Self-Confrontation: To Biblically Change Your Life

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God's Purpose & Your Focus

The motivation for our change is given to us by God's purpose for our new way of living:

"- We are to worship and serve God(Luke 4:8; John 4:23-24), pleasing Him in all respects(2 Cor 5:9; Col 1:10)
- As a responsible member of God's family, we're to give glory in all things(Psalm 115:1; 1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:17)
- We're owned by righteousness and are now ambassadors for our Lord Jesus Christ(Romans 6:16-18; 2 Cor 5:20)
- Focus on dying to self for the Lord's sake(Matt 10:38-39; Luke 9:23-24; 1 Cor 15:31)
- This change in allegiance is demonstrated by loving God(Matt 22:37-38; John 14:15, 21; 1 John 5:3) and loving others(Matt 22:39; 1 Cor 13:4-8a; Phil 2:1-4; 1 John 4:7-8, 11, 20)"
 
Jesus had to take the penalty of our sin on that cross to fulfill His promise to the Abrahamic covenant. It was God in the form of a "flaming torch" that passed between the cut bodies as a promise that what happened to the cut animal bodies would happen to whomever broke the covenant. But instead of Abraham walking between them, our Lord put him in a deep sleep and He passed between the cut bodies signifying that He would take on the consequences if(when) the covenant was broken. And centuries later, that's exactly what God did. He allowed His body to be cut to pieces on that cross to fulfill His promise to Abraham. And to all who believe it will be accredited as righteousness(Gen 15:6; Joel 2:28-32a; Rom 10:12-13).

https://youtube.com/shorts/loHCqY24LOc?si=wUlrWfEVfCb9P-B4

"Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. And He said to him, “I am the LORD who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it.” He said, “O Lord GOD, how may I know that I will possess it?” So He said to him, “Bring Me a three year old heifer, and a three year old female goat, and a three year old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, and laid each half opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds. The birds of prey came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away. Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him."
— Genesis 15:6-12

"It came about when the sun had set, that it was very dark, and behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a flaming torch which passed between these pieces."
— Genesis 15:17

"Calling on the name of the Lord expresses familiarity and connection, as in knowing God by name. The phrase signifies identification as a member of God’s family. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord claims Yahweh as one’s own God. This concept goes back to the beginning of time when “people began to call on the name of the Lord” (Gen 4:26; Gen 12:8). God has always sought a people, including representatives from all nations, to devote themselves to Him."
- from "Got Questions" site-
 
105 Biblical Principles(4-6)

God's Way vs Man's Way I:

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Principle #4 -The Bible Is Adequate: "Since God's Word is the only authority for faith and conduct and is the sole, legitimate standard by which all aspects is living are evaluated, we are to rely on no other source. God's Word provides hope and give direction for change in deeds(thoughts, speech and actions) and is adequate to equip you for every good work(Psalm 19:7-11; Prov 30:5-6; Col 2:8; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; 2 Pet 1:2-4) and to develop a Christlike attitude of servanthood within you(2 Cor 3:5-6; Phil 2:5-8)"


Principle #5 - The Holy Spirit Is Necessary: "Only through the power of the Holy Spirit are you able to live an abundant life(John 14:26; 16:7-14; Rom 8:5-11; 1 Cor 2:9-14; Eph 1:13-14; 5:18)"

Principle #6 - Prayer Is Vital: "Prayer is essential to a Spirit-controlled life(Psalm 145:18-19; Matt 7:7-8; Eph 5:18-20; 6:18; 1 Thess 5:17; 1 John 3:22). We are to be devoted to prayer, according to God's will, and to bring everything and everyone unceasingly before the Lord in prayer(Luke 18:1; Eph 6:18; Phil 4:6; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17; 1 Tim 2:1; 1 John 5:14-15)"
 
Scripture Is Our Authority

"God's Word Is....
- Permanent and Eternal(Isaiah 40:8)
- Inspired by God for our Training and Equipping(2 Tim 3:16-17)
- Truth(John 17:17)
- A Powerful, Spiritual Force(Jer 23:29)
- Cleansing to our Ways(Psalm 119:9)
- A Source of Grace that Builds us up(Acts 20:32)
- A Testimony to it's own Sufficiency(2 Pet 1:3-4
- Always Effective in Accomplishing God's Purpose(Isaiah 55:11)
- The Standard for Judgement(John 12:48)
- To Dwell Within us(Col 3:16)
- To be Obeyed, Not just Heard(Matt 7:24-27)
- Food.. Man Lives not only by Bread but by God's Word(Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4)
- A Light to Guide our Way(Psalm 119:105)"
 
