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ABRAHAM - Making your faith work (2 of 20)

Trusting God... that's part of making your faith work, as we'll learn today from Abraham in our back to the Bible study.

Genesis 12 

ABRAHAM - Making your faith work (1 of 20)

Today we're starting a new series, an extended look into the life of Abraham under the theme “Making your faith work’"

Genesis 12

What Keeps Me from Growing (10 of 10) - Overeating

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT OVEREATING

1. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
3. 1 Peter 4:7 “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
4. 1 Corinthians 6:12 - 13 “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything. ‘Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food’—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
5. Genesis 1:24 - 31 “And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.’ And it was so. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’ And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.”
6. Isaiah 25:6 “On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.”
7. Philippians 4:5 - 7 “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
8. 1 John 2:15 - 16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
9. Matthew 4:4 “But he [Jesus] answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’”
10. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
11. Psalm 119:11 “I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
12. James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
13. Psalm 139:13 - 14 “For You formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

What Keeps Me from Growing (9 of 10) - Pride

Why Is Pride Bad for Us?
Here are some examples given in the Bible showing the destructive power of pride.
1. Pride is destructive because it was pride that caused Satan to sin and brought his downfall from heaven. Ezekiel 28:17

2. Pride is destructive because it often causes us to focus on our own physical features, like Satan did. Satan’s pride sounds a lot like the pride of Absalom, David’s favored son. 2 Samuel 14:25-26

3. Pride is destructive because it gives us a false sense of superiority.
Third John is a tiny book in the NT consisting of only 15 verses, yet it gives us an example of how pride can destroy us. Here’s what the apostle John wrote in verses 9-11.

4. Pride is destructive because it has a way of creeping into the work of the Lord. (Proverbs 27:2).

5. Pride is destructive because it lures us into thinking that we can live well independently of God.

 

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT PRIDE

1. Proverbs 16:5 “Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.”
2. Galatians 6:3 “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
3. Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
4. James 4:6 “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”
5. 1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
6. 2 Timothy 3:2 “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.”
7. Proverbs 29:23 “One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”
8. 2 Corinthians 12:7 “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.”
9. Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”
10. Proverbs 8:13 “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”
11. 2 Corinthians 10:18 “For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
12. Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

What Keeps Me from Growing (8 of 10) - Selfishness

Caution:

We have to distinguish between self-love and selfishness. If I counseled, you to “love yourself” would you have a negative reaction to that? Of course, you would. Maybe the word “egotistical” came to mind. But I’m not asking you to be self-centered or selfish. I’m asking you to respect yourself, protect yourself, take care of yourself. And that’s a biblical thing to do.

 

Here’s what the bible says.

• Leviticus 19:18 “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself.” Now, you can’t love your neighbor as yourself unless you love yourself too.
• Matthew 19:19 “Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.”
• Mark 12:31 “The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
• Luke 10:27 “The man answered, ‘“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.” And, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”’”
• Romans 13:9 “For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting—and any other commandment—are all summed up in this one commandment: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
• Galatians 5:14 “For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
• James 2:8 “Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord’s royal command found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Developing Selflessness

So, what are some things we all can do that help curb that natural tendency toward selfishness and develop the character of selflessness just like Jesus? From what I glean from the Bible, let me suggest a few very practical things. 

