Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 9, The Taming of Your Will
Lutzer defines our will as our decision-making faculty, often caught between our thoughts and desires. "Your emotions express how you feel; your mind says what you know, but your will tells you what you want."
"God does not save you by circumventing your will. He works through it, giving you the ability to choose...Your will does not become passive when you yield to God. A surrendered will experiences struggle, as Christ's conflict in Gethsemane demonstrates."
Our will is influenced by our goals and priorities; i.e., we may not want to get up when the alarm clock goes off, but if we value our jobs, we will get up anyway. Short term goals can help give direction but they are not enough for "a meaningful and satisfying life...Only eternal values can give meaning to temporal ones."
Moses is one example of being motivated by eternal purposes: "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:24-27). Christ is another: "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." (John 6:38).
We also need to "not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (I Cor. 4:18).
"Your goals are the foundation of your larger beliefs about life and about yourself. Within the framework of your ultimate you forumate your short-term goals.""Your momentary feelings are not a good guide toward fulfilling desirable goals. Paul had his body in control: 'But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.' (I Cor. 9:27)."
We have God's help to do His will, but often the very point of conflict is wanting our will instead of His. We think we need our wills to be stronger, but they are plenty strong enough! What we need is a surrendered will (Psalm 51:17). When we yield to Him, then we find the resources to do what He requires. "You can't say no to temptation unless you say yes to God."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
How to say no, chapter 8
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 8, Living With Your Feelings
This is the toughest area for me, because somehow I expect that when I surrender an area to God, my feelings will be different and I won't want to do that thing any more. But that's not the case.
Lutzer points out that Eve's first sin involved a choice to follow feelings and desire rather than God's command, and that feelings in themselves are God-created and not wrong, but they are not fully reliable, and must be kept in check.
He mentions specifically by way of illustration:
We need thought, will, feeling, spiritual perception, and physical activity all to work together under the authority of the Word of God (Matt. 4:4).
"Most sinful habits are developed by simply following the path of least resistance, by doing whatever you feel like doing." "Many people who think they cannot obey God's commands really don't feel like obeying...Our fallen human nature seldom feels like obedience; usually it wants to do its own thing...Satan suggests to us -- as he did to Eve -- that God has asked us to obey commands which we cannot or need not keep. If we think we must feel like it, before we obey God's Word, we will never get off the ground in our spiritual lives."
Another danger of living by feeling is substituting or mistaking it for doctrine. "If you believe God is with you just because "He feels so close, " you will also believe there are days when He forsakes you, because He feels so far away. The assurance of God's presence does not come by feelings, but by faith (Heb. 13:5). "You need not experience a steady stream of placid emotional feelings to walk with God." Even Christ struggled with the emotions of facing the cross (John 12:27-28, Matt. 26:38).
Another danger of living by feelings is procrastination -- putting things off until we feel ready and able to do them, then adding guilt feelings to the mix.
"The moment you declare war on your besetting sin, you will bump into your feelings, mostly negative ones," like helplessness (the sin of unbelief in a different form), discouragement, laziness.
The example of Christ in coping with feelings:
1. He admitted them (Matt. 26:38, John 12:27-28)
2. He requested the support of friends.
3. He knew His emotional suffering would not separate Him from the Father's love and approval.
4. He knew that blessing would follow obedience (Heb. 12:2).
"Faith often runs counter to feeling. Even the attempt to find victory in feelings is a sin in the life of a believer. In short, it is simply 'walking in the flesh.' We must repent of th sin of assessing the reality of the Christ0life on the basis of feeling." Henry Teichrob
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 8, Living With Your Feelings
This is the toughest area for me, because somehow I expect that when I surrender an area to God, my feelings will be different and I won't want to do that thing any more. But that's not the case.
Lutzer points out that Eve's first sin involved a choice to follow feelings and desire rather than God's command, and that feelings in themselves are God-created and not wrong, but they are not fully reliable, and must be kept in check.