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The Holy Spirit Is His Own Person & Equally God

"- The Holy Spirit is fully devine and is identified as being equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son(Matt 28:19; John 14:16-18; Acts 5:3-4; 16:6-7; 2 Cor 13:14)
- The Holy Spirit Is eternal(Heb 9:14) as is God the Father(Deut 33:27a; Psalm 90:1-2) and Jesus Christ(Heb 1:8-12; 7:24-25)
- The Holy Spirit Is truth(John 14:16-17; 15:26; 16:13) as is God the Father(Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 65:16) and Jesus Christ the Son(John 14:6)
- The Holy Spirit Is present everywhere(Psalm 139:7-10) as is God the Father(Psalm 139:7-10; Jer 23:23-24) and Jesus Christ the Son(Matt 18:20; 28:20; Rom 8:34; Heb 13:5b)"

"** The Holy Spirit is our Guide, our Instructor and our sensitive Counselor who reveals the wisdom of God to us(John 14:16, 26; 16:7-11; 1 Cor 2:6-13)"🕊🕊🕊
 
Comfort, Joy & Peace are provided from each of God the Father, Jesus the Son of God and the Holy Spirit of God
(They each Work in Cooperation of One Another)

- COMFORT is provided to the children of God from God the Father(Isaiah 51:12a; 2 Cor 1:3; 2 Thess 2:16-17), Jesus Christ(2 Cor 1:5; 2 Thess 2:16-17), and the Holy Spirit(Acts 9:31)
- LOVE is imparted to the believer through God the Father(John 3:16; Rom 5:8; 1 John 4:7-8, 19), Jesus Christ(John 14:21; 15:9; Eph 5:25; 2 Tim 1:13) and the Holy Spirit(Rom 15:30; Gal 5:22-23; Col 1:8)
- JOY for the believer is found in God the Father(Psalm 16:11; 43:4), Jesus Christ(John 15:11; 16:24; 17:13) and the Holy Spirit(Rom 14:17; Gal 5:22-23; 1 Thess 1:6)

Setting a Good example for All followers of Christ Jesus(1 Cor 3:9; 3 John 1:8; John 13:34-35; Gal 5:13; Heb 10:24-25; Col 3:13; Rom 12:16; 1 Thess 5:11; Eph 4:32; 1 Pet 4:9; 1 John 1:7; Col 3:16)
 
Hi jacko. I've explained everything in the original post. Christians struggle with different things and in His Word is where we'll find His answer for all of it. There's even good info from those who are curious about our faith, to those who are new in the faith and for those who have been in the faith for a while and hitting rough stretches during their journey. God bless
 
Some of what the Holy Spirit provides the believer

"- The power for a spiritual new birth(John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5)
- Gives us life(John 6:63; Rom 8:11)
- Is given as a seal in Christ and pledge(deposit, down-payment) of our inheritance(2 Cor 1:21-22; 5:5; Eph 1:14), which will reach completion when we see our Lord face to face(1 Cor 13:12; 1 John 3:2)
- Testifies of, and glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ(John 15:26; Acts 5:30-32; John 16:14)
- Sanctifies us(to set apart for His purpose and conform us to the image of Christ) (2 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:2)
- Cleanses us from sin and declares us righteous(1 Cor 6:11)
- Gives ability to discern between truth and error(1 John 2:18-27
- Decision-making for ministries(Acts 13:2-4; 16:6-7)
- Helps with prayer(Rom 8:26-27; Eph 6:28; Jude 1:20-21)"

Thank you for what You provide, Holy Spirit!🕊 I pray to the Father that I no longer grieve nor quench Your work in my life! In Jesus name, Amen!✝️👑
 
