Self-Confrontation: To Biblically Change Your Life

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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Three Levels Of Problems:

"While we may only be alert to our problems at one or two levels, all problems have three levels: feeling, doing and heart. Generally, we perceive problems only at the feeling and doing levels. Since we often do not understand the full scope of our problems, it is important to examine our perceptions in light of God's Word(based on Gen 4:7; Psalm 38; Jer 7:9; Matt 7:1-5; 1 Cor 11:31; Gal 5:17)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Three Levels Of Problems(Feeling, Doing & Heart)

Feeling Level:

- "Our feelings cover wide range of emotions and do not always accurately reflect the condition of our heart. Some distressing feelings may be the result of sin committed at the "doing" and "heart" level, as experienced by David(Psalm 38:3-10)"

- "We may sometimes be happy or elated as a result of unrighteousness deeds that are displeasing to God and harmful to others, as the people of Israel were(Exod 32:2-6, 17, 19). Thus, feelings may or may not indicate whether we are living to please self or living to please God."

- "However feelings must not be overlooked in dealing with problems. Powerful feelings may be one of the first indications that a problem exists in our lives, as the following examples in Scripture attest(Gen 4:5; Judges 7:3; 1 Sam 18:8-9; 1 Kings 19:1-3; Psalm 38:3-10; 49:5; Eccl 7:9; Matt 6:34; Mark 10:22; Luke 10:41)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Three Levels Of Problems(Feeling, Doing & Heart)

Doing Level:

"Our problems also involve the "doing level" which are our thoughts, words and actions(Matt 5:21-22, 27-28; Gal 5:19-21; Col 3:5-9)"

For example

-Self-Centered Life(Self-Centered Deeds)

- "Arrogance(saying unkind words, being critical)
- Deceitfulness(lying, using manipulative words)
- Immorality(committing adultery or fornication, viewing pornographic films, participating in homosexual activity)
- Anger(striking others, slamming doors, throwing things, attacking others verbally, shouting at others)
- Lack of Fellowship(sporadic church attendance, unwilling to meet others' needs)
- Lack of Discipline(overeating, irregular devotions, failing to complete assignments or tasks)
- Bitterness(brooding, not speaking, gossiping, planning for and carrying out revenge)
- Anxiety(blaming people or circumstances for lack of peace; talking constantly about our problems to others)
- Jealousy(belittling or criticizing others or their accomplishments)"
 
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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Three Levels Of Problems(Feeling, Doing & Heart)

Heart Level:

"The heart is described in Scripture in many varied but related ways. For example:
- The "heart" refers to one's character or inner life with its desires and purpose for living(Gen 6:5; 8:21; Deut 11:13; 1 Sam 12:24; Psalm 57:7; 84:2; 95:10; Jer 32:38-41; Ezek 11:21; Matt 5:8; 11:29; 22:37; Mark 3:5; Acts 2:46-47; 4:32; Rom 2:5; Col 3:22);
- The heart is impossible for mankind to understand fully(Jer 17:9) and is impossible for mankind to cleanse(Prov 20:9); and
- The heart is the basis for all issues of life(Prov 4:23; Matt 12:34-35; Mark 7:20-23; Luke 6:43-45) and, as such, focuses on living to please self or living to please God(Luke 9:23-24; Gal 5:16-17)"

"Our heart is revealed by our deeds, which include our:
- Thoughts(Matt 15:19; Mark 7:20-23),
- Speech(Matt 12:34; Luke 6:45) and
- Actions(Matt 15:18-20; Mark 7:20-23)"

"When our heart is not focused on loving God, problems inevitably occur(Matt 15:18-20). A partial list of these problems including:
Pride, greed(coveting), fleshly lusts(1 John 2:16), selfishness(Phil 2:21), bitterness(Heb 15:12), envy, jealousy(James 3:14-16), laziness or slothfulness(Matt 25:26), self righteousness(Luke 18:9-14), immorality, idolatry, enmity, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, dissensions, drunkenness and envy(Gal 5:19-21)"

"In many instances the heart is equated to the mind(Mark 7:18-23; Luke 5:22; Acts 5:4; Rom 10:8-10; 2 Cor 9:7; Heb 4:12)"

"The heart is also equated with the location of belief and faith(Acts 16:14; Rom 10:10; Heb 3:12)"

"Only God can accurately judge the entire spiritual condition of the heart(1 Sam 16:7; 1 Chron 28:9; Prov 17:3; Jer 17:10; 1 Cor 4:5; 1 Thess 2:4), and only He can change it(Psalm 51:10; Ezek 36:26)"

