“pulling(down(strongholds((1)( - whitehouse church ·...

16
“Pulling Down Strongholds (1) (2 Corinthians 10:1:6) “What About Anxiety?” The Spiritual War [1] Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. [2] But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that conQidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the Qlesh. [3] For though we walk in the Qlesh, we do not war according to the Qlesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, [5] casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, [6] and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulQilled. ========== A. What Do You Worry About? 1. What Jesus said (Matt 6:25, 31, 34) 2. What Paul said (Phil 4:6) 3. The tension between what we know and what we do B. Three Facts About Worry 1. Worry is irreverent – God rules 2. Worry is irresponsible – wastes energy and burdens us so that we cannot engage in constructive problem solving 3. Worry is irrelevant – it cannot change anything: a. It is estimated that 40% of things we worry about will never happen; 30% are in the past; 12% are about health when nothing is wrong; 10% are too petty to affect the future; 8% legitimately deserve our concern b. Worry causes health problems C. Three Principles For Dealing With Worry (Phil 4:4:9) 1. Make everything a matter of prayer (6) – Nothing is too big or small with God 2. Point your thoughts in the right direction (8) a. Filter your thoughts with these (Prov 23:7) b. Govern thoughts by beliefs rather than by feelings: “Today I will…” 3. Take actions against worry (9) a. If you can do something about it, do it! b. If you can’t, then take preventative action – if you fear disease, take healthy actions; job security – do good job …and prepare your resume D. Three Things That Prevent Worry (Matt 6: 25:34) 1. Trust God – for things beyond your control (25:32) 2. Put God Qirst in your life – you will be healthier, happier, and more content (33) 3. Take life as it comes – plan for future but live well today (34) E. Jn 10:10; Jn 16:33; Phil 4:11:13

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Page 1: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

“Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)(

(2(Corinthians(10:1:6)(

“What(About(Anxiety?”(!The$Spiritual$War$[1](Now(I,(Paul,(myself(am(pleading(with(you(by(the(meekness(and(gentleness(of(Christ—who(in(presence(

am(lowly(among(you,(but(being(absent(am(bold(toward(you.([2](But(I(beg(you(that(when(I(am(present(I(

may(not(be(bold(with(that(conQidence(by(which(I(intend(to(be(bold(against(some,(who(think(of(us(as(if(we(

walked(according(to(the(Qlesh.([3](For(though(we(walk(in(the(Qlesh,(we(do(not(war(according(to(the(Qlesh.(

[4](For(the(weapons(of(our(warfare(are(not(carnal(but(mighty(in(God(for(pulling(down(strongholds,([5](

casting(down(arguments(and(every(high(thing(that(exalts(itself(against(the(knowledge(of(God,(bringing(

every(thought(into(captivity(to(the(obedience(of(Christ,([6](and(being(ready(to(punish(all(disobedience(

when(your(obedience(is(fulQilled.(

==========$!A. What(Do(You(Worry(About?(

1. What(Jesus(said((Matt(6:25,(31,(34)(

2. What(Paul(said((Phil(4:6)(

3. The(tension(between(what(we(know(and(what(we(do(

B. Three(Facts(About(Worry(

1. Worry(is(irreverent(–(God(rules(

2. Worry(is(irresponsible(–(wastes(energy(and(burdens(us(so(that(we(cannot(engage(in(

constructive(problem(solving(

3. Worry(is(irrelevant(–(it(cannot(change(anything:(

a. It(is(estimated(that(40%(of(things(we(worry(about(will(never(happen;(30%(are(in(the(past;(

12%(are(about(health(when(nothing(is(wrong;(10%(are(too(petty(to(affect(the(future;(8%(

legitimately(deserve(our(concern(

b. Worry(causes(health(problems(

C. Three(Principles(For(Dealing(With(Worry((Phil(4:4:9)(

1. Make(everything(a(matter(of(prayer((6)(–(Nothing(is(too(big(or(small(with(God(

2. Point(your(thoughts(in(the(right(direction((8)(

a. Filter(your(thoughts(with(these((Prov(23:7)(

b. Govern(thoughts(by(beliefs(rather(than(by(feelings:(“Today(I(will…”(

3. Take(actions(against(worry((9)(

a. If(you(can(do(something(about(it,(do(it!(

b. If(you(can’t,(then(take(preventative(action(–(if(you(fear(disease,(take(healthy(actions;(job(

security(–(do(good(job(…and(prepare(your(resume(

D. Three(Things(That(Prevent(Worry((Matt(6:(25:34)(

1. Trust(God(–(for(things(beyond(your(control((25:32)(

2. Put(God(Qirst(in(your(life(–(you(will(be(healthier,(happier,(and(more(content((33)(

3. Take(life(as(it(comes(–(plan(for(future(but(live(well(today((34)(

(((((((E.(((Jn(10:10;(Jn(16:33;(Phil(4:11:13(!