He mentions specifically by way of illustration:
The feeling of hunger is given by God to keep you alive: without it you would starve. But your craving for food must be kept in check, or else you will probably become gluttonous. Feelings of hunger must be restrained for the total good of the body.What he specifically means by "feelings" here are "inclinations, passing preferences, momentray urges," not "the deep currents of emotion which are part of the unity of your person."
The same can be said for sexual feeling and even feelings of anger and love. Your will must provide a check on the stream of emotions that ebb and flow through your being. If you follow your feelings wherever they may lead, you will be fulfilling virtually every wanton desire.
We need thought, will, feeling, spiritual perception, and physical activity all to work together under the authority of the Word of God (Matt. 4:4).
"Most sinful habits are developed by simply following the path of least resistance, by doing whatever you feel like doing." "Many people who think they cannot obey God's commands really don't feel like obeying...Our fallen human nature seldom feels like obedience; usually it wants to do its own thing...Satan suggests to us -- as he did to Eve -- that God has asked us to obey commands which we cannot or need not keep. If we think we must feel like it, before we obey God's Word, we will never get off the ground in our spiritual lives."
Another danger of living by feeling is substituting or mistaking it for doctrine. "If you believe God is with you just because "He feels so close, " you will also believe there are days when He forsakes you, because He feels so far away. The assurance of God's presence does not come by feelings, but by faith (Heb. 13:5). "You need not experience a steady stream of placid emotional feelings to walk with God." Even Christ struggled with the emotions of facing the cross (John 12:27-28, Matt. 26:38).
Another danger of living by feelings is procrastination -- putting things off until we feel ready and able to do them, then adding guilt feelings to the mix.
"The moment you declare war on your besetting sin, you will bump into your feelings, mostly negative ones," like helplessness (the sin of unbelief in a different form), discouragement, laziness.
The example of Christ in coping with feelings:
1. He admitted them (Matt. 26:38, John 12:27-28)
2. He requested the support of friends.
3. He knew His emotional suffering would not separate Him from the Father's love and approval.
4. He knew that blessing would follow obedience (Heb. 12:2).
"Faith often runs counter to feeling. Even the attempt to find victory in feelings is a sin in the life of a believer. In short, it is simply 'walking in the flesh.' We must repent of th sin of assessing the reality of the Christ0life on the basis of feeling." Henry Teichrob
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
How to say no, chapter 7
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 7, The Renewing of Your Mind
The theme sentence of this chapter is, "Sinful habits cannot be broken without replacing them with righteous ones." Renouncing them is a good first step, but unless we fill the gap, they'll come right back.
In fact, when we try not to think of something, that's when we can't get our minds off of it. "Freedom comes from filling your mind with God's thoughts."
Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." "The difference between worldliness and godliness is a renewed mind."
II Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." This is a spiritual battle.
1. Identify the specific thoughts you want to replace.
2. Be prepared for the discipline of spiritual warfare.
3. Be prepared to memorize the Word of God, especially those dealing with your problem. (Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.")
Begin the day dwelling on God's promises. Decide beforehand how you will respond when temptation strikes. "Obey the first promptings of the Holy Spirit." Then learn to switch topics of thought -- use the temptation as an alarm system to praise God," pray, sing a hymn, meditate on Scripture.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 7, The Renewing of Your Mind
The theme sentence of this chapter is, "Sinful habits cannot be broken without replacing them with righteous ones." Renouncing them is a good first step, but unless we fill the gap, they'll come right back.
In fact, when we try not to think of something, that's when we can't get our minds off of it. "Freedom comes from filling your mind with God's thoughts."
Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." "The difference between worldliness and godliness is a renewed mind."
II Corinthians 10:3-5: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." This is a spiritual battle.
1. Identify the specific thoughts you want to replace.
2. Be prepared for the discipline of spiritual warfare.
3. Be prepared to memorize the Word of God, especially those dealing with your problem. (Psalm 119:11: "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.")