"When God cleanses our heart through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ(Acts 15:8-9; 2 Cor 4:6; Gal 4:4-7) He seals us and gives us His Spirit as a pledge(2 Cor 1:21-22). Our response is to love and serve Him with our "whole heart"(the totality of our life and being)(Matt 22:37; Rom 6:17-18; Eph 6:5-8)"
 
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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Hope:

"The hope that God has provided for us is not merely a wish. Neither is it dependant on other people, possessions or circumstances for its validity. Instead, Biblical hope is an application of our faith that supplies a confident expectation in God's fulfillment of His promises. Coupled with faith and love, hope is part of the abiding characteristics in a believer's life(based on Psalm 39:7; 119:49-50; Lam 3:21-24; Rom 5:1-5; 8:24-25; 1 Cor 13:13; 2 Cor 1:3-11; Col 1:3-6; 1 Thess 1:2-3; 1 Tim 1:1; Heb 6:17-20; 11:1, 13-16; 1 Pet 1:3)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

The Basis For Biblical Hope:

"According to God's Word, to have Biblical hope means to remain steadfast while we eagerly wait for and have the sure expectation of divine, saving actions that are grounded in:

- The character of God the Father(Psalm 33:18; 62:5-6; 71:5; Jer 29:11; Lam 3:21-24; Rom 15:13; 2 Cor 1:8-10; 1 Pet 1:21)
- God's Word(Psalm 119:49; 130:5; Rom 15:4)
- God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ(Matt 12:21; Eph 1:9-12; Col 1:27; 1 Thess 1:3; 1 Tim 1:1; Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:3)
- The power of the Holy Spirit(Rom 15:13)"

"And "hope" that depends on any other foundation will fail(Job 8:13; 27:8; Psalm 33:16-17; Prov 11:7) or will be no hope at all(Eph 2:12; 1 Thess 4:13)"
 
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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

"The Accompaniments Of Biblical Hope:

- Hope is closely linked with faith and love(1 Cor 13:13; Gal 5:5-6; Eph 4:1-6)
- Faith, hope and love are foundational characteristics of a godly person(Eph 1:15-18; Col 1:3-5; 1 Thess 1:2-3)"
 
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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

The Realization Of Biblical Hope:

"Biblical hope is a gift of God's grace(2 Thess 2:16-17) and is linked to the Good News of Jesus Christ(Rom 5:1-2; 8:23-25; Eph 1:18-23; 4:4; Col 1:21-23; 1 Thess 5:8; 1 Pet 1:3)"

"Since our hope is an unquestioned certainty through the Lord Jesus Christ(Col 1:27), we are dramatically transformed by our Biblical response to Him(2 Cor 5:17; Gal 2:20; 1 John 3:1-3)"

"As believers, we are to exult in hope at the glory of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Responding to this hope, we can joyfully cooperate with God's development of our Christlike character by persevering in any and all tribulations. By doing this, we will aquire hope for everyday living that can never disappoint(based on Rom 5:1-5)"

"Because of God's sovereign and loving care for us in every situation(Rom 8:28-29), remember:
- We have freedom from the power and penalty of sin(Principle #20)
- In any difficulty, we have the promise of victory that Jesus Christ has already attained through His death and resurrection(Principle #21)
- We have personal support from the Lord Jesus Christ(Principle #22)
- We have the promise that God will work out trials for our benefit as we live according to His Word(Principle #23)
- We can have God's peace and joy in any situation(Principle #24)
- We have no Biblical responsibility to change others.. only ourselves(Principle #25)
- We can have hope renewed even if we fail(Principle #26)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Characteristics Of Those Who Exhibit Biblical Hope In Their Daily Walk:

"- Have received salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ(Rom 8:24-25; 1 Thess 5:8; 1 Pet 1:3)
- Are joyful(Rom 5:2; 12:12; 15:13)
- Are peaceful(Rom 15:13)
- Are encouraged by Scripture(Rom 15:14)
- Persevere in any situation(Rom 8:24-25; Heb 6:9-12)
- Have an expectancy to see the Lord Jesus Christ(Gal 5:5; Titus 2:11-13)
- Are dependant on God(2 Cor 1:8-10)
- Are disciplined and faithful(1 Tim 4:7-10)
- Trust in God's promises(Heb 6:17-20)
- Purify ourselves(1 John 3:3)"
 
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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Basis For Peace And Joy:

"Experiencing and maintaining God's peace and joy are directly related to a believer's continued intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ(based on John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33; Rom 14:17; Gal 5:22)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

What God's Peace And Joy Are Not Dependent On:

"- All others(i.e., spouse, parents, children, relatives, friends, enemy, supervisor/boss, roommates, classmates, neighbors, etc.), including pets
- Circumstances(i.e., heritage, upbringing, job, school, vacation, neighborhood, holidays, authorities over us, "inconveniences", health problems, financial difficulties, weather, popularity, etc.)
- Things(money, car, educational degree, house, apartment, clothes, furniture, etc.)"

