Closing: Truths 18 - 22

This study that has made a huge impact on my life. I used to believe many of the lies discussed in this study by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. The Enemy is always very clever with his deceitful ways and I was unaware of the dangerous paths I was being led down. I was getting so wrapped up in the lies that I lost sight of eternity. Luckily, God has given all of us access to His resources and strength through the powerful words spoken in His Truth.

18. Personal holiness is more important than temporal happiness. 

..that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be hold and without blemish.  - Ephesians 5:26-27 

God didn't sacrifice His only Son on the cross so that we can live a happy life here on earth. Jesus died for us so that we could be free to live for God and choose the pathway of holiness. We often feel that we have the right to be happy and not have problems in our lives because we are good, Christian" people. But God doesn't see it like that. The temporary problems we face are just that - they are temporary. The joy and fulfillment we will gain in eternity far outweighs the obstacles we face on earth.

19. God is more concerned about changing me and glorifying Himself than about solving my problems. 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ... - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Have you ever felt angry when God does "cooperate" with your agenda? God doesn't exist to solve our problems. He does care about the things that matter to us but the things we care about are subordinate to what matters to Him. He wants everything he created to reflect His glory. Believe it or not, some of the problems that cause us to chafe the most are instruments He specifically designed to fulfill His ultimate purpose in our lives. Remember that he allowed these problems in our life so instead of complaining about them - rejoice!

20. It is impossible to be godly without suffering. 

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. - 1 Peter 5:10

Suffering is an essential tool that God uses to conform us to the image of Jesus. We will all face suffering in our lives and we must learn to embrace it when it comes our way instead of running from it. For 1 Peter 1:6-7 says,  "In this you rejoice, through now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to resolve in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." When we suffer the process of sanctification takes place as we chose to embrace our suffering and grow in faith.

21. My suffering with not last forever. 

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Each time we suffer God has a specific objective in mind. All our suffering is purposeful and intentional. The suffering we experience is only temporal and we need to constantly be reminded of that. God knows how much suffering you can handle and he will not allow for it to last any longer or be any more severe than is necessary to accomplish His Will. Trust in the Lord and look to him when you are suffering. Give thanks, endure it and know God is with your every step of the way.

22. It's not about me; it's all about Him. 

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. - Colossians 1:16-18

Contrary to what our culture proclaims, this world was not created to revolve around us. God's plan is far more important than the things consuming our thoughts. Ask yourself, "What is my purpose in life?" Instead of having the goal to be happy and loved, need to remember God created us for His pleasure and His glory. Therefore, we can accept anything that He allows in our lives as a part of His sovereign will and purpose.

We can't fight the Enemy on our own. If we tried, we would be unsuccessful. Luckily, we have access to God's resources and strength. It is our responsibility to put on His armor. Shielding ourselves takes time and effort.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  ...  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened not he belt of truth, and having put not he breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saint,  - Ephesians  6:10-11, 13-18


We need to pray on all occasions. Not only do we need be praying for our own lives but also pray for one another. When you feel insecure and are struggling, call or text a friend. They can help you talk through the situation and direct you to helpful Scripture for a reminder of God's promises and truth. That's what friends are for!

Thank you to all you loyal readers! We are beginning a new study about Jonah next Wednesday and I encourage you all to come. We love new attendees! Meet us in the parsonage of First Baptist in Waverly at 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Recap: Truths 13 - 17

We intended on completing our study of the Lies Woman Believe last night but after some great discussion it was apparent an additional week was needed to wrap-up the key points. Here's the five Truths we discussed: 

13. I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses, and choices 

"Yet you say, 'Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?' When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. The soul who sins shall die, The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the inquiry of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. 

"But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. Non of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live. - Ezekiel 18:19-22

There are things in life we have no control over such as the home we were born into, our overall physical appearance and our upbringing. Fortunately, by God's grace we can control how we respond to the circumstances He has allowed in our lives. Therefore, we must assume personal responsibility for our behavior and actions.

Parenting ties into this passage from Ezekiel. Parents feel an internal pressure to raise their kids right.   God wants parents to raise their kids in a loving Christian home and present the Gospel to them but ultimately, it's up to the children to make their own personal choices. Parents can pray that their child will  continue down the right path when they leave the nest but in reality it is up to the child to make the personal decision to follow Christ.

14. I will reap whatever I sow

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.  - Galatians 6:7-8

We are the result of the choices we make. We need to flee from sinful, selfish choices and turn our hearts towards obedience to God. For if we are obedient, we will reap a harvest of blessings. With obedience comes patience as well. The harvest we reap is rarely immediate. Therefore, we must strive to be persistently obedient to our Lord. 

15. The pathway to true joy is to relinquish control 

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. - Matthew 16:25

And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. - Luke 1:38

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7

We must let go of the reins to relinquish all control to God. It is very difficult to put our whole trust in God. We as humans are full of pride. We think we can go about our days without Him and everything will be fine. Refusing to let go and let Him be in control shows that we are competing for His job. Why do we possibly think we can do better than God? It's a crazy question to ask ourselves but it's needed. The next time you are faced with a tough decision stop and pray. Ask God for help and tell Him you trust Him. Let Him into your life and be in control. 

16. The greatest freedom I can experience is found through submission to God-ordained authority

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Ephesians 5:21

God created us under authority so we are under His protection. We are more vulnerable to Satan's attacks when we resist authority. Therefore, we must submit ourselves to Him.

17. In the will of God, there is no higher, holier calling than to be a wife 

Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to either husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. - Titus 2:4-5

The purpose of marriage is to glorify God. God designed women to unite with a man through marriage and become his helper. Her calling is to be a bearer and nurturer of life; raising kids in a Christian home surrounded by the Gospel.