1. Check your own heart. If you detect more than a little selfishness there, confess it to God for what it is—sin. “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
2. Look for ways to help other people. Anticipate their needs and feelings so you can meet them at the point they have them. You can always tell helpful people because you don’t have to tell helpful people you need help. Look around you. At the needs of your family. Do you have parents who need to feel loved and appreciated in their aging years. Call them. Tell them you love them. Anticipate their feelings and don’t be selfish. Bring them some joy.
3. Listen to people when they talk. It sounds so simple, but we are so bad at just lending a sympathetic ear or paying attention when people talk to us. We are selfish that way. If you consciously listen to what people have to say, you might both learn something and put yourself in a position to be used by the Lord to help them.
4. Don’t interrupt people when they talk. Let them finish their sentence. Don’t trump their story by interjecting your story. After all, their story may actually be more interesting to everyone than yours. You don’t always need to be talking. Did you know that you never learn anything while talking, except perhaps the accurate perception that no one is listening. Don’t interrupt. That’s selfish.
5. Compliment people. Do you know how thirsty some people are for the tiniest compliment? Perhaps it’s been weeks or months since they’ve had one. Be sincere, but show the love of Christ in the way you notice things about other people and compliment them.
6. Show kindness to all people. Even the least of these, Jesus says. Being kind doesn’t cost you anything. It doesn’t diminish you in any way. It doesn’t take cash to be kind, but it takes a lot of character. Paul said to the Romans, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). To the Ephesians he said, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:30-32).
7. Be on time. One of the most frequent acts of selfishness is being late. It presumes on the time of others and shows a lack of discipline on your part. It frustrates your friends, it disrupts the church service, and at work this act of selfishness could get you fired. It’s just as easy to be on time consistently as it is to be 10 minutes late consistently.

If a child grows up in a praising environment, the child will learn to appreciate.

If a child grows up in an encouraging environment, the child will learn to be confident.

If a child grows up in an environment of understanding, the child will learn to be patient.

If a child grows up in a just environment, the child will learn to be fair.

If a child grows up in a secure environment, the child will learn to trust.

If a child grows up in an environment of acceptance and friendship, the child will learn to find love in people. 

 

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT SELFISHNESS

1. James 3:14 - 17 “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
2. 2 Timothy 3:1 - 5 “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
3. 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
4. Philippians 2:3 - 4 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
5. Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
6. John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
7. Matthew 20:28 “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
8. 1 Corinthians 13:5 “[Love is not] rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.”
9. John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
10. Psalm 119:36 “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!”
11. 2 Timothy 3:2 “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.”
12. Romans 15:1 - 2 “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”
13. Proverbs 18:1 “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.”

What Keeps Me from Growing (7 of 10) - Critical Attitude

Here’s how you can identify such a person.

1. They have an opinion about everything.
2. They have an inflated estimation of their own abilities or knowledge.
3. They have developed making people feel bad into an art form.
4. They often judge people’s motives, which is something none of us is ever able to do.
5. They tend to be critics, not doers.

 

What Caused the Critical Spirit in this Synagogue Ruler?
1. He had the typical big head of the rulers of the synagogue.

2. A strict adherence to unbiblical rules that we have extrapolated from the Bible.

 

The Cures for a Critical Spirit
1. Admit you have a problem.

2. Confess your critical spirit to the Lord.

3. Ask those you’ve hurt to forgive you.

4. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a new spirit, a constructive spirit, not a critical spirit.

 

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT A CRITICAL ATTITUDE

1. Exodus 2:13-14 “When he went out the next day, behold, two Hebrews were struggling together. And he said to the man in the wrong, ‘Why do you strike your companion?’ He answered, ‘Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you mean to kill
   me as you killed the Egyptian?’ Then Moses was afraid, and thought, ‘Surely the thing is known.’”
2. Matthew 7:1-2 “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
3. Mark 11:24-25 “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
4. Luke 6:41 “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
5. John 7:24 “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
6. Romans 14:3-4 “Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
7. Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
8. 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.”
9. Romans 14:10 “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
10. James 4:11 “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.”
11. Colossians 2:16 “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.”
12. Romans 14:13 “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
13. Luke 12:13-14 “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But he said to him, ‘Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?’”

 

What Keeps Me from Growing (6 of 10) - Discontentment

The Downside of Discontent
Here are some things you should think about regarding discontent.
1. Discontent changes our focus.
2. Discontent is a personal attack on God.
3. Discontentment retards our spiritual growth.

