Step Up To Victory

I realize that I am powerless over my sins, (2 Peter 2: 19) attitudes and that I’m in this predicament because I chose to be.  All my efforts are unable to free me and keep me free. Even though I am powerless, I see that I have great powerfulness.  I am now in the place where I can see God, through Christ, as my power source; He is the highest power (Romans 13: 1-2; Matthew 28: 18).  I am weak in myself but I can be strong in Christ —

(2 Corinthians 12: 9).

Assignment:

Is it hard for you to accept your weakness?  Why?  Read Philippians 4: 13.  Is it equally hard to allow someone else to help you?

Sometimes I feel so low, so worthless.  I reflect on my failures and judge myself by them.  I think of the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8: 10-12).  She was accused by people yet forgiven by Jesus.  He rejected her sin but accepted her.  He treated her individually and gave her another chance to change her life.  Was she worth all the effort?  Am I worth the effort God put forth when He paid the price for my sins and what it cost (Psalm 49: 8)?  Can I distinguish between the fact that while my sins are worthless to God, I am worthwhile to God (Isaiah 64: 6-9)?

Assignment:

Is it a hindrance for you to come to Christ because of your view of yourself?  What high price did you pay to continue in sin and what price has God paid to bail you out?

There are three ways of owning up to a problem:

1. admit it, verbally state the problem;
2. to commit to action whether voluntary or not;
3. submit or to voluntarily yield myself to another.

What have I admitted about myself?  Is it the truth?  Do I say I drink or retain this bad habit because of peer pressure, escapism, the desire to forget, to be great, loneliness, the feeling that no one cares, financial problems, etc.?  Sometimes I don’t know why I do the things I do (Romans 7: 15).  Am I quitting only because it ruined my life and otherwise I wouldn’t?   Have I admitted that alcoholism, bad habits, and attitudes are first sinful problems, and I must treat them as such (Galatians 5: 19-21)?  I drink or indulge myself because I am a sinner? Whatever the reasons for my actions I should let the Lord be my reason for changing.  I admit the truth about myself and accept the truth about God.  He loves and cares for me.  I will let this truth set me free (John 8: 31-32).

Assignment:

Have you admitted your need, committed your life to Christ and submitted yourself wholly to Him?  If you do not totally turn to Him you will stay a lost soul, whether sober or drunk.  To whom is it harder to admit truth:  to yourself, others, or God?

Why am I afraid to change?  Am I happy living the way I do?  Am I afraid that my past failures will stay with me and, therefore, I do not want to face them?  I want to be changed but I either don’t want to pay the price, or I’m afraid I won’t know how to deal with a good life. Consequently, I have believed that my future is dependent on my past.  This brings a fatalistic thought, why even try to change?  I must try to change and allow that change to come because the outcome of my present condition is spiritual suicide  (Proverbs 14: 12).  You see, I can be changed (2 Corinthians 5: 17).  I can have a future and a hope (Philippians 3: 13-15). I can have faith for change when I realize that Christ can do the changing for me as I submit my will to Him.  I will be changing but He never will change (Hebrews 13: 8).  He is my stability.

Assignment:

Read 2 Timothy 1: 7.  Do you live by fear (Satan’s tool) or do you use faith (God’s weapon) in actively changing your life?  Change will come.  Why not let it be for the better? (Hebrews 11: 1 and Romans 5: 5)  It is hard to change, but Joshua had a word from God to help him (Joshua 1: 9).

I try to overcome my problems through various ways:  I deny them (Proverbs 20: 9).  I learn the facts (1Corinthians 8: 1-2).  I get treatment but it lasts until the “old me” emerges again.  I analyze myself until I am sick of it.  Self analysis makes me more depressed.  I decide to quit this habit, but if a problem or irritation comes up, I go back to my old habit.  My sobriety is based on peaceful surroundings, not on inner change (Romans 7: 15-25).  I’ve done everything I can do.  Maybe it is time for God to do something for me (John 6: 37).  Tired of treatment?  Come to the Great Physician.  Read Matthew 9: 12-13.

Assignment:

List all the things you have done in an effort to change.  How long did they last?  God wants to help you realize that it is only through Him that you can change.  Read Luke 8: 43-48 and consider what happened to her.

I am not sure why God should help me.  After all, I’m the one who ruined my life and I blamed it on God.  Does God have to help me?  No!  He chooses to (John 3: 16). The same God who created this world out of nothing can make something out of me (Psalm 51: 10).  He can do for me what I cannot do for myself.  I must understand that God wants me free and He is able to change a sincere, repentant heart (Hebrews 11: 6;  2 Peter 3: 9).

