The document outlines a meeting for a spiritual fellowship group. It discusses restoring spiritual wholeness by moving from compulsion to purposeful service. It provides an overview of the meeting format which includes worship, introductions, scripture meditation, instruction, discussion, prayer requests, and prayer. The contents section lists the topics that will be covered in the instruction portion, including hearing God's will, doing God's will, increasing spiritual awareness and decreasing pride and lusts, and recognizing the fruit of the spirit.

1. Restore Life
Restoring Spiritual Wholeness
Moving from Compulsion to Purposeful Service
(MATTHEW 25:34-40 Ministries for the San Diego Downtown
Fellowship of Churches & Ministries Supporting the Spiritual
Programs at SD Connections Housing)

2. General Meeting Outline
• Worship & Prayer
• Introductions
– Name
– Your personal spiritual goals (optional)
– News & Praise (optional – since the last meeting)
• Meditation Scriptures
• Instruction & Discussion
• Summary
– What have you learned in the lesson? (about 30
seconds per participant)
– Prayer requests
• Prayer

3. Restore Life Contents
• Introduction – Our Mutual Problem (4) [PET scans-14,15]
• Hearing God’s Will (19)
• Doing God’s Will (24)
• Increase Your Spiritual Awareness & Decrease Your Pride & Lusts (Sin) (29)
• Your Purpose of Life (36)
• Expanded Purpose in Christ (43)
• Recognize The Fruit of the Spirit & Avoid the Counterfeits of the Flesh (49)
• Becoming a Good Fruit Inspector (56)
• Removing Blockades to Restoration (61)
• Forgiveness & Unforgiveness (71)
• Lack of Repentance (82)
• Self-Deception (Denial of Truth) (87)
• Enablement (97)
• “Stuckedness” (103)
• Rising Above the World (112) [Where is Your Hope (116)]
• Spiritual Needs (122)
• Some Summaries (134)

4. Introduction –
Our Mutual Problem
TC

5. Meditation: Creation of Mankind
• GE 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens
and the earth.
• GE 1:26-27 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our
image, according to Our likeness; and let them
rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of
the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth,
and over every creeping thing that creeps on the
earth.” 27 God created man in His own image, in
the image of God He created him; male and
female He created them.
• GE 2:7 Then the LORD God formed man of dust
from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the
breath of life; and man became a living being.
TC

6. Meditation
• JOB 38:1-2 Then the LORD answered Job out of
the whirlwind and said, 2 “Who is this that
darkens counsel By words without knowledge?
Conclusion: DT 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our
God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your
God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your might.”
…& we’re not God.
TC

7. Meditation
• GE 2:16-17 The LORD God commanded the man,
saying, “From any tree of the garden you may
eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the
day that you eat from it you will surely die.”
• GE 3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was
good for food, and that it was a delight to the
eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make
one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and
she gave also to her husband with her, and he
ate.
TC

8. Meditation
• GE 3:9-13 Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to
him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of You
in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid
myself.” 11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked?
Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not
to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be
with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the
LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have
done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I
ate.”
• GE 3:14 The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have
done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than
every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust
you will eat All the days of your life;
• GE 3:15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on
the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.”
The seed of the woman is Christ – the promise of our redemption &restoration
TC

9. Meditation
• RO 3:21-27 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God
is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22
even righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for
all who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have
sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified
as a gift by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus;
25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood
through faith to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the
forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously
committed; 26 for the demonstration of His righteousness at the
present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the
one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is boasting? It is
excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of
faith. Conclusion: We are all hopelessly enslaved to sin unless we entrust
our lives to Christ. His power alone can free us.
TC

10. Instruction
• We were designed for fellowship with God.
• That fellowship was broken by the original
sin (spiritual death = separation from God).
The sin nature was the only thing that could
be passed down to the human race from
Adam & Eve
• Because of the sin nature, we have a hole
in our soul which can only be filled by
God through Jesus Christ
TC

11. Instruction
• By our sin nature, we seek to fill the hole in our
soul with things from the world
• Nothing except Christ is sufficient
– The things we try provide a little satisfaction
for a little while
– …but we get less & less satisfaction
– …so we try more, more frequently
– …which doesn’t work (we get worse)
• We become enslaved to a compulsive
behavior, a habit which we can’t break
• The hole in our soul persists
TC

