Living the Spirit-Led Life WEEK 2: OPENING MY HEART TO GOD S WAYS

Living the Spirit-Led Life WEEK 2: OPENING MY HEART TO GOD S WAYS 1

Weekly Materials 2

Weekly Materials 3

Weekly Materials 4

Does Growth Matter? Growth really matters! 5

Does Growth Matter? Growth really matters! Spiritual growth is how I take hold of the rich and satisfying life that Jesus offers us 6

Does Growth Matter? Growth really matters! Spiritual growth is how I take hold of the rich and satisfying life that Jesus offers us God is said to be our helper. But no one can be helped unless he does something. Augustine (Second Helvetic Confession, 5.048) 7

How Do Believers Make Decisions? 8

How Do Believers Make Decisions? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led Money-led 9

How Do Believers Make Decisions? Head/logic-led Culture-led Pride-led/Offense-led Money-led Spirit-led Romans 8:14 NIV For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Ephesians 5:17 NLT Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 10

We Gain Experience with God Through Godly Choices POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Ideas GOOD CHOICES Beliefs 11

We Gain Experience with God Through Godly Choices POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Ideas GOOD CHOICES GROWTH WITH NO SORROW ATTACHED Beliefs Proverbs 10:22 NLT The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. 12

We Gain Experience with God Through Godly Choices POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Ideas GOOD CHOICES GROWTH WITH NO SORROW ATTACHED Beliefs CLARITY & CONFIDENCE Psalm 18:28 NLT You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. 13

We Gain Experience with God Through Godly Choices POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV Ideas GOOD CHOICES GROWTH WITH NO SORROW ATTACHED Beliefs POWER, LOVE & SOUND MIND CLARITY & CONFIDENCE 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 14

It s important because we re inundated with viewpoints Worldly Wisdom for Happiness We are barraged with success formulas that can influence us Ideas Each message promises My Way Is Right! We re not sure who to trust or what we should believe in Beliefs We naturally distrust because people are profiting from what they are promoting IT S VERY CONFUSING! 15

The Bible says our life confusion is not an accident! Matthew 13:22 NLT The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. Ideas Beliefs Worldly Wisdom for Happiness 16

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: ME 17

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 18

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: THE HOLY SPIRIT ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 19

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: They all sound like my voice, because they are happening within my mind THE HOLY SPIRIT ME THE ADVERSARY A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 20

So we need to become aware of the activity in our mind. As a believer, I have 3 authors contributing to my 70,000 daily thoughts: They all sound like my voice, because they are happening within my mind THE HOLY SPIRIT ME THE ADVERSARY If I give equal weight to every thought, I m giving equal loyalty to every author A steady diet of: FALSE PROMISES BAD SUGGESTIONS CONDEMNATION 21

How do I manage the thoughts that I yield to? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character Ideas Beliefs 22

How do I manage the thoughts that I yield to? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character Ideas Beliefs 23

How do I manage the thoughts that I yield to? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character Ideas Beliefs 24

How do I manage the thoughts that I yield to? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character Ideas Beliefs 25

How do I manage the thoughts that I yield to? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character 2) I pay attention to my rogue thoughts that are inconsistent with scripture and/or God s character 3) I put great weight on anything that sounds like God s voice Ideas Beliefs 27

How do I manage the thoughts that I yield to? 1) I constantly evaluate my thoughts against God s word and character Ideas 2) I pay attention to my rogue thoughts that are inconsistent with scripture and/or God s character 3) I put great weight on anything that sounds like God s voice Beliefs 4) I regulate what I allow into my mind 1 Corinthians 10:23 NLT You say, "I am allowed to do anything" but not everything is good for you. 29

This Week: Opening My Heart to God s Ways o When I know what to do, why don t I do it? 31

1 Samuel 16:11-13 NLT 32

1 Samuel 16:11-13 NLT 11 Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats." "Send for him at once," Samuel said. "We will not sit down to eat until he arrives." 12 So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the LORD said, "This is the one; anoint him." 13 So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on. 35

The Next 20 years: Huge Blessings and Huge Problems 36

The Next 20 years: Huge Blessings and Huge Problems Killed Goliath, with only a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17:50 NLT) 37

The Next 20 years: Huge Blessings and Huge Problems Killed Goliath, with only a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17:50 NLT) Israel s most popular singer (2 Samuel 23:1 MSG) 38

The Next 20 years: Huge Blessings and Huge Problems Killed Goliath, with only a sling and a stone (1 Samuel 17:50 NLT) Israel s most popular singer (2 Samuel 23:1 MSG) Famous military leader (1 Samuel 18:7 NLT) Loved by all of Israel and Judah (1 Samuel 18:17 NLT) 40