Assignment:

Who is God to you?  A tyrant with no mercy?  All loving with no justice?  Write out how you feel about God.

Through scripture I find that God’s power and ability can heal the hurts underlying the alcohol/sin.  God, being a creative genius, has the ability to change my life.  He can heal physically, emotionally and spiritually.  As in any type of healing, after the infection and wound are cleaned out, it takes time for that area to be strong again.  Be patient.  Full restoration will come.  I am a broken, crushed person, but Jesus died for me  — (Proverbs 25: 28 and Isaiah 53: 4-6).

Assignment:

Specify the hurts that need to be healed.  Read Psalms 103: 3 and 147: 3 and come to the Great Physician.  Let Him use His tools on you (Hebrews 4: 12).   He will be tender, gentle and do a perfect work.

Jesus asked the question, “Who do you say that I am?” in Matthew 16: 13-16.  Consider this:

1. Is He only a historical figure giving a past with no future?
2. Is He out of reach or is He accessible?
3. Was He only a sacrifice for sin?  What have I sacrificed for Him?
4. Was He only a prophet limited to teaching and helping but not a savior, not truly God? If so, I have no hope.
5. He died for me.  This is a historical fact.  How can this affect me today?

I must see that He not only died to pay the price for sin, but He rose to prove three things:

1. He is God, for only God could rise from the dead (Revelation 1: 18);
2. He became a personal God, one who was human and could understand me — (Hebrews 2: 18);
3. I can talk to Him and He can help me because He’s still alive (Hebrews 7: 25).

Assignment:

God wants to help us everyday.  Who is Jesus to you?  The name “Jesus” means “God is salvation”.  Your thoughts on this will be the most important factor on God’s great salvation for you.  Read Isaiah 9:6 and consider on whose shoulders is borne the responsibility of our life in God?  Who carried the heaviest load?

Read Mark 9: 23 and examine the following statements.  I must believe in the personality and power of God (Hebrews 11: 6).  I must believe in His word;  both written and eternal = Jesus (John 1: 1).  I must believe that He is merciful and will forgive (Isaiah 55: 7).  I must believe that He is a righteous God who must punish sin.  I cannot be afraid of Him or I won’t come to Him (Mark 5: 36).  Believing means to have a trust, not only learning doctrine, but going further and living accordingly.  If I do not put words into action, I haven’t believed it enough to do anything about it.  “If you only have God in your mind, you will have an eternity to think about Him; if God is in your heart, you will have an eternity to be with Him!”   Reverend Jean Halvorson

Assignment:

In what have you trusted in the past (1 Corinthians 1: 18-31)?  What do you have to lose by fully putting your trust in God?  He has a perfect record (Mark 13: 31;  2 Timothy 3: 16; and Psalm 20: 7-8).

What is a new life and how do I know I need one?  I need to look at my life both spiritually and physically.  What does the Bible say about each (Romans 3: 23; and 6: 23)?  The Bible says I am already dead in my sins, whether an alcoholic, a gossip, a thief (Galatians 5: 19-21), a good person, or a wealthy person.  Nicodemus was a Jewish religious leader and even he, by the word of Jesus, needed a new life (John 3: 1-7).  I can try to patch up my old life, or I can bring all my broken pieces to Jesus and let Him give me a new life.  Why settle for a tattered life when you can have a new one?

Assignment:

Read Luke 5: 36-38.  Do you want a whole new life or are you satisfied with patches of change sewn onto old behavior?

If I make a commitment to a program it is legalistic, only valid until the program ends, until the problem is solved.  If I make a commitment to the person of Jesus, He loves and accepts me for who I am; Jesus is tangible.  Jesus is an eternal commitment.  I commit my life to the person of Jesus Christ in this way:  Believing that Jesus can change my life, I commit my life to Him.  “Dear Father:  I know that I am bound to these habits and they are my gods.  I know that your Son, Jesus Christ, died to free me from my sins and to give me new life (John 10: 10).  I now decide to turn from my sins and turn to Jesus for salvation.  I ask You to forgive me of my sins.  I now confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.  Thank you for the victory that is mine in Christ Jesus over sin.”  (Romans 10: 9;  2 Corinthians 5: 17 and Romans 8: 2)

Assignment:

(If you have made this most important decision or you have already done this in the past and want to reaffirm your previous decision please contact one of the various ministries located on the “Ministries” page of this website.  It is important to tell someone.  Further, it is also helpful to write down the date you made this commitment so when the devil says you are not saved, you can go back and see the date.)

