Sexual Immorality

As we begin this discussion today, we want to remind you that sex was designed by God and is a beautiful thing in the context of marriage (Gen. 2:24). We do not have to sin in this area and yet many have perverted this gift that God has given. Once again, we are blessed to see that God's Word has much to say regarding even this and we need to pay attention to God's Word. All Christian women need to take heed to to the warnings and guidelines God gives. It is our prayer that through this study you will be challenged even more to live a pure life and to give you hope if you have sinned in this area.

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.

Growing in the Lord...

We introduced the "fathers" today in our study. These are mature believers who have intimate knowledge of God and because they know God, they know the dangers of the world. These are "spiritual saints" in our life and are ones that the "young men" and "children" can go to in time of need. As mature believers, they still have room to learn and ought to not be boastful about their knowledge but be humble to continue to strive and learn. These mature believers also should invest their lives into those who are younger than them. As you seek to apply these truths to your life, ask yourself: Am I investing my life in a younger believer? Am I seeking out a more mature believer who could help me grow more like Christ?

Spiritual Growth in New Believers

As new believers are discipled, we need to understand that there may be struggles in their new walk with Christ. What are some of these struggles? Some that we talked about are doubting of salvation, putting off old habits and putting on the new, understanding Scripture and the will of God, taking criticism from others, dealing with suffering and learning discernment. If you are a new believer, we want to encourage you to seek out another older believer to help you find from Scripture the answer to these struggles. If you are an older believer, please take advantage of opportunities to train new believers. Don't just assume that they will grow with out help. It is vital that new believers have someone to point them to Scripture as they grow! What do you think? Or what are some other areas where a new believer may struggle?

Spiritual Growth

As we look to the next section of 1 John 2:12-14 we can see a picture of spiritual growth: "little children," "young men," and "fathers." This section of Scripture helps us to see that regardless of where we are at in our spiritual growth that we can take encouragement and challenges from Scripture. We have a goal to shoot for in our spiritual growth - maturity in Christ. In our churches, we have members of our body that are in different stages of their spiritual life. The older can always be teaching the younger and every Christian, regardless of their stage can learn more about Christ to be conformed to Him. Begin thinking through the term "little children" as we discuss the message to them over the next few days.

Loving Others

1 John 2:7-11 is a section of Scripture that helps us to understand the importance of loving others. We are asking YOU - What do you find to be a barrier to loving others and what Scripture can you use to combat those barriers? Sometimes loving others doesn't come easy and so it is important to understand what might be hindering you from loving others. We would love to hear from you. We pray that through these broadcasts we are helping you to apply the Word of God to your life.

Walking like Christ

1 John 2:6 says that '"whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." How do we do this? Some answers we gave today~ 1) Walk in love - Ephesians 5:2. 2) Walk as children of light (doing what is good, right and true) - Ephesians 5:8. 3) Walk in wisdom, watching carefully how you walk - Ephesians 5:15. 4) Walk worthy of your calling in God - Ephesians 4:1-3. 5) Walk in newness of life - Romans 6:4. 6) Walk in the Spirit - Galatians 5:16-24. We hope that these truths will be an encouragement to you as you seek to walk like Christ.

Am I a Liar?

1 John 2:4 says "Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." Does this sound familiar? John writes in chapter 1 verse 6 this same concept about claiming fellowship but not being obedient. As little children need to be reminded of how they are to behave, so we as God's little children need to be reminded of the same truths again. So pay attention each time these "repeated" concepts occur! Out of this text, ask yourself this question - why would you be a liar if you do not keep God's commandments?

Jesus, our Righteous Advocate

We spent yesterday talking about Jesus as our Advocate. What is an advocate? It is one who pleads another's cause, who helps another by comforting him. Christ is our advocate! Hebrews 4:15-16 gives us such a comfort in that Christ is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and so we can with confidence draw near to the throne of God's grace! We pray that you will see Christ as your advocate when you are struggling with sin - what a powerful resource that you have - use it! Today we answered the question - why is Jesus Christ righteous? He is without sin! Praise God! 1 John 3:5 tells us that there is no sin in Him as well as many other verses in Scripture. Are you thankful for His righteousness? What do you do with this information that Jesus Christ is our Righteous Advocate? Are you using the resource that God has given you or are you giving in to the temptation to sin? Are you looking to the Bible for your help or are you seeking the secular advice of the world? If you have sinned are you recognizing that Christ has pleaded your cause to the Heavenly Father and has forgiven you? You can live confidently knowing that if you do sin that you have Jesus Christ, who is your righteous advocate!

1 John 2:1

John again states his purpose for his writing - "so that you may not sin." John is also giving his readers hope that they do not have to sin. We DO NOT HAVE TO SIN!!! What an encouragement to us! Yet, in the battle for godly living we know that there are times where we do sin. He continues on to tell us that if we do sin we have an advocate.... When you are faced in a difficult circumstance do you believe the truth that you do not have to sin? Or do you throw in the towel and give up and sin anyway thinking it's too hard to live godly? It's important that our minds are filled with the TRUTH that we do not have to sin. Other verses you may look up to help you in this area are Romans 6:12-14 and 1 Peter 1:13-16, Psalm 119:105. Also, it is important that our motivation to obey is right. Do you obey because of fear of consequences or because you LOVE God?

The Promise of Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 is such a comforting verse to us as believers. It gives us the promise that God will forgive and cleanse us from our sin when we confess our sin to Him. He does this because He is faithful and just! We all know that we struggle with sin daily and what a blessing to know that God has PROMISED forgiveness to us when we sin - but we must confess that sin to Him. Why then would we not confess our sin? Pride? Embarrassment? How has the truth of this verse encouraged you in your walk with the Lord?