Do I have the wrong idea of God?

[Jesus4ever]

Dear brothers and sisters,

I´m sorry to bring this subject again, but I believe I need help figuring this out, that it, the way I try by all means, to behave toward our Lord. And yes, this keeps leading to "Should I do this?", "Shouldn´t I do that?", etc...

I´m feeling somehow trapped in my own thoughts/analysis of want God wants from me. God´s divine Grace tells me that faith, love Him above all things and our neighbors as ourselves, is the right way to go. It also tell me that works/Law will not lead me to Salvation. However, Grace is not a license to sin!

NT is clear about many things a christian shouldn´t do. Drunkenness, adultery, sexual immorality, dissensions, lying, etc, etc, are some of many more. In the OT we get the "Do/don´t this" list, but the NT is also clear about things one shouldn´t do.

The question is bothering me very much, because I feel no peace with my relationship with the Lord. I really love Him, and nothing is more important than Him to me. However, I want to obey Him and please Him so much, that I carry a "I should do this!" and (MOSTLY) "I shouldn´t do this!" list of things, every day! And worse of all, I carry a feeling that IF I do something I feel I shouldn´t do, God will punish me! So, yeah, I fear His "wrath" toward me, somehow, every time I sin...!

But at the same time, I know He loves me, and that He will forgives me, if I truly repent, but still, I fear that He will forgive me, but will punish me, still...!

Yes, the dietetic laws are one thing that bother me. I find aspects that lead me to agree that christians are free from that laws (and sometimes from the Law), but since I want to obey Him and please Him so much, I fear He may us/me to obey those laws...!

One recent example: I always loved to see "X-Files", in fact, I bought the all series some years ago (before I was born again). Yes, we all know what "X-Files" deal about, and that are even some episodes that discredit Bible origin (God´s Word), as in one, it suggests that the Word of God was given by aliens. But, in spite of this one episode, all we have is conspiracy with Government, aliens, paranormal activity, etc. So, recently, I putted somehow in my head and started to feel that I shouldn´t see it (in spite of wishing to do it very much), because if I do it, God will be angry and will punish me somehow.

All I know is that, in spite of loving Him very much, I feel anxious/scared of committing sin, with my "I shouldn´t do this" every day list, fearing God´s punishment...!

I guess I can´t really live and a true christian would. Do I really live by the Grace? Do I have the wrong idea about God?


Please, comments and help would be really appreciated.


Thank you!


God bless you all!

 

[oldhermit]

Dear brothers and sisters,

I´m sorry to bring this subject again, but I believe I need help figuring this out, that it, the way I try by all means, to behave toward our Lord. And yes, this keeps leading to "Should I do this?", "Shouldn´t I do that?", etc...

I´m feeling somehow trapped in my own thoughts/analysis of want God wants from me. God´s divine Grace tells me that faith, love Him above all things and our neighbors as ourselves, is the right way to go. It also tell me that works/Law will not lead me to Salvation. However, Grace is not a license to sin!

NT is clear about many things a christian shouldn´t do. Drunkenness, adultery, sexual immorality, dissensions, lying, etc, etc, are some of many more. In the OT we get the "Do/don´t this" list, but the NT is also clear about things one shouldn´t do.

The question is bothering me very much, because I feel no peace with my relationship with the Lord. I really love Him, and nothing is more important than Him to me. However, I want to obey Him and please Him so much, that I carry a "I should do this!" and (MOSTLY) "I shouldn´t do this!" list of things, every day! And worse of all, I carry a feeling that IF I do something I feel I shouldn´t do, God will punish me! So, yeah, I fear His "wrath" toward me, somehow, every time I sin...!

But at the same time, I know He loves me, and that He will forgives me, if I truly repent, but still, I fear that He will forgive me, but will punish me, still...!

Yes, the dietetic laws are one thing that bother me. I find aspects that lead me to agree that christians are free from that laws (and sometimes from the Law), but since I want to obey Him and please Him so much, I fear He may us/me to obey those laws...!

One recent example: I always loved to see "X-Files", in fact, I bought the all series some years ago (before I was born again). Yes, we all know what "X-Files" deal about, and that are even some episodes that discredit Bible origin (God´s Word), as in one, it suggests that the Word of God was given by aliens. But, in spite of this one episode, all we have is conspiracy with Government, aliens, paranormal activity, etc. So, recently, I putted somehow in my head and started to feel that I shouldn´t see it (in spite of wishing to do it very much), because if I do it, God will be angry and will punish me somehow.

