Self-Confrontation: To Biblically Change Your Life

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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Structure For Change:

"Biblical Change is initiated in our lives through the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. As a new creation in Christ, we are empowered to make Biblical changes in our thoughts, words and actions as we die to self and lovingly serve God and others(based on Matt 22:37-39; Luke 9:23; John 3:5-6; Rom 12:1-2; 1 Cor 10:31; 2 Cor 5:15, 17; Eph 4:22-24; Phil 2:3-8; 3:12-14; Titus 3:5)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Structure For Change:

"You need to become a doer of the Word(be obedient to Scripture) in order to mature in Christ(based on 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 5:13-14; James 1:22-25; 2 Pet 1:2-10, esp. verse 10)"

Incentives for being a doer of the Word are that you'll bear much fruit(John 15:1-11; Gal 5:22-23)
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Change Is A Process:

"You may experience conflict within you as you constantly make choices between good and evil, between doing what you want and doing what God wants. We must set our minds to please God instead of ourselves(based on Rom 7:19-25; 8:5-9; 2 Cor 5:15; Gal 5:17; Phil 3:12-14; Col 3:1-2)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Change Is A Process

Put-offs and Put-ons:

"In order to change our thoughts, words and actions while following Christ, we must learn and obey God's Word. His Word lists many transgressions(a transgression is a deliberate crossing over of God's boundary between right and wrong). These are to be put off and Christlike deeds are to be put on(for example Eph 4:22-32; Col 3:5-17). When a "put-off" is listed in Scripture, there is an appropriate "put-on" given, often in the same passage. For example...

Eph 4:25-32:
V. 25 -- (put off) Falsehood and (put on) Speaking the Truth
V. 28 -- (put off) Stealing and (put on) Working and Giving to those in Need
V. 29 -- (put off) Unwholesome speech and (put on) Edifying Speech, according to the Need of the moment
V. 31-32 -- (put off) Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice and (put on) Kindness, Tenderheartedness, Forgiveness"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Change Is A Process

Prayer And Action:

"Prayer is necessary to the obedient Christian life(Phil 4:6-7; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17). It is the first action you should take and is essential to experience God's peace(Phil 4:6-7) and forgiveness in your life(1 John 1:9)"

"However, prayer alone will not bring about the fullness of God's plan for your life. We also need to act specifically and obediently(Matt 7:24-27; Phil 2:12-13; 4:9; James 1:22-25; 1 John 3:22) by putting off thoughts, words and actions that dishonor the name of Christ and, in their place, putting on new ways of thinking, speaking and acting that reflect the character and image of Christ(Rom 6:6-7, 12-13, 17-19; 8:29; Eph 4:29; Col 3:1-15; 4:5-6)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Change Is A Process

Failure And Confession:

"When we fail, to please God again we must respond biblically. We do this by acknowledging and repenting of our sins to God, which is part of confession(1 John 1:9). And at the time that is biblically appropriate, confess your sin to those against whom you have sinned(James 5:16) with a view to reconciliation(Matt 5:23-24; Rom 12:18)"

"When we confess our sins to God and develop a pattern of recognizing sin and dealing with it God's way, we acknowledge His Lordship(Psalm 54:1-4; Luke 6:46). This enables us to have unhindered communication with our Heavenly Father(Psalm 66:18) and to have a fruitful prayer life(1 John 3:22)"

"When we consistently confess our sins to others, we encourage harmonious relationships(Rom 12:18) and demonstrate the difference that Jesus makes in our lives(Matt 5:16; Eph 4:32-5:1)"
 
"Your spiritual enemy, Satan(and those who follow him knowingly or unknowingly), will tempt you repeatedly and continually by appealing to your self-oriented feelings and desires. You can resist his onslaught by cooperating with God's plan to renew your mind. Salvation is the first step in this process, and a committed life of obedience to God's Word will ensure that your mind will be continually renewed to increasing Christlikeness(based on Gen 3:1-7; Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 2:11; 11:3; Gal 5:17; Phil 2:5-8, 13; Heb 5:14; James 1:14-15; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 4:4)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Effects Of Unbiblical, Thoughts, Speech And Actions:

"Living for Jesus Christ requires that we direct our thoughts away from self and toward pleasing the Lord(based on Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 10:5; Eph 4:22-24; Col 3:1-2; 5-10)"

Do Not Be Deceived(Gen 3:1-5)

"Results of focusing on self in your thought life:
Hatred(1 John 3:15), Rebellion(1 Sam 15:23), Resentment/Bitterness(Eph 4:31-32), Selfishness(Phil 2:3-4), Jealousy/Envy(Gal 5:20-21), Pride(Prov 16:18; 29:23), Anger(Prov 16:32; 29:11; James 1:19-20), Anxiety(Phil 4:6-7), Fear(1 John 4:18), Lust(Matt 5:28), Doubt(James 1:6-8), Deceitfulness(Prov 12:20a; 26:24)">>>>

>>>>"May lead to and increase(Matt 15:18-20; Rom 1:24-32; 1 Cor 6:9-10, 12; James 1:14-15) Unbiblical Speech & Actions:
Lying, Hostility, Disputes, Worrying, Impatience, Treachery, Slander, Unkindness, Intolerance, Grumbling, Bragging Fornication, Adultery, Murder, Homosexuality">>>>

>>>>"May result in(based on Psalm 32:3-4; 38:1-10; Acts 5:1-11, esp. verse 5 &10; 1 Cor 5:1-6, esp. 5; 11:29-30; Gal 6:7-8; Col 3:25; 1 John 5:16) Bodily Damage:
Heart Malfunction, Colitis, Migraine Headaches, High Blood Pressure, Cramps, Spasms, Ulcers, Insomnia, Stomach Disorders, Arthritis, Kidney Disease, Hypertension, Venereal Disease, Death"
 
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
 
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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Practice Achieves Lasting Change

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil."
— Hebrews 5:13-14

"Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin."
— James 4:17

"But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world."
— 1 Corinthians 11:31-32

"Specific, biblical steps of obedience demonstrate and deepen your love for the Lord and lead to Christlike changes that God intends and plans for your life(based on John 14:15; Rom 8:29; 12:1-2; Phil 2:12-13; Heb 5:14). Lasting biblical change is a result of faithful, disciplined living that is in accordance with God's Word(based on Luke 16:10; 1 Tim 4:7-8; 2 Pet 1:2-10)"
 
I'm sharing this here for those who seek genuine change through their relationship with Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.(Romans 12:2; 2 Cor 3:18; Gal 5:16-25; Titus 3:5). The attack on our Christian family is real and there are spiritual forces at work against us(Eph 6:12).

But it's also a war against the "self" that can cause a lot of damage.(Mark 8:34; Matt 19:29; 1 Cor 9:27; Matt 26:39). And the enemy is very aware of our weaknesses and will deploy all types of deceptive tactics in an attempt to render us useless for our Lord's purpose(John 8:44; 1 John 3:7-10; Rev 3:15, 16)

I'll be getting back into a lay position in counseling. But first I'll need to take the log from my own eye...(Matthew 7:1-5) So, I've started going back through an old textbook from a class I took years ago. It's called "Self-Confrontation: A Manuel For In-Depth Biblical Discipleship". It's a book you can order use online for around $10-$15.

It's really for every follower of Christ to strengthen your walk with Him(Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23) To recognize where our weaknesses are, and to see where Satan may be working in your life(Gal 5:19-21). But it's mainly for those who are not as strong in the faith quite yet(1 Cor 3:1-3), or for those who are currently "on the fence" of our faith(2 Peter 2:21). Daily Scripture reading/study, prayer life and worship music are vital(Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2; 1 Thess 5:16-19; Psalm 100; Psalm 150; Eph 5:19, 20)

I'll share some of the text as I go through it for those who can't get or don't have the book. It's a valuable tool that references Scripture verses with almost every sentence. Here's the book, and I'll add the table of contents later when I get back home. And for those who would like to chat for any personal or private needs--- [email protected]

God Bless

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Morning, good topic.

We are our own worst enemy, because of men putting their two cents into GOD'S word is why so many different denominations and they all think they are right.

We have ONE GOD and one rule book, because of men how many different twist on HIS word today?

For sure Satan putting thoughts in our heads.

