The Power Of Attitudes

Transcription

1 The Power Of Attitudes Introduction * Philippians 2:5 * Proverbs 23:7 * Earthly success is often determined by attitude. How and why? * Attitude is more needful than aptitude. Do you agree or disagree? Why? * Great ability and knowledge accompanied by a bad attitude results in failure. True or False? Why? * We often can alter our lives to an extent by our mental approach to the future. Without being a psychologist, explain this. I) Contrasted Approaches To Life * Positive Approach - includes: faith, hope, love, joy, trust, enthusiasm, optimism, gratitude, happiness, self-respect, peace of mind, etc. * Negative Approach - includes worry, fear, doubt, guilt, complaint, pessimism, doom & gloom, despair, anger, hate, self-condemnation, apathy, suspicion, sorrow, fretting, etc. * Which of the above best describes you? Which does God want? Which type do you like to be around? * Negative Christian - impossible and contradictory...due the forgiveness and hope. For example: Faith cancels out Unbelief - Zeal cancels out Apathy - Peace of God cancels out Worry, etc. II) Special Attention: Optimism * The story of the 12 spies - Numbers 13:26-33 * David and Goliath - I Samuel 17:32-37, * Hebrews 6:9 * I Cor Love thinks no evil, believes all things, hopes all things, bears all things, etc. * Many are defeated before they ever start. III) How To Have Right Attitudes * Do not despise the chastening of the Lord (Hebrews 12:5-15) - as with children, chastisements can affect our attitudes. * Experiences (Philippians 4:11-13) - school of hard knocks * God s Word (Hebrews 4:13; I Cor. 14:24-25) - The Holy Spirit can touch your spirit, changing your very personality in ways nothing else can. This is done through letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

2 * Keep your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23) - Realize your mind is a garden - we reap what we sow. Take control of input - renew your mind - Abraham Lincoln once said, I have been about as happy as I have made up my mind to be. - Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5) and must be practiced. * Cast you cares on God (I Peter 5:7) * Other ways? Conclusion: Much of our eternal judgment may be based on attitudes, not simply whether we were right or wrong on everything. Lesson 1 - Some Basics About Attitudes Introduction: It is not unusual to hear a parent say to a child "you have an attitude problem." But, children are not the only ones who have attitude problems. Much of our relationship with God and our hope of eternal life hinges on whether or not our attitudes are good. But, by whose standard is an attitude good or bad and where do we learn about it? From God and His Bible, of course. A God-toward attitude, an eternal perspective, a spiritual mindset, and a heavenly outlook on life, are all needing development in the life of every Christian. Definitions: An attitude is a "state of mind, or conduct regarding some matters, as indicating opinion or purpose (Funk & Wagnalls Dictionary). Attitude is also defined as "a manner of acting, feeling, or thinking that shows one s disposition, opinion, etc. Some other expressions are: outlook, frame of mind, perspective, disposition, view, etc. Cliches like, looking at the world through rose tinted glasses evidence our awareness of the effect attitudes play in matters of life. Some Additional Observations: 1. Attitudes are manifested toward persons and toward things. 2. Attitudes are formed in the heart or mind, which make one what he is; therefore the importance of developing a good attitude (Proverbs. 4:23; Matthew 12:35). 3. The correlation between attitudes and actions is such that it is difficult at times to determine which comes first and influences the other in a person s life. In some cases the two develop simultaneously, either for good or bad. In some cases attitudes must come first. 4. The attitude of an airplane is its position relative to a given point of reference, usually the horizon. Interestingly enough, so our attitude is relative to how far or near we are to a fixed point of reference, the mind of Christ. (Philippians 2:5) Discussion 1. What does renewing our minds in Romans 12:2, enable us to do? 2. What can be learned from Philippians 4:8 about attitudes? Discuss each item mentioned. 3. How will a kingdom mind set affect congregational matters? 4. How will having an eternal perspective be evident?