Begin the day dwelling on God's promises. Decide beforehand how you will respond when temptation strikes. "Obey the first promptings of the Holy Spirit." Then learn to switch topics of thought -- use the temptation as an alarm system to praise God," pray, sing a hymn, meditate on Scripture.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
How to say no, chapter 6
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 6, The Power of the Holy Spirit
John 7: 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
I used to be confused by the statement that the Holy Spirit could not be given til Jesus was glorified: at first I though, if they are both omniscient, why can't they both be in the same place at the same time? But the issue was the order of things: Christ's glorification had to come first. Lutzer points out that "the basis of the gift of the Spirit was the glorification of Christ," just as the basis of our forgiveness is Christ's death on the cross. Both must be received by faith, not by agonizing or fasting.
Since the time of the book of Acts, very believer receives the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" but full control is not automatic.
Some people feel they are not "good enough" for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them and they should do more first, but that's like thinking you need to get better before taking medicine. Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," not "quit walking in the flesh and then receive the Spirit."
Eph 5:18 says, ” And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” If someone is drunk, they are being controlled by the alcohol. If we’re filled with the Spirit, we’re yielding to His control.
How is one filled with the Spirit? First confess any known sin. Ask God to search you and show you any that you might be missing. Then just ask in faith to be filled with His Spirit, just like you asked in faith to be saved. Erwin Lutzer says on p.75:
"You will be greatly helped in accepting the Spirit's control if you learn the power of praise." Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." I Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." "Thankfulness, like forgiveness, is not an emotion. Thankfulness is an intelligent response of gratitude to God, based on Hos Word. It is your determination to be obedient."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 6, The Power of the Holy Spirit
John 7: 37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
I used to be confused by the statement that the Holy Spirit could not be given til Jesus was glorified: at first I though, if they are both omniscient, why can't they both be in the same place at the same time? But the issue was the order of things: Christ's glorification had to come first. Lutzer points out that "the basis of the gift of the Spirit was the glorification of Christ," just as the basis of our forgiveness is Christ's death on the cross. Both must be received by faith, not by agonizing or fasting.
Since the time of the book of Acts, very believer receives the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" but full control is not automatic.
Some people feel they are not "good enough" for the Holy Spirit to dwell in them and they should do more first, but that's like thinking you need to get better before taking medicine. Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," not "quit walking in the flesh and then receive the Spirit."
Eph 5:18 says, ” And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” If someone is drunk, they are being controlled by the alcohol. If we’re filled with the Spirit, we’re yielding to His control.
How is one filled with the Spirit? First confess any known sin. Ask God to search you and show you any that you might be missing. Then just ask in faith to be filled with His Spirit, just like you asked in faith to be saved. Erwin Lutzer says on p.75:
How were you saved? By depending on the death of Christ. How do you receive Christ? By depending on the ascension of Christ. Both come by faith. That’s why Paul wrote, “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Col. 2:6).
You receive the Spirit’s filling by faith, not by having a particular feeling. Some Christians wrongly believe that the filling of the Spirit is a sensation. They expect waves of love, or an overwhelming sense of peace, or speaking in strange languages. Theirs is a fleshly desire to walk by sight, not by faith. We find it difficult to take God at His Word…and we ask for a sign that we might believe.
God, however, delights when you believe in Him without demanding emotional crutches. Just as a new believer needs to receive God’s promises — apart from feelings — so you daily need to receive the power of the Holy Spirit — apart from feelings
"You will be greatly helped in accepting the Spirit's control if you learn the power of praise." Psalm 50:23: "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God." I Thessalonians 5:18: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." "Thankfulness, like forgiveness, is not an emotion. Thankfulness is an intelligent response of gratitude to God, based on Hos Word. It is your determination to be obedient."
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
How to say no, chapter 5
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 5: The Freedom of Living at the Cross
Often it is not until we try to break sinful habits that we realize just how strong they are.
