and securit so that others might !oin us in receiving
3od’s love.
The love of :esus
The e+ample of :esus (hrist is the one which we can look at and tr to cop. The apostle
Paul was humbled b the love of (hrist7
"or in (hrist :esus 8. the onl thing that counts is faith e+pressing itself through love.
3alatians <7=
Our love for others
$o what does the Bible give as guidelines for our love to other humans.
#ove suffers long and is kindS love does not envS love does not parade itself* is not puffed
upS does not behave rudel* does not seek its own* is not provoked* thinks no evilS does not
re!oice in iniJuit* but re!oices in the truthS bears all things* believes all things* hopes all
things* endures all things. #ove never fails. 0 (orinthians 0579?
The societ we live in confuses love and lust. )nlike lust* 3od’s kind of love is directed
outward towards others and not inward toward ourselves. 3od’s love is completel
unselfish. This tpe of love tends to go against what we are naturall inclined to do as we
must give love and not e+pect anthing in return.
The reJuirements for our love
#ove is not an option that we can either do or not do V the Bible commands that we show it
to not onl the #ord 3od but also to those around us. It is critical for those living true
(hristianit7
A new commandment I give to ou* that ou love one anotherS as I have loved ou* that ou
also love one another. :ohn 05759
The tpe of love reJuired is of selfsacrifice and servanthood. It is one of Kselfless givingL
where we love not onl friends but also enemies and persecutors. #ove is the ke to walking
as a true (hristian* because we cannot grow spirituall while we hate others. 2hen we
grow in our relationship with 3od we will grow in our relationships with others.
#ove is not an uncontrollable emotion.
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Pursue love* and desire spiritual gifts* 0 (orinthians 0970
#ove is a choice that we make. 2e can choose to be concerned with people’s wellbeing and
treat them with respect* whether or not we feel affection toward them. If we make the
choice to love others then 3od will assist us to e+press this love.
$ome people think that love is !ust a feeling this is not correct. "or love can also be
e+pressed through our actions.
' little children* let us not love in word or in tongue* but in deed and in truth. 0 :ohn 570?
The greatest act of love we can do
Out of all the love we can give* the greatest act of love is to love 3od.
:esus answered him* KThe first of all the commandments is7 D4ear* O Israel* the #ORE our
3od* the #ORE is one. And ou shall love the #ORE our 3od with all our heart* with all
our soul* with all our mind* and with all our strength.’ This is the first commandment.
And the second* like it* is this7 D6ou shall love our neighbor as ourself.’ There is no other
commandment greater than these.L :ohn 07@50
(4APT&R 00
3ossip
$o what e+actl is gossip; It is idle talk or rumor* especiall about the personal or privateaffairs of others. It is most often made up of useless or spiteful tales and is almost alwas
done behind the back of the sub!ect of the gossip.
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels NProverbs 0?7?
'an of the maga,ines which can be bought at a newsagent are full of gossip. The tell of
what the 4ollwood stars are currentl up to. 3iven the sales of these maga,ines it is
obvious that gossip is a big seller.
3ossip is a problem for everone because we all like to hear news and tell it others V
particularl what we call K!uicL news.
The words of a gossip are like choice morselsS the go down to a manFs inmost parts.
Proverbs (h.0?7?
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2hat does the Bible sa about gossip;
3od has nothing good to sa about gossip.
8a gossip separates close friends. Proverbs (h.0=7?
3ossip can keep believers out of the kingdom V it is classified as a sin.
The have become filled with ever kind of wickedness* evil* greed and depravit. The are
full of env* murder* strife* deceit and malice. The are gossips* slanderers* 3odhaters*
insolent* arrogant and boastfulS the invent was of doing evilS the disobe their parentsS
the are senseless* faithless* heartless* ruthless. Although the know 3odFs righteous decree
that those who do such things deserve death* the not onl continue to do these ver things
but also approve of those who practice them. Romans (h.07@5
If we love our neighbour* we will not tell stories about them or betra their trust.
$o in everthing* do to others what ou would have them do to ou* for this sums up the
#aw and the Prophets. 'atthew (h.>70
2ith this verse in mind* we should stop gossiping for no one likes to be the sub!ect of gossip
and rumours.
3ossip breaks down relationships
'aking up or spreading false reports was strictl forbidden b 3od.
Eo not pass along untrue reports. Eo not cooperate with an evil man b affirming on the
witness stand something ou know is false. &+odus (h.570 3ossip* slander* and false
witnessing undermined families* strained neighbourhood cooperation* and made chaos of
the !ustice sstem. Eestructive gossip still causes problems. &ven if ou do not initiate a lie*
ou become responsible if ou pass it along. Eon’t circulate rumours V rather stop them.
3ossip has lasting wounds
3ossip is often more harmful and lasting than phsical wounds.
Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an a+e* or wounding him with a
sword* or shooting him with a sharp arrow. Proverbs (h.<70? W0X
#ing is vicious and can have permanent effects like those of a stab wound. Passing on a bit
of gossip can be like stabbing the victim with a sword. $ta silent rather than gossipG
3ossip is a waste of valuable time
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Ceep ourself busG It is at times when ou are inactive when people start to gossip.
As for ounger widows* 8the get into the habit of being idle and going about from house
to house. And not onl do the become idlers* but also gossips and busbodies* saing
things the ought not to. 0 Timoth <70005
6et we hear that some of ou are living in la,iness* refusing to work* and wasting our time
in gossiping. In the name of the #ord :esus (hrist we appeal to such people V we command
them V to Juiet down* get to work* and earn their own living.
Thessalonians (4.57000 W0X
A la, person who doesn’t work ends up filling his or her time with less than helpful
activities* like gossip. 2hen we hear rumours and hearsa it is tantali,ing and e+citing to
hear V ou feel like one of the insiders. But these same stories can pull people down. Rather
than wasting time listening to these stories* look for a task* to do for (hrist or for our
famil. Then start working on the task. This is a much more positive use of our time.
4ow do ou know whether ou are gossiping;
One hint as to whether ou are gossiping ma be how much ou talkG
A gossip betras a confidenceS so avoid a man who talks too much. Proverbs (h./70@
2hen ou are telling a stor about someone ask ourself the following Juestions
0. 4ow certain am I that the facts are correct;
. 2as the information given in confidence;
5. 4ave I checked the facts with the person involved;
9. Am I telling this stor to help build up others in (hrist;
Eo not let an unwholesome talk come out of our mouths* but onl what is helpful for
building others up according to their needs* that it ma benefit those who listen. &phesians
(h.97@
(hapter 0
2hat the bible sa about fait
$o what e+actl is faith; It is believing in the certaint of things that cannot be seen.
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To be a believer and a (hristian it is something which is absolutel necessar.
But without faith it is impossible to please 4im* for he who comes to 3od must believe that
4e is* and that 4e is a rewarder of those who diligentl seek 4im. 4ebrews 007=
3od will reward those who cannot see him* and et still show a strong desire to find him.
Possessing the characteristic of "aithfulness
6ou have heard the word K"aithfulnessL used in conversation this refers to someone whois reliable and loal. This is the tpe of person who would sta with something no matter
what happens. 2hen ou read about faith in the %ew Testament* it is usuall referring to
this tpe of loalt.
This is the central point of what 3od wants V loalt and faithfulness are ver important to
him. 4e wants us to make a commitment to him and then never later on change our loalt
to something else.
But the fruit of the $pirit is love* !o* peace* longsuffering* kindness* goodness* faithfulness*
3alatians <7
The fruits of the spirit include the characteristic of faithfulness. If we have it* then it shows
the godliness is growing in us.
2hat we can’t see
2hen we talk about faith it is referring to someone who is certain about something without
actuall seeing it. As :esus indicates* the more faith ou have the more ou can achieve.
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$o :esus said to them* KBecause of our unbeliefS for assuredl* I sa to ou* if ou have
faith as a mustard seed* ou will sa to this mountain* D'ove from here to there*’ and it will
moveS and nothing will be impossible for ou. 'atthew 0>7/
$o nothing would be impossible for the man who had faith.
But it can be argued that if we have faith then we should be able to achieve anthing we
wish. But as :ohn point out this depends on 3od’s will.
%ow this is the confidence that we have in 4im* that if we ask anthing according to 4is
will* 4e hears us. And if we know that 4e hears us* whatever we ask* we know that we have
the petitions that we have asked of 4im. 0 :ohn <7 090<
If 3od’s will allows it* then we can do ama,ing things with our faith. But we must alwas
remember that faith will never allow us to change 3od’s determined will. 4owever* we
should alwas remember that without human faith man of the events in the Bible would
not have happened.
(onsider this stor7
Then %aaman went with his horses and chariot* and he stood at the door of &lisha’s house.
And &lisha sent a messenger to him* saing* K3o and wash in the :ordan seven times* and
our flesh shall be restored to ou* and ou shall be clean.L But %aaman became furious*
and went awa and said* KIndeed* I said to mself* D4e will surel come out to me* and
stand and call on the name of the #ORE his 3od* and wave his hand over the place* and
heal the lepros.’ Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar* the rivers of Eamascus* better than
all the waters of Israel; (ould I not wash in them and be clean;L $o he turned and wentawa in a rage.
And his servants came near and spoke to him* and said* K' father* if the prophet had told
ou to do something great* would ou not have done it; 4ow much more then* when he
sas to ou* D2ash* and be clean’;L $o he went down and dipped seven times in the :ordan*
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according to the saing of the man of 3odS and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a
little child* and he was clean. Cings <7@09
%aaman did not want to wash in the dirt river :ordan* but because he had faith he tried
and as a result was no longer a leper.
(oping faith
As we have seen so far* faith is being sure about things that cannot be seen. But ofcourse
when ou think about it* faith itself cannot be seen. 6ou cannot sa that this person has
certain amount of faith V it cannot be measured. 4owever faith can be seen b others when
it affects how we behave. 2hen we look at some people we can see that faith has changed
their life. If we this then we should endeavour to cop what the have done.
that ou do not become sluggish* but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit
the promises 4ebrews =70
Remember those who rule over ou* who have spoken the word of 3od to ou* whose faith
follow* considering the outcome of their conduct. 4ebrews 057>
The same can appl to us. If we set a good e+ample b showing faith then others will cop
us.
Increasing faith
The Bible tells us that we must continuall increase our faith.
But also for this ver reason* giving all diligence* add to our faith virtue* to virtue
knowledge* to knowledge selfcontrol* to selfcontrol perseverance* to perseverance
godliness* to godliness brotherl kindness* and to brotherl kindness love. "or if these
things are ours and abound* ou will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of
our #ord :esus (hrist. Peter 07<?
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As an e+ample* we are told that the believers who lived in the ancient cit of Thessalonica
had faith that was continuall growing.
2e are bound to thank 3od alwas for ou* brethren* as it is fitting* because our faith
grows e+ceedingl* and the love of ever one of ou all abounds toward each other*
Thessalonians 075
$o what is the secret to increasing faith. The answer is that the more confidence we have in
3od the more our faith will grow. 2e can gain more confidence in 3od through praing to
him* through reading his word on a regular basis* through seeing 3od in action.