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Our Communication With God

"Prayer gives us the opportunity to praise God, to request His divine intervention in our lives and in the lives of others, to glorify His Name and provides us a means to be filled with joy(Psalm 65:2; 145:1; Matt 7:7; John 14:13; 16:23-24; Heb 13:5; James 1:5; 1 John 5:14-15)"
 
"Some Biblical Truths About God's Work Relating To Prayer"

"- Listens to those who cry out and revere Him(Psalm 34:15; 65:2; 145:19)
- Delights in the prayer of the upright, which accomplishes much(Prov 15:8; James 5:16)
- Does not listen when we harbor to sin in our heart(Psalm 66:18)
- Answers as you continue to obey Him(1 John 3:22)
- Answers Yes when asking according to His will(1 John 5:14-15)
- Answers No when His glory and grace is better revealed by your going through a trial instead of you being rescued from it(Matt 26:39; 2 Cor 12:7-9)"
 
Why Will God Leave Some Prayers Unanswered??

"And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."
— 2 Corinthians 12:9

Most often we miss the verses that come before those most often used. In verses 7 & 8, Paul explains his Unanswered Prayers. To keep him humble due to the greatness of God's revelation in his life. "Our Lord was more concerned with building Paul's character", as one author put it. We know pride to be the original sin with Satan's fall from his Heavenly domain(Ezek 28:14-15; Isaiah 14:12-14). That may be why Paul referred to the "thorn in the flesh" as "a messenger of Satan". So then we know God will not answer certain prayers to stay ahead of our own sinful nature, to keep us safe from ourselves and in better union with Him while we're still here.

That same author goes on to say...
"The exact nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh is uncertain. There is probably a good reason that we don’t know. God likely wanted Paul’s difficulty to be described in general enough terms to apply to any difficulty we may face now. Whether the “thorn” we struggle with today is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can know that God has a purpose and that His grace is all-sufficient."

So how should we respond in these most difficult times of Unanswered Prayers?? With the very next verse...

"Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong."
— 2 Corinthians 12:10

All the more reason to make sure what we do, we do for Christ's sake. And to know with Him, is where we belong(Heb 12:1-3; John 17:3, 13-19, 24)
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Principles(7-9)

"Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
— 2 Corinthians 3:5-6

Principle #7 - The Natural Man Is Inadequate: "You cannot live according to God's design in your own way or by your own wisdom(Prov 14:12; Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Cor 2:14)"

Principle #8 - The Natural Man Is Rebellious: "The natural man is self-centered and rebels against God's way(Gen 3:1-6; Rom 1:20-32; 3:9-18, 23; 10:1-3). Furthermore, partial obedience to God is just as unacceptable to Him as even your deliberate rebellion(1 Sam 15:1-23; Isaiah 1:10-20; Hos 6:6; Micah 6:6-8; Mark 12:28-33)"

Principle #9 - Man Needs To Be Changed: "It is necessary to be born again(Spiritual birth) in order to recognize, admit and solve your problems in a biblical manner. Only God's solution, grace, empowering and wisdom are completely adequate for abundant living(Eccl 12:13-14; John 3:3-8; 10:10; 14:16-17, 26; Rom 8:5-14; 1 Cor 2:10-14; Eph 2:8-10)"
 
Dying To Self, To Live For Christ

John 3:30

- "While we are more valuable than most of God's creation(Matt 6:26; 10:29-31; 12:12; Luke 12:7, 24), and are intimately known by God(1 Sam 16:7; Psalm 139:13-16; Matt 10:30; Luke 16:15), we still deserve death because of our inherent sinful nature(Rom 1:18-32; 5:12; 6:23) - So please do not think we are worthy of what Christ has done for us(Rom 5:8; 1 Cor 1:26-31)"

- "Pride in self or the material self has attained will lead to a fall(Prov 11:28; 16:18; 1 Cor 10:12). Nothing fruitful comes from us alone(John 15:5), so we must depend on Him who is being the power and glory of God(Prov 3:5-6; 1 Cor 1:24; Gal 2:20; Phil 4:13)"

- "Nowhere in Scripture are we told to love ourselves... we already do that. But instead, we're told to love others as we already love ourselves(Matt 22:39; Gal 5:14; Eph 5:28-29). Also understand a characteristic of those who reject the faith in the last days(2 Tim 3:1-2)"