3 5. How did Jesus view the impending cross? Lesson 2 - Good And Bad Attitudes A Rebellious or Obedient Attitude? A. Describe one who has a rebellious attitude. B. Describe one who has an obedient attitude. C. When is the best time to begin to learn to develop an obedient attitude? (Ephesians 6:1) D. Why is it important to develop an obedient attitude early in life? (Jeremiah 35:1-19) E. Ultimately, is an obedient disposition required if we are to be saved? (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews. 5:8-9) A Hostile or Peaceable Attitude? A. Describe one who has a hostile frame of mind. B. Describe one with a peaceable mindset. C. How can envy cause us to develop a hostile attitude? D. Does the Christian love conflict and controversy? (I Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:9-11; Romans 12:18; 14:19; James 3:13-18; Hebrews. 12:14; Matthew. 5:9) E. Who eventually gets hurts the worst and into what category does the Lord place hostility toward others? (Galatians 5:15, 20) F. How can we best learn to cultivate a peaceable attitude? (Ephesians 4:31-32) Lesson 3 - More Good and Bad Attitudes An Indifferent or Zealous Attitude? A. What attitude did Jesus condemn in the Laodiceans? (Revelation 3:15-20) B. Name some things about which Christians can show an attitude of indifference? C. What is our attitude to be toward good works? (Titus. 2:13-14; 3:8; Galatians 4:18) D. What will a zealous attitude cause the Christian to do with his abilities? E. What is the key to continuing zeal for God? (I Peter 4:10-11; Colossians. 3:23-24)

4 A Proud or Humble Attitude? A. What are some of the causes of pride? B. How does it show itself? (Proverbs. 3:5-7; 9:7-12; 6:17; 21:4; 2 Chronicles 26:16; Isa. 3:16-26; Luke 18:9; I Corinthians. 10:12; Col. 2:23; 2 Tim. 3:2; James 4:16) C. Why is a novice not to be appointed a bishop? (I Tim. 3:6) D. Who is the fool if we are conceited? (Gal. 6:3) E. Is humility preferable or imperative? (I Peter 5:5-6; Luke. 14:11) F. Here is a list of 10 humble expressions. Can you honestly say them? 1. I m sorry 2. I was wrong 3. Please forgive me 4. I love you 5. I made a mistake 6. Let s do it your way 7. Would you help me 8. I have sinned 9. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God 10. I want to be baptized Lesson 4 - Good and Bad Attitudes (cont.) A Bitter or Joyful Attitude? A. List some reasons to constantly rejoice. (Acts 2:46; I Thessalonians. 5:16) 1. I Thessalonians 2: James 1:2; Acts 5:41 3. Romans. 12: John 4 5. Gal. 6:4 6. Romans. 12:12 B. If Christians hearts are filled with joy, will it be obvious? How? C. Why is bitterness so bad? (Hebrews. 12:15)

5 D. Who is warned about bitterness in Colossians 3:19? E. Can joy ever be renewed? (Psalm. 51:12) A Pessimistic or Optimistic Attitude? A. If you had to choose between these two opposites, which do you feel God most approves? Why? B. Describe the differences between the two outlooks on life. C. Read Numbers. 13: Was Joshua and Caleb s optimism unreal? Were the other 10 spies completely negative? Which did God approve? D. Likewise discuss the story of David and Goliath (I Sam. 17:32-37, 40-47) E. What does the Hebrew writer say that demonstrates optimism? (6:9) F. What expressions in the list of the characteristics of love depict an optimistic attitude? (I Corinthians. 13) G. Why do you think God does not want us to be pessimistic people? Lesson 5 - Two More Good Or Bad Attitudes An Ungrateful or Thankful Attitude? A. What was one of the Lord s observation in the healing of the 10 leper s (Lk. 17:11-19)? B. What produces ingratitude? C. What does Paul say the sin of unthankfulness eventually leads to? (Romans. 1:21-25) D. What are some things for which you are most thankful? E. What are some things easily taken for granted, but for which we should be thankful? F. Notice these passages. I Thess. 5:18; Eph. 5:20; I Tim. 4:3-5; Heb. 13:15; Col. 3:15 A Hateful or Loving Attitude? A. Where and when is hate depicted in Titus 3:3-5? B. Why do you think some people develop a hateful attitude? C. Consequences of harboring hate in our hearts. (Prov. 10:12; 26:24,28; I Jn. 3:11-15) D. Love springs forth from what three things? (I Tim. 1:5)