"All sins originate from the corruption of our rebellious sinful nature" which NT writers refer to as "the flesh." Lutzer defines the flesh as "a compulsive inner force inhereited from man's fall which expresses itself in general and specific rebellion against God...often called self; the incurable desire to put our interests above God's."
He then goes through several "Traits of the Self-Life" which are quite convicting -- I have found several variations online: one is here.
He then discusses what in means to be "in Adam" -- a descendant of the human race which cannot help but sin -- and "in Christ" -- bought with the price of Christ's death, given "a new nature and the personal presence and power of the Holy Spirit so that we can say no to our old self-nature."
He compares it to being adopted into a new family with all its new rights and responsibilities, or moving into a new home with a new landlord: though the old landlord may still come around and demand payment, we don't owe him anything any more. Our "authority to say no [to sin] is God-given:" "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11.)
How can we apply this knowledge to our sinful habit?
1. Realize "in Christ you are already dead to your sinful passions." We don't have to become dead to it become crucified to our flesh. This is hard because it doesn't feel that way, but we must take it by faith. "Just because you get talked into obeying your old landlord doesn't change that fact of new management. It does mean that you forgot you could confidently say no to his extortion schemes."
2. Admit the need for faith in daily life. "When we shift our attention to the completed work of the cross and insist on our privileges, our old self surrenders to God's authority." Though we're positionally complete in Christ, freedom from sin and spiritual maturity aren't automatic: it's contested and requires time with God and Hos Word, faith, and obedience.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Chapter 5: The Freedom of Living at the Cross
Often it is not until we try to break sinful habits that we realize just how strong they are.
"All sins originate from the corruption of our rebellious sinful nature" which NT writers refer to as "the flesh." Lutzer defines the flesh as "a compulsive inner force inhereited from man's fall which expresses itself in general and specific rebellion against God...often called self; the incurable desire to put our interests above God's."
He then goes through several "Traits of the Self-Life" which are quite convicting -- I have found several variations online: one is here.
He then discusses what in means to be "in Adam" -- a descendant of the human race which cannot help but sin -- and "in Christ" -- bought with the price of Christ's death, given "a new nature and the personal presence and power of the Holy Spirit so that we can say no to our old self-nature."
He compares it to being adopted into a new family with all its new rights and responsibilities, or moving into a new home with a new landlord: though the old landlord may still come around and demand payment, we don't owe him anything any more. Our "authority to say no [to sin] is God-given:" "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:11.)
How can we apply this knowledge to our sinful habit?
1. Realize "in Christ you are already dead to your sinful passions." We don't have to become dead to it become crucified to our flesh. This is hard because it doesn't feel that way, but we must take it by faith. "Just because you get talked into obeying your old landlord doesn't change that fact of new management. It does mean that you forgot you could confidently say no to his extortion schemes."
2. Admit the need for faith in daily life. "When we shift our attention to the completed work of the cross and insist on our privileges, our old self surrenders to God's authority." Though we're positionally complete in Christ, freedom from sin and spiritual maturity aren't automatic: it's contested and requires time with God and Hos Word, faith, and obedience.
(Disclaimer: My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.)
Monday, May 26, 2008
How to say no, chapter 4
My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 4: Getting God's Perspective
Lutzer suggests taking time to do an inventory of our lives, jotting down areas that need work, defining our attitudes, identifying what's really going on in our hearts. Then give ourselves and our problems over to Him, letting go of our perceived "rights." We have to realize that our ultimate goal is not just victory over sin, but coming to know and love God will all our hearts, soul, mind and strength..
It's a stunning thought to me that every time I choose my way instead of God, I am not loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 4: Getting God's Perspective
"One reason why...people reverted back to their old behavior patterns is they misunderstood the full extent of their problem. True, they wanted victory, but they didn't understand how or why God would bring it about. They, like most of us, wanted to overcome a specific habit -- for their own benefit. They wanted to be free of the symptoms of their problem, but did not want a thorough examination that would reveal deeper problems in their lives which they were unwilling to face. The habits themselves were like the tip of the iceberg."