Why follow through with a committed lifestyle?  Isn’t it enough that I prayed that prayer?  If I was sincere, these words were just the beginning (Matthew 12: 37).  He wants to lead and guide me daily and have a continual relationship with me (John 15: 7-8). 

As you marry and say the words “I do,” that is the beginning of a new life; when you say “yes” to an employer, that marks the beginning of new experiences.  After you say “yes” to Christ, don’t leave Him at the altar.  Take Him with you and let Him control your life (Galatians 2: 20). If you do not follow Him in this life, how can you expect to be with Him in the next life?

Assignment:

What commitment did you make to alcohol?  Where did it lead you and why did you follow it? Read 2 Corinthians 5: 14-15.  Why should I follow Jesus and, thus, live for Him?

You have heard the old Chinese proverb, “Take a child fishing and you’ll feed him for a day; teach a child to fish and you’ll feed him for a lifetime.”   Do I want to have a few days or months of freedom, or will I look to Jesus to keep me free?  Can I learn how to maintain a life of freedom?  Is victory merely being free of chemicals, bad habits, etc., or is there more to it? I won’t stop when I gain mastery over chemicals or other bad habits.  I will learn how to live free daily and allow Jesus to help me do this (2 Corinthians 3: 17;  Galatians 5: 13 & 16; and 1 Corinthians 15: 57).

Assignment:

Is your “victory” dependent only on the absence of the problem or on a positive control of your whole life?

Will sobriety alone ensure a quality of life?  Is my goal only sobriety or solving individual problems?  What will I look for after that?  If my goal is true serenity, I can only find it in Jesus who is the Prince of Peace.  I will find no serenity without Him (Psalm 34: 14 and Isaiah 9: 6). Peace is not the absence of problems; it is calm assurance in the midst of problems.

Assignment:

Read Ephesians 2: 13-17.  Has sobriety given peace or will it give you peace?  Give your definition of peace.

If I get alcohol or bad habits out of my life, will that be the end of my troubles?  No!  I will still have personal struggles to face:  stubbornness, afflictions, circumstances, or possible loss of friends (Matthew 15: 15-20).  I will also have to contend with the true enemy of my soul, Satan.  I, too, can find out that I am my own enemy at times.  I can delude myself and keep from seeing the truth about myself.  My own weaknesses can be used against me by Satan as he digs up my past and lies about my future (James 1: 13-16 and Proverbs 16: 27-30).

Assignment:

Do I believe in a personal devil?  What kind of battle am I fighting?  Read Romans 16: 20 and Ephesians 6.  Determine to refuse a partial victory.  Get all that God has for you (Psalm 18: 37).

The enemy tries to make me think that I am crazy; that I imagine things; that I am too far gone.  He tries to get me to compare myself with others.  He tells me:

1. “One drink (sin) won’t hurt” (Galatians 2: 18).
2. “But…I have a disease.” God forgives sin, not diseases (1 Corinthians 6: 9-11; Ephesians 5: 18).
3. “I can’t help myself.” You can help yourself it you want to (Philippians 4: 13).
4. “I’ve tried before, what’s the use?”
5. “I’m too far gone.” God has many prodigal sons (Philippians 1: 6;  Luke 15: 11-24).
6. “God will forgive me tomorrow. I’ll worry about it then.”  (Proverbs 27: 1; 2 Corinthians 6: 2;  Proverbs 13: 10).
7. “No one understands me.” God does and He loves you anyway (Psalm 139: 1-2).
8. “You know, things were better before you were a Christian” (Ecclesiastes 7: 10).

Assignment:

How are you tricked? Read 2 Corinthians 2: 11 and 11: 3.

1. Remember, it is not a sin to be tempted, only to yield to it.
2. Do not judge situations by your feelings.
3. Do not feed bad thoughts (Proverbs 4: 12-17).
4. Does the desire for sin stem from foolish reading, fighting, or a bad environment? Determine what is the root.
5. Remember that any steps you take towards change must be accompanied by a test of choice (2 Corinthians 13: 5;  Proverbs 30: 5;  Hebrews 11: 17).
6. Replace the desire for sin with a desire for God’s Word (Psalm 19: 7-11).
7. If the desire for alcohol returns within 72 hours, hold on!  Remember, the alcohol is not yet out of your system.
8. Do not give in to the pressure of the moment.
9. Stay away from drinkers (Proverbs 20: 1 and 23: 20-21).
10. Confess your temptation to Christ, especially if you have failed.  (1 John 1: 9).  And remember, there are no “slips” as a Christian (Psalm 18: 36); there are choices made. Choose wisely and prayerfully.  Your choice will take you forward or backward.
11. Call a Christian for prayer.  Don’t wait!  (James 5: 16).
12. If you are not tempted in this manner, thank God for your victory and help someone else.