6 E. Without a loving disposition, can we truly hope to see God? (I John 4:7-12) F. From I John 2:9-11, 3:14-15 and other scriptures, does the Bible seem to present any middle ground between love and hate? What does this tell us? G. List some ways love is shown. H. Give some suggestions for overcoming a hateful attitude. Lesson 6 - More Opposite Attitudes A Rude or Kind Attitude A. Rudeness is a result of what other attitude? B. Of what is behaving unbecomingly not a part? (I Corinthians 13:5) C. Give some examples of rude behavior. D. A kindhearted individual is walking after the. (Gal. 5:22,25) E. Kindness is linked to what other attitudes? (Colossians 3:12-13) F. Give some examples of acts of kindness. A Resentful or Forgiving Attitude? A. Taking account of wrongs suffered, harboring grudges, resenting people and such like, is a frame of mind that has me at the center of everything. What is so wrong with that? B. To what is our own forgiveness tied? (Matthew. 6:14,15) C. Read Matthew 18:21-35 and write three questions about the text. D. Who benefits most from forgiveness? The one forgiven or him doing the forgiving? Comment. E. List some ways to develop a forgiving spirit.

7 F. Give two or three other scripture references about us forgiving others. Lesson 7 - Two More Opposite Attitudes A Worrisome or Contented Attitude? A. Why do we worry? (Matthew 6:24-34) B. List some things we often worry about. C. What is God s desire for us along these lines? (Phil. 4:6-7; I Pet. 5:6-7) D. What is often associated with worry or discontentment? (Hebrews 13:5) E. A contented soul is born that way. True or False (Phil. 4:11-13) F. List some ways worry and discontent can be overcome. Give scriptures if possible. A Fearful or Courageous Attitude A. Which of these two come from God? (II Tim. 1:7) B. What is the outcome of fearfulness? (Rev. 21:8) C. What are some of the common fears we wrestle with? D. What are some of the tragic effects of fear? E. How is this timid spirit to be overcome? (I John 4:17-18; Acts 4:29-31; Psalm. 118:6; I Pet. 3:14-15; Isa. 41:10) Lesson 8 - Attitudes Toward The Scriptures Introduction: Our attitude toward the Scriptures will greatly determine our understanding of them. Differences in people s interpretations can often be traced to differing attitudes.

8 Some Bad Attitudes Toward The Bible: (briefly comment) 1. The Bible can t be understood...it is a mystery. (Ephesians 3:3-5; 5:17) 2. If the Bible does not expressly condemn something, we are at liberty to do it. (I Pet. 4:11) 3. We do not have to have Biblical authority for everything we do. (II Timothy 3:16-17) 4. Let s ask the preacher (I Corinthians 4:6) 5. The Bible was meant to be God s love letter to man and not meticulously followed (Matthew 4:4) Some Good Attitudes Toward the Bible: 1. A love of the truth (II Thessalonians 2:9-12) 2. A searching, inquiring and investigative mind (Acts 17:11; Luke 11:9-13) 3. A great desire to do the will of God (John 7:17) 4. A diligent effort to have God s approval (II Timothy 2:15) 5. A strong craving (I Peter 2:1-2; Matthew 5:6) * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward the Scriptures. Lesson 9 - Our Attitudes Toward Others Introduction: Not only are we to have the proper attitude toward the word of God, but we are also taught to have the right attitude toward other people, for they are made in His likeness (James 3:8-10). Christians should recognize the fact there are people of the world with whom we must associate, but whose actions and attitudes we are not to imitate. However we should also realize they are in a lost condition, without hope (Eph. 2:12) and therefore in need of the gospel. The People Of The World 1. What was Jesus attitude toward those who were lost? (John 4:35)

9 2. What will this sense of urgency cause us to do? 3. What are we likened to in Matthew 5:13-16? 4. What attitudes must we avoid to those of the world? Our Brethren 1. What is our attitude to be toward our brethren in all things? (1 Peter 1:22) 2. What will this attitude motivate us to do when a brother is in need? (1 John 3:16-18) 3. How will we view a brother s sin problems? (Gal. 6:1; Jam 5:19-20; I Jn. 5:15-16) 4. What will be our attitude toward a brother s joys or sorrows? (I Cor. 12:26) 5. What does Romans 12:10 and Galatians 6:10 tell about our attitudes toward others? * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward others. Lesson 10 - Our Attitude Toward Sin Introduction: Ever since sin entered into the world it has been an ever present reality. A constant reminder of what sin does and God s attitude toward sin should help us develop an attitude toward sin that will cause us to want to hate it. (Romans. 12:9) Realistically, many Christians do not have the same hatred for all sin that they do for certain sins. A personal examination and application of God s word on the subject of sin will help us have the right attitude toward it. 1. What is the definition of sin in I John 3:4? What does this imply? (Romans. 4:15) 2. All unrighteousness is said to be sin (I John 5:17). How can we know when a thing is unrighteous? (Psalm 119:172) What should our view then be of sins that we would not categorize as immoral sins? 3. What else do we need to regard as sin (James 4:17) What should our attitude then be toward our shortcomings?