Page 2: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(2)'(2'Corinthians'10:196)'Dealing'With'Depression''

Jeremiah'20:'7912'

[7]'O'LORD,'You'induced'me,'and'I'was'persuaded;'You'are'stronger'than'I,'and'have'prevailed.'I'am'in'derision'daily;'Everyone'mocks'me.'[8]'For'when'I'spoke,'I'cried'out;'I'shouted,'“Violence'and'plunder!”'Because'the'word'of'the'LORD'was'made'to'me'A'reproach'and'a'derision'daily.'[9]'Then'I'said,'“I'will'not'make'mention'of'Him,'Nor'speak'anymore'in'His'name.”'But'His'word'was'in'my'heart'like'a'burning'^ire'Shut'up'in'my'bones;'I'was'weary'of'holding'it'back,'And'I'could'not.'[10]'For'I'heard'many'mocking:'“Fear'on'every'side!”'“Report,”'they'say,'“and'we'will'report'it!”'All'my'acquaintances'watched'for'my'stumbling,'saying,'“Perhaps'he'can'be'induced;'Then'we'will'prevail'against'him,'And'we'will'take'our'revenge'on'him.”'[11]'But'the'LORD'is'with'me'as'a'mighty,'awesome'One.'Therefore'my'persecutors'will'stumble,'and'will'not'prevail.'They'will'be'greatly'ashamed,'for'they'will'not'prosper.'Their'everlasting'confusion'will'never'be'forgotten.'[12]'But,'O'LORD'of'hosts,'You'who'test'the'righteous,'And'see'the'mind'and'heart,'Let'me'see'Your'vengeance'on'them;'For'I'have'pleaded'my'cause'before'You.'

———————————9'A. A'Startling'Look'At'Depression'

1. U.S.'mental'health'survey:'a. Almost'half'of'all'Americans'experience'some'kind'of'mental'de^iciency'sometime'in'

their'lives'b. Most'common'disorder'–'major'depressive'episode'(at'least'2'weeks'of'symptoms'such'

as'low'mood'and'loss'of'pleasure)'c. We'are'talking'about'depressive''feelings'

2. We'are'not''talking'about'clinical'depression'–'5'or'more'of'these'symptoms'are'expressed:'sadness/irritability;'loss'of'interest/pleasure'in'activities'once'enjoyed;'change'in'weight/appetite;'change'in'sleep'patterns;'feelings'of'guilt;'hopelessness/worthlessness;'inability'to'concentrate/remembering/decision'making;'fatigue;'restlessness'noticed'by'others;'thoughts'of'death/suicide'a. All'may'have'one'or'two'of'these'b. Five'or'more'indicate'clinical'depression'which'requires'professional'counseling'

Page 3: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

3. A'depression'episode'occurs'when'bad'things'happen'–'Jeremiah'tried'to'do'right/'have'purpose,'but'things'didn’t'work'for'him;'depression'

B. Causes'of'Depression'1. Frustration'–'felt'God'had'deceived'him;'God'gave'him'his'message'but'it'didn’t'work'out'2. Rejection'–'“I'am'ridiculed'…'everyone'mocks'me”;'rejection'hurts'and'repeated'rejection'

leads'to'depression'3. Fear'(Jer.'20:'10)'loss'of'motivation'a. “Why'did'you'even'let'me'be'born?”'life'is'dif^icult'and'Christians'are'not'exempt'b. “I'would'rather'not'live'than'to'live'this'way”'9'spending'or'eating'spree'makes'worse'

C. Dealing'With'Depression'1. Life'has'mountains'and'valleys'

a. “Before'you'were'born,'I'knew'you”'(1:5)'b. What'he'prophesied'came'true!'

2. God'is'present'a. Working'when'He'is'silent'b. (Ps.'91)'–'not'insurance'policy'but'a'truth'along'with'other'truths'(Ps.'22),'but'not'

ultimate'evil'can'come'upon'the'faithful'child'of'God'3.'Be'thankful'in'all'circumstances'(1'Thess.'5:'18)'–'for'what'He'is'making'of'you'

Page 4: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)'

(1'Corinthians'10:'196)'

“What'About'Stress?”'

(1'Kings'19:'194)'

[1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he'had'executed'all'the'prophets'with'the'

sword.'[2]'Then'Jezebel'sent'a'messenger'to'Elijah,'saying,'“So'let'the'gods'do'to'me,'and'more'also,'if'I'do'

not'make'your'life'as'the'life'of'one'of'them'by'tomorrow'about'this'time.”'[3]'And'when'he'saw'that,'he'

arose'and'ran'for'his'life,'and'went'to'Beersheba,'which'belongs'to'Judah,'and'left'his'servant'there.'

[4]'But'he'himself'went'a'day's'journey'into'the'wilderness,'and'came'and'sat'down'under'a'broom'tree.'

And'he'prayed'that'he'might'die,'and'said,'“It'is'enough!'Now,'LORD,'take'my'life,'for'I'am'no'better'than'

my'fathers!”''

