Slander/Gossip continued...

We know that slander and gossip come from the heart (Matthew 15:19), so what is the solution? We need to 1) Follow the example of Christ (1 Peter 2:22-23), 2) Speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), 3) Edify others (Eph. 4:29) and 4) Have a soft answer in conflict (Prov. 15:1). What are some practical guidelines to help against slander and gossip? We shared some today, but would like to hear from you.

Slander/Gossip

Slander and gossip are two words which can give us the "shivers" as we know the destructiveness of them! The word for slander is the same word that is used to describe Satan who is the "father of lies" (John 8:44). To slander is to side with Satan to oppose the cause of God! Scripture tells us that God hates a lying tongue (Prov. 6:16,19), that false teachers and the unsaved are slanderers (1 Tim. 6:3-4, Rom. 1:28-30) and that we are commanded to keep our lips from evil (Psalm 34:13). We know the truth, but why do we have such a problem with slander and gossip? Why is it that our tongue gets us into so much trouble in this area?

Anger

The blessing of God's Word is that it has much to say regarding the desires of the flesh. We are so thankful for all God has given to us - that He doesn't leave us hanging as to how to live a godly life. In Scripture we find His answers to our sinful behavior. Praise God! We hope that through sharing of verses that you will see that answers are found in His Word and that you will take advantage of seeking these answers out. Again, Scripture has much to say about anger. We've shared many verses regarding this - do you have any to add? Ask yourself - what is your trigger to anger and how can you prepare your mind to avoid getting angry?

Will you help support?

AM-1030/WCTS is the radio station that produces and broadcasts our program "Women in the Word." We would ask that you prayerfully consider making a financial donation to the radio station to help their operating costs in this coming year. We appreciate the ministry of WCTS and know that God is using it to encourage believers as well as reaching souls for Christ. September 21-25 is their annual Sharathon during which they receive pledges and support. The website for the station is http://www.wctsradio.com/. Please ask what the Lord would have you do to help this ministry. Thank you! Pam, Rebecca and Sarah

Jealousy

Second on our list of "desires of the flesh" is jealousy. Again, Scripture has much to say regarding this topic. We know that there are always more verses we could share and so we hope that you will dive into Scripture to find out more for yourself. The jealousy we are discussing is the sinful jealousy that our fallen sinful nature has. There are many consequences for jealousy. How do we combat jealousy? What are some practical guidelines?

Gluttony, continued...

As we wrap up the topic of gluttony today we discussed some practical guidelines of ways to help ourselves and others stay in control. These included: 1) Being accountable to someone, 2) Purchase healthy items, 3) Get rid of junk food if you cannot exercise self-control, 4) Keeping a journal, 5) Watching portion sizes, especially at restaurants, 6) Setting Captives Free - http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/. Do you have any other practical suggestions?

Gluttony

As we dive into the topic of gluttony we see that Scripture has much to say regarding this topic. We know that the wicked are addicted to it (Phil. 3:19), it is forbidden (Prov. 23:1-3), it leads to poverty and destruction (Prov. 23:19-21). We give many excuses for gluttony and we must see that our solution to this problem is the Biblical way. We need to keep the right perspective (1 Cor. 10:31 and exercise control (Prov. 25:16, Gal. 5:22-26). We shared many verses regarding this topic. What are some others that have helped you to think biblically regarding this topic?

Getting Specific

As we study the "desires of the flesh" in 1 John 2:16, we would like to give some specific examples of these desires as they pertain to women. Over the next couple of weeks we will be looking at 6 different desires: Gluttony, Jealousy, Anger, Slander/Gossip, Sexual Immorality, and Laziness. It is our desire to look into each of these topics to gather a biblical view of them as well as give hope on how we can avoid each of these. Please study along with us. As always, if you have any comments or questions, please feel free make a comment on this post.

Biblical Thinking

Here is the "Biblical Thought Process for Dealing with the Flesh" that we gave today on the program. If you wish to print this - you can find a copy of this list in our online study guide located on the right of the blog. We hope that this tool will help you as you strive to think biblically. 1. Ephesians 2:3 – What is controlling me? Passions of flesh or Christ? 2. Galatians 5:16 – Am I walking by the Spirit? 3. Romans 7:18 – Who am I depending on? Myself or Christ? 4. Romans 13:14 – Make no provision for the flesh. 5. Galatians 5:17 – Whose side am I on? The flesh or Spirit? 6. Galatians 5:24 – Do I die to fleshly desires? Do I have a plan? 7. 1 John 2:16 – Do my choices reflect God or the world?

Do Not Love the World

As we dive into 1 John chapter 2, verses 15-17, we ask ourselves the question, What does it mean to love the world and the things of the world? We shared how the word "world" in this passage refers to "Satan's system for opposing the work of Christ on earth." It is loving and being involved in non-biblical pleasures and philosophies as it regards to marriage, raising children, material possessions, obedience to the laws of the land, etc... We are reminded in Acts 5:29 that we ought to obey God rather than men. Romans 12:2 then tells us to not be conformed to the world, but be transformed. As we dive into some specific examples over the next several weeks, we pray that you will be challenged by the truth of Scripture to think biblically in all areas of life.