12. Instruction
• Sometimes we can break a compulsive behavior
by substituting a different act
• We might succeed for a little while, but we
might be drawn back to our old ways – OR –
the new act becomes as bad a compulsion as the
old.
• Without the power of God, we become helpless
– …but self-deception may deny this
– …if we go back to the old habit, it is more
difficult to break the next time
TC

13. Instruction
• Science has shown compulsive behaviors produce
unique brain scan patterns
– Nicotine & caffeine are “entry” addictive
substances
– Brain patterns from smoking share >90%
commonality with all other addiction patterns
• After victory over an addiction, it takes time for
the brain scans to normalize
– Persistence in abstinence seals victory
– But we struggle greatly to persist!
• People with a deep relationship with Christ
recover more rapidly than others
TC

14. Brain (PET) Scans
Normal
Note: all
compulsions
suppress healthy
brain activities
All compulsions reduce dopamine receptors in the brain, adversely
affecting brain function. After overcoming a compulsion, it can take
time for normality to return (up to 7 years)
TC

15. More PET Scans
PET scans look at
brain cross-sections.
The scans light up
chemicals in the brain
synapses, primarily
dopamine.
Note that only Bipolar
Disorder exhibits
increased activity.
TC

16. Instruction
• GAL 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free;
therefore keep standing firm and do not be
subject again to a yoke of slavery.
• GAL 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom,
brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an
opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve
one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in
one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”
• GAL 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you
will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
• GAL 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk
by the Spirit.
TC

17. Instruction
• Walking in the Spirit makes the difference
– Bearing the character traits of Christ (fruit of the
Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)
– Becoming a good “Fruit Inspector”
• A “spiritual” person is one who is walking in the
Spirit manifesting the victory of Christ
• After victory over a compulsion, learn to serve
others in their needs by sharing your victory
TC

18. The Goal
• GAL 6:1-2 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in
any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore
such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one
looking to yourself, so that you too will not be
tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and
thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
• After overcoming a compulsion, you are called
to help those still enslaved to a similar
compulsion.
TC

19. Hearing God’s Will
TC

20. Meditation
• DT 6:4-5 “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God,
the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD
your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your might.”
• LEV 19:18 “You shall not take vengeance, nor
bear any grudge against the sons of your
people, but you shall love your neighbor as
yourself; I am the LORD.”
Conclusion: Perfect & total love of God & all people is
needed: …we’re not God.
20
TC

21. Instruction
• Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD
is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4) [Therefore: (from
verses that follow)]
– Love God with your entire being (DT 6:5)
– Hear & obey His commandments, statutes, &
ordinances (His expressed will, the principles of His
Law, the Bible)
• Implant them in your heart / be careful NOT to forget
• Teach them in your household, to your children, etc., by
word & deed
– Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot
from evil
TC

22. Instruction
• This you know, my beloved brethren. But
everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak
and slow to anger; for the anger of man does
not achieve the righteousness of God. (James
1:19-20) [Therefore: (from verses that follow)]
– Put aside all filthiness and all that remains of
wickedness
– Humbly receive the word implanted, which is
able to save your souls
– Prove yourselves doers of the word
TC

23. Instruction: How to Hear God
1. Seek God’s will (not your fleshly desires)
a. Prayerfully
b. Frequently (always)
c. Fervently (with joy & zeal to do)
2. Guard the attitudes of your heart
a. Preserve an attitude of gratitude to God
b. Desiring to please Him (not the world)
c. Avoid grumbling, complaining, or blaming others
3. Be willing to obey (do)
TC

24. Doing God’s Will
TC

25. Meditation
• RO 3:10-18 as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS,
NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO
UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR
GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY
HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO
DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.”
“THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR
TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING, THE POISON OF
ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS; WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL
OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS; THEIR FEET ARE
SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, DESTRUCTION AND
MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, AND THE PATH OF
PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.”
“THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”
25
NOTE: The statement “There is a little good in everyone” is a LIE.
TC