———————————'

A. Stress'is'not'all'bad'–'certain'amount'helps'perform'tasks,'get'things'done,'achieve'goals.'

1. Too'much'stress'is'harmful'–'Sign'in'doctor’s'ofbice:'“Hyper9tension'(too'much'stress)'can'

affect'your'heart,'arteries,'brain,'and'eyes”'

2. The'Stress'Factor:'The'gap'between'demands'made'upon'us'and'our'strength'to'meet'those'

demands'

3. Jesus'and'stress'(Jn.'4:6;'Mk.'5:30;'see'Mark'6:31)'

4. Symptoms'of'stress:'

a. Depreciate'worth'(19:4)'

b. Under'rate'work'(19:10'a)'

c. Exaggerate'problems'(19:10'b)'

d. Abdicate'dreams'(19:'4'b)'

B. Causes'of'Stress'

1. Demands'of'life'

2. Departure'from'God'

3. Devices'of'Satan'(2'Cor.'2:11)'

C. Dealing'With'Stress'

1. Rest'the'body'(19:'598)'

a. Sit'back'and'relax'if'for'only'10'minutes'

b. Work'hard'and'play'hard'

c. Find'something'you'enjoy'and'do'it'

2. Release'your'frustrations'(19:'10)'no'one'is'perfect'and'life'isn’t'fair'

3. Refocus'upon'God'(19:11)'–'Isa.'40:'30931'

a. “Wait'on'the'Lord”'–'not'passive,'but'active:'long'for'(Ps.'63:'1);'listen'(Prov.'8:'34);'look'for'

(Ps.'104:27);'live'(Prov.'27:'18)'

b. “Renew”'–'literally'“exchange'weakness'for'strength'(Gal.'2:20;'Phil.'4:'13)'

c. A'promise'(40:'31)9'In'adversity:'soaring'power;'in'opportunities:'surging'power;'in'

necessary'things:'staying'power'

D. Resume'serving'(19:'15'ff.)'–'God'has'work'for'us'to'do'

Page 5: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(4)'(2'Corinthians'10:1:6)'

“What&To&Do&With&Our&Fears”&(Matthew'8:23:27)'

Wind&and&Wave&Obey&Him&[23]'Now'when'He'got'into'a'boat,'His'disciples'followed'Him.'[24]'And'suddenly'a'great'tempest'arose'on'the'sea,'so'that'the'boat'was'covered'with'the'waves.'But'He'was'asleep.'[25]'Then'His'disciples'came'to'Him'and'awoke'Him,'saying,'“Lord,'save'us!'We'are'perishing!”'[26]'But'He'said'to'them,'“Why'are'you'fearful,'O'you'of'little'faith?”'Then'He'arose'and'rebuked'the'winds'and'the'sea,'and'there'was'a'great'calm.'[27]'So'the'men'marveled,'saying,'“Who'can'this'be,'that'even'the'winds'and'the'sea'obey'Him?”'======================='

A. Bertrand'Russell'said,'“I'do'not'believe'that'any'good'thing'is'to'be'obtained'through'fear.”'How'do'you'respond'to'this'statement?'1. The'good'of'fear'–'alerts'against'danger:'

a. Children'and'traf^ic'b. Drivers'fearing'accidents'drive'carefully'c. People'fear'poverty'so'work'd. Fear'loss'of'health'so'avoid'hazards'e. Nations'fear'war'so'sit'down'at'peace'tables'f. There'are'values'in'fear'because'there'are'dangers'which'need'to'be'avoided'

2. Another'side'of'fear,'often'devastating'in'its'destructive'in^luence'as'burdens'many'a'life'and'binds'with'invisible'chains'

B. The'Problem'Stated'1. “Psychologists,'by'means'of'laboratory'tests,'have'established'that'at'birth'two'fears'are'

already'present:'fear'of'a'loud'noise'and'fear'of'falling”'–'John'Bonnell'2. We'learn'many'others:'

a. Getting'sick'b. Insecurity'–'job,'old'age,'failure,'war,'family,'darkness,'Ebola'c. Death'(Heb.'2:15)'d. Of'failure'to'meet'unrealistic'goals'of'parents'or'expecting'too'much'of'selves'–'a'study'by'

Dr.'Stanley'Coopersmith,'a'California'psychologist'e. Most'powerful'form'of'fear'is'chronic'gnawing'pain'of'relentless'anxiety,'usually'without'

speci^ic'focus'–'one'of'the'most'widely'prescribed'drugs'is'an'antianxiety'drug'–'Valium'f. A'person'who'tried'to'commit'suicide'later'said,'“I'was'afraid'of'going'on'living.”'g. “When'a'man'can'^ind'no'answer'he'will'^ind'fear.”'–'Norman'Cousins'

3. We'teach'our'fears'to'our'children,'but'happily'they'can'be'unlearned'C. Suggestions:'

1. “How'To'Face'Up'To'Fear”'–'Dr.'Daniel'A.'Sugarman:'a. Practice'good'health'habits'–'poor'health'and'fear'are'compatible'b. Share'feelings'with'others'c. Accept'brief'periods'of'fear'–'fear'often'comes'with'changes'd. Learn'to'live'in'the'here'and'now'instead'of,'“What'would'happen'if…”'and'“Suppose…”'–'

live'well'today'e. Stop'being'a'perfectionist'–'do'a'good'job'instead:'are'you'ef^icient'or'effective?'f. Act'as'if'you'are'not'afraid'–'there'is'a'de^inite'relationship'between'the'way'you'act'and'the'

way'you'feel'g. Learn'to'relax'–'everything'is'not'to'be'lived'on'the'intensity'level'h. Find'meaning'for'your'life'

2. Helpful'Bible'passages:'Josh.'1:1,2,6,9;'Ps.'23:4;'27:3;'46:1:2;'Heb.'13:5:6;'Rev'1:17:18;'1'Peter.'5:6:7;'Rom.'8:28,31,35,37;'Phil.'4:6,'7,'11,'13'