An e+ample of seeing 3od in action mabe when we see one of our praers answered* or we
are aware of the guiding hand of 3od in some event in our life. These are the things which
increase our faith.
Blind faith;
$ome ma sa that it sounds like we are being asked to have blind faith i.e. faith without
evidence. But this is certainl not the case. There is plent of evidence that 3od gives us7
a. evidence of his e+istence
because what ma be known of 3od is manifest in them* for 3od has shown it to them. "or
since the creation of the world 4is invisible attributes are clearl seen* being understood b
the things that are made* even 4is eternal power and 3odhead* so that the are without
e+cuse* Romans 070@/
(hapter 05
'odern da Idolatr
Idolatr is worshipping other things besides the one true 3od. (onsistentl throughout the
Bible it is made ver clear that idolatr is unacceptable.
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In the times of the Bible* most people worshipped gods and goddesses made of stone* wood
or sometimes precious metals. 3od condemns the worship of such ob!ects. %o matter what
the idol is made of* it is still a lifeless ob!ect with no power or character. It definitel has no
power to save us from our sinsG Idolatr is not onl foolish but is a ma!or sin in the ees of 3od.
Idolatr reduces 3od to a deit that can be manipulated
The worship of idols b people suggests the think the can get their own wa b effectivel
sidestepping 3od and worshipping other KgodsL.
$o :acob said to his household and to all who were with him* Q3et rid of the foreign gods
ou have with ou* and purif ourselves and change our clothesL. 3enesis (h.5<7
2h did people have these idols NKforeign godsL; In the time of :acob* idols were
sometimes seen as a goodluck charm. $ome Israelites* even though the worshipped 3od*
had idols in their homes. :acob believed that idols should have no place in his household.
4e wanted nothing to divert his famil’s spiritual focus.
Idolatr worships the creature rather than the creator
4ow can intelligent people turn to idolatr; Idolatr begins when people re!ect what the
know about 3od.
Although the claimed to be wise* the became fools and e+changed the glor of the
immortal 3od for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Romans 075
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Instead of looking to 3od as the creator and sustainer of life* idol worshippers see
themselves as the centre of the universe. The soon invent KgodsL that are convenient
pro!ections of their own plans and decrees. These gods ma be wooden figures* but the
ma also be goals or things we pursue such as mone* power or comfort. 2hatever it is the
main point is that idolaters worship the things 3od made rather than 3od himself.
uestions to ask our self7
Is there anthing ou feel ou can’t live without;
Is there an priorit greater than 3od;
Eo ou have a dream ou would sacrifice everthing to realise;
Eoes 3od take first place;
Eo ou worship 3od or idols of our own making;
Eo ou not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of 3od; Eo not be deceived7
%either the se+uall immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor
homose+ual offenders nor thieves nor the greed nor drunkards nor slanderers nor
swindlers will inherit the kingdom of 3od.
0 (orinthians =7@0/
'odern da idolatr
In the 0st centur* idolatr still e+ists V e+cept perhaps in some cases it is not as obvious V
it is more subtle. 2e can group modern da idolatr into three broad groups7
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i Pagan religions of the modern age
There are some modern da religions with tens of millions of worshippers which base their
religion around idol worship the worship god’s made out of wood and stone.
6ou shall not bow down to them or worship themS for I* the #ORE our 3od* am a !ealous
3od* &+odus (h./7<
ii Idols are anthing that will take awa our devotion to 3od.
A lot of time spent on a boat can make it a idol.
If ou spend a lot of time following the life of a movie star or rock star then mabe that is
our idol. Another e+ample* mabe spending a lot of time devoted to using and maintaining
a recreational boat. This could make that boat our idol V it is taking our time awa from
worshipping 3od.
iii 3reed is idolatr
3reed is the wanting more of something. In this modern age of seeing advertising
everwhere* greed is something which is likel to continue growing. Advertisers use such
phrases as Kou deserve itL or Kou need itL. 4owever* greed is like a cancer which eats into
us V the more we get* the more we want V we are never satisfiedG
The hunger for bigger* better and more possessions ma not seem that bad to ou. But it
slowl creeps up on us and takes over our thoughts and actions. "ort ears ago people
were satisfied with the small black and white televisions* then in the 0@>/s and 0@?/s
everone had to have the larger colour television and now it is essential to have the 0>
centimetre plasma television in our loungeroomGG
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6et greed is idolatr according to the Bible.
Put to death* therefore* whatever belongs to our earthl nature7 se+ual immoralit*
impurit* lust* evil desires and greed* which is idolatr. Because of these* the wrath of 3od
is coming. (olossians (h.57<=
Putting 3od first
$o in the future* if we want to avoid idolatr* what do we need to do;
"inall* brothers* whatever is true* whatever is noble* whatever is right* whatever is pure*
whatever is lovel* whatever is admirableif anthing is e+cellent or praiseworththink
about such things. 2hatever ou have learned or received or heard from me* or seen in me
put it into practice. And the 3od of peace will be with ou.
Philippians (h.97?@
2e need to put 3od first.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness* and all these things will be given to ou as
well. 'atthew (h.=755
Eo not store up for ourselves treasures on earth* where moth and rust destro... N'atthew
(h.=70@0
QEo not store up for ourselves treasures on earth* where moth and rust destro* and
where thieves break in and steal. But store up for ourselves treasures in heaven* where
moth and rust do not destro* and where thieves do not break in and steal. "or where our
treasure is* there our heart will be also. 'atthew (h.=70@0
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QAnone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worth of meS anone who
loves his son or daughter more than me is not worth of meS and anone who does not take
his cross and follow me is not worth of me. 2hoever finds his life will lose it* and whoever
loses his life for m sake will find it. 'atthew (h.0/75>5@
(hapter 09
$et our minds on things above* not on earthl things.
Although ou’ve pointed to Philippians 570@ in our Juestion* it might be more helpful to
start answering this Juestion b looking at (olossians 570<. Paul discusses the same thing
in this passage* a little more full. 4is idea here is that once ou become a (hristian* ou
live in a new realit7
KIf ou have been raised with (hrist8L Nv0
In the Bible* (hristianit isn’t reall about doing good things it is about trusting 3od’s
goodness. 2e are* however* often encouraged to do good things. But when this happens it is
because we change when we become (hristians. 2e have been Draised with (hrist’ and we
are called on to live like it.
K$et our minds on things that are above* not on earthl things* for ou have died and our
life is hidden with (hrist in 3odL Nv5
Paul’s thinking here is* wh would ou continue doing Dearthl’ things wh would ou
even continue thinking about them if ou have died and are now !oined to (hrist;G It !ust
doesn’t make an senseG 2hat Paul means b Dearthl’ things is clarified in the ne+t few
verses7
DPut to death therefore whatever is in ou that is earthl7 se+ual immoralit* unhelpful
thoughts* uncontrollable passions* evil desires* greed8L Nv<
Paul doesn’t ordinaril use the term Dearthl’ to mean everda things that we do or find in
this world Nas opposed to heaven7 football* computer games* friends and famil all have
their place. 2hat Paul means b Dearthl’ is sinful things things that are contrar to our
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new nature as someone who has died to sin and been raised with (hrist. $ometimes
ordinar things which are good in their own right can become sinful if we let them get in
the road of our relationship with 3od. If we* sa* value football over church or if we pla
computer games when we never read the Bible. In this case these Dearthl’ things reall are
sinful.
It is the same in Philippians 570@. To Dset our mind on earthl things’ means to desire
above everthing else something other than our relationship with 3od. Paul reminds us in
the ver ne+t verse of the same truth that we learned from (olossians. 2e are to value our
relationship with 3od above everthing else because Dour citi,enship is in heaven’ we have
changed. If we are (hristians we no longer belong to the earth* we belong to heaven.
I think ou will now see the answer to our Juestion. Paul means all the time. &ver
second* of ever da all of our life. 6ou are a citi,en of heaven* ou are raised with (hrist
thats the wonderful truth. %ow live like itG
(hapter 0<
Temptation
The Bible challenges us to control and guide our desires towards doing good rather than
evil. 2e all must take responsibilit for our own thoughts. As a result* we must learn to
control our thoughts.
The path to sin
$in is disobedience of 3od’s commandment. There is a pathwa that can lead to someone
committing a sin against 3od. This pathwa is7
0st Temptation
nd $in
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5rd Eeath
This is e+plained ver well in the following passage7
Blessed is the man who endures temptationS for when he has been approved* he will receive
the crown of life which the #ord has promised to those who love 4im. #et no one sa when
he is tempted* KI am tempted b 3odLS for 3od cannot be tempted b evil* nor does 4e
4imself tempt anone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn awa b his own desires
and enticed. Then* when desire has conceived* it gives birth to sinS and sin* when it is full
grown* brings forth death.
Eo not be deceived* m beloved brethren. :ames (h.0700=
2e are being told to endure the trials we face in our da to da lives and focus on those
things which 3od commands. This ofcourse reJuires us to e+clude the things that he
forbids. This process reJuires us to overcome temptation. To please 3od* the believer must
think and act in the correct was when the are initiall faced with the opportunit to do
wrong.
The cause of temptation
There is a ongoing battle between good and evil in each one of us.
The heart is deceitful above all things and beond cure. 2ho can understand it; :eremiah(h.0>7@ %I
This ongoing battle is also mentioned elsewhere7
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"or from within* out of menFs hearts* come evil thoughts* se+ual immoralit* theft* murder*
adulter* greed* malice* deceit* lewdness* env* slander* arrogance and foll. All these evils
come from inside and make a man Funclean.F Q
'ark (h.>705 %I
2hen we get evil thoughts we get it from within ourselves. $omeone or something else does
not put these thoughts into our mind. $o to overcome temptation we must firstl recogni,e
the source of the sinful thinking. 2e are responsible for our own thoughts. $o a believer in
3od must control these thoughts and alwas tr to do good.
One thing we need to remember is that what one person ma see as a temptation ma have
no effect on another person. 2e all react differentl to the things around us.
4elp in overcoming temptations
The three steps to overcoming temptation
There are three steps involved in overcoming temptation7
$tep one7 2atch
2ork out what are our ma!or weaknesses in temptation. Once ou understand these then
ou can be especiall prepared to fight temptation when ou in this situation.
$tep two7 Run
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2e are to avoid putting ourselves into situations where we face temptation. As matter of
fact* we are told to run from an situation where we might be temptedGG
"lee the evil desires of outh* and pursue righteousness* faith* love and peace* along withthose who call on the #ord out of a pure heart. Timoth (h.7
$tep three7 Pra
2e can go to 3od to help us with overcoming temptation. 2e can ask him through praer
to keep us awa from influences and environments that we find tempting. In other words*
led us awa from circumstances that will make it difficult to serve 3od.
