We demonstrated the "Blog" for those who have not had the chance to visit it and discussed the new "Prayer Request" handout format and why we are now tracking when and how God answers our prayers.
Following our opening prayer and prayer requests, Rosemary started our discussion beginning with a recap of last weeks discussion. She began by asking us about the passage on our Handout: Day One – 1/6/11 and specifically the word reasonable from Romans 12:1.
“I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
What is reasonable service?
- Spiritual act of worship
- It is rational, intelligent service and spiritual worship
- It is logical for us given everything that Christ has done for us on the cross, the price He paid for us; reasonable is the least I can do.
- What we do is always of the Word.
- Present self to God, yielding your own personal desires to always control or manage something/someone and turning control over to God.
- Obedience to God
- Act like someone who has been brought back from death to life.
Review of Homework
We discussed the two questions that were posed from week before.
1. “What is the goal of change in our lives?” found by reading the verses found in Romans 8:29 and 1 John 3:22.
Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:22 And receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him.
These two verses describe what God has already done for us all. They tell us we are more than conquerors; we are brothers and sisters of Jesus. That makes us children of God.
Our goal of change in our life is to:
- Change and be conformed into the likeness of His Son; into Christ-likeness. (see page 17 in book)
- We are to be in unity of Spirit through bond of peace; One Lord - One Faith.
- Believe, Trust, and be in Obedience to God and His will for our lives not our will; do what pleases God not man.
2. What principles did God give the author in 1 Peter 3:1-2?
1 Peter 3:1-2: Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
Principles discovered in 1 Peter 3:1-2:
- Our bridegroom is Christ; submit to Christ and his authority in our life.
- Submit to yourself to your Master who is Jesus Christ.
- Mirror Jesus in everything you do so that others may be won over without saying a word but by our reverent and pure behavior.
- “Either Jesus is Lord of all or He is not Lord at all.”
- Since being Christ-like is our goal, we must expect this process to continue throughout our lives and end only “when He shall appear” and I shall
Handout: Day Two – 1/13/11
The handout for week two has a new verse Romans 12:2. Rosemary shared the fact that when Terry and Chuck got married, they both memorized Romans 12:1-2 as young married couple. It was a practice of theirs to memorize verses together during their daily devotional times.
Terry discussed what Romans 12:1-2 meant to her as a young bride. That she had to present herself as a holy and pleasing sacrifice to God and her husband. As well as not to conform to the world and the things around them. She said it was very hard for her to not be conformed but stand separated from the world as a beacon of light in the darkness.
“And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
We read the verse and discussed what jumped out at us or where God had stopped each of us.
“And do not be conformed to this world (this time or age) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect (pleasing, pure, holy) will of God (Power flows from purity. Seek purity and you will find power).”
Key Point: Conform or Transform – Which way will you Change?
Here we see Paul contrasting two ways of changing; Conform Vs. Transform.
Conform: When we are conformed to the world we are changed from the outside by external worldly influences by being squeezed or molded into something we were not created to be. We feel the pressure to comply or agree with whatever is the influence we are being conformed to. We do the accepted thing, play the game, agree or are consistent with the current world age and all of its trappings in the human race. Conformity means we are fashioned after and adapted to the world’s external, superficial customs and self-focused activities and motives. In Romans 12:2, Paul warns us the world wants to change us into a form that is not a natural fit. Conforming to this world is unfaithfulness to God in its purest form.
Transform: When we are transformed we are changed from within; by the renewing of our mind - into His image. God wants us to be transformed in what we think, in the way we think and act. Transformed means a new life as well as new responsibility. God wants to change our outward form so it fits our inward being. Transform means doing a make over or renovate, change the old way to the new way. We can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus, not through rules or regulations. God loves each of us the way we are. We can accept Christ in 5 minutes and then spend a lifetime of changing, transforming, putting off our old self and putting on the new. God wants us to be faithful to Him.
How are we transformed, changed, by the entire renewal our mind?