Page 6: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

D. Fear'And'Obedience'To'God'1. Eccles:'12:13;'Prov.'1:7;'Phil.'2:12'–'Respect'2. Matt.'10:28;'Mk.'16:16'b'–'Fearful'3. 1'Jn.'4:18'–'The'more'we'love'the'less'we'have'to'fear'

E. Matt.'8:23:27;'With'Christ'in'the'vessel'I'can'smile'at'the'storm!

Page 7: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(5)'

(Ephesians'4:26<27,'31<32)'

25Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27nor give place to the devil. 28Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

========================='

A. Facts'About'Anger'

1. Everyone'gets'angry:'

a) God'(Deut.'9:8,'20;'1'Kgs.'11:9;'2'Kgs.'17:18;'Ps.'7:11)'–'of'455'Qmes'in'O.T.,'375'refer'to'

God'being'angry'

b) Jesus'(Jn.'2:3;'Mk.'3:5;'Mk.'11:15<19)'

2. “A'strong'…'emoQon'of'displeasure”'(Webster)'

3. Two'kinds:'orgizō'(Eph.'4:26)'–'“wrath'under'control”'and'orgē'(Eph.'4:27)<'“fully'released'anger'

which'may'be'uncontrolled”'

4. Anger'may'be'good'–'give'examples'

5. Anger'is'dangerous'(Eph.'4:27)'

B. A'Warning:'

1. Anger'keeps'bad'company'(Eph.'4:31)'

2. Be'slow'(Ja.'1:19;'Prov.'15:18;'29:11;'Titus'1:7)'

3. Parents'and'children'(Col.'3:21)'

C. Types'of'Anger:'

1. Passive'–'“I’ll'just'stay'at'home”'

2. Shouts,'slams'doors,'walks'out,'hits'

3. Passive'aggressive'–'Late,'over'eats,'over'spends,'an'aftude'

4. Indirect'–'Express'anger'toward'someone'by'using'a'third'party'

D. Stages'of'Anger'

1. IrritaQon'–'Inward'feeling'of'displeasure'brought'on'by'words,'deeds,'circumstances'

2. IndignaQon'–'Have'to'say'something'(Mah.'20:24;'26:8)'

3. Wrath'–'Have'to'do'something'

E. Dealing'With'Anger'–'Proverbs'25'

1. PaQently'(8)'

a) Why'are'you'gefng'angry?'(Prov.'14:17;'15:18;'18:13;'27:20)'

b) Choose'your'bahles'–'everything'is'not'a'crisis'

c) Say,'“It'makes'me'angry'when…”'

2. Privately'(9<10)'

a) Circle'of'knowledge'no'larger'than'circle'of'need'(Mah.'18:15<18;'Prov.'17:9'

b) If'you'tell'your'mother'all'of'his'faults,'she'will'remember'long'ajer'you'forgot'

3. Prudently'(11)'–see'18'

a) Words'can'crush'or'heal'(Col.'4:6;'Prov.'15:1)'

b) Choose'words'carefully'

4. Powerfully'(15)'–'Strength'is'power'under'control'

5. PosiQvely'(21<22)'

a) Evil'for'good'is'Satanic'

b) Good'for'good'is'Human'

c) Good'for'evil'is'Divine'(Eph.'4:32)'

6. Personally'(28)#

Page 8: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(6)'

(2'Corinthians'10:'1:5)'

“What'About'BiAerness?”'

(Ephesians'4:29:32)'

[28]'Let'him'who'stole'steal'no'longer,'but'rather'let'him'labor,'working'with'his'hands'what'is'good,'that'he'may'

have'something'to'give'him'who'has'need.'[29]'Let'no'corrupt'word'proceed'out'of'your'mouth,'but'what'is'good'

for'necessary'edificaWon,'that'it'may'impart'grace'to'the'hearers.'[30]'And'do'not'grieve'the'Holy'Spirit'of'God,'by'

whom'you'were'sealed'for'the'day'of'redempWon.'[31]'Let'all'biAerness,'wrath,'anger,'clamor,'and'evil'speaking'

be'put'away'from'you,'with'all'malice.'[32]'And'be'kind'to'one'another,'tenderhearted,'forgiving'one'another,'

even'as'God'in'Christ'forgave'you.'

:::::::::::::::::::'

A. The&Root&of&Bi-erness&(Heb.&12:14815)&1. “Root”&has&to&have&“soil”&(see&Ma-.&13:189,&18:23)&

a) Hurt&–&UnintenHonal,&intenHonal,&imagined&b) Natural&reacHon&–&Resentment,&anger,&revenge&c) Many&look&for&ways&to&jusHfy&–&Become&negaHve,&hard&to&get&along&with&

2. Bi-er&people&never&seem&to&consider&personal&fault&B. The&Results&of&Bi-erness&

1. “Trouble”&(15)&a) Strife&(Prov.&10:12)&b) Slavery&–&Controls&c) Sickness&–&None&of&These&Diseases&(S.I.&McMillen,,&M.D.)&lists&50&diseases&of&the&body&

caused&by&troubled&emoHonal&centers&&&Note:&&All&sickness&is&not&a-ributed&to&bi-erness,&but&bi-erness&is&asking&for&illness&

2. AlienaHon&(14)&–&Hatefulness&and&holiness&are&mutually&exclusive&(1&Jn.&4:20821)&3. Defilement&(15b)&–&For&self&and&others&4. Chain&reacHon&(Eph.&4:31)&