First, I for sure have beams in my eye also, but it's in my walk with JESUS with sins I commit daliy.

I have NO problem with accepting HIS word for what is say, all of it not what I want it to say.

I have debated with some in CC and fakebook that have altered HIS word to suit them and just will not accept what it says.

Debating I really don't think I even put a crack in their way of thinking, we all have to be humble.

Being baptized in JESUS name to remove sins is the most controversial and debated topic I think, Acts 2:38, 22:16.

Satan's plan, keep them out of the water, if they get in the water keep JESUS name out of it.

So I'll say we have two different levels of Confrontation one being confrontation with JESUS himself not accepting HIS word the other is confrontation with Myself.

GOD for sure is changing me, but before that happened HE thought the Holy Ghost had to convince me that it was my laziness than affected my reading and prayer life.

I kinda always put it on HIM, JESUS your the one who build me this way!!!

Yep it's me.

Pride is a terrible thing, Satan's best tool since that is why he got kicked out of Heaven for it you would think we would think of it more.

GOD BLESS YOU sure will be looking into ordering that book.
 
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First of all, good username for this topic haha. And this is a very useful text for putting together an effective plan for Spiritual direction. God makes it clear who our fight is against(Eph 6:12). And like you said, Satan knows how he fell with his pride and perfect physical beauty. So we shouldn't be surprised at what we struggle with the most(Ezek 28:12-13, 17; 1 John 2:15-17). Paul certainly knew(2 Cor 12:7-10).

As for debating, I rarely get involved anymore arguing with different denominations. Especially if they don't believe the Holy Spirit will dwell within(1 Cor 6:19-20; 1 John 4:4-6). I wouldn't know what the Bible was taking about either if the Holy Spirit didn't enlighten me(John 1:5; 1 Cor 2:1-15). I'd just bring a little Scripture and leave it at that(Isaiah 55:8-11).

The book's worth the time. There are so many devotional set up in it. Just go to the end of each chapter and work through each devotional and you'll get through the entire book.

God Bless you too, brother ✝️🙏
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Practice Achieves Lasting Change

Biblical Principles(30-32)

Your Practice Of Biblical Change:

Starting---
- "Principle #30 - Change results when you remember from where you have fallen, repent and do the deeds you did when you first received the Lord Jesus into your life(Rev 2:4-5). Acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ and make a commitment to be a doer of the Word(Luke 6:46-49). If you are merely a hearer and not a doer of the Word, then you remain foolish(Matt 7:24-27), spiritually deluded(James 1:22) and spiritually immature(1 Cor 3:1-3; Heb 5:11-13; James 1:22-24)"

Continuing---
- "Principle #31 - To continue the process of Biblical change, you must faithfully practice your daily responsibilities(Eph 5:15-16; Col 3:23-24; James 4:17) and discipline yourself towards godliness(1 Tim 4:7-11; 2 Pet 1:5-11; 1 John 3:7). As you continue to be a doer of the Word, your senses will be trained to discern good from evil(Heb 5:14). Your spiritual growth is a sovereign work of God(Gal 5:22-23; Phil 1:6; 2:13; Heb 12:2a; 13:20-21) that is divinely linked to you living in a biblical manner(Eph 2:10; 4:14-16; 1 Tim 4:7-8; Heb 13:20-21; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 1:5-11)"

Maturing---
- "Principle #32 - In order to mature(grow up) in Christ, you must persevere in doing what is good in the Lord's sight by being obedient to Scripture(Luke 17:10; John 14:15; Rom 2:7; 1 Cor 15:58; Gal 6:9; James 1:22-25). Instead of living according to your self-centered feelings and desires(2 Cor 5:15; Gal 5:16-17; 1 Pet 2:19-20; 4:1-6), continue to press forward to your high calling in Christ Jesus(Eph 4:1; Phil 3:12-14; Heb 6:1-3). Discipline your thought life(2 Cor 10:5; Col 3:1-2; Phil 4:8), speak in a manner that is helpful to others(Eph 4:29; Col 4:6) and faithfully love others in a biblical manner(Matt 22:39; 1 Cor 13:4-8a; 1 John 4:7-8; 10-11, 20). Do not focused on physical or immediate results; instead, focus on eternal values in order to mature in Christ(2 Cor 4:17-18; Col 3:1-2; 1 Tim 4:7-8; 2 Pet 1:4-10), to glorify God(1 Cor 10:31) and to please the Lord in all things(2 Cor 5:9; Col 1:10)"
 