The Next 20 years: Huge Blessings and Huge Problems 1 Samuel 18:10-11 NLT Saul had a spear in his hand, and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice. 1 Samuel 22:1-2 NLT So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. Soon his brothers and all his other relatives joined him there. Then others began coming 1 Samuel 24:2 NLT So Saul chose 3,000 elite troops from all Israel and went to search for David and his men near the rocks of the wild goats. 44

The Next 20 years: Huge Blessings and Huge Problems HOW DID DAVID AVOID GETTING BITTER? 46

The Next 20 years: Huge Blessings and Huge Problems HOW DID DAVID AVOID GETTING BITTER? ANSWER: David viewed God as his most reliable friend 47

The Next 20 years: Huge Blessings and Huge Problems HOW DID DAVID AVOID GETTING BITTER? ANSWER: David viewed God as his most reliable friend Psalm 27:13 NIV I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 48

What s It Like to Have God as a Friend? 49

What s It Like to Have God as a Friend? Joel 2:12 NLT the LORD says, Give Me your hearts. 50

What s It Like to Have God as a Friend? Joel 2:12 NLT the LORD says, Give Me your hearts. Psalm 117:2 NIV For great is his love toward us 51

What s It Like to Have God as a Friend? Joel 2:12 NLT the LORD says, Give Me your hearts. Psalm 117:2 NIV For great is his love toward us Isaiah 30:18 NIV Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; 52

What s It Like to Have God as a Friend? Isaiah 45:18 NLT "I am the LORD," He says, "and there is no other. 19 I publicly proclaim bold promises. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right. Luke 18:27 NLT He replied, "What is impossible for people is possible with God." Hosea 14:8 NLT I am the One who answers your prayers and cares for you. I am like a tree that is always green; all your fruit comes from Me." 57

What s It Like to Have God as a Friend? Psalm 92:15 NLT They will declare, "The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in Him!" 59

What s It Like to Have God as a Friend? Psalm 92:15 NLT They will declare, "The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in Him!" 1 John 4:7 NLT let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. Romans 5:5 NLT For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. 61

Our Relationship with God is Unlike Any Other Relationship! 63

Our Relationship with God is Unlike Any Other Relationship! John 4:24 NLT For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth." 64

Our Relationship with God is Unlike Any Other Relationship! John 4:24 NLT For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth." Numbers 23:19 NLT God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through? 2 Peter 3:8 NIV But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 66

God Tells Us Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts. Proverbs 3:7 NLT Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 71

God Wants Us To Grow Into Godly Men and Women, To Be More Like Christ 72

God Wants Us To Grow Into Godly Men and Women, To Be More Like Christ If we ll let Him, God will turn our life into something beautiful, meaningful and significant! 73

God Wants Us To Grow Into Godly Men and Women, To Be More Like Christ If we ll let Him, God will turn our life into something beautiful, meaningful and significant! Psalm 32:8-9 NLT The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." 74

God Wants Us To Grow Into Godly Men and Women, To Be More Like Christ If we ll let Him, God will turn our life into something beautiful, meaningful and significant! Living a godly life doesn t mean we ll always get it right. Romans 3:23 NLT For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 78

God Wants Us To Grow Into Godly Men and Women, To Be More Like Christ If we ll let Him, God will turn our life into something beautiful, meaningful and significant! Living a godly life doesn t mean we ll always get it right. Godliness requires training 1 Timothy 4:7 NLT Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 80

Godliness has benefits in this life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT) 81

Godliness has benefits in this life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT) The godly will flourish (Ps 92:12 NLT) and the righteous will thrive (Proverbs 11:28 NIV) 82

Godliness has benefits in this life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT) The godly will flourish (Ps 92:12 NLT) and the righteous will thrive (Proverbs 11:28 NIV) The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives (Ps 37:23 NLT) The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right (Ps 84:11 NLT) Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Ps 37:4 NIV) The godly are showered with blessings (Proverbs 10:6 NLT) The life of the godly is full of light and joy (Proverbs 13:9 NLT) The LORD takes the upright into his confidence (Proverbs 3:32 NIV) 88

Can I Really Believe This? 91

Can I Really Believe This? I can if I view my life as a stewardship 92

Can I Really Believe This? I can if I view my life as a stewardship 1 Chronicles 29:11 NLT Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours, O LORD, and this is Your kingdom. 93

Can I Really Believe This? I can if I view my life as a stewardship 1 Chronicles 29:11 NLT Everything in the heavens and on earth is Yours, O LORD, and this is Your kingdom. Romans 15:1-2 NLT We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. Can I handle God s blessings, or will they derail me? 95

So when I know what to do, why don t I always do it? 97

Why don t I always do it? If I don t know God s word, then: o It s impossible to follow it o The Holy Spirit doesn t have much to work with 98

