Vicious Thoughts |
God's View:
Eph. 6:10-18
; Rom. 7:21-24
-Scriptures confirms that our everyday experiences
in living are but a battle. Our christian growth is a battle against Satan
in our own hearts, a battle against our own vicious and destructive thoughts,
emotions, and actions. However, in the ultimate it is God against Whom we
struggle. It is God Who fights for us. The battle is the struggle between
God and Satan, and it is waged in our hearts.
Hope:
Eph. 4:22-24
; 1 Cor. 10:13
; Rom. 8:18
-The Bible calls us to the life
of a warrior in a world of conflict. We don't fight on our own. Jesus won
the battle on the cross, that the way of victory is through love and sacrifice,
not hate and greed. Our growth is always developmental, we grow slowly over
time, and God Himself will lead and direct us to comprehend the personality
of God.
Phil. 1:21-25 ; Heb. 11:13-16 -We are to realize that the christian life on this planet is one where we are confronted with evil in all its forms, that the reality of life here is awful, that this world is not our home, but we should look beyond. This place is but one of a pilgrimage, a temporary stopping place.
Our permament home is in heaven; thus, we are to take advantage and not be concerned about ourselves, but use our lives to advance others progress and joy in Christ and prepare them for a city without foundations. Courage comes when we challenge the evil in our lives and not accept it as part of living on this earth, but face it and begin to be free in the Spirit of Christ, to replace evil with good.
2 Cor. 2:14-15 ; Rom. 6:15-23 ; Prov. 6:16 , 19 -We are called to be servants-warriors unto righteousness. We are called to hate sin and the hatred of evil in others will deepen our hatred of what is evil within us. This , in turn, deepens our wonder of a God Who forgives much. Our increased hatred and wonder will, over time, increase our wisdom in dealing with evil.
Change:
Matt. 10:16
; Lu. 16:8-9
-We are to be as clever and cunning as
the devil and as good-hearted and intentioned as God. Instead of reacting
sinfully to an abuse or offense, see it as sin on your part and of others,
then establish redemptive sorrow and deal with the situation without contempt
for yourself or the other. The fallen human heart is continually attempting
to predict and control. When we respond in a bibilcal fashion, choosing to
do good to those who have done us harm, we outwit the enemy, making him
powerless. as we make an offer of restoration to those who offended. A brutal
father may want love and recognition, but he wants revenge even more.
Matt. 6:9-15
; 18:21-35
; Lu. 17:3-4
-To forgive another means to cancel the
debt of what is owed in order to provide a door of opportunity for repentance
and restoration of the broken relationship. Reconciliation is not withheld
when there is deep repentance, a radical redirection of life takes place,
but an offer of restoration and peace is not extended to someone who has
not repented. Forgiveness involves a heart that cancels the debt but does
not lend new money until repentance occurs. A forgiving heart opens the door
to anyone who knocks but entry into the heart does not occur until the muddy
shoes and dirty coat have been taken off. Forgiveness is more than a business
transaction; it is the sacrifice of a heartbroken Father who weeps over the
loss of His child, and longs to see the child restored to life and love and
goodness.