"Sinful habits are usually indicative of unresolved conflicts. we must always seek underlying causes rather than treating the symptoms. God uses our struggle with sin to diagnose our true condition. Temptation is His X-ray machine, discovering the hidden conflicts that need attention."
"The deeper issue we often avoid is our rebellion against God."
"To confess your sins means that you agree with God that you have sinned: it also means that you agree that the sin must be forsaken. Those who confess their sins, intending to repeat the same actions, are only partially repentant. Such incomplete repentance leads to a downward spiral of repeated failure. Confession means that you admit your sin and give God permission to remove it from your life. Of course, I am not saying that you will never commit the same sin again -- if so. none of us could claim forgiveness. But their needs to be a willingness to part with the sin, and a submission to God's verdict on the matter. Apart from such acknowledgment, your intentions are self-centered. You are inquiring how forgiveness will benefit you instead of considering how you have offended God."
"Temptation...gives you a clear-cut opportunity to declare your allegiance to Jesus Christ."
Lutzer suggests taking time to do an inventory of our lives, jotting down areas that need work, defining our attitudes, identifying what's really going on in our hearts. Then give ourselves and our problems over to Him, letting go of our perceived "rights." We have to realize that our ultimate goal is not just victory over sin, but coming to know and love God will all our hearts, soul, mind and strength..
It's a stunning thought to me that every time I choose my way instead of God, I am not loving Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
How to say no, chapter 3
Continuing on with my notes from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer:
Chapter 3: Putting You Past Behind You
Satan likes to use illegitimate guilt to make us feel that a new beginning is impossible. Or he wants us to think that "we've gone too far...since the past can't be reclaimed we might as well give up." Plus sinful habits have a "domino effect," making them easier to commit the next time. Once guard has been let down it is easy to let it down again.
True, actions have consequences that sometimes cannot be changed. But God offers genuine forgiveness and a break in the cycle, a new beginning.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18.
Guilt can cause physical illness, depression, lack of faith (I John 3:21). It can cause people to punish themselves or to do good works to compensate. Good works can't erase guilt.
To deal with guilt:
1. Identify the cause. Sometimes we can be plagued by false guilt.
2. Realize that God's remedy for sin is complete (I John 1:9). To help stop the cycle of confessing the same sin over and over, begin to thank God for His forgiveness each time you fell guilty.
3. "As far as possible, experience the healing of all personal relationships."
My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.
Chapter 3: Putting You Past Behind You
"The sin that troubles you today sank its roots into your life yesterday. You can't break your sinful habits until you have a new beginning."
Satan likes to use illegitimate guilt to make us feel that a new beginning is impossible. Or he wants us to think that "we've gone too far...since the past can't be reclaimed we might as well give up." Plus sinful habits have a "domino effect," making them easier to commit the next time. Once guard has been let down it is easy to let it down again.
True, actions have consequences that sometimes cannot be changed. But God offers genuine forgiveness and a break in the cycle, a new beginning.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18.
Guilt can cause physical illness, depression, lack of faith (I John 3:21). It can cause people to punish themselves or to do good works to compensate. Good works can't erase guilt.
To deal with guilt:
1. Identify the cause. Sometimes we can be plagued by false guilt.
2. Realize that God's remedy for sin is complete (I John 1:9). To help stop the cycle of confessing the same sin over and over, begin to thank God for His forgiveness each time you fell guilty.
3. "As far as possible, experience the healing of all personal relationships."
My purpose in jotting down these notes is not to post "the answer" so that people don't have to buy the book: on the contrary, I hope anyone struggling with persistent sin will buy the book. There is so much more there that is so rich. Rather, this is just an exercise for me to review what I have read and studied.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Excess
I came across this verse while studying something else:
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Matthew 23:25
One of the sins of the Pharisees was that they were "full of excess." How convicting to one with a lot of excess weight!