All I know is that, in spite of loving Him very much, I feel anxious/scared of committing sin, with my "I shouldn´t do this" every day list, fearing God´s punishment...!

I guess I can´t really live and a true christian would. Do I really live by the Grace? Do I have the wrong idea about God?


Please, comments and help would be really appreciated.


Thank you!


God bless you all!

There is a very good principle I have learned from 1Cor. 8. Whenever you question the propriety of something you wish to do ask yourself, is it lawful, is it expedient, is it enslaving, is it edifying, is it loving, and is it of faith. If it is any of these things, and if it offends faith then don't do it.

 

[Dan_473]

do you have feelings of confidence in other parts of your life?

 

[Jesus4ever]

do you have feelings of confidence in other parts of your life?

Well, it depends. In most cases yes, but the question/problem here is, if I don´t feel peace regarding my relationship with God, the rest of my life can´t workout well, I think...

 

[Mitspa]

We are called to protect our minds and set our thoughts on things above...some shows are just no good for our hearts and minds. The liberty to eat what Christ has cleansed is wonderful if done in faith..but if you cant do something in faith, it will be sin to you. It sounds to me like sound doctrine will continue the good work God has started in you...

 

[Dan_473]

what area of your life do you have lots of confidence in? like work? romance?

 

[Kaycie]

Sounds like you are wrestling with your conscience- which is a good thing. The conscience of many has been seared as with a hot iron. They have callused hearts. But your conscience is healthy- which is good. The bible says each one of us has to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Then when your conscience is clear, because your love for God kept you from living in sin, that perfect love drives out fear. There should only be fear when you disobey God.

When I watch something on tv, I ask myself, "Is this real sin?" For example, if an actor is pretending to steal something, I know that he isn't really stealing. But if he is naked, I know he is not pretending, he really is naked. See what I mean? The only way to feel at peace in your soul is to live without guilt. Now those whose consciences have been seared do live without guilt, and they feel at peace, but because their warning alarm in their conscience does not signal a warning, they are headed for destruction. But because you hear that warning loud and clear, all you have to do is heed that warning.

 

[shotgunner]

First off, God is not going to punish you for sin. Under the law there was punishment for sin unless a sacrifice was made. Jesus is the one ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin. God would be unrighteous to punish Jesus for your sins and then make you pay the same price. Jesus either paid the price for your sins or he didn't. If Jesus has paid for your sins then they are paid for and do not need a second payment. How would you feel if someone paid for your automobile and gave you the title and then the loan company was demanding payment from you also because it wasn't you that paid? You have to understand that at salvation we become one with Jesus. In that oneness, we have paid what he paid and we have gained what he gained.

Now comes the issue of sin. Even though God is not punishing you for sin, the law of sowing and reaping is still in effect. If you sin it can still destroy your life. The things you put into your heart by watching on TV will effect you. You do not however need to have a mindset that God is looking to punish you. The Holy Spirit is simply leading you to grow up into the physical image of what is already completed in the Spirit.

 

[Jesus4ever]

I carried this type of feeling for a long time, regarding God: "If I do this (most times it´s no even a declared sin), God will not allow this think to happen (something I´d really love for it to happen (and that´s not a sin)), or will punish me, etc"! I believe my mind plays tricks on me sometimes, and does not allow me to live a "peaceful" relationship with God.

I´ve even though: may this be the enemy working with my mind, somehow? The fact is that I don´t feel "rest" or peace with my relationship with the Lord...

 

[PennEd]

Dear brothers and sisters,

I´m sorry to bring this subject again, but I believe I need help figuring this out, that it, the way I try by all means, to behave toward our Lord. And yes, this keeps leading to "Should I do this?", "Shouldn´t I do that?", etc...

I´m feeling somehow trapped in my own thoughts/analysis of want God wants from me. God´s divine Grace tells me that faith, love Him above all things and our neighbors as ourselves, is the right way to go. It also tell me that works/Law will not lead me to Salvation. However, Grace is not a license to sin!

NT is clear about many things a christian shouldn´t do. Drunkenness, adultery, sexual immorality, dissensions, lying, etc, etc, are some of many more. In the OT we get the "Do/don´t this" list, but the NT is also clear about things one shouldn´t do.

The question is bothering me very much, because I feel no peace with my relationship with the Lord. I really love Him, and nothing is more important than Him to me. However, I want to obey Him and please Him so much, that I carry a "I should do this!" and (MOSTLY) "I shouldn´t do this!" list of things, every day! And worse of all, I carry a feeling that IF I do something I feel I shouldn´t do, God will punish me! So, yeah, I fear His "wrath" toward me, somehow, every time I sin...!

