Week 5 of this study is about debunking that myth of, “It’s all about Me!” This week’s lesson is critical to really understanding the abundant life. It is about loving God more than others, and more than ourselves. All I could picture when I read Day 1 was the seagulls from Finding Nemo. Do you remember them? Mine, Mine! Me, me, me…
Ladies, it is not all about us. When we choose to be followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to get rid of that notion. Elvis sang “I did it my Way” and as Vicki pointed out, we will be in a constant battle to our flesh to do it our way, but it should be His way. We also discussed that we are now no longer from this world, which at times can be difficult because raised to find a place and to fit in: the classroom, sports teams, work, and sometimes with our own family. Vicki suggested that we learn and memorize Romans 12:2.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We will struggle between our old self and our new self, but it is worth it to fight the battle. On page 80, Vicki made the comment, “God has equipped us with the power to say no to sin…Becoming a Christian removes the penalty for our sin but does not remove the consequences that stem from them.” This statement alone makes me cringe from sinning by choice or omission. We are a new creation!! We are Free!!
For Next Week
Group Discussion- Answer one question or as many as you like
1. What characteristics of “old self” and “new self” do you struggle with?
2. Why is it important to be in the habit of confessing our sins to God?
3. Share a time when you chose Jesus over the world.
4. Share a favorite moment from this week’s study.
One Characteristic of oldself and new self that I struggle with is anger, somethimes I have a hard time letting go of anger. The importance of confessing sin is the there is great power in a righteous person pray with you to overcome the sin. There has been several times when I have chose God over the world , but I think one of the most powerful for me is when I chose to pray and let God slow my heart and allow it to return to normal rytham instead of taken more medication as the doctor would have me do.
ReplyDeleteGetting into the habit of confessing our sins to God is so important because we need to be forgiven, that's what Christ gave his life for, our sins. The problem I struggle with is admitting when I'm wrong. Confessing a sin is admitting that you've made the wrong choice and that you are wrong. I think the sooner we get into the habit of admitting to God we were wrong, we could branch out to others and say I'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteI've chosen God over the world with the decisions of what kind of media my daughter is exposed to. My hardest has been the Twilight movie. Every now and then she'll ask if she can watch it. It's hard for me because I often hear how her friends have already seen it. It's the world trying to steal her away from me.
We have two choices in this world, God's way or the world's way. I choose God's way!
The old self was a sin-ridden woman who lived in Sodom, full of jealousy and selfishness, wanting things she didn't have. This new self is still sin-ridden, goes to God daily in prayer and thanksgiving for His mercy and love and abundant grace! I occasionally struggle with wanting things I don't have, but I want more for those who don't have.
ReplyDeleteI believe it's important to confess our sins daily to our Lord to keep us humble, to cleanse our minds and souls, to keep us accountable for our actions to our Father, our Saviour. I thank God for His supernatural patience with me, as He is always my loving Father!
Traci ~ Without a doubt the best part of the study this week had to do with my kids, not me! on Day one, page 76 when she told us how she prays for her children's marriages, if God calls them to marry. I have prayed for years that my kids wait for the person God has already picked out for them to marry...that they never suffer a divorce and put their kids through what we are putting our kids through. Her view was even better. "Lore Jesus, if my child is called to marry, let their spouse love You more than they could ever love my child" And we want our kids to be happy and have everything we never had...yet I now pray their spouse loves God more than they could ever love them. Stuff and happieness are ok, but not THE most important thing. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 4
ReplyDeleteI still stuggle with a lot of the things my old self dealt with, but I think now I recognize them quicker and through God's word am able to be led away from temptation. Not always, mind you. But, His grace is sufficient in my weakness and I am finding I confess my sins a lot sooner...if that makes sense. My foul mouth gets the best of me and I pray daily not to do it, but it seems as soon as something vile comes out of my mouth I confess it. Paul in Romans went on about not wanting to do wrong, but did it anyway. That's me. Chief sinner girl. :/
It is important to confess my sins daily to the Lord to admit to Him that I have done wrong, that I am truly sorry for it, and that I want Him to forgive me. How wonderful that I have that option!
ReplyDeleteI also feel like it gives me a clean slate, a fresh start.....new every morning! I can begin again and once more try my hardest to live for the Lord, and when I fall short, I can still run to my Father and ask for another chance!