How Do We Cultivate Contentment?
1. Work at it! Paul had to “learn” contentment (Philippians 4:11). Focus on the things which cultivate contentment, not the things that fuel discontentment.

2. Transfer your attention from the things that make you discontent to the eternal realities of having Christ in your life. Matthew 6:33.

3. Learn that happiness is not tied to things. You and I live in a society that doesn’t believe this or it wouldn’t be so discontented. But listen carefully to the very words of Jesus: Luke 12:15

 

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT CONTENTMENT

1. Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
2. Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
4. Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
5. Luke 12:15 “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
6. Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
7. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
8. Philippians 4:10 - 13 “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
9. Luke 3:14 “Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
10. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
11. 2 Corinthians 9:11 “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”
12. 2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”
13. Luke 11:13 “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

What Keeps Me from Growing (5 of 10) - Lust

Lust ignores consequences for the sake of momentary pleasure. But The result is a self-imposed prison of shameful thoughts and deeds. The good news is that Jesus died to give us victory over this difficult temptation, and that's what we'll be talking about today.

 

How does a man overcome a pornographic addiction?

Some basics:
1. You have to get real about porn being a sin, an affront to God and an embarrassment to your family.
2. You need to come clean and admit the truth to a trusted counsellor, like your pastor or a close spiritual friend.
3. You need to seek help, professional help, from your pastor or another professional designated by him.
4. You need to admit your sin to your wife because you have cheated on her mentally and morally and only coming clean can and demonstrating genuine repentance will clear the air and save your marriage.
5. You need to get into the habit of engaging God’s Word daily in a meaningful way. The only antidote to pornographic lust is the heavy doses of the fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:19-24, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

 

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT LUST

1. Matthew 5:28 “But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” 
2. Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - 5 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honour, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
4. Colossians 3:5 “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
5. 1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.”
6. 2 Timothy 2:22 “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”
7. 1 Peter 2:11 “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
8. 1 Corinthians 6:9 - 10 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
9. James 1:14 - 15 “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.”
10. Romans 13:14 “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
11. Romans 1:26 - 27 “For this reason God gave them up to dishonourable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.”
12. 1 Corinthians 6:9 - 11 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
13. James 4:1 - 3 “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”

What Keeps Me from Growing (4 of 10) - Gossip

Gossip is so woven into our lives that sometimes we barely recognize it as it damages and destroys everything in its path. So, how do we stop it? Today we look at the definition, the cause and the cure for gossip.

 

How to Recognize Gossip

1. Be concerned when you hear “secret information” being circulated or if you hear anyone else’s name being used in a conversation connected with that information. Gossip exists whenever persons “talk about others” in less than a favourable way.
2. Gossip often masquerades as “concern” for others.
   You know how it goes. “I hate to say anything about this to you, but I’m ‘concerned’ about so and so.”
3. Sometimes a gossiper will seek you out as their “confidante,” someone to unload on about their “heavy heart” for another person.
   They say to you. “I’m very troubled about so and so and I don’t know who else to talk to about it.” In reality, gossips are only interested in talking about people’s problems, not solving them. Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.”
4. A gossip thrives on the negative, the secretive and the sensational.
   Any person who is genuinely concerned about solving a problem will do the biblical thing. They will go to the person privately and confront them with their concern. Or they will go privately to their pastor so he can confront the person. If they come to you, it’s likely gossip and not a concern.
5. In church, gossip is often passed along as a prayer request.
   Church prayer meetings usually follow pretty much the same format. The leader asks for prayer requests and then members share them with others. Where the gossip occurs is when someone is having a potentially embarrassing personal hardship and has confided in one of the church members with a prayer request. That church member then airs this person’s “dirty laundry” (or their private pain) to others present under the guise of requesting prayer. Well, prayer is needed, but giving juicy, specific, intimate details that you were told in confidence is not needed. Even if couched in spirituality, it is still gossip.

How Do You Know Whether You Are Gossiping?