3od allows us to be tempted because he wants to test our faith and desire to serve him. But
he stops the temptations becoming too much for us. $o whenever we find ourselves in a
difficult situation of temptation* ou can overcome it b seeking 3od’s help.
To him who is able to keep ou from falling and to present ou before his glorious presence
without fault and with great !o to the onl 3od our $avior be glor* ma!est* power and
authorit* through :esus (hrist our #ord* before all ages* now and forevermoreG Amen.
:ude 9<
(hrist can also help when we are faced with temptation.
$ince the children have flesh and blood* he too shared in their humanit so that b his
death he might destro him who holds the power of deaththat is* the devil and free
those who all their lives were held in slaver b their fear of death. "or surel it is not
angels he helps* but AbrahamFs descendants. "or this reason he had to be made like his
brothers in ever wa* in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in
service to 3od* and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he
himself suffered when he was tempted* he is able to help those who are being tempted.
4ebrews (h.7090?
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(hrist never sinned but he was tempted.
Therefore* since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens* :esus the
$on of 3od* let us hold firml to the faith we profess. "or we do not have a high priest who
is unable to smpathi,e with our weaknesses* but we have one who has been tempted in
ever wa* !ust as we areet was without sin. #et us then approach the throne of grace
with confidence* so that we ma receive merc and find grace to help us in our time of need.
4ebrews (h.97090=
Ceeping our minds pure
2e need to avoid ungodl environments where we will be faced with temptations.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the wa of
sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the #ORE* and on his
law he meditates da and night. Psalm 070 %I
$o we need to replace ungodl thinking with godl thinking. The best wa we can overcome
temptation is b filling our minds with the things of 3od.
2e demolish arguments and ever pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of
3od* and we take captive ever thought to make it obedient to (hrist. (orinthians
(h.0/7< %I
:ust as a conJuering arm takes captives* so the faithful believer must take captive ever
thought and make it obedient to (hrist.
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If we learn to control our minds and think onl about good things* then we can full control
temptation.
"inall* brothers* whatever is true* whatever is noble* whatever is right* whatever is pure*whatever is lovel* whatever is admirable if anthing is
e+cellent or praiseworththink about such things. 2hatever ou have learned or
received or heard from me* or seen in meput it into practice. And the 3od of peace will
be with ou.
Philippians (h.97?@
(hapter 0=
Team work
Teamwork happens when a group of individual people are brought together to achieve a
common purpose or goal. The needs of the group become more important than the needs of
the individual. $o for team work to work efficientl* each person need to put aside their
own individual needs so as to achieve the ob!ective of the group. 2hen the people in the
group work with each other this is known as teamwork.
"or teams to work effectivel* in other words* achieve the set goals the must make sure
the follow some fundamental principles of teamwork7
(ooperation with each other V set aside personal differences
"or a team to run smoothl the members musts work together in an effective manner. This
means putting aside personal differences so that overall aim can be achieved. The need tocooperate and collaborate with each other. If there are conflicts then these need to be
resolved b using principles as set out in the Bible.
2hat causes fights and Juarrels among ou; EonFt the come from our desires that battle
within ou; :ames (h.970 %I
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'an people* including some believers of 3od* live onl to make a good impression on
others or mabe the live to !ust please themselves. This tpe of selfishness can cause
problems when working in a group. Paul therefore encourages the believers to have
spiritual unit with each other and then work as one for the main purpose.
Eo nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit* but in humilit consider others better
than ourselves. &ach of ou should look not onl to our own interests* but also to the
interests of others. Philippians (h.759
Believers need to work as a team* caring for the problems of others as though the were our
own problems. 2ith this (hrist like attitude the team of 3od’s workers will e+perienceunit.
(ooperation with each other V two is better than one
As we go through life we learn man things. In the same wa* the believer* as he reads
through the Bible* learns wisdom. 4e ma take this wisdom and appl it in his own life so
as to make his life more meaningful. 4owever* the Bible sas that he shouldn’t keep all thisinformation to himself.
Two are better than one* because the have a good return for their work7 if one falls down*
his friend can help him up.
But pit the man who falls and has no one to help him upG
Also* if two lie down together* the will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone;
Though one ma be overpowered* two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not
Juickl broken. &cclesiastes (h.97@0
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The thought of the man without dependants toiling pointlessl* suggests the thought that
Qtwo are better than oneQ. EonFt keep all our gains for ourselfshare* be a team man
and how much fuller our life will beG
In the first centur* it was a :ewish custom to travel in pairs* especiall at night. To work in
pairs is better* for the each can encourage and strengthen the other when the become
downcast or depressed among strangers. Also one might take the glor to himselfS and
there might be a loss of love for the work through !ealous or dissension* as in the case of
:ohn 'ark.
QTwo are better than oneQ appeared to be the guideline for the work of the Apostles in the
first centur. Two disciples were sent to find the colt. Peter and :ohn were sent to prepare
the Passover and were later sent together to $amaria. Paul and Barnabas were sent b the
(hurch to Antioch and later when the had their dissension* each took a companion.
And 4e called the twelve to 4imself* and began to send them out two b two*8 'ark
(h.=7>
$o teamwork was a vital part of the work of the apostles in the first centur because of its
numerous advantages. "or this to work* it reJuired cooperation between the two men.
Eedicated commitment to the ob!ectives
The members of the team need to give full participation to the ob!ectives of the team.
&verone must feel that the goals are important and that the are full committed to
achieving them. &ach member must understand that their contribution will be valuable to
the team meeting its goals.
3od has given all believers an important responsibilit of making disciples in all countries.
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Then :esus came to them and said* QAll authorit in heaven and on earth has been given to
me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations* bapti,ing them in the name of the
"ather and of the $on and of the 4ol $pirit* and teaching them to obe everthing I have
commanded ou. And surel I am with ou alwas* to the ver end of the age.Q 'atthew
(h.?70?/
To achieve this ob!ective involves preaching* teaching* nurturing* giving* administering and
numerous other tasks. To tr and achieve this ob!ective b ourselves would be e+tremel
difficult. But 3od has asked us to work as a team for he knows this is the best wa to be
successful.
%ow these are the gifts (hrist gave to the church7 the apostles* the prophets* the
evangelists* and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibilit is to eJuip 3od’s people to
do his work and build up the church* the bod of (hrist.
&phesians (h.97000 %ew #iving Translation
As a team each person has his own special abilities that he Nor she can offer. $ome of us can
do one task whereas someone else can do another task. Together the united team can serve
3od more effectivel than the individual team members can alone.
It is a human trait to overestimate what we can do as a individual and also to
underestimate what can be done as a group. But as believers are part of the bod of (hrist*
there is a lot more that can be achieved together than can ever be done alone.
Eedicated commitment to the ob!ectives V the e+ample of Paul
At the time when the apostle Paul was writing* ships were powered b sail and b oar.
$ome ships had two* even three banks of oars. These vessels were known as Dbiremes’ or
Dtriremes’* but there was one ship called the D$racusa’ which had twent banks of oars
ten on each side. It was built for 3erone II of $racuse* and was a fearsome structure with
the capacit to transport a whole arm of soldiers. 'athematicians have calculated that it
needed two thousand men to pull the ?// oars. It is believed that the longest oar was ?9 feet
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long* and needed at least four men to operate itG 2e can imagine what an impressive ship
this was. 2here do ou think it was built; In (orinth in about // B(.
(ould it be that Paul knew about the building of this gargantuan slaveship* and thereforeused the analog of the underrower to describe to the (orinthians his own service* and
theirs; The apostle was content to describe his own work as like that of one of the men at
the bottom of a ship* operating his single oar. 4e knew that on his own he could onl flail
his oar uselessl in the sea. 4e stood no chance of moving the vessel on his ownS he needed
others to assist him. One man rowing on his own would be no useS two thousand rowing out
of step would not be much better. But all two thousand pulling together would provide the
necessar momentum and drive. Teamwork is what was needed.
Paul was therefore an underrower in his 'aster’s vessel. (hrist is the captain of his and
our salvationS he controls the vessel’s speed and direction* and through him we shall reach
our final destination.
But Paul also recorded a stern warning* again written in terms associated with the analog
of the team of rowers. Two men in &phesus* 4menYus and Ale+ander* had chosen not to
pull with the rest* and had made shipwreck of their faith* threatening to affect others too.
Timoth* m son* I give ou this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made
about ou* so that b following them ou ma fight the good fight* holding on to faith and a
good conscience. $ome have re!ected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among
them are 4menaeus and Ale+ander* whom I have handed over to $atan to be taught not to
blaspheme. 0 Timoth (h.070@/
2e have to learn to put our faith in the captain* and pull together in united service. 6et it is
much easier to sit back* considering others to be 3od’s stewards* and not ourselves. Paulwas certainl the steward of the 3entiles* and the #ord :esus served his 'aster* even unto
death on the tree.
2e read of the various tasks allocated in the %ew Testament churches* and see them
reflected in our own organisation. But we need to realise that service is a dut which falls
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on all disciples without e+ception. The parable of the talents is ver familiar* but in #uke
0* the 'aster blesses the wise and faithful steward whom he had found working diligentl
when he returned without warning. Because he had the oversight of 3od’s house* the
faithful and wise steward was alwas working* while watching and waiting for his 'aster’s
return.
The team must be coordinated b a leader
The leader or leaders would help coordinate the team. This would help it achieve the goals
it was aiming for.
$olomon was e+ample of someone who knew the advantages of team work. 3ifted b 3od*
$olomon was to build a 4ouse Ntemple for 3od in :erusalem and was keen to begin b
laing its foundations. "irst* he reorganised some aspects of the Cingdom and then he
proceeded to build up a team of workmen* from Israel and elsewhere* to get the great
pro!ect underwa. There was a lot to be done.
4aving reorganised both the civil service and the tribal boundaries* to increase efficienc
and to ensure that the nation could afford the capital e+penditure programme he had in
mind for 3od* $olomon turned his attention to organising a large workforce. "or the
pro!ect reJuired civil engineering* comple+ building construction* and fine artwork. To do
all these well enough for 3od reJuired the involvement of an international team of
labourers and the emploment of skilled craftsmen.
After some time* a picture of the task force was beginning to become clear. :ew and 3entile
were going to work together to fell and transport the timber. $olomon’s lev drafted in a
huge number of labourers to work a month at a time* with a two months’ break before the
began another stint of felling duties. The wellestablished forests of #ebanon must havebeen alive with people from time to time* whenever the weather made felling and logging
practical* and whenever the sea was calm enough to let the log rafts0 be safel floated down
from #ebanon to :affa* and thence be dragged or carted up to :erusalem. Teamwork was of
the essence* for the record sas that7 Cing $olomon conscripted laborers from all Israel
thirt thousand men. 4e sent them off to #ebanon in shifts of ten thousand a month* so that
the spent one month in #ebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of the
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forced labor. $olomon had sevent thousand carriers and eight thousand stonecutters in
the hills* as well as thirtthree hundred foremen who supervised the pro!ect and directed
the workmen. 0 Cings (h.<7050= %I
(hapter 0>
loneliness
#oneliness has to be e+perienced to be understood and it is b no means peculiar to those
who live alone. It is possible to be ver lonel indeed amidst a crowd of people. It is also one
of the trials that man of us have to face at some time in our lives.