C. The&Resolving&of&Bi-erness&1. Reveal&the&bi-erness&(Heb.&12:15a)&–&“Look&diligently”:&&closely,&deeply&(root&is&under&surface)&2. Remove&the&bi-erness&(12:15b)&

a) By&the&Grace&of&God&–&Grace&brings&forgiveness&(but&must&forgive&others)&and&forHfies&us&(2&Cor.&12:9)&

b) By&Forgiveness&(Eph.&4:32)&–&“Doesn’t&deserve&it”&(of&course&not&–&do&you?);&always&costly&(Eph.&1:7);&“I&can’t”8&Christ&will&help&(Phil.&4:13)&

c) By&New&Nature&(Eph.&4:22824)&3. Replace&the&bi-erness&(Rom.&12:18,&21;&Prov.&16:7)&–&How?&&Bible&reading,&prayer,&faithfulness&to&

the&Lord&have&great&medicinal&value&D. Conclusion:&&“Most&of&us&have&been&quilty&of&generaHng&ten8dollars&worth&of&adrenaline&over&a&ten8

cent&incident”&(McMillen&p.&110).&

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Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(7)'(2'Corinthians'10:1:5)'

“What'About'Judging'Others”'(Matthew'7:'1:5)'

''[1]'“Judge'not,'that'you'be'not'judged.'[2]'“For'with'what'judgment'you'judge,'you'will'be'judged;'and'with'the'measure'you'use,'it'will'be'measured'back'to'you.'[3]'“And'why'do'you'look'at'the'speck'in'your'brother's'eye,'but'do'not'consider'the'plank'in'your'own'eye?'[4]'“Or'how'can'you'say'to'your'brother,'‘Let'me'remove'the'speck'from'your'eye’;'and'look,'a'plank'is'in'your'own'eye?'[5]'“Hypocrite!'First'remove'the'plank'from'your'own'eye,'and'then'you'will'see'clearly'to'remove'the'speck'from'your'brother's'eye.'[6]'“Do'not'give'what'is'holy'to'the'dogs;'nor'cast'your'pearls'before'swine,'lest'they'trample'them'under'their'feet,'and'turn'and'tear'you'in'pieces.'——————————'

A. Thoughts:'1. The'Bible'teaches'us'not'to'judge'(Lk.'6:37;'Rom.'14:4;'Ja.'4:11:12;'1'Cor.'4:5)'2. Questions:'

a. Why'wrong'to'judge?'b. Others'do'it,'why'can’t'I?'c. Doesn’t'life'involve'judging?'Teacher;'employers'd. Doesn’t'the'Bible'demand'some'judgment?'We'are'to'reprove'and'rebuke;'even'praise'

involves'judgment;'what'about'discipline'in'the'church?'3. We'must'decine'and'limit'judgment'

B. Principles:'1. The'nature'of'God'–'Only'He'can'make'a'valid'assessment:'We'are'not'God'(1'Cor.'4:5;'Rom.'14:4;'

Ja.'4:'11'f.)'2. See'our'inadequacy'in'goodness,'knowledge,'wisdom'3. It'is'not'easy'to'decide'proper'course'of'action'in'matters'about'which'the'Bible'does'not'

specicically'speak.'4. Consider'the'choice'between'two'evils'

C. A'Premise:'1. We'are'not'to'make'judgments'in'areas'where'we'do'not'have'all'the'facts'2. We'do'not'know'the'hearts'of'others:'what'was'the'motive?'3. Does'a'given'act'represent'the'true'inner'nature'of'a'person?'(see'Rom.'7:'13:25)'4. What'is'the'background'for'what'we'see'in'others?'5. Lk.'6:37'–'Have'a'redemptive'motive'6. Jn.'7:'24'–'What'is'involved'here?'

D. Judgment'And'Discipline:'1. Matt.'18:'15:20'2. Rom.'16:17'3. 1'Cor.'5:'1:11'4. 2'Thess.'3:6,'14'5. 2'Jn.'9'

E. Three'Questions:'1. Why'is'it'wrong'to'judge'others?'2. What'if'I'do'it'anyway?'Ja.'4:'11'f.'3. When'and'how'is'it'to'be'done?'

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Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(8)'

(2'Corinthians'10:1:6)'

“How'Can'I'Be'Somebody?”'

(Psalm'8:1:9)'

[1]$$O$LORD,$our$Lord,$How$excellent$is$Your$name$in$all$the$earth,$Who$have$set$Your$glory$above$the$heavens!$[2]$Out$of$the$mouth$of$babes$and$nursing$infants$You$have$ordained$strength,$Because$of$Your$enemies,$That$You$may$silence$the$enemy$and$the$avenger.$[3]$When$I$consider$Your$heavens,$the$work$of$Your$fingers,$The$moon$and$the$stars,$which$You$have$ordained,$[4]$What$is$man$that$You$are$mindful$of$him,$And$the$son$of$man$that$You$visit$him?$[5]$For$You$have$made$him$a$liPle$lower$than$the$angels,$And$You$have$crowned$him$with$glory$and$honor.$[6]$You$have$made$him$to$have$dominion$over$the$works$of$Your$hands;$You$have$put$all$things$under$his$feet,$[7]$All$sheep$and$oxen—$Even$the$beasts$of$the$field,$[8]$The$birds$of$the$air,$And$the$fish$of$the$sea$That$pass$through$the$paths$of$the$seas.$[9]$O$LORD,$our$Lord,$How$excellent$is$Your$name$in$all$the$earth!'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::'