When you are telling a story or sharing information about someone else, ask yourself these five questions:

1. How certain am I that the facts are correct?
2. Was the information given in confidence?
3. Have I checked the facts with the person involved?
4. Am I telling this story to help build up others in Christ Jesus?
5. Could I share this information with the Lord Jesus; would He be happy to hear it?

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

Seven Things to Remember from the Bible about Gossip

1. Gossip is as sinful as murder and will suffer the same consequences unless there is repentance (Romans 1:32).
2. God holds you accountable for your words (Matthew 12:36-37).
3. The person who gossips to you about others, also gossips to others about you.
4. Gossip & slander disqualify you for spiritual leadership (1 Timothy 3:11; James. 3:2).
5. Gossip often thrives upon secrecy. Where secrecy is removed, gossip is hampered.
6. Gossip always contributes to a problem but never to a solution.
7. Gossip always distorts and exaggerates and is never a reliable source of truth.

Gossip Poem (Author unknown)

My name is Gossip.
I am a direct descendant of the father of lies.
I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious and I gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.
My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
I am nobody’s friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.
I topple governments and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
I make headlines and headaches.
Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip.

 

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT GOSSIP

1. Proverbs 11:13 “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”
2. Proverbs 16:28 “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”
3. Proverbs 20:19 “Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.”
4. Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”
5. Proverbs 26:20 “For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarrelling ceases.”
6. 1 Timothy 5:13 “Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.”
7. Leviticus 19:16 “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.”
8. Romans 1:29 “They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips.”
9. Proverbs 10:18 “The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.”
10. Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
11. Proverbs 26:22 “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.”
12. 2 Corinthians 12:20 “For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.”
13. 1 Timothy 5:12-14 “And so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Keeps Me from Growing (3 of 10) - Laziness

Laziness. It destroys us in life and robs us in death. It's another one of those temptations that keep us from growing spiritually. 

 

Lessons from the lazy person as the writer of Proverbs saw him or her.

1. Unflappable Example - Proverbs 6:6–11 “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”
2. Unseasonable Timing - Proverbs 10:4–5 “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”
3. Unpleasant Irritant - Proverbs 10:26 “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.”
4. Undesirable Position - Proverbs 12:24 “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labour.”
5. Unbreakable Principle - Proverbs 12:27 “Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.”
6. Unfulfilled Longings - Proverbs 13:4 “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”
7. Unpleasant Path - Proverbs 15:19 “The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.”
8. Unreasonable Sleep - Proverbs 19:15 “Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.”
9. Undiscovered Motivation - Proverbs 19:24–25 “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.”
10. Unwise Planning - Proverbs 20:4 “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.”
11. Unfulfilled Desires - Proverbs 21:25–26 “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labour. All-day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”
12. Unreasonable Excuses - Proverbs 22:13 “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!’”
13. Unkept Life - Proverbs 24:30–34 “I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

 

A BAKER’S DOZEN OF VERSES ABOUT LAZINESS

1. Proverbs 6:6 – 11 “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”
2. Proverbs 10:4 – 5 “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”
3. Proverbs 10:26 “Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.”
   Proverbs 12:24 “The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labour.”
4. Proverbs 12:27 “Whoever is slothful will not roast his game, but the diligent man will get precious wealth.”
5. Proverbs 13:4 “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”
6. Proverbs 15:19 “The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway.”
7. Proverbs 19:15 “Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.”
8. Proverbs 19:24 – 25 “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.”
9. Proverbs 20:4 “The sluggard does not plow in the autumn; he will seek at harvest and have nothing.”
10. Proverbs 21:25 – 26 “The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labour. All-day long he craves and craves, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.”
11. Proverbs 22:13 “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!’” (Unreasonable fear.)
12. Proverbs 24:30 – 34 “I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Unkempt life.)
13. Proverbs 26:13 – 16 “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!’ As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.” (Unbelievable self-assurance.)
14. Proverbs 28:19 “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” (Unproductive use of time.)