A smpathetic ear devoid of impatienceS a little understanding of the problems of
lonelinessS an act of kindness and loveall warm the heart of the lonel one. These things
help to make life easier* but the problem of being lonel remains.
A person can feel lonel even in a crowd of people
:esus must have e+perienced loneliness on man occasions. 4e knew the warmth of famil
life* but preparation for his ministr and service to his "ather had to come first in his life.
This dedication to his "ather offended his famil at times and drew him apart from them.
This is evident when his mother and brethren waited without* hoping to see him* but :esus*
indicating his disciples* said* QBehold m mother and m brethrenQ. In spite also of the
closeness to him of his constant companions* the disciples* the were far from
understanding full his purpose and sacrifice.
Euring the last few das of his life* :esusF loneliness increased. 2hen he needed them most*
his friends left him. At the last supper his disciples contended as to who should be
accounted the greatest* and :udas departed to betra him. "earful of what should become
of them* the disciples fled when :esus was taken b the soldiers* thus fulfilling the 'asterFs
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prophec that the would be scattered as sheep without a shepherd. The final ordeal of the
cross was before :esus.
$o with all this loneliness how did :esus cope;
:esus gained strength throughout his ministr b his Juiet communion with 3od. 2e
cannot achieve the closeness of :esus to 3od* but we can turn often to 3od in praer*
gaining strength in time of need.
2hen :esus heard what had happened* he withdrew b boat privatel to a solitar place.
4earing of this* the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 'atthew (h.09705
Presence of :esus
Of all human e+periences* one of the most poignant is that of being separated from those
we hold dear. To take leave of one we love is to e+perience an acute sense of lossa feeling
of sadness and of lonelinessthe intensit of which varies with the strength of our regard
for the one who is going awa.
2hat then* we ma ask* must have been the feelings of the disciples of :esus when* after he
had led them as far as to Bethan* their #ord blessed them and was parted from them and
carried up into heaven; $urel* their sense of loss must have been more intense than
anthing we have e+perienced.
If we have ever reasoned along these lines* we shall be surprised to discover that in point of
fact the disciplesF feelings on this memorable occasion were Juite otherwise. The 3ospel
records of the Ascension betra no sense of loss. On the contrar* to Juote from #ukeFs
account* when the had witnessed the Ascension of their #ord the disciples Qreturned to
:erusalem with great !o7 and were continuall in the temple* praising and blessing 3od.Q
4ow is this remarkable parado+ to be e+plained ; 4ow is it that whereas we are downcast
and sad when we have taken leave of a loved one* the eleven* in apparentl similar
circumstances* were able to re!oice; There is onl one possible e+planation7 the disciples
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did not believe that in an real sense the had been separated from their #ord. The were*
in fact* filled with an overwhelming sense of his presence. :esus was graduall training
them to understand that he was present everwhere.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations* baptising them in the name of the "ather
and of the $on and of the 4ol $pirit* and teaching them to obe everthing I have
commanded ou. And surel I am with ou alwas* to the ver end of the age.Q 'atthew
(h.?70@/
"or where two or three come together in m name* there am I with them.Q 'atthew
(h.0?7/
Presence of 3od
#oneliness does not necessaril mean absence of other persons* it is more likel to be lack of
affinit of mind. $atisfaction of heart is not e+perienced in a crowd* but in the
consciousness of someone who is one with us in thought and aspiration. Though mankind
are bound closer together than ever b the inventions that enter ever home and land
simultaneousl* et loneliness of heart is !ust as possible as before.
(ompanionship is more real in the realm of the spirit than that of the senses. It is the
spiritual presence or companionship of the Eivine that gives radiance to a manFs
countenance* stedfastness to his faith* and love and !o to his heart. It was the blessing
offered to the (hildren of Israel that shepherded them through the wilderness when the
had left &gpt for the Promised hand. 'oses said* Q$how me Th wa that I ma know
Thee*L and the repl came7 Q' presence shall go with thee and I will give thee rest.Q
The modern (hildren of the (ovenant are assured of a triumphant end to their pilgrimage
in the same promise echoed ages after* through the words of the 3ood $hepherd 7
QIf a man love me* he will keep m words and m "ather will love him and we will come
unto him and make our abode with him. "or such a manall things abound GL
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3od is present everwhere so there is no need to feel lonel.
&ven though I walk through the valle of the shadow of death* I will fear no evil* for ou
are with meS our rod and our staff* the comfort me. Psalm 579
6et I am alwas with ouS ou hold me b m right hand. 6ou guide me with our counsel*
and afterward ou will take me into glor. 2hom have I in heaven but ou; And earth has
nothing I desire besides ou. ' flesh and m heart ma fail* but 3od is the strength of m
heart and m portion forever. But as for me* it is good to be near 3od.
I have made the $overeign #ORE m refugeS I will tell of all our deeds. Psalm >575
=* ?
Ceep our lives free from the love of mone and be content with what ou have* because
3od has said* Q%ever will I leave ouS never will I forsake ou.Q 4ebrews (h.057<
Overcoming loneliness
2e all need human relationships.
The #ORE 3od said* QIt is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable
for him.Q 3enesis (h.70?
(4APT&R 0?
#)(C
2hat does it mean to be luck;
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The dictionar describes luck as random* when things happen b chance. Things do seem
to happen b chance sometimes...
The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong* nor does food come to the wise orwealth to the brilliant or favour to the learnedS but time and chance happen to them all.
&cclesiastes @700
An athlete can fall during a race* an investor can loose their mone when a business fails* a
friend can be diagnosed with cancer* while a criminal ma escape without being punished.
&Juall* good things can happenS people fall in love* cures for diseases are discovered* a !ob
application is successful V but is it all reall !ust luck; Or* is 3od reall in control;
3ood luck
3od doesn’t promise us good luck* in fact the word luck is never mentioned in the Bible.
There are no random or chance happenings with 3od in control. 3od has a purpose for this
world and there is no event in our lives that is not in some wa a part of that plan.
I form the light* and create darkness7 I make peace* and create evil7 I the #ORE do all
these things. Isaiah 9<7>
And we know that in all things 3od works for the good of those who love him* who have
been called according to his purpose. Romans ?7?@
The ees of the #ORE are in ever place* beholding the evil and the good. Proverbs 0<75
The lot is cast into the lap* but its ever decision is from the #ORE. Proverbs 0=755
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Perhaps instead of wishing our friends Qgood luckQ it would be much better to sa Q3od
bless ouQ
The #ord bless ou and keep ouS the #ord make 4is face shine upon ou and be gracious
to ou* the #ord turn 4is face towards ou and give ou peace. %umbers =79=
$uccess
2hen we wish someone Qgood luckQ don’t we reall mean that we wish them success*
happiness* good health* happ families* contentment and other good things;
That ma not seem like a bad thing at all* but it is so eas to let mone be the top priorit in
our lives8
%ow listen* ou who sa* QToda or tomorrow we will go to this* or that cit* spend a ear
there* carr on business and make mone.Q 2h* ou do not even know what will happen
tomorrow. 2hat is our life; 6ou are a mist that appears for a little while and thenvanishes. Instead ou ought to sa* QIf it is the #ord’s will* we will live and do this or that.Q
:ames 9705
2e are surrounded b pressure to achieve success* to work harder* earn more mone* bu a
bigger house* a newer car8
But godliness with contentment is great gain. "or we brought nothing into the world* andwe can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing* we will be content with that.
People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into man foolish and
harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 0 Timoth =7@
3od wants us to trust in 4im* not in moneS
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2hoever trusts in his riches will fall but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf. Proverbs
007?
The #ORE makes poor and makes richS 4e brings low and lifts up. 4e raises the poor
from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap* to set them among princes and make
them inherit the throne of glor. "or the pillars of the earth are the #ordFs* and 4e has set
the world upon them. 4e will guard the feet of 4is saints* but the wicked shall be silent in
darkness. "or b strength no man shall prevail. 0 $amuel 7>@
If we trust in 3od and tr to follow 4is was 8
3od will meet all our needs according to his glorious riches in (hrist :esus. Philippians
970@
who is able to do immeasurabl more than all we ask or imagine* according to 4is power
that is at work within us8 &phesians 57/
3od’s word* the Bible* teaches us 4is wa to find happiness.
Eo not let this Book of the #aw NBible depart from our mouthS meditate on it da and
night* so that ou ma be careful to do everthing written in it. Then ou will be
prosperous and successful wherever ou go. :oshua 07?
3ambling
6ou ma know of people who have lost their homes or their fortunes or their families b
gambling* 3ambling seems to offer a wa to get mone Juickl and easil but the Bible
offers good adviceS
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Eishonest mone dwindles awa* but he who gathers mone little b little makes it grow.
Proverbs 05700
The love of mone is a root of all kinds of evil. $ome people* eager for mone* have
wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with man griefs. 0 Timoth =70/
A faithful man will be richl blessed* but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
Proverbs ?7/
$tarting over
:esus told a parable about a rich oung man who gambled awa all his inheritance and
everthing that he had. 4e was so desperate that he found a !ob feeding pigs and so hungr
that he would eat some of the pigs food. 6ou can read about it in #uke 0<7005.
The oung man was afraid to go back to his father’s house but when he did he was
welcomed with open arms. 3od is like the oung man’s father* 4e’s waiting for us to getour priorities right* and willing to forgive us our mistakes if we repent.
The #ord is not slow in keeping 4is promise* as some understand slowness. 4e is patient
with ou* not wanting anone to perish but everone to come to repentance. Peter
57@
Are not two sparrows sold for a penn; 6et not one of them will fall to the ground apartfrom the will of our "ather. 'atthew 0/7@
2e can re!oice* too* when we run into problems and trials* for we know that the are good
for usthe help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us*
and character strengthens our confident e+pectation of salvation. And this e+pectation will
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not disappoint us. "or we know how dearl 3od loves us* because he has given us the 4ol
$pirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans <75<
(4APT&R 0@
3)I#T
2hat are we feeling when we e+perience guilt; 2e have a feeling of responsibilit or
remorse for some offense* crime* or wrong. This offense* crime or wrong can be real or
imagined.
In the conte+t of the Bible* people ma feel guilt when the have sinned.
2hat is sin;
The entire plan of 3od revolves around the concept of obedience.
EonFt ou know that when ou offer ourselves to someone to obe him as slaves* ou are
slaves to the one whom ou obewhether ou are slaves to sin* which leads to death* or toobedience* which leads to righteousness; Romans (h.=70= %I
"or the believer in 3od* obedience is critical. 3od loves obedience but hates sin. $o what
does 3od mean b KsinL; $in means to be disobedient to 3od. If a person is sinful then he
is full of disobedience.