26. Meditation
• RO 3:21-27 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of
God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and
the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith
in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no
distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the
redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed
publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was
to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance
of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for
the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present
time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who
has faith in Jesus. 27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded.
By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
Conclusion: We are all hopelessly enslaved to sin unless we
entrust our lives to Christ. His power alone can free us. 26
TC

27. Instruction
• We were designed for fellowship with God.
• That fellowship was broken by the original sin.
The sin nature was the only thing that could be
passed down to the human race from Adam &
Eve
• Because of the sin nature, we have a hole in
our soul which can only be filled by God
through Jesus Christ
• The result is slavery to compulsive behaviors
27
TC

28. Instruction
• Compulsive behaviors, especially addictions, change
our being
– Physically, by altering brain patters
– Spiritually, by isolating us from the solution we need
& from wanting to do the will of God
• Without the power of God, we become helpless
– …but self-deception may deny this
– …if we go back to the old habit, it is more difficult
to break the next time because we denied the power
of God
– Every sinful behavior is destructive to us.
– The will of God for us is (only) GOOD. 28
TC

29. Increase Your Spiritual Awareness
Decrease Your Pride & Lusts (Sin)
• Be led & live in the power of God
• Walk in the Spirit of Christ (Bear the fruit of
the Spirit – His Character in you)
• Become a good fruit inspector
TC

30. Meditation
• GAL 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free;
therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject
again to a yoke of slavery.
• GAL 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom,
brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an
opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve
one another. 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in
one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE
YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.”
• GAL 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will
not carry out the desire of the flesh.
• GAL 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by
the Spirit.
30
We live by the Spirit of Christ – BUT we don’t always walk by the Spirit
TC

31. Instruction
• Surrender to CHRIST produces healing
– Some healing takes place instantly
– Some healing takes place over time through a
spiritual growth process
• Walking in the Spirit makes the difference
– Bearing the character traits of Christ (fruit of the
Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)
– Becoming a good “Fruit Inspector”
31
TC

32. Instruction
• Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
– Love, Joy, Peace, (heart conditions)
– Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,
Gentleness, (behavior toward others conditions)
– Self-control
• Deeds of the Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
– Immorality, Impurity, Sensuality; (sexual sins, incl.
porn)
– Sorcery (Gr: pharmakia = drugs), Drunkenness
– Idolatry (greed, materialism, etc.)
– Enmities, Strife, Jealousy, Outbursts of Anger, Disputes, Dissensions,
Factions, Envying, (No Peace)
– Carousing, and things like these
32
If you see deeds of the flesh in your life you are not walking in the Spirit
TC

33. Instruction
• Being a good “Fruit Inspector” verifies Walking in
the Spirit
– Quickly discovering you are walking in the flesh allows you
to quickly repent
• Change recently adopted attitudes and decisions
• Return to surrender the Lord
– “Fruit Inspector” practices help to avoid self-deception & to
build true humility
• Love, joy, & peace are the most critical manifestations of
the fruit to monitor
– They are directly coupled to our submission to the
SPIRIT – i.e., they quickly disappear when we sin
– …but, Love is counterfeited in the flesh by our lusts
33
TC

34. Instruction
• Define Love, Joy, & Peace
• What are the opposites of each?
• LOVE –
• JOY –
• PEACE –
• If we live by the Spirit (i.e., if we are saved), let
us also walk by the Spirit (act in submission to the
Spirit).
• Learn to cherish the way you experience the
fruit of the Spirit so that you will miss it when
you are not walking in the Spirit.
34
TC

35. Instruction (& 50 similar verses)
• JN 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “ I am the
Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the
darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
• JN 12:35-36 So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the
Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that
darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness
does not know where he goes. While you have the Light,
believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.”
• Ro 6:4…so we too might walk in newness of life.
• RO 8:4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in
us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to
the Spirit.
• 2CO 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—
• Eph 4:1…implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the
calling with which you have been called
35
TC

36. Your Purpose of Life
TC

37. Meditation
• A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me
and known me. You know my sitting down and my
rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You
comprehend my path and my lying down, And are
acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:1-3)
• For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in
my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully
and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And
that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden
from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully
wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw
my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book
they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When
as yet there were none of them. (Psalm 139:13-16)
TC