- "We're not to trust in ourselves but to only trust in the Lord(Psalm 60:11-12; 73:26; Prov 3:5-7; Jer 9:23-24; 17:5-8; 1 Cor 1:26-31) because we're not adequate in and of ourselves(2 Cor 3:5-6). Under the new covenant we can only overcome through faith in Christ and not that of ourselves(2 Cor 3:6; Phil 4:13; 1 John 5:4-5; John 15:5; Rom 7:14-8:8)"

- "There is no righteousness found in ourselves(Psalm 14:2-3; Eccl 7:20; Rom 3:10-12; 7:18) and is not possible to earn our own righteousness before God(Luke 18:9-14; Titus 3:5). The best we have to offer God is considered filthy rags in His view and is of no value compared faith in Jesus Christ(Isaiah 64:6; Phil 3:7-11)"

- "Our righteousness is based solely on Jesus Christ and is a free gift of God's grace(Rom 10:8-10; 2 Cor 5:21; Rom 5:17)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Importance Of Following God's Way

- "Bema Seat of Christ Jesus: We will be judged on what we have done(Matt 16:27; Rom 14:10-13; 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10)"

- "Only God's standard is eternal(Psalm 119:89, 160; 1 Pet 1:24-25), acceptable and valid(Deut 11:26-28; Psalm 119:118; Isaiah 55:8-11; Heb 4:12)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Importance of Doing the Word

- "Our love for Jesus Christ is evidenced by our obedience to God's Word(based on Luke 6:46; John 14:23-24; 1 John 2:3-4; 5:3; 2 John 1:6). Our rewards in Heaven will also be based on our obedience to Him(based on 2 Cor 5:10; Col 3:23-25; 1 Pet 1:17)"

- "We are Saved by God's grace and not by our works, but we are created in Christ for good works(Eph 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14; James 2:17-18)"

- "We are justified(declared righteous) by faith(Gen 15:4-6; Rom 3:23-28; 5:1; Gal 2:16-21)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Dynamics Of Walking The Upward Path...
(Biblical change affects our thoughts, words and actions)

...One Step At A Time
- "Confess specific, recognized sins(Psalm 51:1-4, 6-10, 17; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9)
- Repent(Prov 9:6; 28:13; Acts 26:20; 2 Cor 7:9-11; Rev 2:5)
- In faith, pray for wisdom in all matters(James 1:5-8)
- Commit our ways to God unreservedly(Prov 3:5-8; Matt 22:37; 2 Cor 5:9; Col 3:17) and deny self to follow Jesus(Matt 10:24-26; Luke 9:23-24)
- Be obedient to the Word out of our love for the Lord(John 14:15, 21)
- Be controlled by the Holy Spirit(Eph 5:18-20) and the Word of God(Psalm 119:11; Col 3:16)
- Continually judge ourselves biblically(Matt 7:5; 1 Cor 10:31)
- Regard others as more important than ourselves, as Jesus did(Phil 2:3-8)
- Dwell in our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and praiseworthy(Phil 4:8-9) and set our minds on things above instead of on things that are on the earth(Col 3:2)
- Learn to love God's way(John 3:16; 15:17; Rom 5:8; 1 Cor 13:4-8a; 1 John 4:11, 19)
- Be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient(Col 3:12)
- Continually show deeds appropriate to repentance(Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20; Rev 2:5; 3:3, 19)
- Practice forgiveness and reconciliation(Matt 5:23-24; 6:14; Mark 11:25-26; Eph 4:32; Col 3:12-13) and return a blessing for any evil we might receive from others(Rom 12:17-21; 1 Pet 3:8-9)
- Count all trials as joy since God uses our trials to develop Christlike character in us(Rom 5:3-5; 8:28-29; James 1:2-4)
- Continually live in a manner consistent with our calling in Christ(Eph 4:1)
- Do everything without grumbling or disputing(Phil 2:14)
- Work heartily as unto the Lord(Eph 6:7; Col 3:23-24)
- Speak the truth in love(Eph 4:15; Col 3:9)
- Pray unceasingly about everything(Phil 4:6-7; 1 Thess 5:17)
- Rejoice always(Phil 4:4; 1 Thess 5:16), giving thanks in all things(1 Thess 5:18) and for all things(Eph 5:20)
- Experience Christlike character development through God's Spirit working within you(2 Cor 3:18; Gal 5:22-23)
- Realize abundant life, filled with God's peace and joy(John 10:10; 14:27; 15:11; 16:33)"