A. A'Look'At'Psalm'8'

1. “A'liKle'lower'than'the'angels”'–'See'Gen.'1:26:27;'2:7'

2. Look'in'the'mirror,'and'what'do'you'see?'

3. Immanuel'Kant'said,'“There'are'two'things'that'fill'me'with'awe:''the'starry'heavens'and'the'moral'

responsibility'of'man.”'

a) “There'is'a'hero'in'all'of'us”'–'Thomas'Carlyle'

b) “God'give'us'men…”'–'Rudyard'Kipling'

c) “Abe,'be'somebody”'–'Lincoln’s'stepmother'

d) Rom.'8:37'

B. You'Are'already'Somebody'

1. Make'1'Tim.'1:15'and'Jn.'3:16'personal'

2. The'real'quesaon:'How'can'I'develop'and'nurture'who'I'am'and'what'I'have'become'in'Christ?'

C. Developing'The'Somebody'I'Am'

1. Abtudes'(Prov.'4:23)'–'“The'difference'between'work'and'play'is'abtude”'

' '''''''Form'good'abtudes'about:'

a) God'(Ps.'119:164)'

b) Others'(MaK.'22:39)'

c) Self'(Ps.'106:24:25)'

2. AKributes'

a) Make'list'of'liabiliaes'and'resolve'to'pray'that'God'will'give'you'the'self:acceptance'necessary'to'

live'with'what'you'cannot'change'and'the'foratude'to'do'something'about'what'you'can'change'

b) Make'list'of'aKributes'and'nurture'them'(Ps.'139:14)'

3. Acaons'

a) Eliminate'self:pity'

b) Associate'with'right'kind'of'people'

c) Begin'consciously'doing'what'you'should

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Pulling Down Strongholds (9)(2 Corinthians 10:1-6)

“How Can I Make A Difference?”(Exodus 2:1-10)

Moses is Born[1] And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. [2] So the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him three months. [3] But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank. [4] And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him.[5] Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. [6] And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” [7] Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” [8] And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child's mother. [9] Then Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. [10] And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”----------------

A. Background1. Are you acquainted with Jochebed? Name means “The Glory of the Lord” or “The Lord of

Glory”2. An Israelite of the priestly tribe of Levi and married Amram, a Levite and her nephew (Ex.

6:20)3. The mother of Moses

B. The Story Unfolds1. Genesis ends with Jacob and his family settled in Goshen, the best part of Egypt (47:1 ff),

and Joseph the ruler of the entire land, second only to Pharaoh (41:41)2. Jacob died after 17 years in Egypt at the age of 147 (47:28) and Joseph buried him in

Canaan where Abraham and Sarah were buried (50:12 ff.; 25:9-11)3. Joseph continued in an honored position in Egypt for 54 more years until his death at age

110 and Genesis ends with 50:21-264. A Pharaoh who did not know Joseph (Ex. 1:8) – perhaps 30 years later: oppression

(1:9-22) and birth of Moses (2:1-14)5. Jochebed made a difference

C. Jochebed Saw Life1. Pharaoh saw no value and death; Jochebed saw life, potential, value, and possibility2. One of the Prime Ministers of England would tip his hat to every child he met because he

said, “That may be a future Prime Minister.”D. Jochebed Nurtured Life

1. Created an atmosphere for nurturing (Heb. 11:24-26) – what kind of atmosphere are you creating?

2. 1 Tim. 4:12; Rom. 14:7, 10-12E. Jochebed Offered Life

1. What Moses had in Egypt – Everything2. Heb. 11:24-26 – children imitate faith of parents until develop their own.3. Jochebed put her life on the line for the right – gave Moses an opportunity

F. See, nurture, offer life and you will make a difference

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PULLING'DOWN'STRONGHOLDS'(10)'

How'Can'I'Have'A'Posi=ve'A>tude?'

(Philippians'4:6I13)'

{6}$Be$anxious$for$nothing,$but$in$everything$by$prayer$and$supplica;on,$with$thanksgiving,$let$your$requests$be$made$known$to$God;${7}$and$the$peace$of$God,$which$surpasses$all$understanding,$will$guard$your$hearts$and$minds$through$Christ$Jesus.$

$Meditate'on'These'Things ${8}$Finally,$brethren,$whatever$things$are$true,$whatever$things$are$noble,$whatever$things$are$just,$whatever$things$are$pure,$whatever$things$are$lovely,$whatever$things$are$of$good$report,$if$there$is$any$virtue$and$if$there$is$anything$praiseworthy—meditate$on$these$things.${9}$The$things$which$you$learned$and$received$and$heard$and$saw$in$me,$these$do,$and$the$God$of$peace$will$be$with$you.$

$Philippian'Generosity ${10}$But$I$rejoiced$in$the$Lord$greatly$that$now$at$last$your$care$for$me$has$flourished$again;$though$you$surely$did$care,$but$you$lacked$opportunity.${11}$Not$that$I$speak$in$regard$to$need,$for$I$have$learned$in$whatever$state$I$am,$to$be$content:${12}$I$know$how$to$be$abased,$and$I$know$how$to$abound.$Everywhere$and$in$all$things$I$have$learned$both$to$be$full$and$to$be$hungry,$both$to$abound$and$to$suffer$need.${13}$I$can$do$all$things$through$Christ$who$strengthens$me.$$