2h does 3od hate sin; Because if we make a decision to disobe him then we re!ect all thethings he stands for V truth* love* patience* !ustice* faithfulness* merc and so on. 2hen we
sin we re!ect 3od himself.
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The mind of sinful man is death* but the mind controlled b the $pirit is life and peaceS the
sinful mind is hostile to 3od. It does not submit to 3odFs law* nor can it do so. Those
controlled b the sinful nature cannot please 3od. Romans (h.?7=? %I
6ou are so proud of knowing the law* but ou dishonor 3od b breaking it. Romans
(h.75 %ew #iving Translation
3od hates sin so much that he has stated that all sin will lead to death.
"or the wages of sin is death* but the gift of 3od is eternal life in (hrist :esus our #ord.
Romans (h.=75 %I
3od wants each one of us to replace sin with obedience. 2e need to learn to hate sin like
3od does.
3uilt and sin
The Bible shows us that our sins distance us from our 3od. This can happen when we ma
feel guilt because we have problems overcoming certain sins. 2e ma find it difficult even
to want to overcome some sins. 2e feel we cannot face 3od like this. 6et whatever form
that sin takes* the 3ood $hepherd knows all his sheep b name* and he is* even now*
seeking ever last one of us.
I am the good shepherdS and I know ' sheep* and am known b ' own. As the "ather
knows 'e* even so I know the "atherS and I la down ' life for the sheep. And other
sheep I have which are not of this foldS them also I must bring* and the will hear '
voiceS and there will be one flock and one shepherd. :ohn (h.0/7090=
If we have not made enough time for 3od’s word in our bus lives* our love for 3od’s was
can weaken firstbefore we actuall fall into a sin. If we allow that love and respect to
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cool* we la ourselves wide open to temptation. The more we desire sin* the further we are
distanced from 3od. 2hen at last we realise it* we find we are miles awa from 4im.
$ometimes we realise onl slowl how far we have distanced ourselves from our 3od* aslittle b little sin eats awa at our hope. $ometimes the feeling of distance from 3od is
brought home to us suddenl and sharpl. %othing will bring that distance home to us
more deepl than the sub!ect of death7 the stark illustration of the wages of sinthe
difference between light and darkness* life and no life. In the face of death* we cannot
deceive ourselves into thinking we can serve two mastersG I choose 3od and life* or sin and
death. The choice is entirel m own.
The result of sin is death
If we do feel trapped in a state of mind that desires sin* the beginning of turning back to
3od is to be honest with ourselves* and admit to that desirethat is better than being blind
to the fact* deceiving ourselvesG $in is deceitfulit does not appear to us in its true form. It
deceives us into thinking we can serve two masters. K4ow long halt e between two
opinions;L asked &li!ah. At an time we are either serving our own desires or serving 3od.
Both thought patterns cannot be in charge at the same time. 2hen our mind has been open
to wrong dependencies or thought patterns without resistance* we have been closing our
mind to 3od’s word and its guidance. 2e have to reverse this process* shutting our mind to
the sinful desires and opening it to 3od’s word. The bod knows what it likesour mind of
the flesh knows what it wants* and it will tr Kever trick in the bookL to get it. Thankfull*
3od has given us 4is Book .
The Bible Our $word
2hile the bod knows what it likes * 3od’s word shows us what we need . The battle is an
inward one* the arena is our mind* the Bible is our sword. If we allow 3od’s word into our
mind* it does not leave us as it finds us7 we must make a choice. &ither we harden our
hearts further* or we turn back to 4im. 2e can remain distanced* without hopeS or we can
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tr hard to draw closer to 4im* determined to tr to respect 4is was and appreciate the
wisdom of them.
4ow can we regain our lost ground; 4ow can we find our wa back;
And ou will seek 'e and find 'e* when ou search for 'e with all our heart. :eremiah
(h.@705
2e must show our "ather in heaven that we want to find our wa back to 4im and 4is
was* that we will persevere* that we will never give up.
But without faith it is impossible to please 4im* for he who comes to 3od must believe that
4e is* and that 4e is a rewarder of those who diligentl seek 4im. 4ebrews (h.007=
It is not eas to turn back7 we can feel so entrenched. 2e ma tr to !ustif or e+cuse our
sins* we ma even miss themG 2e ma not be able to find in ourselves an desire for the
right was all we feel
is a longing for the wrong was. 2e must strengthen our love and respect for 3od’swisdom* through effectivel reading 3od’s word. %othing can help us moreet straight
awa we hit a problemG
Eifficult Reading or Praing
2hen at last we admit that we have been turning a deaf ear to 3od’s warnings in 4is word*
it can feel as if* now that we want to* we cannot hear 4im. As if 4e were saing* KRightthen* so ou didn’t want to listen to mewell* for a time ou won’t be able toL. 2e do not
here suggest our "ather would have that attitude* but to us at the time* in a turmoil of
mi+ed emotions* it ma seem like it. 4ow can we make our wa forward;
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K2hat man of ou* having a hundred sheep* if he loses one of them* does not leave the
ninetnine in the wilderness* and go after the one which is lost until he finds it; And when
he has found it* he las it on his shoulders* re!oicing. And when he comes home* he calls
together his friends and neighbors* saing to them* DRe!oice with me* for I have found m
sheep which was lostG’ I sa to ou that likewise there will be more !o in heaven over one
sinner who repents than over ninetnine !ust persons who need no repentance. #uke
(h.0<75>
That hundredth sheep had got itself into a position where it could not get itself homeit
could onl admit that it was lost and cr for help. At that point the 3ood $hepherd came
looking for it and carried it home re!oicing. In our need for help* we must keep tring to
pra* faltering as we ma be.
The 3ood $hepherd comes to us through 3od’s word. Ceep tring to glean an help we can
from reading our Bibleour dail readings* a book of the Bible* a chapter* a versefilling
up with the spiritual food we must have been lacking.
I know* O #ORE* that a manFs life is not his ownS it is not for man to direct his steps.
:eremiah (h.0/75
2e don’t have it naturall in us to think as 3od teaches us. 2e constantl have to input
3od’s wisdom b reading 4is word. %othing else can fight sin. 2e shall begin to accept the
wa the Bible describes our sins and stop tring to !ustif them. This can be a frightening
time.
2e ma feel such a great heaviness that we did not love 3od’s was as we thought we did.
2e ma feel guilt that we have let 3od down. 2e can pass through man or all of these
feelings and later the ma leave us with another guilt to contend with on top of our initialproblemG Ceep going back to the $hepherd* cring out to him* reading his answers in the
word. The answers are thereG
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Our difficulties are compounded because thoughts and feelings can be so mi+ed. $in
deceives* and one of the was it deceives is b presenting evil along with good. 2hile our
heart deceives us* 3od knows the heart of man.
Behold* I send ou out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and
harmless as doves.
'atthew (h.0/70=
2hen we continue to pra and read 3od’s word* we not onl gain strength in resisting sin*
we also become more aware of sin.
$in deceives us b pandering to our shortterm satisfaction. $atisfing our own wants
above obedience to 3od is false securit* numbing our minds to our far greater longterm
needs.
Eesire for 3od’s was can be so weakS the desire to sin so strong. But :esus suffered long
and terribl out of his and the "ather’s love for us. That was done* not for the ou and me
who are being obedient* but for the ou and me who have walked along dangerous paths*
who have placed ourselves where we should not be. It is then that 3od still loves us andpleads with us to turn back* as a sheep to its shepherd* as a child to its "atherbecause 4e
first loved us while we were et sinners.
3od is not asking us to show 4im that we have suddenl become immune to sin4e asks
us to show 4im that we genuinel want to turn from sin* terribl hard though this can be
for us in our sinfulness. As 3od’s word changes our minds* and we learn the right paths*
slowl* surel* the warmth and closeness of hope and trust can begin to come back. Ea b
da we can show our "ather that we want to understand and respect 4is was* and that we
are never going to give up.
On our 3uard against $in
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$ome things in our life !ust fan the flames so that we want more.
2e must be on our guard constantlour mind so easil slips into wrong thought patterns*
and these are so strong. (ertain things make it far harder for us7 the compan we keep* the
music we listen to* the words we sing along to* clothes we wear* films we watch* things we
read* being too bus or too tired to remember 3od’s was in our da7 an of these can
encourage our wants and fan the flames so that we want more. 2e must tr to avoid
situations which make it harder for us* not because we are so righteous* but because we are
so weakG
All that :esus passed through to open the wa to our forgiveness can mean more to us thanit has ever done* and can move us ver much. 2hen we confess our sins* and tr hard to
turn from them* to pass from sin to repentance* 3od is !ust to forgive us our sins.
4ow much it means to us to know that the #ord :esus took all our griefs and all our
sorrows* and died that we might liveG 2e know that*
KThe #ord is merciful and gracious* slow to anger* and plenteous in merc . . . 4e hath notdealt with us after our sinsS nor rewarded us
according to our iniJuities. "or as the heaven is high above the earth* so great is his merc
toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west* so far hath he removed our
transgressions from us. #ike as a father pitieth his children* so the #ord pitieth them that
fear him.L
Psalm 0/57? * 0/V05
#et us turn to 3od in our need and ask 4im to forgive us and to help us through 4is word
to find our wa back to 4im.
(4APT&R /
4onest
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Is it important to be honest; In toda’s societ honest and integrit are difficult to find.
$ociet rationalises dishonest V it is considered as something necessar to get b in this
world.
#ing destros integrit
#ies will soon be detected and the liar is deceiving himself to think otherwise.
A case stud of a liar
taken from 0 $amuel (h.0<7 009
(onsider this incident that took place about 5*/// ears ago. It concerns the Israelite Cing
$aul and the prophet $amuel7
$amuel said to $aul* QI am the one the #ORE sent to anoint ou king over his people
IsraelS so listen now to the message from the #ORE. This is what the #ORE Almight sas7
FI will punish the Amalekites for what the did to Israel when the walaid them as the
came up from &gpt. %ow go* attack the Amalekites and totall destro everthing thatbelongs to them. Eo not spare themS put to death men and women* children and infants*
cattle and sheep* camels and donkes.F Q
$o $aul summoned the men and mustered them at Telaimtwo hundred thousand foot
soldiers and ten thousand men from :udah.
Then $aul attacked the Amalekites all the wa from 4avilah to $hur* to the east of &gpt.4e took Agag king of the Amalekites alive* and all his people he totall destroed with the
sword. But $aul and the arm spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle* the fat
calves and lambseverthing that was good. These the were unwilling to destro
completel* but everthing that was despised and weak the totall destroed.
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Then the word of the #ORE came to $amuel7 QI am grieved that I have made $aul king*
because he has turned awa from me and has not carried out m instructions.Q $amuel was
troubled* and he cried out to the #ORE all that night.