10 4. How does God impress us with the seriousness of sin in Heb. 2:2? 5. Describe some consequences of being separated from God (Isaiah 59:2; Acts 17:24-25; Romans. 6:23) 6. What are some of the effects upon the conscience in repeating sins (Ephesians. 4:17-19). 7. Those who are in sin are without in this world. (Eph. 2:12) 8. Contrast the Calvinistic view of total depravity and James 1: How can the truth about this help us have the right attitude toward sin? 9. How does Jesus show his attitude toward sin when he was tempted? (Matthew. 4:1-11) What can we learn from this that will help us have the same attitude? * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward sin. Lesson 11 - Our Attitude Toward Unity Introduction: Unity among brethren is to be cherished (Psalm 133:1) but, brethren everywhere are dividing and sub-dividing. This is nothing new, but still a very real problem Christians have to address. Our study will center around what ought our attitude be towards unity and/or divisions and more especially what does the Bible teach our view ought to be. 1. Just hours before the cross, what was greatly on the mind of Jesus? (John 17:20-23) 2. Was this prayerful request answered and accomplished? (Acts 2:44-46; 4:32) 3. What does this say about the possibility of maintaining oneness? And how ought this to affect our efforts to accomplish it today? 4. Did everybody in the first century have this unity? (I Corinthians 1:10-13) Connect these verses with 4:6 and tell what is often behind divisions.

11 5. What ought to be the basis for unity among believers (Ephesians 4:1-6) 6. Are there sometimes justifiable reasons for dividing? (Amos 3:3; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15; I Corinthians 5:1-13; 11:19; I John. 2:19) 7. How does God view the instigators of strife and discord? (Proverbs 6:16-19; Rom. 16:17-18; Gal. 5:19-21) 8. In the following list, which ones help and which ones hinder the promotion of unity among saints. Be ready to discuss how. Contentiousness, love, backbiting, tale bearing, compassion, spirituality, selfishness, faithfulness, truthfulness, partiality, hypocrisy, peaceableness, gentleness, self-control, intolerance, joy, goodness, longsuffering, * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward unity. Lesson 12 - Our Attitude Toward Self Introduction: That we are to love ourselves is evident from passages such as Matthew 22:39 and Ephesians 5: But, this must be balanced with the teaching that we are not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think (Romans 12:3). Every Christian is responsible for his own attitude toward himself, so the way I am by nature and the experiences I have had in my life must never excuse me. 1. How should I view my giving? (Proverbs 25:14; Matthew 6:1-4) 2. What mind set should I have toward my greatness in the kingdom? (Mat. 18:1-4; Luke 17:10) 3. What attitude must one have toward himself in order to follow Jesus, and what does this mean? (Luke 9:23) 4. Discuss the difference of the attitude toward themselves of the Pharisee and the publican. (Luke 18:9-14) 5. The Bible says it is possible for one to deceive himself (1 Corinthians 3:18; Gal. 6:3). Discuss some ways this may be done. 6. If we have the right attitude toward ourselves how will we treat others? (Phil. 2:3-4) 7. How do we develop the healthiest view of self? (1 Pet. 5:6-7; James 4:10)