Assignment:

The enemy uses various ploys to “sell” us into sin.  Read 2 Corinthians 8: 11 and Ephesians 6: 10-19.

It is not “What did I do last night?” but instead, “what can God do for me?”:

1. Peace of mind (Romans 5: 1-2, Proverbs 12: 20).
2. Self respect and respect for others.
3. Physical, emotional, spiritual health (3 John 2;  Proverbs 4: 20-22).
4. A future (Proverbs 23: 17-18;  Acts 24: 16;  Jeremiah 29: 11).
5. Past failures forgiven, ability to forgive others (Luke 7: 40-50).
6. Discipline.  The ability to complete ventures; not to procrastinate (Hebrews 12: 6-8; Proverbs 13: 18-19).
7. Good moral character (Proverbs 19: 22;  11: 3;  11: 13; and 14: 15).
8. Financial stability.
9. Change of speech (Proverbs 13: 3 and 15: 4).
10. Difference in lifestyle (Proverbs 13: 5).
11. Right kind of friends.
12. Purpose for living.

Assignment:

What do you have to lose by letting God take over?

I have thought that if I would have had different parents, siblings, jobs, experiences, or a different physical appearance, I would not be in this situation.  Could it be that I am to blame for my situation instead of others?  I could rid myself of people, places and things, yet I would still have myself with which to deal (John 21: 21-23).  I am responsible for the way I reacted to those particular people and situations.  I can only be freed from the power of sin when I accept personal responsibility for my problems.  I then can trust Christ to forgive me and help me. I am very quick to accept responsibility for the good things I do; let me do likewise with my problems.

Assignment:

Why do I think a change of scenery will change me?  Read Genesis 3: 1-13 regarding blaming others.

Does it bother me that I am not treated properly by everyone, and then am I hurt when people do not esteem me as I desire?  Does that make me feel rejected and insecure?  My lack of self respect motivates me to constantly seek approval from others.  I can only attain self respect in Christ (1 Samuel 16: 7).  Since my self perception is based on what the most significant person in my life thinks of me, it is even more important what Jesus Christ thinks of me. My security is derived from His love, forgiveness, and acceptance. He will never let me down (Romans 8:31).

Assignment:

Have I built my self perception by other opinions or by what Christ has done for me?

Read Hebrews 10: 22-23.  If I enter into a trust agreement, knowing the information to be true, I can keep the agreement with confidence.  If I say that I believe Jesus Christ to be the answer for my life, I will then enter into that agreement and live for Jesus (1 Peter 1: 13-16).  If I can trust people to keep their promises, how much more I can trust Jesus to keep His promises.  I can keep my commitment to Him with confidence.  God’s promises are true for me today.  I can act on my faith in God.  Trust goes beyond intellect.  It is an action based on what I believe to be true.  Read Hebrews 11: 6 and 11.

Assignment:

Are you a trusting person?  Is God someone to be trusted?  Can He trust you?   If so, how is that proven?

Am I in the fellowship of people who help me or hurt me?  Am I in a group where others understand what I’m going through?  Do I spend time with friends who drag me down, who refuse to let me change (Proverbs 13: 20)?  I might have to change my friends if I want to change for good.  What church do I attend?  Am I faithful in building a good, disciplined life? How am I growing?  It should be noted that those living with unsaved and/or drinking spouses, family members, etc., must build outside relationships for support.

Assignment:

Read 1 Corinthians 15: 33-34.  List associations and environments that may need to change.

How can I grow properly?  Use the illustration of a plant.

1. A plant grows towards the sun.  I grow towards Christ, the Son that shines (John 1: 9).
2. A plant only grows in good, healthy soil.  Read Matthew 13: 18-23 and Ephesians 4: 22-24. Bad morals and attitudes must be uprooted and good ones need to be cultivated.
3. I need friendly surroundings and encouragement.
4. God’s Word must be implanted in me.  Read the Word daily and water yourself with it.
5. I must have communication with God, which is prayer.
6. I must clean off particles of the old life (2 Corinthians 7: 1).
7. Keep in mind that the minute the chemicals, abuse, and any crisis, death or any other life-changing situation occurs, you stop growing emotionally at that point.  You have the tendency to run away from conflict or struggle and you cannot get past that point.  Now is the time to realize that there was a stunting in your life and it can be changed.