———————I'

A. Paul’s'Experiences'

1. Acts'tells'his'story:''stoned'at'Lystra'(14:19);'beaten'and'imprisoned'at'Philippi'(16:22I24);'slandered'at'

Thessalonica'(17:6I8);'mocked'at'Athens'(17:32);'fled'for'life'and'limb'from'Ephesus'(20:1ff.);'threatened'

with'death'at'Jerusalem'(21:31);'died'in'Rome'(2'Tim.'4:6I8)'

2. 2'Cor.'11:23I28'

B. The'A>tude'In'the'Text'

1. “Rejoice”'(4:4)'

2. “Do'not'be'anxious”'(4:6I7)'

3. “Think”'(4:8)'

4. “Content”'(4:11)'

5. “Can'do'all'things”'(4:13)'

C. How'Can'I'Develop'A'Posi=ve'A>tude?'

1. Desire'

2. Think'posi=ve'thoughts'(Prov.'4:23;'23:7;'Maf.'15:19)'

3. Be'posi=ve'about'yourself'

a) The'image'you'have'of'yourself'affects'behavior,'a>tudes,'produc=vity,'and'success'in'life'

b) You'are'fearfully'and'wonderfully'made'(Ps.'139:14)'

c) You'are'worth'more'than'the'world'

d) Allow'self'to'be'imperfect'and'never'accept'defeat'

4. Be'posi=ve'today'

a) A'day'is'16'waking'hours'packed'full'of'opportunity,'excitement,'and'achievement'(Ps.'118:24)'

b) Sow'posi=ve'thoughts,'deeds,'and'expecta=ons'(Gal.'6:7)I'inject'hope'into'despair'and'faith'into'

defeat'(Eph.'5:20)'

5. Be'enthusias=c'–'“God'within”'(see'Rev.'3:14I16;'Acts'2:46I47)'

6. Be'thinking'of'others'(Phil.'2:6I7)'–'see'Lk.'6:38;'Mal.'3:10'

7. Be'thankful'(Phil'4:6I7)'

8. Be'faithful'(Phil.'2:5;'Prov.'3:5I6;'16:3)

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Pulling Down Strongholds (11) 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

"How Can I Form Good Habits?" (Luke 4:14-21)

14Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. 15And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.16So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. 17And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:18“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me,Because He has anointed MeTo preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captivesAnd recovery of sight to the blind,To set at liberty those who are oppressed;19To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”20Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

A. Forming Good Habits 1. Habits make a person - You develop your habits and then your habits develop you 2. Work toward good habits

a) "Habit is a cable - we weave a thread of it every day, and at last we cannot break them"

b) "The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken"

c) "Sow an act, and reap a habit; Sow a habit, and reap a character; Sow a character, and reap a destiny."

B. Habits We Should Form 1. Regular attendance at church assemblies (Lk. 2:42; Lk. 4:16)

- For your sake and sake of others (Heb. 10:24-25) 2. Bible study - Good study habits are worth while in school and in God's word

(2 Tim. 1:15, Eph. 5:17; Amos 8:11; Col. 1:9-11) 3. Live right (Ja. 1:27; 1 Tim. 4:13 f.; Rom. 8:29; Rom. 12:1-2; Lk. 6:46) 4. Think well of people - Expect the best (Isa. 5:18; 1 Tim. 6:18) 5. Stand for the right (Mk. 8:38)

C. Questions Regarding Actions Which May Become Habits 1. Is it right or wrong in itself? (1 Thess. 5:21; Rom. 12:9; see also 1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23) 2. Will it help or harm me spiritually? (Gal. 6:7-8; 1 Pet. 2:5; Rom. 8:6; Ja. 4:4) 3. Does it take me among evil companions? (1 Cor. 15:33) 4. Is the practice questionable? (1 Thess 5:22; Rom. 14:13) 5. Will it be a stumbling block? (1 Cor. 8:8-13; 2 Thess. 2:11; Matt. 18:6; 1 Cor. 10:32) 6. Does it appeal to the flesh? (Gal. 5:19-21) 7. Where does it lead? (Matt. 7:20) 8. Would Jesus participate? (1 Pet. 2:21)

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Page 15: “Pulling(Down(Strongholds((1)( - Whitehouse Church · Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(3)' (1'Corinthians'10:'196)' “What'About'Stress?”' (1'Kings'19:'194)' [1]'And'Ahab'told'Jezebel'all'that'Elijah'had'done,'also'how'he

Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(12)'

(2'Corinthians'10:3:6!“How!Can!I!Be!More!Forgiving?”!

(Matthew'6:8:15)!

(Mt!6:8915)!NKJV![8]'“Therefore'do'not'be'like'them.'For'your'Father'knows'the'things'you'have'need'of'

before'you'ask'Him.'[9]'“In'this'manner,'therefore,'pray:'

Our'Father'in'heaven,'

Hallowed'be'Your'name.'

[10]'Your'kingdom'come.'

Your'will'be'done'

On'earth'as'it'is'in'heaven.'

[11]'Give'us'this'day'our'daily'bread.'