38. From where do
you draw purpose in life?
• Do you derive your purpose from:
– Your maker (per Psalm 139)?
– From the world around you?
• Seeking to please others
• Doing what others tell you to do
• Seeking to rescue people you care about from their own
bad decisions
• Seeking to ‘make your fortune’
– Pursuing pleasure?
– Seeking fulfillment & satisfaction from the world?
– Doing ‘your own thing’?
– Pursuing things about which you are passionate?
Do you know God’s will for you? How do you find HIS will?
TC

39. Meditation
• RO 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of
God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice,
acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of
worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you
may prove what the will of God is, that which is good
and acceptable and perfect.
• RO 12:3 For through the grace given to me I say to
everyone among you not to think more highly of himself
than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound
judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
• RO 12:4-5 For just as we have many members in one body
and all the members do not have the same function, so
we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and
individually members one of another.
TC

40. Instruction
• One of our primary purposes now and in
eternity is to worship the Lord.
• Worship involves sacrifice. In this case, of selfish
desires and self-centeredness.
• Worship is founded in thanksgiving, which give
strength to praise, which builds in us a heart to
obey the will of God…serving His will.
• Humble meditation on how great God’s love
and kindness is towards us helps us to renew
our mind – from worldliness to godliness.
TC

41. Instruction
• We were designed for fellowship with God.
• We were designed to be in a loving
relationship with people.
• Because of sin, we are deprived of the full
benefits of both kinds of relationship: with
God and with other people.
TC

42. Instruction
• When we enter into a relationship with God through
Jesus Christ, HE enables us to receive the benefits HE
designed us to receive.
• If we grow in our relationship with God, we also grow
in our ability to live correct loving relationships with
people, even those who have or are abusing or
exploiting us.
• God calls us (gives us purpose), HE provides for
accomplishing for what HE calls us to do. HE rewards
us when we obey.
TC

43. Expanded Purpose
in Christ
TC

44. Meditation & Instruction
• RO 12:4-5 For just as we have many members in one body and
all the members do not have the same function, so we, who
are many, are one body in Christ, and individually
members one of another.
• God is perfect in HIS relationship toward us (all mankind).
• We are highly imperfect in our relationship toward our
loving Creator.
• We need His relationship to have good relationships with
others – Love is the answer and God is Love.
• Our BEST response to HIM is gratitude!
• Our inability to improve our spiritual growth by ourselves
means we must depend upon God all the more.
• LORD, I can’t, but You can; You take control. Thank You,
Jesus
TC

45. Meditation
• Galatians 6:1-5:
• Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you
who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of
gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be
tempted.
• Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of
Christ.
• For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when
he is nothing, he deceives himself.
• But let each one examine his own work, and then he
will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in
another. For each one shall bear his own load.
TC

46. Instruction
• We were designed for fellowship with God. (DT 6:5)
• We were designed to be in a loving relationship with
people. (LV 19:18)
• God has specific purposes for each of us.
– Serving our communities & bringing Him & His will to
the center of each community
– A specific calling (vocation) using our God-given talents
& gifts
– Ways of serving Him by serving each other (MT 25:34-40)
– Doing His will in each daily detail
TC

47. Instruction
• We are to love God & each other
• We are to live in God’s will
• We haven’t
• God will not only redeem those who repent
and seek His face, He will also give them an
expanded, new purpose
– Giving attention to attaining/retaining our victory
– Helping to spread the Good News of His grace
– Restoring others by bringing them to Him
TC

48. Instruction
• When we are successfully living our Godly life
purposes, God uses us to present Him, His
will, & Christ Jesus in the midst of each
community in which we participate
• The Community is lifted up, improved.
• Community needs are met.
TC

49. Recognizing The Fruit of the Spirit &
Avoiding the Counterfeits of the Flesh
TC

50. Meditation
• GAL 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry
out the desire of the flesh.
• GAL 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the
Law.
• GAL 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:
immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities,
strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions,
factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like
these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you,
that those who practice such things will not inherit the
kingdom of God.
• GAL 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-
control; against such things there is no law.
• GAL 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified
the flesh with its passions and desires.
• GAL 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
TC