First of all, good username for this topic haha. And this is a very useful text for putting together an effective plan for Spiritual direction. God makes it clear who our fight is against(Eph 6:12). And like you said, Satan knows how he fell with his pride and perfect physical beauty. So we shouldn't be surprised at what we struggle with the most(Ezek 28:12-13, 17; 1 John 2:15-17). Paul certainly knew(2 Cor 12:7-10).

As for debating, I rarely get involved anymore arguing with different denominations. Especially if they don't believe the Holy Spirit will dwell within(1 Cor 6:19-20; 1 John 4:4-6). I wouldn't know what the Bible was taking about either if the Holy Spirit didn't enlighten me(John 1:5; 1 Cor 2:1-15). I'd just bring a little Scripture and leave it at that(Isaiah 55:8-11).

The book's worth the time. There are so many devotional set up in it. Just go to the end of each chapter and work through each devotional and you'll get through the entire book.

God Bless you too, brother ✝️🙏

Amen and thank you.

JESUS told HIS disciples not to go out with out the Holy Ghost, he said it will lead us.

What good are we without it? Without it, we are without JESUS.

GOD BLESS YOU in your walk.
 
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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Biblical Perspective On Tests & Temptations

"Every person in the world, including yourself, will encounter various trials throughout life. Satan seeks to defeat you by tempting you to trust your own wisdom, to live according to your self-centered feelings and to gratify the desires of the flesh. In contrast, God's will is for you to be an overwhelming conqueror in all of these tests for His honor and glory(based on Gen 3:1-6; Prov 14:12; Matt 5:45; Rom 8:31-39; Gal 2:20; 5:16-17; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 John 2:16-17)"
 
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Amen and thank you.

JESUS told HIS disciples not to go out with out the Holy Ghost, he said it will lead us.

What good are we without it? Without it, we are without JESUS.

GOD BLESS YOU in your walk.

Even Michael the archangel knew not to battle Satan, but to call on God for victory

James 4:7; Jude 1:9; 1 John 4:4; 1 Cor 15:50-58

Good bless you, and your walk as well

Ephesians 2:8-10
 
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(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

The Difference Between Tests & Temptations

"A test is an opportunity for you to practice Christlikeness by obeying God's Word, thus giving honor to Jesus Christ(based on Job 23:10; Rom 5:3-5; 2 Cor 2:9; James 1:2-4, 12; 1 Pet 1:6-7)"

"A temptation, which cannot originate from God, is a solicitation to disobey God's Word and to gratify your fleshy desires(Gal 5:19-21). When you yield to temptation, you inevitably experience consequences(based on 1 Thess 3:5; 1 Tim 6:9; James 1:13-15; Rom 1:18-32)"

"In any circumstance, the appeal to your self-centered feelings and fleshly desires is used by Satan as a temptation to entice you to sin(Gen 3:1-7; 2 Sam chpt 11; James 1:14-15). In stark contrast, the same circumstance is used by God as a test to help strengthen you as you obey His Word. Your response in this circumstance determines whether you will stand firm in your faith and please God or fail to temptation and please yourself(based on Gal 5:16-17; Col 1:10; Heb 4:15; James 4:7-10; 1 Pet 5:8-9; 1 John 4:4)"
 
(Self-Confrontation Textbook)

Testing God(Be Very Careful)

"God forbids people to test(tempt) Him and His character(Deut 6:16; Matt 4:7; 1 Cor 10:9; Heb 3:7-11), unless He specifically asks them to do so(Mal 3:10). People test(tempt) God when they forget His past blessings and power exercised on their behalf, when they harden their hearts, and when they fail to live by His Word(Num 14:22-23; Psalm 78:40-42, 56-64; 95:8-9; 106:13-15). It is important to remember that God will discipline people when they test Him, because testing the Lord is in itself an act of disobedience and disbelief(Psalm 95:8-11; Acts 5:1-10; 1 Cor 10:9)"