- By changing internally with new ideals and new attitudes, actions and reactions; God’s path, His will, His way.
- By studying God’s Word
- Praying
- Fellowship
- Practice
Key Point: Practice – Consistent Practice is required for Transformation by the Renewal of our Mind
The only way we can be transformed by the renewing of our mind is through practice on a routine basis; not just a one-time event. Our prayer, “Lord, Change ME”, is or should be a life-long practice.
God wants us to be formed into His image so the world will not penetrate us and diminish us. He brings this about by the renewing of our mind; something different than before. Under God’s influence we will know, understand, and embrace God and His pleasing and perfect will for us.
Fasting for Gossip
Remember fasting for gossip exercise? How many of us fall into gossip? The question is “Are you consistent?” If we don’t practice not gossiping we fall back into it. The key is to be consistent. With this fast, we committed to do it for a week. We all did fairly well for the week with gossip. But a week just isn’t enough to develop a consistent, pure, true renewal of our mind regarding gossip or any other influence from the world.
Genia told of how she has continued practicing not gossiping by instant messaging one of the key gossipers she wasn’t going to participate. God never said it would be easy but He did say He would be with us. Our strength comes from Him not of ourselves.
Handout Questions
Is your life patterned after God or after the things of the world?
“What good is it to gain the whole world and loose your own soul?” Matthew 16:16
Who asked this question? Jesus did.
Critical Success Factor: Consistent Practice is required for Transformation by the Renewal of our Mind
Handout Verses
- Ephesians 4:23 - To be made new in the attitude of your minds
- Colossians 1:9 - For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives (or all spiritual wisdom and understanding),
- 2 Corinthians 10:2 - I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.
- 1 John 2:15 - Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
- 1 Peter 1:14 - As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
- I Peter 1:13 - Be Holy - Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.
Chapter 1: ME!
Rosemary reminded us that in order to obtain unity and maturity in the body of Christ, Ephesians 4:1 tells us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. In our Study on Esther, we learned in 1Peter that if you let others observe a life worthy of our calling they will see your good deeds and this will glorify God. Remember like Esther we are aliens and strangers in this world – a Pagan Society – others are constantly watching what we say or how we act so be holy.
1 Peter 2:11, 12 - Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
Our Goal: Be like Jesus
Remember it will take a lifetime to die to self; need to be in constant prayer and study of God’s Word.
We discussed quite a bit about the first chapter that Evelyn Christenson was trying to walk like God wanted. She was speaking boldly for God. But she still had areas of opportunity for spiritual growth that God wanted to work on with her. She discovered that holding her tongue was/is the loving thing to do.
We also discussed Evelyn was having trouble at home with her daughter. Like Evelyn, we need to ask where is the issue really; in the other person or in her? We need to ask the same, “Why is my witness not effective in me at home?”
We don’t need to be changing the other person, we need to be transformed in our own thoughts, actions attitudes.
Faith expressed in Obedience
Sometimes tasks seem so huge that we do not think we can do it when God asks us. Increase our faith - This duty of forgiving offences seemed so difficult to the disciples that they strongly felt the need of an increase of faith.
If we ask God to give us more faith to be more obedient we really do not understand what God has said to us. In Luke 17:5-6: The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
As grain of mustard seed, which indeed is the least of all seeds, is often used proverbially for the least thing, as it is by Christ. Faith in God's pardoning mercy will enable us to get over the greatest difficulties in the way of forgiving our brethren as described in verses preceding these. Nothing is impossible for God, so all things are possible to him that can believe and obey.
As a grain of mustard seed – we only need a faith that will increase and thrive. Jesus has all the power we need; He is doing all the work not us. Therefore, we don’t need more faith; we need to step out in obedience.
Performing vs. Transforming
Brona said, “It was like a new disease” – it feels like I am lacking something. Are we constantly doing or are we renewing? We discussed the parable of the Rich Man in Matthew 19.