Assignment:

What areas of growth do you need to work on?  Read John 15: 1-5.  Read Judges 16 and ask:  What hindered Samson from growing and what hinders me?

Since my relationship to God determines my relationship to people, and vice versa, I will seek the will of God through my relationships.  First of all, I should not push relationships but I should let them take their natural course.  I should accept people for who they are as I trust them to do the same for me.  My main goal should be to first establish a sound footing in Christ, and then to begin opening up slowly to others.  Choose wisely in whom you will confide.  If you are presently single and not dating, do not jump into any serious relationships. If you are single and dating a non-Christian and/or a chemical user, break that relationship.  If you’re married to a non-Christian and/or a chemical user, contact your minister or Christian counselor and obtain support (1 Corinthians 7;  Matthew 5).  Begin to expand relationships from your support group and get other friends and associates.

Assignment:

What am I looking for in relationships?  Do I hold back or expect too much?  Why?  Use the Bible as your guidebook in maintaining healthy relationships.

I know I need fellowship in a church where I am continually being taught the truths of God through His inspired Word.  These truths inspire me to live a godly life; they correct, instruct, guide, free me and help me to serve God better.  I need to be involved and productive as a Christian, to share myself through witness and service.  I need to voluntarily align myself with leadership that I trust.  I understand that God ordained the local church as an extension of the Body of Christ, and in an effort to be obedient to God, I will seek God for the right church.

Assignment:

Read Hebrews 10: 25.  Is church only a social club or is it a spiritual haven and hospital? What does church attendance mean to you?

To be condemned of something means to be accused of something with no hope of freedom. The purpose of the accuser is to blame and bring shame.  In this condemnation it is possible that you could be innocent of the accusation or you could be guilty.  The accuser does not care which is the case.  The accuser could be yourself, your friends, your family or the true accuser, Satan (Revelation 12: 10).  If the guilt is based on bad behavior, deal with it.  If the guilt is not properly founded (false guilt can stem from wrong thinking or false teaching), reject it. The emphasis is on your inability, weakness and failure. It is put on you by Satan to give a thread of depression and despair.  Look to Christ.

To be convicted of something means that you are found guilty of an offense and the penalty needs to be paid.  The purpose of the Holy Spirit is to show us our weaknesses and guide us to better living.  If I recognize my responsibility and I turn away from that lifestyle, Christ will free me.  The emphasis is on the particular sin.  There is hope for change (Isaiah 42: 16). Convictions are based on behavior, not on how a person feels about him or herself.

Assignment:

The accuser wants us to keep our eyes off of Jesus.  What kind of things or people make you feel condemned?  Read Romans 8: 1 and 1 John 3: 19-21.

Who are some of the people that I have wronged in my past, and is God telling me to seek forgiveness and restoration of those relationships?  Have I stolen anything and need to make it right (Luke 19: 8-9)?  (If so, pray and seek direction). Is my Christian walk being hindered? Do nothing hastily.  Are there people who have wronged me and I cannot forgive them?  If it still hurts me, maybe full healing has not yet taken place.  I can go no further in my Christian life until I deal with those I have hurt or those who have hurt me.  Make sure the emphasis is how you felt and reacted.

Assignment:

Read Matthew 5: 23-24.  Steps in restoration: 

1. Don’t put blame on other person;
2. Do your part even if they do not receive it;
3. Pray for the person by name.

The Biblical word for perfect means mature or complete.  This maturity is a growth process from one level to another (Philippians 1: 6).  If you perceive perfection in an idealistic way, as the absence of problems, you are wrong and will fall (1 Corinthians 10: 12).  I am not mature in every area.  I work on one area at a time (Philippians 3: 15).  Begin to act mature in all areas of life.  Maturity comes when I get my eyes off of myself and become more interested in glorifying Christ than in exalting me.  Expect great things from God but be realistic about yourself (Psalm 48: 1 and Romans 12: 3).  God is trying to teach you patience with yourself and others in living wisely (James 1: 2-5; Proverbs 24: 14).

Assignment:

Is your goal perfection or maturity?  Read Galatians 6: 3-4.

I have developed my attitudes from school, church, home, my peers, experiences, and the media.  On a percentage basis, which of these has affected me in a greater way, and was it positive?   Do I know more about life from the media or from the Word of God?  My lifestyle will reflect my attitudes (Proverbs 23: 7 NASB, “For as he thinks within himself so he is”). Are my attitudes healthy and do they reflect the truth towards God and others?  Am I willing to allow God to change and heal my thinking?  Romans 12: 1-2 says I need to have my mind overhauled by God.  I should not be molded by the world (Proverbs 24: 9).  I should avoid reading material, books, view films and television programs that contradict the Word of God (Colossians 3: 1-3;  2 Corinthians 10: 3-5;  Psalm 1: 1-2), and that reinforce my bad attitudes.