"However, many of God's children are not experiencing the peace and joy found in Jesus Christ(John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33), even though these traits are to be characteristic of the abundant life that is promised in God's Word(John 10:10; Rom 14:17; 15:13)"

Colossians 3:2
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Basis For Peace:

"The world's peace..

- The "peace" offered by the world is neither steadfast nor secure. The world's peace is temporal and lasts only as long as everything is going smoothly(John 14:27; 16:33; Rom 3:16-17)"

"The Scriptural dimensions is peace..

- Peace is used in the obvious sense of a lack of hostility between groups of people(Josh 9:15; 1 Sam 16:4-5; Matt 10:34-36; Luke 14:31-32; Acts 7:26; 12:20; 24:2-3). Peace also describes harmonious relationships between individuals(1 Chron 12:16-18; Rom 14:19; Eph 4:1-3; Heb 12:14)
- Peace is the opposite of confusion(1 Cor 14:33) and is descriptive of godly wisdom(James 3:17). Since self-serving peace is linked to people or circumstances, it is temporary and deceptive(Deut 29:19-21; Jer 6:10-15; 8:8-11; Ezek 13:8-16; Micah 3:5). Biblical peace is dependent solely on living God's way(Psalm 85:8-10; Isaiah 32:17; 48:22; 57:21; James 3:14-18)
- The highest dimension of peace in Scripture describes a person who has a right relationship with God, resulting in a clear conscience, sense of well-being and state of rest(Psalm 4:8; 29:11; Isaiah 26:12; 32:17; Mal 2:3-6; Luke 2:14; 2 Tim 1:2-3). This right relationship with God can be yours, and it is found only through Jesus Christ(Luke 1:67-79; Acts 10:34-36; Rom 5:1; Eph 2:13-18)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Our Realization For True Peace:

"- Peace is a characteristic of the kingdom of God(Rom 14:17) and may be experienced even when difficulties surround us and circumstances change. Since the peace of God is in His Son, Jesus Christ(Isaiah 9:6; Eph 2:13-18; Col 3:15; 2 Thess 3:16), it surpasses comprehension(Phil 4:7) and is not like the world's peace which is based on people, circumstances or possessions(John 14:27)

- Jesus said that in the world we will have tribulation; but since He has overcome the world, you can still have peace in Him(John 16:33)

- When we stop worrying but instead pray with thanksgiving in every situation, then we will realize God's peace as the guardian of our hearts and minds(Phil 4:6-7). God's peace is experienced through our sustained trust in Him(Isaiah 26:3; Rom 8:6) and a continual love for the Word of God that is demonstrated by loving and wholehearted obedience(Psalm 119:165-168)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Basis For Joy:

The World's Joy..

"- Anything offered by the world, including its "joy", is temporal and short-lived(1 John 2:15-17). An individual who is seeking joy in either a person, a circumstance or another "thing" soon finds that this type of joy is shallow. When people fail, circumstances change or things disappoint, the "joy" that seemed to bream brightly soon disappears. The typical reaction then is to find a different individual, a change in circumstances or more "things" in a vain attempt to attain joy anew"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Basis For Joy:

The Scriptural Dimensions Of Joy..

