| I have often found that the 1st lies we ever tell are not to others, but to OURSELVES. Many of us make claims to ourselves and others about our walk and relationship with God that are completely untrue. many of us live in constant unrepentant sin and yet claim God is our 1st love. Many of us chase and enjoy the things of this world rather than pursue a deeper walk with God and a life submitted to His will. And yet, we will say things like, “I Love the Lord” or “God knows my heart.” Well on one hand, thats true!! but it’s not good news. God does know our hearts. He sais they are “deceitfully wicked above ALL things and desire to do evil continually”. Our hearts are in a constant state of rebellion against God. But they also lie to us about their condition. Our hearts will have us serving ourselves and at the same time convincing ourselves that we are in the service of God. Thats why God sais we need a NEW HEART, NEW MIND and NEW NATURE if we will ever truely be able to live a NEW LIFE. |
| PURPLE BOOK: Chapter 2 – Lesson 4 The book of ! John describes how we can evaluate the real condition of our lives. Deception is a very powerful force. The devil is the master deceiver. Many have fallen under the influence of his deception. Many have prayed prayers, attended Bible studies & church services, and some have even started ministries of their own… but their lives have not truely been changed by Jesus. This lesson underscores the Bible’s teaching that as Christians saved by grace, we are expected to live in a new way – in relation to God and each other. What is the message that John proclaimed? 1 John 1:5What does John say about those who claim to have fellowship with God and yet continue to walk in darkness? 1 John 1:6What does the Bible say about people who claim to be Christian but do not follow Gods commands? 1 John 2:3-4What does God command? 1 John 3:11 / Matt 22:34-40What does John say about those who claim to love God but not their fellow believers? 1 John 2:9-11How can we know the difference between the children of God and the children of the devil? 1 John 3:7-10If we say we love God yet hate our brother or sister, we are ______________________. 1 John 4:20 This may seem hard to us, but if we embrace the truth, we will be changed. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the price for our sin. His resurrection broke the power of sin and death. In light of the power of the cross and resurrection, why would we want tyo accept a gospel that does not transform our lives or liberate us from slavery to sin? In the following weeks we will examine the necessary response to Jesus’ lordship over our lives. APPLICATION and REFLECTION: What did you learn? How will you apply it? |