&arl in the morning $amuel got up and went to meet $aul* but he was told* Q$aul has gone
to (armel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on
down to 3ilgal.Q 2hen $amuel reached him* $aul said* QThe #ORE bless ouG I have
carried out the #OREFs instructions.Q But $amuel said* Q2hat then is this bleating of
sheep in m ears; 2hat is this lowing of cattle that I hear;Q
$aul thought that he had won a great victor over the Amalekites* but 3od saw it as a great
failure because $aul had disobeed him and then lied to $amuel about the results of the
battle. $aul ma have thought his lie wouldn’t be detected* or that what he did was not
wrong. $aul was deceiving himself.
Truth stands the test of timeS lies are soon e+posed.
Proverbs 070@ W5X
People who tell a lie usuall find the have to tell further lies to cover the first one.
&ventuall the lie upon lie become a large out of control problem towering over themG
Eishonest people soon begin to believe the lies the build around themselves. Then the
start to lose the abilit to tell the difference between truth and lies. B believing our own
lies ou are deceiving ourself. But ou also alienate ourself from 3od* and ou lose
credibilit in all our relationships with other people. If ou lie to other people then their
perception of our integrit drops to a low level. In the long run* honest alwas wins out.
Above all* m brothers* do not swearnot b heaven or b earth or b anthing else. #et
our Q6esQ be es* and our Q%o*Q no* or ou will be condemned. :ames <70
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A person with a reputation for e+aggeration or ling often can’t get anone to believe him
on his word alone. 6ou should never become like that. Alwas be honest so that others will
believe our simple es or no. B avoiding lies* halftruths* and omissions of the truth* ou
will become known as a trustworth person.
#ies can lead to in!ustice
2hen ou want to please or impress someone* it is tempting to lie to make ourself look
good. 6ou ma think it is easier to tell the other person what the want to hear. $ometimes
telling the truth can lead to someone doing something terrible to ou. Obeing 3od Nnot
telling lies* doesn’t alwas protect us from evil conseJuences. Obedience ma* in fact*
provoke them. But it is better to suffer from man’s displeasure than from 3od’s wrath.
Eo not be afraid of those who kill the bod but cannot kill the soul. Rather* be afraid of the
One who can destro both soul and bod in hell. 'atthew 0/7?
If ou are ridiculed for being honest* remember that this can be a sign that ou indeed
doing what is right in 3od’s ees
#ing undermines our unit with others
#ing to those ou associate with Nfriends* relations* work colleagues* etc disrupts unit b
creating conflict and destroing trust.
$top ling to each otherS tell the truth* for we are parts of each other and when we lie to
each other we are hurting ourselves. &phesians (h.97< W5X
There are man cases where deceit and honest have ruined families. A famil is onl as
strong as the level of honest between its members.
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Eifferent levels of dishonest
uite often people argue that Kwhite liesL Nsmallscale dishonest is not a problem like full
ling. The Bible does not sa there is an difference.
%o one who practices deceit will dwell in m houseS no one who speaks falsel will stand in
m presence. Psalm 0/07>
:esus sas that deceit is one of man evil things which will defile someone.
Q2hat comes out of a man is what makes him Funclean.F "or from within* out of menFs
hearts* come evil thoughts* se+ual immoralit* theft* murder* adulter* greed* malice* deceit*
lewdness* env* slander* arrogance and foll. 'ark >7/
Briber
$ometimes ou hear of a person paing mone to someone else for a favour. This is what isknown as briber. 3od does not want this to happen.
#ORE* who ma dwell in our sanctuar; 2ho ma live on our hol hill; 4e whose walk
is blameless and who does what is righteous* who speaks the truth from his heart and has
no slander on his tongue* 8..and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. 4e who does
these things will never be shaken. Psalm 0<70<
4onest and 3od
3od makes it ver clear in various parts of the Bible that telling lies is a sin.
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The #ORE detests ling lips* but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs (h.07
Eishonest actions are also criticised b 3od.
Q FEo not use dishonest standards when measuring length* weight or Juantit. )se honest
scales and honest weights* an honest ephah W0X and an honest hin. WX I am the #ORE our
3od* who brought ou out of &gpt. #eviticus (h.0@75<5=
#iars will not be allowed in the kingdom of 3od.
Outside are the dogs* those who practice magic arts* the se+uall immoral* the murderers*
the idolaters and everone who loves and practices falsehood. Revelation (h.70<
There are si+ things the #ORE hates* seven that are detestable to him7 haught ees* a
ling tongue* hands that shed innocent blood*
a heart that devises wicked schemes* feet that are Juick to rush into evil* a false witnesswho pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Proverbs (h.=70=0@
3od asks us to have a character which upholds the highest standards of honest. 2e can
displa this on a dail basis b being open and honest with each other.
The hours in the above e+ample would var from person to person but I think ou get the
ideaG 2hat are ou doing with those 95 hours left over V our spare time where ou are free
to choose what ou do.
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There are numerous activities which we could do in our spare time. $ome of these activities
take us towards 3od and others take us awa from 3od. 2hat is the Bible’s advice on how
we use our spare time;
Be ver careful* then* how ou livenot as unwise but as wise* making the most of ever
opportunit* because the das are evil. &phesians (h.<70<0=
Avoid godless chatter* because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodl.
Timoth (h.70=
NAll the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there* spent their time doing nothing but
talking about and listening to the latest ideas. Acts (h.0>70
)sing our spare time
The Bible encourages the believer to make the best use of his time.
Be wise in the wa ou act toward outsidersS make the most of ever opportunit.
(olossians (h.97<
"inall* brothers* whatever is true* whatever is noble* whatever is right* whatever is pure*
whatever is lovel* whatever is admirableif anthing is e+cellent or praiseworththink
about such things. Philippians (h.97?
3o* eat our food with gladness* and drink our wine with a !oful heart* for it is now that
3od favors what ou do. Alwas be clothed in white* and alwas anoint our head with oil.
&n!o life with our wife* whom ou love* all the das of this meaningless life that 3od has
given ou under the sun all our meaningless das. "or this is our lot in life and in our
toilsome labor under the sun. 2hatever our hand finds to do* do it with all our might* for
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in the grave* where ou are going* there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor
wisdom. &cclesiastes (h.0/70?
2asting time
In our spare time it ma be tempting to become la, and do nothing. But 3od warns us
against la,iness.
Besides* the get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not
onl do the become idlers* but also gossips and busbodies* saing things the ought not
to. 0 Timoth (h.<705
In the name of the #ord :esus (hrist* we command ou* brothers* to keep awa from ever
brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching ou received from us. "or
ou ourselves know how ou ought to follow our e+ample. 2e were not idle when we were
with ou* nor did we eat anoneFs food without paing for it. On the contrar* we worked
night and da* laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to an of ou. 2e did
this* not because we do not have the right to such help* but in order to make ourselves a
model for ou to follow. "or even when we were with ou* we gave ou this rule7 QIf a man
will not work* he shall not eat.Q
2e hear that some among ou are idle. The are not busS the are busbodies. $uch
people we command and urge in the #ord :esus (hrist to settle down and earn the bread
the eat. And as for ou* brothers* never tire of doing what is right. Thessalonians (h.57=
05
The Bible encourages us to use our spare time working hard.
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good* in order that the ma
provide for dail necessities and not live unproductive lives. Titus (h.5709
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2e each have finite time to use this is wh it is important to use it effectivel.
&ntertainment
2hen people have spare time the usuall look to entertainment to fill it. The
entertainment usuall turned to is movies* television* video games* maga,ines* etc. A large
portion of these tpes of entertainment is full of immoralit* violence and other behaviour
which goes directl against the tpe of behaviour that 3od asked of us.
The Bible sas that our leisure times should be spent profitabl.
$o whether ou eat or drink or whatever ou do* do it all for the glor of 3od.
0 (orinthians (h.0/750
#ife is here to en!oG
A lot of people think that living a life according to the principles of 3od is not en!oable.
This is a long wa from the realit of the situation. There are man verses in the Bible
which make it clear that 3od does want us to en!o ourselves.
But ma the righteous be glad and re!oice before 3odS ma the be happ and !oful.
Psalms =?75
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happ and do good while the live.
That everone ma eat and drink* and find satisfaction in all his toilthis is the gift of
3od. &cclesiastes (h.57005
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Re!oice in the #ord alwas. I will sa it again7 Re!oiceG
Philippians (h.979
(ommand those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope
in wealth* which is so uncertain* but to put their hope in 3od* who richl provides us witheverthing for our en!oment. 0 Timoth (h.=70>
(hapter 0
Blasphem
3od reJuires us to show him honour* reverence and great respect. Blasphem is treating
3od with contempt. 2e must be careful how we act and how we speak.
There are a number of was in which people can blaspheme7
'isusing or profaning 3od’s name
"orsaking 3od
2orshipping other gods
$inning defiantl
The common theme here is disrespect for 3od. $o an action that involves deliberate
disrespect for 3od is blasphem.
'isusing or profaning 3od’s name
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3od’s name and his $on :esus name have ver deep spiritual meanings. 2hen we speak of
3od we are touching upon ever aspect of 4is wonderful purpose of love and truth. That
3od’s %ame should be used in vain as a mild e+pletive or e+pression of e+asperation* is
therefore one of the most insulting things a man can do to his 'aker.
6ou shall not misuse the name of the #ORE our 3od* for the #ORE will not hold anone
guiltless who misuses his name. &+odus (h./7>
Eo not blaspheme 3od or curse the ruler of our people.
&+odus (h.7?
Eo not swear falsel b m name and so profane the name of our 3od. I am the #ORE.
#eviticus (h.0@70
Eo not profane m hol name. I must be acknowledged as hol b the Israelites. I am the
#ORE* who makes ou hol #eviticus (h.75
Because of this anone who wants to please 3od and honour 4im will make ever effortnot to use 3od’s name lightl. If ou have blasphemed his name in the past then a heartfelt
praer to 3od for help to break this habit will help.
3od e+pects his people to respect him* acknowledge him as hol and to worship 4im with
great respect.
It is the #ORE our 3od ou must follow* and him ou must revere. Ceep his commandsand obe himS serve him and hold fast to him. Eeuteronom (h.0579
Tell Aaron and his sons to treat with respect the sacred offerings the Israelites consecrate to
me* so the will not profane m hol name. I am the #ORE. #eviticus (h7
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6ou are worth* our #ord and 3od* to receive glor and honor and power* for ou created
all things* and b our will the were created and have their being. Revelation (h.9700
"orsaking 3od
Therefore* son of man* speak to the people of Israel and sa to them* FThis is what the
$overeign #ORE sas7 In this also our fathers blasphemed me b forsaking me7 &,ekiel
(h./7>
2orshipping other gods
I will set m face against that man and I will cut him off from his peopleS for b giving his
children to 'olech* he has defiled m sanctuar and profaned m hol name. #eviticus
(h./75
$inning defiantl
But anone who sins defiantl* whether nativeborn or alien* blasphemes the #ORE* and
that person must be cut off from his people. Because he has despised the #OREFs word and
broken his commands* that person must surel be cut offS his guilt remains on him.