[12]'And'forgive'us'our'debts,'

As'we'forgive'our'debtors.'

[13]'And'do'not'lead'us'into'temptation,'

'But'deliver'us'from'the'evil'one.'

For'Yours'is'the'kingdom'and'the'power'and'the'glory'forever.'Amen.'

[14]'“For'if'you'forgive'men'their'trespasses,'your'heavenly'Father'will'also'forgive'you.'[15]'

“But'if'you'do'not'forgive'men'their'trespasses,'neither'will'your'Father'forgive'your'

trespasses.!99999999999999999999999999!

A. The!Forgiveness!Of!God!1. Why!do!we!need!forgiveness?!–!We!are!sinners!(Rom.!3:23;!1!Jn.!3:4;!

1:8,10)!2. What!is!forgiveness?!

a) Remember!no!more!(Heb.!8:12)!b) Put!away!(Heb.!9:26)!c) Release!(Heb.!9:15)!

3. How!is!forgiveness!possible?!(Heb.!9:12;!Matt.!26:26928;!Heb.!9:22;!1!Jn.!1:7)!

4. How!is!forgiveness!received?!(Acts!2:38;!1!Jn.!1:7,9)!B. Our!Forgiveness!of!Each!Other!

1. Why?!We!have!been!forgiven!(Eph.!4:32)!2. How!often?!(Lk.!17:394;!Matt.!18:21!ff)!3. Can!I!forgive!and!not!forget?!(Heb.!8:12)!4. What!if!my!brother!does!not!repent?!5. What!about!public!confession?!(Ja.!5:16)!

C. How!Can!I!Be!More!Forgiving?!1. Consider!the!spirit!of!Christ!(Lk.!23:34)!2. Understand!the!importance!(Matt.!6:15)!3. Remember!you!are!forgiven!(Matt.!18:21!ff)!4. Without!the!spirit!of!forgiveness!I!will!probably!be!ailled!with!resentment,!

bitterness,!and!even!hatred!and!this!will!destroy!my!happiness,!peace,!and!usefulness!(Eph.!4:31932)!

5. Love!more!and!be!longsuffering!(1!Pet.!4:8)!

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Pulling'Down'Strongholds'(13)'(2'Corinthians'10:3:6)'

“How'Can'I'Get'Along'With'Others?”'(Matthew'7:7:12)'

Keep'Asking,'Seeking,'Knocking'[7]$“Ask,$and$it$will$be$given$to$you;$seek,$and$you$will$9ind;$knock,$and$it$will$be$opened$to$you.$[8]$“For$everyone$who$asks$receives,$and$he$who$seeks$9inds,$and$to$him$who$knocks$it$will$be$opened.$[9]$“Or$what$man$is$there$among$you$who,$if$his$son$asks$for$bread,$will$give$him$a$stone?$[10]$“Or$if$he$asks$for$a$9ish,$will$he$give$him$a$serpent?$[11]$“If$you$then,$being$evil,$know$how$to$give$good$gifts$to$your$children,$how$much$more$will$your$Father$who$is$in$heaven$give$good$things$to$those$who$ask$Him!$[12]$“Therefore,$whatever$you$want$men$to$do$to$you,$do$also$to$them,$for$this$is$the$Law$and$the$Prophets.':::::::::::::::::::::::::::'

A. Getting'Along'With'Yourself'(Ps.'118:24)'1. If'you'do'not'like'yourself'it'will'be'difTicult'to'like'others.'2. Count'your'blessings'and'trust'God’s'promises'(Ps.'118:24;'Prov.'16:3;'Prov.'3:5:6;'Phil.'

4:4)'3. Know'yourself,'love'yourself,'forgive'yourself'

B. “Do'Unto'Others”'(Matt.'7:12)'–'The'perfect'rule'for'human'relationships'1. Perhaps'the'most'famous'statement'ever'made'(see'Lk.'6:27:31)'2. How'do'you'want'to'be'treated?'Treat'others'this'way'

a) I'do'not'want'to'be'manipulated'b) I'do'not'want'to'be'intimidated'c) I'do'want'encouragement'd) I'do'want'to'be'appreciated'e) I'do'want'to'be'forgiven'f) I'do'want'others'to'listen'g) I'do'want'to'be'understood'

C. “Give'And'It'Will'Be'Given'To'You”'(Lk.'6:38)'1. You'reap'what'you'sow'2. Application:'

a) Love'sincerely,'not'for'what'you'get'b) Serve'Expecting'nothing'in'return'c) Condescend'to'people'of'low'estate'(Rom.'12:16;'Lk.'14:12:14)'

3. Outcome:'a) When'you'give'to'others'you'will'grow'and'have'sense'of'well:being'b) You'will'usually'get'back'from'others'what'you'give'

4. “It'is'one'of'the'most'beautiful'compensations'of'this'life'that'no'man'can'sincerely'try'to'help'another'without'helping'himself'“'–'Emerson'

5. “The'best'index'to'a'man’s'character'is':''a) how'he'treats'people'who'can’t'do'him'any'good,'and'b) how'he'treats'people'who'can’t'Tight'back”':'Abigail'Van'Buren'

6. Proverbs'10:3:4,'12,'24;'11:2,'24:25,'31;'12:20;'14:23,'30;'15:1,4,13,15;'16:3,18;'17:9;'18:12;'21:5;'22:4;'24:3:4'