But at the same time, I know He loves me, and that He will forgives me, if I truly repent, but still, I fear that He will forgive me, but will punish me, still...!

Yes, the dietetic laws are one thing that bother me. I find aspects that lead me to agree that christians are free from that laws (and sometimes from the Law), but since I want to obey Him and please Him so much, I fear He may us/me to obey those laws...!

One recent example: I always loved to see "X-Files", in fact, I bought the all series some years ago (before I was born again). Yes, we all know what "X-Files" deal about, and that are even some episodes that discredit Bible origin (God´s Word), as in one, it suggests that the Word of God was given by aliens. But, in spite of this one episode, all we have is conspiracy with Government, aliens, paranormal activity, etc. So, recently, I putted somehow in my head and started to feel that I shouldn´t see it (in spite of wishing to do it very much), because if I do it, God will be angry and will punish me somehow.

All I know is that, in spite of loving Him very much, I feel anxious/scared of committing sin, with my "I shouldn´t do this" every day list, fearing God´s punishment...!

I guess I can´t really live and a true christian would. Do I really live by the Grace? Do I have the wrong idea about God?


Please, comments and help would be really appreciated.


Thank you!


God bless you all!

I feel your pain brother. I sometimes go through a variation of what you describe. 1st, remember that the HUGE AWESOME GOD we worship is also our Daddy. When I think of the relationship I had with my earthly Daddy it comes with incredible love from him and for him, BUT it also came with a healthy fear. I think Shotgunner said it beautifully that God does not punish us but rather still gives us the free will to do sinful behavior, AND live with the fruit of that behavior. Paramount for us to remember that ALL of our sins are paid for. Jesus won the struggle for us. Let's bask in that truth and live free! Praise Jesus!!!

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

The christian world loves to load up people with tons of guilt in the form of Dos and Don'ts, that are really only about creating superficial appearances in order to not have to deal with the real issue of sin.

Sin is unbelief in any part of your life.

If you are constantly fretting about should I do this or should I do that, it means that you are not resting in faith for what GOD has done for you; not resting in his goodness.

Resting in his goodness will give you peace and a love that you will share with others. Then you will know that everything is good and as it should be.

 

[shotgunner]

The christian world loves to load up people with tons of guilt in the form of Dos and Don'ts, that are really only about creating superficial appearances in order to not have to deal with the real issue of sin.

Sin is unbelief in any part of your life.

If you are constantly fretting about should I do this or should I do that, it means that you are not resting in faith for what GOD has done for you; not resting in his goodness.

Resting in his goodness will give you peace and a love that you will share with others. Then you will know that everything is good and as it should be.

This is a good post and you should read it again. You have to understand that everything God does for us is through faith. God simply wants you to believe that he will do everything for you that he says he will do for a righteous man. You are righteous by the shed blood of Jesus and no other way. You can never earn favors from God, everything comes because of grace and through faith.

As you have your mind renewed to the fact that you are righteous because of Jesus, you will act righteous. Because of our love for God and knowing how much was sacrificed for us, we want to be good stewards. Grace will not enable you to sin. Knowing the goodness and grace that God has shown you will cause you to be a better son to him.

 

[Jesus4ever]

First off, God is not going to punish you for sin. Under the law there was punishment for sin unless a sacrifice was made. Jesus is the one ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin. God would be unrighteous to punish Jesus for your sins and then make you pay the same price. Jesus either paid the price for your sins or he didn't. If Jesus has paid for your sins then they are paid for and do not need a second payment. How would you feel if someone paid for your automobile and gave you the title and then the loan company was demanding payment from you also because it wasn't you that paid? You have to understand that at salvation we become one with Jesus. In that oneness, we have paid what he paid and we have gained what he gained.

Now comes the issue of sin. Even though God is not punishing you for sin, the law of sowing and reaping is still in effect. If you sin it can still destroy your life. The things you put into your heart by watching on TV will effect you. You do not however need to have a mindset that God is looking to punish you. The Holy Spirit is simply leading you to grow up into the physical image of what is already completed in the Spirit.

I see you point, brother. But how can God not punish, if one has a life of sin? The NT refers several times that God will show His wrath toward sinners...!

Are you suggesting that sin has only effects in our life and not in God´s actions toward us?


God bless you!