Assignment:

What are some attitudes that keep your focus off God?  Read 1 John 2: 16.  Be careful what you view with your eyes.  Just as the body becomes tolerant to alcohol and can be destroyed, so we become callous to what we view and yet it can destroy us (James 1: 14-16).     

First, I must discover if my attitudes are in fact godly.  If not, I must pray and ask God to restore my wrong thinking.  I must reject those thoughts (2 Corinthians 10: 3-5).  Secondly, I must begin to build a program of godliness in my mind (Philippians 4: 7-8). I need to be able to see things the way God sees them.  If I need to seek counseling in these matters, I will seek godly counselors (Psalm 1: 1-2;  Proverbs 15: 22-23).  I will seek the Lord in finding a good Bible study in my church.  Furthermore, I will continue to develop a good attitude towards God, others and myself.

Assignment:

Read Colossians 3: 1-3.  Read through the Gospel of John and see how Jesus reacted and thought.  Determine your thinking according to that.  He did not allow people or situations to develop His thinking.

We can go three days without water and forty days without food, but we cannot go on without God’s Word, the mirror of our soul and the reflection of God’s glory to man.  When we look in a mirror and see our reflection, inverted by our viewing, we determine what needs to be changed (James 1: 22-25).  When we read God’s Word, we need to read it carefully and prayerfully and see what things are looking better and what things need to be changed.

Assignment:

What do you see when you look into God’s mirror?  Do you see what God sees, what people see or what you want to see (Psalm 139: 23-24;  44: 20-21).  Read 1 Corinthians 13:12.  It is important that we check ourselves daily.  When is the last time you took a realistic view of yourself?

Read John 14: 26 and 16: 7-16.  The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who convicts me of sin and enables me to live righteously.  It is necessary that I understand His working in my life.  He is not an inanimate object, a force or a mere experience.  He is a personality.  His names reveal His character:  helper, comforter, convicter, guide.  He is meek and gentle.  He wins me with tenderness, never with fear.  There is no need for me to be afraid, for He is my helper.  He also reveals Jesus to me in a greater way.  As a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives in me.  The Holy Spirit empowers me to witness.  Therefore, I will let Him guide me that these things may come alive in my life.

Assignment:

Are you afraid of the Holy Spirit?  Why or why not?  Read John 14: 17;   I Corinthians 2: 10 and 3: 16;  2 Corinthians 3: 17.  What is His work and our needed response?

My self awareness is reflected by how the most important person in my life treats me. Throughout the cycles of my life I have been influenced by many significant people, but who is the most important influence in my life today?  My former influences confused me because I ended up with contrary opinions.  Jesus Christ, however, has loved me through everything (Romans 5: 8-9).  He loved me and did something for me that no one else could do.  See yourself through the love of Jesus.  You’ll like what you see!  (2 Corinthians 3: 18).

Assignment:

What does Jesus think of you?  What has He done for you?  Is He the most important influence in your life?

Have you ever heard the phrase, “If it feels good, do it!”?  That is the philosophy of this age but it does not reflect the desire of the Lord (Proverbs 4: 18-19).  If I have my eyes closed, I must depend on my other senses for guidance.  As a Christian, I should have my spiritual eyes opened to the truth of any situation or I will make an emotional decision (Proverbs 3: 5-6).  My senses of taste, touch and sound are helpful but they should not guide me. I must live by God’s Word (Matthew 4: 4). I want to be like Jesus for He was guided by righteous standards (Isaiah 11: 1-5).

Assignment:

Read Matthew 13: 13.  Should we solely trust our feelings, sight, hearing or impulses?  What happens when we do (Ecclesiastes 11: 9)?

In this age of hearing voices and supposed “prophets”, can I tell who it is that is speaking to me?  Yes!  I am able to distinguish through these ways:

1. Every thought must be in line with scripture (2 Timothy 2: 15 and Psalm 119: 105).  The devil talks to me and uses portions of scripture just like he did to Jesus.  Jesus fought him and won with the whole truth.
2. My motive in living for Christ must be Jesus Himself, not for possessions or knowledge (John 17: 17).  Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.  (KJV)
3. The Holy Spirit confirms the truth in my mind and soul.  Learn to distinguish when something is in error.  The Lord speaks to me through scripture, speakers, prayer, etc., resulting in peace and a desire for God.  The enemy speaks through circumstance, fear and anger resulting in despair, dread and frustration.  As I grow in Christ I will be able to recognize God’s leading.