Why don t I always do it? If I don t know God s word, then: o It s impossible to follow it o The Holy Spirit doesn t have much to work with If I m not distinguishing between my thoughts, then: o I can be easily deceived o I can yield to the wrong voice 99

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: Ideas Beliefs 101

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #1: I believe that a comfortable life is better than a godly life Ideas Beliefs 102

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #1: I believe that a comfortable life is better than a godly life o so l only pursue a godly life if it remains comfortable Ideas Beliefs 103

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #1: I believe that a comfortable life is better than a godly life o o so I only pursue a godly life if it remains comfortable When circumstances turn negative, I stop listening to God and start listening to the other voices in my head Ideas Beliefs 104

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #1: I believe that a comfortable life is better than a godly life o o o so I only pursue a godly life if it remains comfortable When circumstances turn negative, I stop listening to God and start listening to the other voices in my head I take matters into my own hands and move away from God s preferred route, missing out on God s best Ideas Beliefs 105

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #1: I believe that a comfortable life is better than a godly life Ideas John 16:33 NLT Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." Beliefs 106

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #2: I think that people are the source of my supply Ideas Beliefs 108

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #2: I think that people are the source of my supply o I believe my security comes from my job, my rolodex, my boss, my family, friends or influential people Ideas Beliefs 109

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #2: I think that people are the source of my supply o o I believe my security comes from my job, my rolodex, my boss, my family, friends or influential people I trust more in other people than I do in God for my supply Ideas Beliefs 110

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #2: I think that people are the source of my supply o o o I believe my security comes from my job, my rolodex, my boss, my family, friends or influential people I trust more in other people than I do in God for my supply I succumb to peer pressure in order to remain well regarded by the group Ideas Beliefs 111

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #2: I think that people are the source of my supply Ideas Psalm 118:8-9 NLT It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Beliefs Philippians 4:19 NLT And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. 113

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #3: I think that it s critical to get a specific outcome that I want Ideas Beliefs 114

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #3: I think that it s critical to get a specific outcome that I want o I get so fixated on one outcome that I sacrifice God s best in order to get it Ideas Beliefs 115

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #3: I think that it s critical to get a specific outcome that I want o o I get so fixated on one outcome that I sacrifice God s best in order to get it I stubbornly refuse God s guidance and won t make adjustments Ideas Beliefs 116

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #3: I think that it s critical to get a specific outcome that I want o o o I get so fixated on one outcome that I sacrifice God s best in order to get it I stubbornly refuse God s guidance and won t make adjustments I limit God s help because I won t go where He s leading me Ideas Beliefs 117

My reluctance comes from 3 deep-rooted confusions: CONFUSION #3: I think that it s critical to get a specific outcome that I want Ideas Proverbs 19:3 NLT People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD. Beliefs Proverbs 1:30-31 NLT They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. 119

David was very sensitive to God s voice 120

David was very sensitive to God s voice 2 Samuel 2:1 NLT After this, David asked the LORD, "Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?" "Yes," the LORD replied. 121

David was very sensitive to God s voice 2 Samuel 2:1 NLT After this, David asked the LORD, "Should I move back to one of the towns of Judah?" "Yes," the LORD replied. Then David asked, "Which town should I go to?" "To Hebron," the LORD answered. 122

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David know and love God s Word? 123

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David know and love God s Word? - YES Psalm 40:8 NLT I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart." 124

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David know and love God s Word? - YES Psalm 40:8 NLT I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart." Psalm 19:9-10 NLT The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 125

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David manage his thoughts? 126

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David manage his thoughts? - YES Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 127

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David manage his thoughts? - YES Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; Psalm 51:10 NIV Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 17:3 NLT You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. 129

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David trust that God would help him? 130

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David trust that God would help him? - YES Psalm 37:3-5 NLT Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 131

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David trust that God would help him? - YES Psalm 37:3-5 NLT Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. 4 Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires. 132

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David have a willing heart? 134

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David have a willing heart? - YES Psalm 17:5 NLT My steps have stayed on Your path; I have not wavered from following You. 135

How did David become so sensitive to God s voice? Did David have a willing heart? - YES Psalm 17:5 NLT My steps have stayed on Your path; I have not wavered from following You. Act 13:22 NLT But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after My own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.' 136

Table Discussion Topic: 1) Which aspect of your spiritual training is your biggest development need right now? a) You need to learn God s word b) You need to distinguish between your godly and ungodly thoughts c) You need to embrace God s ways even when it s difficult 137

Table Discussion Topic: 2) When you know what God s instruction is, but you still don t do it, is it usually because: a) You stop listening because it s uncomfortable? b) You view your job (and other people) as your source of supply? c) You want a particular outcome to happen and feel it s too important to entrust with God? 138

Next Week: Using Adversity To Make Us Stronger 139