Matthew 19:16-26 - The Rich and the Kingdom of God
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God
Conforming to the World: What do I still Lack?
What do I need to do to fully transform into Christ-likeness? Jesus was telling the rich man that money and possessions were standing in his way. Like this man, we are all still lacking in our spiritual lives when we have a love for money and possessions or are conforming to the world in any way. We must rid ourselves of the things we are conforming to the world and transform our inner-self by the constant renewing of our mind. Rid ourselves of worthless things that prevent us from growing in our spiritual life.
The World Seduces Us to Conform
We choose what we conform to; what we want to be in pursuit of in our life. We live in a fallen world where it is easier to conform than transform. Rosemary used the example of the recent snow storm. What did most of us do when the snow hit? Well we rationalized; it snowed so we can’t go out. But did we do anything indoors? Did we craft, clean house? No, the answer is we did nothing really. We conformed to the world instead of studying God’s word or doing something to bring us closer to Jesus.
It is easier to conform than to transform because we have the world seducing us. Like a man can seduce a woman with his wiles, and smooth demeanor, we too can be seduced by the trappings of the world ever so subtlety. We must be more aware of the enemy and his tactics.
I Did Something Stupid – So, Then Why Me?
On page 14, Evelyn describes something stupid she thought she did. We talked about her embarrassment while preparing for a presentation to her denomination’s national conference on “What happens when women pray?” We discovered, women from all over were in attendance; over 600 in fact. Just before the banquet started a man carrying what looked like a movie camera arrived and said to her, “Wave your arms and make believe you’re speaking.” Evelyn complied, her national director sitting at her right whispered laughingly “Psst, I think that is a TV camera!” and she was right. Everyone from fellow pastors to friends told her husband “Hey, I saw your wife on TV, Wow!” Unfortunately, the local TV station had chosen that segment showing her pseudo-speech to represent the entire national conference on its news telecast.
Beware – King of Tricksters on the Prowl!
What is the first thing we need to be aware of? The king of tricksters is out and about just looking for a weakness in our armor. Satan will look for just the right opportunity and pounce.
Like Evelyn, the trick is on us when we think of our own life. Sure she was embarrassed and felt stupid, but she didn’t need to let her own stupidity get the best of her. She was ready to give up her speaking and teaching, but God had other plans. Over 14 months, He did answer her prayer “Lord, change me.”
Rosemary shared with us her trouble with the internet that day. She was working with a woman on the phone with the cable company when Mike cut into the conversation; sticking his nose into the conversation and ultimately saying things out loud that the woman could hear through Rosemary’s headpiece. Needless to say this was very embarrassing for Rosemary when in all actuality the woman actually helped her and solved the problem with the connections.
Don’t we all use our words in ways that do not always bring glory to God? Our actions or words can be stupid and embarrassing sometimes.
Working through the Issue leads to Revelation
What did Evelyn’s embarrassing moments cause her to do? This brought her to her knees in complete defeat wondering if she should give up speaking and teaching. She was on her knees ready to give up speaking when she messed up. Unbelievable! Victory day was supposed to be here; delivering the great results of their six-month project. She was ready to call it a day.
However, God had other plans. He was leading her up the next rung of the spiritual ladder. He had already started the process in Evelyn, bringing her down into the depths of despair so that she might rise to something higher. God had more changing to do in Evelyn. Can you imagine? The fact is God has more changing to do in all of us…for the rest of our lives.
The revelation was that she had spiritual things, growth opportunities, that God needed to change in her that she was unaware of up until now.
Let’s all be open to letting God do His work in us. Lord, change me. What Thou wilt; as Thou wilt; when Thou wilt.
The Daughter Situation
How smart was Evelyn? She was a very smart woman. Why was she continuing to spend time changing her 18 year old daughter? Like Evelyn we spend time on changing others year after year to no avail.
Me Again?