Assignment:

Read John 10: 27. Do you hear voices? Is medication a factor? Do you receive contrary messages? Pray to God so He can help you to sort it out.

Read Luke 24: 13-16 and 30-35.  How do I get rid of my self awareness and begin to be more aware of God, who He is and what He is doing?  I need to be Christ centered.  I need to see Christ as the center of my world, as the Son of my universe.  I desire to start judging situations and decisions, through how God sees them (1 Samuel 16: 7), for the Lord looks on the heart.  I desire to be more concerned with whether or not I have hurt God through my lifestyle than with how I get hurt.  Be aware that our relationship to God is based also on what we do for Him and to Him.

Assignment:

Read Hebrews 12: 1-2.  Ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?”  How does Jesus feel about what I have been doing?”

Spend sixty seconds doing nothing but worrying about something.  What are the results? Restlessness, bad decisions, ulcers, headaches?  Now, spend the next sixty seconds praying. What happens?  Peace, contentment, expectancy, hope and relief!  Which is more productive?  Read Matthew 6: 25-33.  Eighty-five percent of the things I worry about never happen; therefore, I need to bring these problems to God through prayer and trust Him instead of worrying (Philippians 4: 19; Proverbs 30: 7-9).

Assignment:

Read Psalm 65: 2.  What type of things do you worry about?  Add up the time you spend worrying.  Find scriptures that apply to these areas and begin to trust God in smaller areas first.

Does God know what I think?  Why should I be honest with Him or others?  The Bible declares that confession is healing to the soul, and often, the body (James 5: 16). I need to be honest in all things for the truth will make me free (John 8: 32).  I should not be afraid of honesty with God for He honors the truth (Psalm 51: 6).  Adam and Eve were afraid to be honest (Genesis 3: 8-11);  they thought they might lose face.  God is more interested in securing my soul than in saving my pride (Isaiah 59: 11-16).

Assignment:

Read Luke 8: 15.  Is it hard for you to be honest?  Why?  What do you have to lose?  If I am hiding truth from myself or others, God help me (Psalm 19: 12).

What have I accomplished by submitting my life and choices to circumstances, people or feelings?  I have obeyed my feelings, my peers, etc., yet I find it difficult to truly obey God. Perhaps I really haven’t given full surrender to God because I don’t fully trust Him.  God wants me to have a willing and intelligent obedience; for only He can rule my life righteously and lovingly (Hebrews 5: 8;  2 Corinthians 2: 9;  Acts 5: 29;  1 Peter 1: 2 and 14).  In the final analysis, God rewards obedience (Psalm 37: 37;  84: 11).

Assignment:

To whom or what have you voluntarily submitted your life?  To whom or what do you obey?

With all my troubles, concerns and failures, why should I be thankful (Psalm 92: 1-4)?  Why can’t I wait until everything works out before I’m thankful?  Shouldn’t I be thankful after God does something (Colossians 3: 15)?  Read how the Master had a thankful attitude in the midst of sorrow.  Waiting until God does something is “Thomas Christianity” (John 20: 25-28).  By thanking Him beforehand, I prove that I believe His promises to be true.  If I thank Him for how He brought me through past situations, I will keep the line open for restoration and healing. Read the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17: 11-19.  Remember, unthankfulness is an attitude indicative of the last days spoken of in 2 Timothy 3: 1-5.  What “spirit” do you represent (Philippians 4: 6-7)?  Be sure to have a thankful attitude whether the desire has come to pass or not.

Assignment:

Read 1 Thessalonians 5: 18.  It’s “in everything,” not “for everything.”  Are you a thankful person?  If not, you’re not giving God a chance to make you a complete and whole Christian. Write down what you are thankful for and what you cannot thank Him for.

In order for me to grow and be a part of the sharing process, I need to lower my guard and allow someone to be my support partner (Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10).  I need someone with whom I can relate and confide in.  I should choose someone I can trust and meet weekly to monitor each other’s progress.  I also need to be more aware of other people’s situations.  This awareness will help me become mature (Galatians 6: 2-5).

Assignment:

Prayerfully choose someone from your group or church to be your prayer partner.  Tell them what is going on with you.

My mind is a tremendous thing.  With it I am able to supply the facts in another person’s situation.  They may have the same problem as me, yet I condemn them while justifying myself.  My pride keeps me from seeing the truth about myself (Matthew 7: 1-5).  The Lord may deal with a problem area while I’m praying.  Through a trial I may see an area that needs work.  I will ask God to help me see myself the way He sees me (Galatians 6: 1).  I will know the truth about myself by the fruit or evidence I produce (Galatians 5: 19-26).