%umbers (h.0<75/50
3od was willing to forgive those who made unintentional errors if the realised their
mistakes Juickl and corrected them. 4owever* those who defiantl and deliberatel sinnedreceived a harsher !udgment. Intentional sin grows out of an improper attitude toward
3od.
"orgiveness
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Blasphem can be forgiven V an e+ample is the apostle Paul.
&ven though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man* I was shown
merc because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our #ord was poured out on
me abundantl* along with the faith and love that are in (hrist :esus. 0 Timoth (h.0705
09
Paul re!ected :esus as the $on of 3od V so he blasphemed. 4e later on repented and was
forgiven.
There is one sin that cannot be forgiven and that is blasphem against the 4ol $pirit.
I tell ou the truth* all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever
blasphemes against the 4ol $pirit will never be forgivenS he is guilt of an eternal sin.
'ark (h.57?@
Blasphem against the 4ol $pirit happens when a person deliberatel and consciousl
shows contempt for the power of 3od. An e+ample of this was when the :ews said that the
power of :esus to heal people came from an Kevil spiritL.
(hapter
Re!ection
To re!ect someone is to refuse to accept them. "or e+ample* if a man applied for a !ob witha compan and the decide to not accept his application then the have re!ected him.
The word re!ection means that someone is either in the process of being re!ected Nnot
accepted or has alread been re!ected.
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'ost people want to be liked so it is difficult when we are not accepted. This re!ection ma
be because of the wa we look* our personalit or our behaviour. To be re!ected is an
unpleasant thing to be cast on to ou. It can be e+tremel hurtful.
Re!ection b those close to ou
Re!ection from those close to ou can be e+tremel painful because we trust these people
more than others.
:esus said to them* QOnl in his hometown* among his relatives and in his own house is a
prophet without honor.Q
'ark (h.=79 %I
:esus sas in this verse that a worker for 3od Nprophet is never honoured in his hometown.
But this didn’t slow down his work for 3od* as this work was far more important than
being respected or honoured b others. If famil* neighbours or friends don’t respect our
work for 3od then don’t let this re!ection stop ou from serving 3od.
Overcoming re!ection through teamwork
2hen the disciples travelled through the countrside* the did it in pairs. As individuals
the probabl could have reached more areas of the countr but (hrist didn’t want this.
4e decided that as a pair the could encourage and strengthen each other* especiall when
the were facing re!ection. 2hen we are facing re!ection we can get strength from 3od but
he also encourages us to meet our needs b teamwork with others.
"or we are 3odFs fellow workersS ou are 3odFs field* 3odFs building. 0 (orinthians (h.57
@ %I
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$erving (hrist reJuires us to work with others V as a team.
Overcoming re!ection b drawing close to 3od
(hrist gave an e+ample of complete trust in 3od.
2hen the hurled their insults at him* he did not retaliateS when he suffered* he made no
threats. Instead* he entrusted himself to 4im who !udges !ustl. 0 Peter (h.75
The e+ample of (hrist was one of absolute nonresistance to evil and complete trust in 3od.4e could have avoided all his trials N'atthew =7<5* but he knew that the path of salvation
la through suffering and death* and like a good shepherd * he led the wa. 4e overcame
the re!ection b others b putting complete trust in 3od.
Re!ection of others
2e are told b Paul to not re!ect others but rather accept each other.
Accept one another* then* !ust as (hrist accepted ou* in order to bring praise to 3od.
Romans (h.0<7>
Accept other believers and don’t re!ect them on the basis of some trivial matter.
Re!ection b 3od;
3od promises never to leave or forsake us.
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Ceep our lives free from the love of mone and be content with what ou have* because
3od has said* Q%ever will I leave ouS never will I forsake ou.Q 4ebrews (h.057< %I
3od confirmed to Israel that we had not left them7
"or the #ORE will not re!ect his peopleS he will never forsake his inheritance. Psalm @9709
%I
Paul made a similar point to the first centur believers7
I ask then7 Eid 3od re!ect his people; B no meansG I am an Israelite mself* a descendant
of Abraham* from the tribe of Ben!amin. 3od did not re!ect his people* whom he foreknew.
EonFt ou know what the $cripture sas in the passage about &li!ahhow he appealed to
3od against Israel7
Romans (h.0070 %I
&ven though Israel had re!ected their 'essiah and had refused to listen to Paul’s
preaching* 3od’s promises were still relevant. If it is true for the Israelites then how muchmore so for the believerG 3od will never leave us or forsake us* providing we do not leave
him.
And ou have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses ou as sons7
Q' son* do not make light of the #ordFs discipline* and do not lose heart when he rebukes
ou* because the #ord disciplines those he loves* and he punishes everone he accepts as ason.Q 4ebrews (h.07<=
$ilence Re!ection b 3od;
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:ob suffered a lot in his life. 4e was especiall upset because 3od was silent and gave no
reasons for his suffering. :ob misinterpreted this silence as meaning that 3od was re!ecting
him. This apparent re!ection b 3od bothered :ob even more than an suffering he was
going through.
QOnl grant me these two things* O 3od* and then I will not hide from ou7 withdraw our
hand far from me* and stop frightening me with our terrors. :ob (h.057 / V 0 %I
:ob didn’t want 3od to Kwithdraw our hand far from meL* in other words* re!ect him.
3od’s silence does not mean he has re!ected us. $ometimes we will intervene in our lives in
unseen was.
Re!ection of 3od
$ometimes* through our actions and thoughts we can make the mistake of re!ecting 3od.
This can be done in a number of was7
0. $elfishness
$ometimes selfishness can lead us to re!ecting 3od. The Israelites did this7
6ou have said harsh things against me*Q sas the #ORE. Q6et ou ask* F2hat have we said
against ou;F
Q6ou have said* FIt is futile to serve 3od. 2hat did we gain b carring out his
reJuirements and going about like mourners before the #ORE Almight; But now we call
the arrogant blessed. (ertainl the evildoers prosper* and even those who challenge 3od
escape.F Q
'alachi (h.57050<
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$o here is a case showing the peopleFs arrogant attitude toward 3od. The basicall
re!ected 3od saing QIt is foolish to worship 3od and obe him. 2hat good does it do to
obe his laws* and to sorrow and mourn for our sins ; "rom now on* as far as we are
concerned* Blessed are the arrogant* for those who do evil shall prosper* and those whodare 3od to punish them shall get off scotfreeQ.
$o* we can see from these verses that selfishness is a re!ection of 3od and all that he
represents. Is that the same with us sometimes; Eo we sometimes ask Qwhat good does
serving 3od do for me;Q. If we do then our focus is selfish. Our real Juestion should be
Q2hat good does serving 3od do for 3od;Q
. Trusting our own !udgement more than 3od’s !udgement
There are man people in this world who ignore the evidence of 3od’s e+istence. The Bible
tells us that these people are foolish.
The fool sas in his heart* QThere is no 3od.Q The are corrupt* their deeds are vileS there
is no one who does good. Psalm 0970
There are others who are wicked because the refuse to live b 3od’s commandments. 2e
become like these people when we rel more on ourself than on 3od.
5. Trusting other humans more than 3od
$ome people put church leaders or other people before 3od.
This has happened in the past as well. "or e+ample in the time Of $amuel. The true king of
Israel was 3od. 4owever* the nation of Israel wanted another king.
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$amuel summoned the people of Israel to the #ORE at 'i,pah and said to them* QThis is
what the #ORE* the 3od of Israel* sas7 FI brought Israel up out of &gpt* and I delivered
ou from the power of &gpt and all the kingdoms that oppressed ou.F But ou have now
re!ected our 3od* who saves ou out of all our calamities and distresses. And ou havesaid* F%o* set a king over us.F $o now present ourselves before the #ORE b our tribes
and clans.Q 0 $amuel (h.0/7 0>0@ %I
Israel re!ected 3od b asking for a human being instead of 3od as their guide and leader.
If we look at histor we can see that men and women have continuall re!ected 3od. This
practice continues even toda. 2e need to look at our lives and decide what is our highest
priorit. If we push 3od aside and treat someone or something else as being more
important then we are re!ecting 3od. There are man e+amples in the Bible for us to learnfrom and the all teach one thing V 3od should be foremost in our life.
9. %ot taking up 3od’s offer of salvation
3od loved us so much the he gave us his onl begotten son. :esus perfect life* his truthful
words and his sacrifice of love are designed so that we sit up and take notice and follow the
e+ample of :esus. If we do this we are taking up 3od’s offer of salvation.
:esus said to them* Q4ave ou never read in the $criptures7
Q FThe stone the builders re!ected has become the capstone WcornerstoneXS the #ord has
done this* and it is marvelous in our eesF; 'atthew (h.079 %I
4owever* if we ignore 3od’s gracious gift of his son* then we re!ecting 3od himself.
$ummar
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As we might e+pect* the people whom 3od condemns are those who do not recognise their
need and who are unwilling to submit to 3od and 4is word. $uch were the Pharisees7
The tie up heav loads and put them on menFs shoulders* but the themselves are notwilling to lift a finger to move them. 'atthew (h.579
$uch men are selfrighteous and have lost their sense of dependence upon 3od. The ma
be divided into three classes7
0. Those who ignore 3od’s word completel* who are willingl ignorant7
#ike the people who lived in the das of %oah* the refuse to heed the warnings given b
those who preach the wa of righteousness. The deliberatel choose to remain in darkness.
%oah had certainl preached to his contemporaries* but when the flood came Kthe knew
notL. The knew all rightS the had heard the message* after a fashion. But inasmuch as
the did not want to know* their ears had been shut to %oah’s saving message. The disciples
were told to Kshake the dust off their feetL when leaving the houses of such people.
. Those who deliberatel distort it or re!ect 3od’s word7
The #ord refers to blasphemers against the 4ol $pirit* for whom there is no forgiveness.
These are Kfalse prophetsL who present a distorted gospel and invite men to believe in a
hope founded upon the Juicksand of human reasoning.
5. Those whose lives do not sincerel attempt to reflect 3od’s word7
The are hpocrites* who act out a part when it serves their purposesS their piet is based
upon selfinterest. The #ord has a stern warning for those who hear the word of 3od but
either ignore its directions* or manipulate its teaching to suit themselves7
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Q%ot everone who sas to me* F#ord* #ord*F will enter the kingdom of heaven* but onl he
who does the will of m "ather who is in heaven. 'atthew (h.>70
Psalm 5970>/ &$ H <= helpful votes
2hen the righteous cr for help* the #ord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The #ord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. 'an are the
afflictions of the righteous* but the #ord delivers him out of them all. 4e keeps all his
bonesS not one of them is broken.