On pages 17 and 18 we find that her daughter had abruptly announced “Mother, I don’t ever want to hear your philosophy again. Do you know that the tone of your voice actually changes when you start giving your philosophy? I know what’s coming every single time.” Her response was “me again! What was God teaching me this time?” In her Then she prayed “Lord, don’t change Jan. I know she’s a teenager who needs to find her way in the world. Just change me! Lord, make me the kind of mother You want me to be. O God, I know she’s growing up. Show me, please, how You want me to change!”
Without a Word
As Evelyn looked in the Bible for direction, God gave her a principle from 1 Peter 3:1-2 that guided her “”changing and carried her through those difficult fourteen months. At that time the emphasis was for her from God was that others were to observe her chaste and reverent behavior. “So that some… may be won without a word” (RSV).
What was Evelyn Doing?
For fourteen months she was to use the “without-a-word” principle in her relationship with her daughter; although the verse spoke specifically of the husband-wife relationship. She kept the “no more preachy mother to herself. She was to take her feelings and concerns regarding her daughter to God first and wait for God to give her the correct response.
1 Peter 3 Proved to Be True
Evelyn entrusted her daughter to God and kept her hands-off policy with her daughter going for fourteen months. She kept her mouth closed and let God change her. She continued to pray to God to change no one else but her. “Lord, change me.”
1 Peter 3:1, 2 - Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
A Birthday Card – The Big Payoff
On page 20, we find the most surprising and thrilling thing to come out of Evelyn’s fourteen agonizing months of keeping her mouth shut and letting God change her was a birthday card the next year from her daughter. It was signed: “To my mother – who says so much in her silence.”
Her daughter said “Mother, I found you in the Bible. I was just reading my Living Bible and found you in Titus 2:7.”
Titus 2:7 (NLT) - And here you yourself must be an example to them by doing good deeds (works) of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the love of the truth (integrity and seriousness of your teaching).
Key: Admitting we are the Ones Who Need to Change First Step in Becoming More Christ-like
Evelyn had learned the first step to becoming more Christ-like – she admitted she was the one who needed to change while living in silence before others.
Beth Moore Example
Rosemary recounted how Beth Moore discussed an issue she was having with her husband in one of the studies. Apparently Beth’s husband didn’t do what she told him to do. She wanted him to go to church; he’d go fishing. He wasn’t conforming to her control.
Exactly what she needed for Her Ministry
Beth had to learn the idea that wasn’t what she needed – she didn’t need control. God knew what she needed. He did a mighty work in her heart and changed her not her husband.
God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. We need to trust him enough to allow Him to change us!
Critical Success Factor: Our Actions
Our actions are critical to our spiritual growth; we must concentrate on ourselves and our own actions not on the actions of others. Otherwise we will be stumbling block for others in our life.
Prayer for us All
Lord, show us how our actions and reactions are not praiseworthy and are stumbling blocks to others.
Discover the Real Enemy
If we are silent we discover the enemy. We realize it is not our spouse (Gene, Mike, Ed, etc) or our siblings or children. We are the ones that need to change our actions, reactions, and attitudes. We want to control, we get frustrated and act, react with loads of attitude. We want control; there’s only one problem, God is in control
Someone said “It is a poor soldier that doesn’t recognize the enemy.”
Homework: Week 3
Everyone
- Read Chapter 2.
- Bring a spiral notebook to keep notes for your Spiritual Diary.
o Note: This is not your Prayer Journal. It will record steps and things we talk about and it will become our Spiritual Diary.
Team 1:
- After reading Chapter 2, write down the steps in the process to change that Evelyn Christenson outlines in Chapter 2.
- Be ready to discuss next week.
Team 2:
- Pronouns: As you read Chapter 2 note all of the "Pronouns".
- Bring this information about pronouns and examples of Scriptures for next week using techniques we are learning.
Team 3:
- “Precept upon Precept” what does that mean?
- Please examine and report to us your findings.
Team 4:
- Spiritual Diary - what is it, why important so forth?
- Give us your thoughts on the spiritual Diary.
Prayer Requests located in Prayer Section of Blog.
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