-"Joy(to glory, to exult, to be satisfied, to take delight in) is a multi-faceted term that is used in a variety of circumstances. In every instance, joy results from a definite cause. The basis for joy in each situation determines whether it is steadfast joy that pleases God or temporal joy that pleases self. For example, while it is possible to be joyful at others' distress(Psalm 35:26), at calamity(Prov 17:5), in unrighteousness(1 Cor 13:6) or in the midst of sin(James 4:1-9), that kind of rejoicing focuses on self-gratification and is displeasing to God"

-"Lasting joy that comes from God must be rooted and grounded in God, His Character and His works(Deut 16:13-15; 2 Chron 30:20-22; Psalm 9:2; 31:7; 33:21; 35:9; 40:16; 43:4; 92:1-4; 118:24; Isaiah 61:10; Luke 1:46-55"

-"Since Jesus in fully God(Col 1:15-20; Heb 1:1-6) and never changing(Heb 13:8), lasting joy is found in Him(Luke 1:14; 2:10; John 15:11; 17:13; Phil 4:4) and in the salvation He has provided(Luke 10:20; 15:7, 10; Rom 15:8-13; Phil 1:15-18; 1 Pet 1:3-8)"

-"True joy can even be consistently experienced in the midst of sorrows and distress(2 Cor 6:1-10, esp verse 10; 1 Thess 5:16)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Basis For Joy:

Our Realization Of True Joy II...

"When we rejoice in the Lord always(Phil 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thess 5:16), we respond in the way that is characteristic of a faithful believer in Christ. For example:

- After being flogged and threatened by the authorities the apostles rejoiced that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus Christ(Acts 5:40-41)
- Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns to God in spite of being beaten and imprisoned(Acts 16:22-25). Later, even though imprisoned again, the apostle Paul continued to rejoice in spite of his sufferings(Col 1:24). No matter what trials and sorrows were experienced, Paul continually rejoiced as a servant of God(2 Cor 6:4-10)"

"Not only were individuals filled with God's joy in spite of adversity, but groups of believers are likewise described. For example:

- The churches in Macedonia were abundantly filled with joy in spite of being afflicted and in great poverty(2 Cor 8:2)
- The recipients of Peter's letter were to be joyful in their fiery trial, since their difficulties meant they were sharing the sufferings of Christ(1 Pet 4:13)
- The recipients of the letter to the Hebrews has their property seized yet continued to be joyful, since their hope centered on heavenly values and not earthly circumstances(Heb 10:34)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Bible Study Using 2 Timothy 3:16-17 As A Scripture Application Format:

"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."

TEXT EXAMPLE: (Gal 5:19-21; anything we struggle with can be used in its place)

Bible Reference: 1 John 3:17
"But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?"

"Teaching: (What is the commandment or principle?)
We don't demonstrate God's love in us if we are not willing to share our lives as well as material goods with others"

"Reproof: (How have I failed to live by it?)
I became aware of a woman at church whose children needed new winter coats. Her husband is disabled and unable to work and cannot afford to buy coats. Even though I knew our family could help, I reasoned that my kids and I also needed new coats. After all, I can't be responsible for everyone"

"Correction: (What do I need to do?)
In reality, only one of my children really needs a winter coat. The others only want new ones of a more current style. I need to buy the one needed coat for my child and use the rest of the money to buy coats for this family in need"

"Training In Righteousness: (What is my specific plan - how will I do it?)

- Pray for God's guidance and strength to carry out a plan to help this family
- Call a family meeting. Explain the need to my family, present my plans to help another family, and get my family's ideas on how we can help
- With my family, review verses on sharing and pray for our part for meeting this need
- Contact the leaders in my church to alert them of the needs of the other family and tell of my family's plans to help
- Call the woman in need. Explain to her how our sharing shows our love to the Lord and provides a blessing for her family as well as our own
- Schedule a shopping trip so her family can pick out the coats they need
- Perhaps take her family to lunch as part of the shopping trip

Gal 5:22-24
 
In my experience what holds many believers back from having a full relationship with God,a communication,a unshakable trust,is when they think they have to obey what's written in the Bible by rote .

As if it is a step by step obedience gauge and if they slip on mimicking one rule,or example,or command, they'll be in God's disfavor.

It is a relationship. The Holy Spirit knew who you were before you were born. You come from God's will and creative power. Your soul and spirit are of and from God.
He is always in you because all you are is of and from God.

"Let go and let God!"

Is real advice. And hard to follow for a people,humans, who are use to being in control of their lives.

I can tell you,it takes time to learn to let go. And it isn't,for me,an everyday thing. However,when I do let go,I feel it and God embracing me like a shield. And what some call intuition I've found is God's voice leading,advising, teaching.

You the believer,the living Temple of the divine,are unique. And your relationship with God is too,it is yours alone.

Find peace and quiet in God. Trust and a bit at a time you may learn you can walk by faith. Because the greatest power of and within creation and created is with you.

Be Blessed.
 
Hi Doll..