Assignment:

Are there people who bother you a lot?  Think about it and try to determine if their bad habits or annoyances match up to yours.  Maybe God is using their influence to soften you, as sandpaper smooths a roughened surface.

What do I have to share with people?  I look at my past failures, my present inhibitions and my future fears.  What kind of hope can I give?  The Bible says that it is the lost or desperate one, recognizing his or her need for Christ, that has a great message to share.  I should share about my commitment to Christ (Romans 10: 9-10).  A testimony is not based on what I have done but on what Christ has done for me (John 5: 1-15;  9: 24-25).  Jesus often told people to share their testimonies.  Others need to know they are not alone (Romans 1: 12).  In addition, my testimony helps to weaken the devil’s hold on me (Revelation 12: 11).

Assignment:

Tell one unsaved person what God has done for you.

Why should I help people when they don’t help me?  If I think of Jesus and what He did for people versus what they did to Him, I guess the servant is not above the Master.  I will pray that God helps me to become a more giving person.  A small gesture, a smile, a ride to church or group may be a great service to someone in need (Galatians 6: 10; James 1: 27).  Being generous in relating to others indicates that God is changing me. 

Assignment:

Try to stop thinking of what others can do for you.  Begin to consider ways you can help others.

A new Christian is generally more concerned with selfish needs and that is fine for awhile (1 Peter 2: 2).  I need, however, to mature in my life and one way is by becoming less selfish. In this way I become more aware that the universe does not revolve around me.  I think fewer selfish thoughts (Hebrews 13: 16).  I understand that I will receive a portion of what I give (Matthew 7: 12;  Luke 6: 38).  It will put me in a place to receive and be blessed (Proverbs 11: 25).

Assignment:

Read Matthew 20: 28.  Why would Jesus say that?

Lord, in helping others, help me not take over responsibility for their lives, for that belongs to them, and to You.  I want to be used by God, not by people.  I must also realize that their freedom does not rest solely on my abilities.  I am to be a vessel, a helper, but not the source of their life.  I will not allow people to make me feel responsible for them spiritually, emotionally or physically.  I will do my part and leave the rest with God (Acts 20: 32).

Assignment:

In helping others, we can become very involved and can get lost in their problems. Can you tell when your help becomes a hinderance?  Do you ever enable people to stay dependent on you?  Are you a “rescuer” (Proverbs 19: 19)?

I need to get close enough to people in order to help them, not to compromise or sin with them.  This would hurt my relationship to God (Galatians 6: 1-2).  Even though I may feel strong at the time (1 Corinthians 10: 12), I need to use wisdom for the enemy will use people I care about to drag me down (Psalm 55: 12-14).  I need to help others but I should make sure that I maintain close fellowship with strong Christian people.  I must not confuse witness and fellowship.  I need not fear when I help someone because God will give me strength, as long as I look to Him (Psalm 56: 10-11).

Assignment:

Jesus rubbed shoulders with people every day and yet He maintained a sinless life.  How can I use Jesus as my example in helping others?  If I am afraid to get close because of fear of rejection, how should I deal with that? 

Read Ecclesiastes 7: 21 about being too serious.  Sometimes in my growth I can get very serious and forget to enjoy my Christian life (Romans 14: 17).  All of my efforts are good but everything still rests on Christ’s faithfulness. (Isaiah 30: 15).  Read Hebrews 4: 9-10. Remember, I am saved by God’s grace and I live by His grace (2 Corinthians 4: 7; and Galatians 2: 20).  Make sure to take time for physical rest, as well as certain social activities. Take time for the Lord daily (Isaiah 40: 28-31).

Assignment:

Are you too tense?  Is it hard for you to relax?  Are you a workaholic?  Learn to let go and let God.

Read James 1: 22 and be a doer; talk is cheap and if I only talk about changing, I am fooling myself (2 Corinthians 8: 11).  Is it worth it for me to step out of sin and draw closer to Christ, the only true power (Matthew 28: 18)?  What are my alternatives?  I can stop where I am and go no further (Luke 9: 62).  I can say I have completed these steps and purpose to go further but neglect daily life (Hebrews 2: 1-3).  I can continue doing things my way (Galatians 3: 3 and 5: 7-8).  In conclusion, I must view this not as an end but a beginning.  I have entered into an eternal relationship. I want to know Christ better!  The future is as bright as the promises of God (Philippians 1: 6).

Assignment:

Are you determined to live for Christ?  What victories have you seen in your life so far?