(hapter 5
$econd coming of the lord
:esus 2ill (ome Again
The Bible presents 3odFs work of redemption as an ongoing process. Throughout the Old
Testament* 4e leads 4is chosen people toward truth and righteousness. The final phase of
the process of redemption began with the first coming of :esus and will culminate in the
events surrounding 4is $econd (oming. There will be a final !udgment of all people* livingand dead. The faithful will receive new spiritual bodies for eternal lifeS the wicked will be
cast into hell. There will be a final defeat and destruction of all evil $atan* sin* suffering
and death. The kingdom of 3od will come to its fulfillment at last.
:esus left no doubt that 4e will return again to complete 4is mission of salvation for
mankind7
QEonFt be troubled. 6ou trust 3od* now trust in me. There are man rooms in m "atherFs
home* and I am going to prepare a place for ou. If this were not so* I would tell ou
plainl. 2hen everthing is read* I will come and get ou* so that ou will alwas be with
me where I am.Q N%#T* :ohn 09709
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Related verses7 'atthew 575@* #uke 0?7?* :ohn 0970?* ?@* Acts 0700* 57/0* 0
(orinthians 007=* Philippians 97<* (olossians 579* 0 Thessalonians 070/* 70@* 5705* <75*
Thessalonians 7?* 0 Timoth =7090<* Titus 705* 4ebrews @7?* :ames <7>@* Peter 070=*
0 :ohn 7?* 57* Revelation 5700* 70* 7/.
2hen 2ill :esus (ome Again;
The Bible tells of man events that will occur before the $econd (oming and which will be
signs that the end is near. There will be wars* famines* earthJuakes* false prophets*
persecutions* and an increase in wickedness. The 3ospel must first be preached to all
nations. The temple at :erusalem would be destroed. NThe temple was in fact destroed b
the Romans in >/ A.E.
'an of :esusF followers e+pected 4im to return within their lifetimes* and that
e+pectation was supported b several passages such as7
QTrul I sa to ou* this generation will not pass awa until all things take place. 4eaven
and earth will pass awa* but ' words will not pass awa.Q N%A$* #uke 07555
On the other hand* passages such as this one place the $econd (oming much farther in the
future7
QAnd this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all
the nations* and then the end shall come.Q N%A$* 'atthew 9709
%o completel satisfactor resolution of these differences in the Bible has ever been found*
and the timing of the $econd (oming has been a sub!ect of hot debate within (hristianit
from the beginning. :esus* 4imself* said no one would be able to predict e+actl when 4e
would return7
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Q%o one knows about that da or hour* not even the angels in heaven* nor the $on* but onl
the "ather. Be on guardG Be alertG 6ou do not know when that time will come.Q N%I* 'ark
057555
The event* when it happens* will be swift and une+pected7
$o ou also must be read* because the $on of 'an will come at an hour when ou do not
e+pect him. N%I* 'atthew 979599
Over the past /// ears there have been countless attempts to interpret current events
according to the signs in the Bible. There have been innumerable predictions that the
$econd (oming was imminent. All have been wrong.
Related verses7 'atthew 0=7>?* 970<0 =79* 'ark @70* 05705=* 097=* #uke @7=>*
07<5=* Thessalonians 07>0/* Peter 57?09* Revelation 07>
Be PreparedG
Because no one knows when :esus will come again for the final !udgment* we must alwas
be prepared. :esusF Parable of the Ten irgins N'atthew <7005 speaks directl to the
need to be spirituall prepared for the final !udgment* and a number of 4is other saings
make the same point.
Related verses7 'atthew 979<0* 'ark ?75?* 057555>* #uke @7=* 075<9>* 07595=* 0
Thessalonians <75* Timoth 97?* 4ebrews @7?* 0 Peter 07>* 05* 9705* Peter 570/09
Resurrection
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&verone who has ever lived will be brought back to life in some form to face the final
!udgment along with those still living7
'ost assuredl* I sa to ou* the hour is coming* and now is* when the dead will hear thevoice of the $on of 3odS and those who hear will live. "or as the "ather has life in 4imself*
so 4e has granted the $on to have life in 4imself* and has given 4im authorit to e+ecute
!udgment also* because 4e is the $on of 'an. Eo not marvel at thisS for the hour is coming
in which all who are in the graves will hear 4is voice and come forth those who have
done good* to the resurrection of life* and those who have done evil* to the resurrection of
condemnation. N%C:* :ohn <7<@
Related verses7 'ark 070?>* #uke 097009* Acts 97* 0>70?* @5* 57=S 970<0=* 0*
Romans 970>* <70>* =7<* ?* ?700* 0070<* 0 (orinthians =7090<* 0<75* (orinthians 07@* 9709*
<700/* Philippians 570/00* 0* (olossians 070?* 0 Thessalonians 97050?* Timoth 70?*
4ebrews =7* 0070@* 5<* Revelation /7005
"inal :udgment
2hile we are still living* or until :esus comes again* we have ever opportunit to repent
Nchange our was from evil to good. But in the end we will all be !udged Nsee 2hat does the
Bible sa about salvation;.
&verone* the still living and the resurrected dead* will face 3odFs !udgment. &ven those
who profess (hristianit will be !udged b the deeds the have done in life N'atthew >70
5* (orinthians <70/. Those who have lived righteous lives will be granted eternal lifeS
those who have lived evil lives will be condemned to eternal punishment N'atthew <7@5/*
<7509=* 'ark @7959?. The apostle Paul put it this wa7
Therefore we are alwas confident and know that as long as we are at home in the bod we
are awa from the #ord. 2e live b faith* not b sight. 2e are confident* I sa* and would
prefer to be awa from the bod and at home with the #ord. $o we make it our goal to
please him* whether we are at home in the bod or awa from it. "or we must all appear
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before the !udgment seat of (hrist* that each one ma receive what is due him for the
things done while in the bod* whether good or bad. N%I* (orinthians <7=0/
The righteous who are granted eternal life will receive new spiritual bodies that are in somewas similar to the old earthl bod and in some was different.
$o will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The bod that is sown is perishable* it is
raised imperishableS it is sown in dishonor* it is raised in glorS it is sown in weakness* it is
raised in powerS it is sown a natural bod* it is raised a spiritual bod. N%I* 0 (orinthians
0<7999
Related verses7 'atthew >70* 0>* 0=79>* :ohn 570=0* <705/* Acts 0/75@95* 0>7@
50* Romans 7<0=* 0 (orinthians 97<* 0<75* Timoth 970?* :ames 700>* 97000* <7>
@* 0 Peter 970=* :ude 07090<* Revelation 7/5* /7000<* 7005
The %ew 4eaven and &arth
The final result of the $econd (oming will be fulfillment of all the promises of the kingdom
of 3od. $atan will be destroed* and there will be no more sin* suffering or death.
And the devil* who deceived them* was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur* where the
beast and the false prophet had been thrown. The will be tormented da and night for
ever and ever. N%I* Revelation /70/
QAs the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire* so it will be at the end of the age. The
$on of 'an will send out his angels* and the will weed out of his kingdom everthing that
causes sin and all who do evil. The will throw them into the fier furnace* where there will
be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom
of their "ather. 4e who has ears* let him hear.Q N%I* 'atthew 0579/95
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Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth* for the first heaven and the first earth had
passed awa* and there was no longer an sea. I saw the 4ol (it* the new :erusalem*
coming down out of heaven from 3od* prepared as a bride beautifull dressed for her
husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saing* Q%ow the dwelling of 3od is
with men* and he will live with them. The will be his people* and 3od himself will be with
them and be their 3od. 4e will wipe ever tear from their ees. There will be no more
death or mourning or cring or pain* for the old order of things has passed awa. N%I*
Revelation 0709
Related verses7 'atthew ?700* 0@7?5/* 'ark 097<* #uke 057@* :ohn 0975* Romans
?70?0* 0=7/* 0 (orinthians 7>0/* 057?05* 0<7/=* 9<9@* (olossians 579* 0 :ohn 70>*
Revelation >7090>* 0070<* 0@70@/* 70<
'iscellaneous Topics
$everal topics receive less prominent mention in the Bible than those above* but ma
provide additional insight into the events surrounding the $econd (oming. Because these
topics are not full e+plained in the Bible* a number of different interpretations have
arisen* and man of those interpretations go far beond an Biblical basis.
The Antichrist N0 :ohn 70?* * 975* :ohn 07> is identified as a liar and deceiver who
denies that :esus is the (hrist. As of the writing of 0 and :ohn* at the end of the first
centur* man antichrists were said to be alread present in the world. It is not clear* but
there ma be another antichrist to come whose spirit is alread present in the world.
The antichrist is sometimes said to be the beasts of Eaniel >700* the beast of Revelation
057000?* or the Qman of sinQ of Thessalonians 75* but those interpretations are not
certain.
At various times in histor one group or another has proclaimed the identit of the
antichrist. Those who have been so named include the Roman emperors (aligula* Titus*
%ero and (laudius* 'uhammad Nthe prophet of Islam* most of the popes* man Protestant
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theologians* man world leaders* and man other individuals and groups. 4owever* such
proclamations do not have an Biblical basis.
The 3reat Tribulation NRevelation >709 is a period of great suffering and distress whichwill occur in con!unction with the $econd (oming. It is often seen as a fulfillment of the
Old Testament prophec of Eaniel @79>.
Related verses7 Psalms 700* 'atthew 970<<0* 'ark 05709<* Revelation @7000* 0=705
0=
The 'illennium NRevelation /700/ is described as a period of a thousand ears during
which $atan is bound and the resurrected saints reign with (hrist before the final
!udgment. There is no other clear mention of the millennium in the Bible. The nature of the
millennium is a sub!ect of great debate within (hristianit* and beliefs about it fall into
several categories7
Amillennialism views the millennium as a smbol of the present age where the (hurch
carries on (hristFs work and the binding of $atan was accomplished b :esus in the past.
Postmillennialism views the millennium as a future period during which the gospel messagewill eliminate evil from the world and (hrist will rule spirituall for a thousand ears
before before the $econd (oming.
Premillennialism views the millennium as a thousand ear period between the $econd
(oming and the final !udgment. Two subcategories of premillennialism can be identified7
4istoric premillennialism views the millennium as the ne+t stage in advancement of the
kingdom of 3od* coming after the present age of the (hurch and before the new heaven
and earth.
Eispensationalism views the millennium as a period during which the Old Testamentpromises to the nation of Israel will be fulfilled. In this view7
&stablishment of the $tate of Israel in 0@9? is evidence that the $econd (oming is
approaching.
The Rapture Nsee below will occur before the 3reat Tribulation begins so that (hristians
will not have to face that time of suffering.
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The Rapture N0 Thessalonians 97050> refers to the departure of faithful (hristians Nthe
(hurch to meet the #ord in the air. There are three theories about when the Rapture will
occur7
Pretribulational rapture7 2hen :ohn ascends to heaven NRevelation 970
'idtribulational rapture7 2hen the two prophets ascend to heaven NRevelation 007000
Posttribulational rapture7 At the end of the seven bowls NRevelation 0=70>0
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Author b Tristan reman
The end