 

[FreeNChrist]

Yes, you have the wrong idea about God. God is not dealing with you on the basis of your sins. He is dealing with you on the basis of His Son. In Christ you have forgiveness and life, and are loved and totally accepted by God. Believe it.

 

[MarcR]

Dear brothers and sisters,

I´m sorry to bring this subject again, but I believe I need help figuring this out, that it, the way I try by all means, to behave toward our Lord. And yes, this keeps leading to "Should I do this?", "Shouldn´t I do that?", etc...

I´m feeling somehow trapped in my own thoughts/analysis of want God wants from me. God´s divine Grace tells me that faith, love Him above all things and our neighbors as ourselves, is the right way to go. It also tell me that works/Law will not lead me to Salvation. However, Grace is not a license to sin!

NT is clear about many things a christian shouldn´t do. Drunkenness, adultery, sexual immorality, dissensions, lying, etc, etc, are some of many more. In the OT we get the "Do/don´t this" list, but the NT is also clear about things one shouldn´t do.

The question is bothering me very much, because I feel no peace with my relationship with the Lord. I really love Him, and nothing is more important than Him to me. However, I want to obey Him and please Him so much, that I carry a "I should do this!" and (MOSTLY) "I shouldn´t do this!" list of things, every day! And worse of all, I carry a feeling that IF I do something I feel I shouldn´t do, God will punish me! So, yeah, I fear His "wrath" toward me, somehow, every time I sin...!

But at the same time, I know He loves me, and that He will forgives me, if I truly repent, but still, I fear that He will forgive me, but will punish me, still...!

Yes, the dietetic laws are one thing that bother me. I find aspects that lead me to agree that christians are free from that laws (and sometimes from the Law), but since I want to obey Him and please Him so much, I fear He may us/me to obey those laws...!

One recent example: I always loved to see "X-Files", in fact, I bought the all series some years ago (before I was born again). Yes, we all know what "X-Files" deal about, and that are even some episodes that discredit Bible origin (God´s Word), as in one, it suggests that the Word of God was given by aliens. But, in spite of this one episode, all we have is conspiracy with Government, aliens, paranormal activity, etc. So, recently, I putted somehow in my head and started to feel that I shouldn´t see it (in spite of wishing to do it very much), because if I do it, God will be angry and will punish me somehow.

All I know is that, in spite of loving Him very much, I feel anxious/scared of committing sin, with my "I shouldn´t do this" every day list, fearing God´s punishment...!

I guess I can´t really live and a true christian would. Do I really live by the Grace? Do I have the wrong idea about God?


Please, comments and help would be really appreciated.


Thank you!


God bless you all!

Brother,

Rom 8:1-15
8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
KJV


1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

We do not need to carry a rule book. The Holy Spirit within us gives us a desire to please God. Our conscience informs us of what is right.

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The same Holy Spirit, who shows us what is right empowers us to do what is right. This means that we may depend on Jesus, (NOT OURSELVES) for a life pleasing to God.


12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Phil 2:13
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
KJV


It is not a question of: Do we live worldly or do we live Godly! Of course we are to live Godly.


The question is: do we live Godly by our efforts or by His?

Another question is: Do we get the credit and praise for our godly walk or does He?


We need a Savior because we can't do it ourselves!

So, Do we let Jesus do it for us or do we try to help?

If we try to help, Jesus will step back and let us fail; but, if we depend on Him, He succeeds in us!

 

[Dan_473]

I carried this type of feeling for a long time, regarding God: "If I do this (most times it´s no even a declared sin), God will not allow this think to happen (something I´d really love for it to happen (and that´s not a sin)), or will punish me, etc"! I believe my mind plays tricks on me sometimes, and does not allow me to live a "peaceful" relationship with God.

I´ve even though: may this be the enemy working with my mind, somehow? The fact is that I don´t feel "rest" or peace with my relationship with the Lord...

do you feel you are worth loving?

 

[Jesus4ever]

Yes, you have the wrong idea about God. God is not dealing with you on the basis of your sins. He is dealing with you on the basis of His Son. In Christ you have forgiveness and life, and are loved and totally accepted by God. Believe it.

Even when one sin conscientiously...?

 

[FreeNChrist]

Even when one sin conscientiously...?

Yes.......

 

[Jesus4ever]

do you feel you are worth loving?

Yes, I do.

What´s your point with your questions, brother?


God bless you.

 

[Jesus4ever]

Yes.......

I see. Please, brother, help me understand this verse, then:


For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.

Colossians 3:6