Thank you, Father, for instilling within me the ability to seek, find and live within Your will for my life. In Jesus name, Amen ✝️ 👑 🕊
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Principles(15-19)

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren"
— Romans 8:28-29

Understanding Our Problem At The:

"---Feeling Level---(often reflects our focus on life and may reveal upon whom or what we are depending for our peace and joy)"

- "Principle #15- Feelings of being mistreated indicate a focus on self and not in Jesus Christ(Phil 2:14-15; 2 Tim 2:24-25; Heb 12:3)"

- "Principle #16 - The way we feel and the way we view ourselves, our relationships and our circumstances are often indications is whether we are living to please ourselves or living to please God(Gen 4:6-7; Psalm 119:165; John 14:27; 15:10-11; Rom 4:17-18; 2 Cor 7:10; Phil 4:6-7; 1 John 4:18-21)"

"--- Doing Level---(reveals the extent of our faithfulness to the Lord)"

- "Principle #17 - If we hear God's Word and do it, we will be blessed(Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:11; Prov 29:18; Matt 7:20-27; James 1:25; 1 John 3:22) and our ability to discern good from evil will be increased(Heb 5:14)"

- "Principle #18 - If we do not become a doer of the Word, we deceive ourselves(James 1:22-24), show our lack of love for the Lord(John 14:23-24), place ourselves under the corrective discipline of the Lord(1 Cor 11:32; Heb 12:5-11), and deny the reality of His life within us(Rom 6:11-13, 17-20; 1 John 2:3-4; 3:7, 10)"

"--- Heart Level---(partially revealed by our thoughts, words and actions)

- "Principle #19 - Since even we cannot understand our hearts(Jer 17:9), God's own Word is the measure and the instrument by which the heart level of our problems is discerned(Heb 4:12). Our responses to problems need not be dependant on people, circumstances or things. Our deeds(thoughts, words and actions) in any situation are used by God to reveal the condition of our hearts(Matt 15:18-20; Mark 7:20-23; Luke 6:45)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Principles(20-22)

Hope In The Midst Of Trials:

- "Principle #20 - Those in Christ are freed from the power and penalty of sin(Rom 6:6-7, 14, 18, 23)"

- "Principle #21 - God will not allow believers to be tested or tempted beyond what they can bear. He gives you His grace and strength to endure every test and resist every temptation so that you never have to sin(Rom 8:35-39; 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Cor: 7-10; 12:9-10; Phil 4:13; Heb 4:15-16; 2 Pet 2:4-9)"

- "Principle #22 - Our Lord Jesus Christ will grant mercy and provide grace to help in every need. He constantly intercedes as an advocate for us to God the Father and fully understands our weaknesses(Heb 2:18; 4:15-16; 7:25; 1 John 2:1)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Principles(23-26)

Hope In The Midst Is Trials:

- "Principle #23 - Trials and testings will develop and mature us in Christ If we respond in God's way(Rom 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). He never devises evil or harm for you; rather His plans for us are Good(Gen 50:20; Deut 8:2, 5, 16; Psalm 145:17; Eccl 7:13-14; Jer 29:11-13; Rom 8:28-29; James 1:13-17)"

- "Principle #24 - God's peace and joy are available to believers regardless of others, possessions or circumstances(Psalm 119:165; Matt 5:3-12; John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33; 17:13; Phil 4:4-7; 1 Pet 1:6-9)"

- "Principle #25 - Only God can change people(Ezek 36:26-27; Phil 1:6; 2:13), so we are not and cannot be responsible for changing them. We are accountable to God solely for our own deeds(Jer 17:10; Ezek 18:1-20; Matt 16:27; Rom 2:5-10; Col 3:23-25; 1 Pet 1:17) and are to do our part in living at peace with others(Matt 5:23-24; Mark 11:25; Rom 12:9-21; 14:19; 1 Pet 3:8-9; 4:8)"

- "Principle #26 - When we confess our sins, God forgives and cleanses us(1 John 1:9)"
 
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