Yet it is helpful, too. One of my struggles is that, unlike a smoker or alcoholic, we can't just put away what we indulge in. We do have to eat. And it depresses me to think of never eating a cookie or burger again. But if I keep in mind that excessiveness, either of the amounts or the wrong types of foods, is the problem, I think that helps me get my mind around handling it.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Matthew 23:25
One of the sins of the Pharisees was that they were "full of excess." How convicting to one with a lot of excess weight!
Yet it is helpful, too. One of my struggles is that, unlike a smoker or alcoholic, we can't just put away what we indulge in. We do have to eat. And it depresses me to think of never eating a cookie or burger again. But if I keep in mind that excessiveness, either of the amounts or the wrong types of foods, is the problem, I think that helps me get my mind around handling it.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
How to say no, chapter 2
I want to continue to make notes for myself from How To Say No to a Stubborn Habit by Erwin Lutzer. This isn't meant to be a full outline -- just an exercise to help me learn and internalize the truths I have read. I'd highly recommend the book, retitled now Winning the Inner War.
Chapter 2 is "The Ground Rules." Dr. Lutzer assrts that before we can change, we must accept three principles:
1. God is good.
Satan's implication in the first temptation of Eve was that God was withholding something from her and therefore didn't have her best interests at heart. Dr. Lutzer then lists several examples of how temptations arise for us in the same way. The focus on what we can't have robs us of the blessing of all that we can. If we question whether God's way is the best, we won't be motivated to change.
We have to remember that "No matter how many pleasures Satan offers you, his ultimate intention is to ruin you." When we cling to our pleasures rather than God's will, we're not on;y displeasing God, we're destroying ourselves. I did a study on "my own way" from Scripture once and posted the results on my main blog here. I need to review that often when I am so tempted to cling to my own way and desires or when I think they are not so very bad.
On the other hand, Dr. Lutzer says, when we accept that God is good, we can more easily surrender to Him, knowing His way is perfect, and we're more willing to cooperate with Him.
2. We are fully responsible for our behavior.
Ever since Adam and Eve, people tend to place blame for their own actions on others, their circumstances, genes, even God. Though we may be affected by each of those, ultimately we are responsible for our choices. "Behavioral patterns are not caused by your circumstances but rather by your response to your circumstances."
Those this may be depressing to accept, "when you call something sin, there is the possibility of deliverance -- for Christ came to call sinners to repentance."
3. Deliverance is possible.
I Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Hebrews 3:12: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Chapter 2 is "The Ground Rules." Dr. Lutzer assrts that before we can change, we must accept three principles:
1. God is good.
Satan's implication in the first temptation of Eve was that God was withholding something from her and therefore didn't have her best interests at heart. Dr. Lutzer then lists several examples of how temptations arise for us in the same way. The focus on what we can't have robs us of the blessing of all that we can. If we question whether God's way is the best, we won't be motivated to change.
We have to remember that "No matter how many pleasures Satan offers you, his ultimate intention is to ruin you." When we cling to our pleasures rather than God's will, we're not on;y displeasing God, we're destroying ourselves. I did a study on "my own way" from Scripture once and posted the results on my main blog here. I need to review that often when I am so tempted to cling to my own way and desires or when I think they are not so very bad.
On the other hand, Dr. Lutzer says, when we accept that God is good, we can more easily surrender to Him, knowing His way is perfect, and we're more willing to cooperate with Him.
2. We are fully responsible for our behavior.
Ever since Adam and Eve, people tend to place blame for their own actions on others, their circumstances, genes, even God. Though we may be affected by each of those, ultimately we are responsible for our choices. "Behavioral patterns are not caused by your circumstances but rather by your response to your circumstances."
Those this may be depressing to accept, "when you call something sin, there is the possibility of deliverance -- for Christ came to call sinners to repentance."
3. Deliverance is possible.
I Corinthians 10:13: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Hebrews 3:12: Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
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