12 * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward self. Lesson 13 - Our Attitude Toward Worship Introduction: Worship is honor, reverence, or homage paid to God. Christians can and should offer reverence to God whenever and wherever they have opportunity. But, there are scriptures which teach us to meet together to offer certain acts of worship to God. God has placed within man the innate desire to worship and it will be channeled in one direction or another, but we will assume for the sake of this discussion that it is understood that rightly only God should be worshipped (Matthew. 4:8-10). 1. What lesson can we learn from the worship of Cain and Abel? (Gen. 4:1-8; Heb. 11:4) 2. How will the example of Nadab and Abihu affect our attitude? (Leviticus 10:1-2) 3. Is it possible to worship God in vain? If so, what is one way this may be done? (Mat. 15:8-9). 4. What is another mistaken notion about worship today? (Acts 17:23-25) 5. From the following verses, what can we say must be present to make worship acceptable (1 Corinthians 11:28-29; 14:15; 2 Corinthians. 9:7; Ephesians 5:19 6. What should our attitude be toward meeting with others to worship? (Hebrews 10:24-25; Psalm 122:1) * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward worship. Lesson 14 - Our Attitude Toward Work Introduction: From the time God created man and placed him In the Garden of Eden He has intended for him to work. His responsibility then was to dress and keep the garden. Therefore, even before Adam s sin, work was good and likewise for us. It is the means by which we are to provide for ourselves and those for whom we are responsible (1 Tim 5:8) and if a man will not work he should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). But, what should our attitude be toward work?

13 1. What attitude is learned from the words of Jesus? (John 9:4) 2. Discuss the parable of the laborers in the vineyard as it relates to our attitude toward work (Matthew 20:1-16). See also Luke 3: How should we go about accomplishing the work we have to do, and why? (Ecclesiastes 9 :10). 4. What lessons can be learned from the instructions given to slaves and masters in Ephesians 6:5-9 & Colossians 3:22-4:1? 5. What attitude ought definitely not to be a part of our thinking?(proverbs 24:30-34) 6. Discuss what you believe a Christian s attitude ought to be toward retirement? * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward work. Lesson 15 - Our Attitude Toward Suffering Introduction: Suffering is universal. No man has ever escaped it. Therefore, the question is not how to avoid suffering, but rather how do we cope with it. What has God said in the Bible ought our attitude to be toward suffering. 1. How ought we to view the trials and tribulations due to our being Christians? (I Peter 4:12-16; Acts 5:41) 2. What should be my attitude when suffering wrongfully? (1 Pet. 2:18-23; 1 Corinthians 6:7-8) 3. Name some of the benefits of suffering (1 Pet. 1:6-9; James 1:2-4; Hebrews 12:5-11; Acts 8:3-4). How does this affect my outlook on such? 4. What should I remember when suffering? (Job 2:10) 5. What can help me endure grief? (Psalm 30:5) 6. How should I view other s sorrow? (John 11:33-36; Romans. 12:15)

14 * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward suffering. Lesson 16 - Our Attitude Toward Death Introduction: Unless the Lord returns beforehand, you will die. As a consequence of Adam s sin, we all have to experience death, but how we view it is very important. How ought we to approach it? Literally, death means a separation and in the case of our physical death, it is the separation of our spirit and body (James 2:26). Most people dread the thought of dying themselves and are saddened at the death of someone near and dear to them. There is nothing wrong with this, as even Jesus wept at the funeral of Lazarus (John 11) and Christians lamented greatly the murder of Stephen (Acts 8:2), but we ought not to sorrow as others who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). 1. What reason did David have for fearing no evil though he passed through the valley of the shadow of death? (Psalm 23:4) 2. How does the Lord look upon the death of His saints? (Psalm 116:15) 3. Can there be a time when death is actually preferred? (Phil. 1:21-26) 4. What should be our view of funerals? (Ecclesiastes 7:1-4) 5. What is said to be the sting of death? (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) 6. What should be our attitude be following the death of a loved one? (2 Sam. 12:15-23) 7. Discuss some bad attitudes toward death. * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward death. Lesson 17 - Our Attitude Toward The Judgment Introduction: The final judgment of all people by Christ has been assured by God (Acts 17:30-31). There is no way around it. We must all stand before our Maker and give an account of our lives and receive heaven or hell as our eternal reward. But how should we view it?

15 1. In relation to one's death when will the judgment be? (Hebrews 9:27) What does this say about any second chances? 2. Should I expect any favored treatment? (Romans 2:2-16) 3. How does the judgment affect my dealings with others here and now (Romans 14:10-12) 4. Does the Bible seem to depict the judgment as a day to make our case for salvation? When is the time to present our case? 5. Is the judgment reversible? (Matthew. 25:46) How should this affect my preparations now? * Summarize the Christian s attitude toward the judgment. Conclusion: Now that this study of attitudes is completed, the effect it has on you and me will greatly be determined by our attitude towards it. What do you think?