I appreciate the feedback and will respond in humility and grace knowing how spiritually war-torn my life has been in the past. And I'm definitely not perfect nowadays, so His grace is still and will always be needed.

I'd never say one little slip up, but many will lead to disaster. Now a big slip up might. Like losing control of emotions at the worst possible moment can certainly lead to losing your job, time in prison, being hospitalized.. or worse.

Your first paragraph is saying to have a better, or more full, relationship with God, people need to be less obedient to His Word? I would have to disagree with this, and way more importantly, the Lord Jesus Christ disagrees with this.. and for very good reason. Our joy to be made full and a much stronger prayer life are two big reasons why I felt led to place this thread here in the prayer request section(John 14:21, 23; 15:10-17).

Now, I know you're not saying to stop obeying God's Word. But to say someone's relationship will get better, or be more full, if they were to follow God's commands less, or "let go and let God" in this sense, goes against His very Word. And will eventually bring God's discipline into the life of that believer in order to bring them back into His will for their lives. Which is what exactly.. what they'll find by being more, and not less, obedient to His Word. Paul speaks to the very example given to us in the Old Testament as a warning(Deut 28:15-68; 1 Cor 10:1-13; Prov 3:11-13; Heb 12:5-11; Rev 3:19).

God's allows us to go through trials and tribulations for our good. So persevering by continuing to be a doer of the Word during these times in our lives is incredibly important in preparing us as believers for what is to come eternally as not only the apostles, but we also will reign with Christ Jesus(Rom 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; Dan 7:22; Matt 19:28; 1 Cor 6:2-3; Rev 20:4)

But I will concede to "let go and let God" in perhaps an unanswered prayer for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ to humble us to grow our biblical character and keep pride away like He did with Paul in the 2nd letter to the Corinthians(2 Cor 12:7-10). This was a permanent trial given to Paul in order to build him up as he continued being faithful in humility and grace spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ(John 1:1-3, 14; John 3:17; 12:47; James 1:22-25). So if you, me or anyone else finds themselves in this particular situation, then as the Lord put it.. "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness" and being "well content with weaknesses.. for Christ’s sake". But this weakness isn't something that leads to being less of a doer of the Word. Instead, it humbled Paul to the point of being more obedient to following God's commands and less likely to abuse grace(Rom 5:20-6:7)

By the way, I'm familiar with this concept, and it eventually led me to some very difficult times when I was younger in the faith. Satan will absolutely let us feel comfortable drifting away from God's Word as he waits for the right moment to spring his traps.. or snares. After all, pride(not submitting to God’s authority/ Word) is how Lucifer first fell.. and knows all about it. So please stay on guard against his schemes(Isa 14:12-14; Ezek 28:13-19; 2 Tim 2:26; 1 Tim 3:6; Psalm 140:5; 2 Cor 2:11; 1 Pet 5:8; Eph 6:10-13).
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Principles(27-29)

Biblical Structure For Change:

"that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth."
— Ephesians 4:22-24

The Process--

- "Principle #27 - Effective and lasting Biblical change is a continuing process. We are to obey the commands and guidelines in God's Word for every area of our lives(our thoughts, words and actions) (Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:16-17; James 1:21-25; 2 Pet 1:2-4). As we stop(put off) the old continuing pattern of sin and begin(put on) the new practice of righteousness and holiness, we are renewed in the spirit of our mind(Rom 6:11-14, 16-23; 12:1-2; Eph 4:22-24; Phil 2:12-13; Col 3:5-17; 2 Tim 2:19)"

The "Put-offs"--

- "Principle #28 - In order to put off the old sinful habits, we must first identify them by examining(judging) our lives in light of God's Word(Matt 7:1-5; 1 Cor 11:28-31; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12). Once we have specifically identified sin in our lives, we must repent of them(Prov 28:13; 2 Cor 7:9-10; Rev 2:5), confess them(1 John 1:9), and immediately put them aside(Rom 6:12-13a; 2 Cor 10:5; Eph 4:25, 29, 31; 5:4; Col 3:2, 5-9; 2 Tim 2:22a)"

The "Put-ons"--

- "Principle #29 - As we put on righteous deeds(2 Tim 2:22b; Titus 2:11-12) in the power of the Holy Spirit(Gal 5:16; Eph 3:16-21; 5:18), we will glorify God(1 Cor 10:31; 1 Pet 4:11), demonstrate our love for Him(Deut 10:12; Matt 22:37; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6) and pleas Him in all things(2 Cor 5:9; Col 1:10)"
 
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