51. Instruction
• How do the deeds of the flesh manifest?
– What buttons do you have which trigger sin?
– What influences affect you the most?
– How can you avoid or overcome temptation?
• How do you experience the Fruit of the Spirit?
– How do you know you are doing God’s will?
– What are your motivations for walking in the
Spirit?
TC

52. Instruction: James 1:2-8, 12
• 2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you
encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of
your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have
its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and
complete, lacking in nothing.
• 5-8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it
will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without
any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of
the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man
ought not to expect that he will receive anything from
the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all
his ways.
• 12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once
he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
TC

53. Instruction
• How do you rejoice in the midst of trials?
• Do you desire to be made perfect and complete
as a person?
• Have you tried to be perfect and failed?
• Do you have wisdom to make excellent
decisions in all the trials of life?
• What does it mean to be double-minded?

54. Don’t Blame God!
(Common Sin Reaction)
• JAS 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being
tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil,
and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
• JAS 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away
and enticed by his own lust.
• JAS 1:15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to
sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
• JAS 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
• JAS 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is
from above, coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
TC

55. Instruction
• Learn to NOT entertain sin
• Learn the will of God expressed in His Word
• Seek God’s face: Pray for wisdom
• Rejoice = pray with thanksgiving to God that
He is God and with you always (MT 28:18)
• Die to self
• Live to HIM
TC

56. Becoming a Good Fruit Inspector
TC

57. Meditation
• GAL 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry
out the desire of the flesh.
• GAL 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:
immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities,
strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which
I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who
practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
• GAL 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no
law.
• GAL 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the
flesh with its passions and desires.
• GAL 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
TC

58. Instruction
• Walking in the Spirit makes the difference
– Bearing the character traits of Christ (fruit of the
Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control)
– Becoming a good “Fruit Inspector”
• After victory over a compulsion, learn to serve
others in their needs by sharing your victory
• GAL 6:1-2 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any
trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a
spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so
that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s
burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
TC

59. Instruction
• If we are not doing His will, we cannot
– Be satisfied or fulfilled in anything we do
– Receive the benefits of the Fruit of the Spirit
(especially love, joy, & peace)
– Avoid reaping corruption in our lives
– Accomplish our life purposes (from God)
• If we are doing His will, we will be victorious over
our compulsive behaviors
• We will be able to restore someone else!
• So, how do you know His will?
TC

60. Instruction
• Learn to Cherish
– Love (but the love of God is counterfeited by lusts)
– Joy (inexpressible, but known by all who have had it
– Peace (that surpasses all understanding)
• If you cherish the Fruit, especially joy & peace,
you will miss them quickly when you are NOT
walking in the Spirit
• Quickly think about what led to you not walking
in the Spirit and repent
TC

61. Removing Blockades to
Restoration
TC

62. Meditation: Genesis 4:3-7
• So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought
an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground.
• Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock
and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for
Abel and for his offering;
• But for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So
Cain became very angry and his countenance fell (he
stopped being joyful).
• Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And
why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not
your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well,
sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but
you must master it.”
TC

63. How Do You Answer These
Questions?
• Who are you angry with? Why? Who do you blame?
– Are you justified in you anger?
– Does your anger prevent you from having a loving
relationship with the person with whom you are angry?
• What takes your joy or peace away?
• What are your “hot button” issues?
– Inability to control you life circumstances?
– Inability to control others to cause them to act correctly?
– Injustice?
– Wickedness?
– Inability to control yourself (frustration)?
TC

64. Instruction: Sources of Pain
• Loss
– Death of a loved one.
– Self-identity loss: (job, position of importance, unable to do favored activities,
community)
– Health (by accident, disability, disease)
– Prosperity/Possessions/Personal treasures
– Identity theft/loss of ID materials (birth certificate, driver’s license, bank cards)
– Security/Safety
– Robbery/theft
• Helplessness in the face of war, wickedness, disaster, illness /disability
• Betrayal (by infidelity, divorce, disloyalty, abandonment)
– (perceived betrayal by God created by false personal theology)
• Exploitation (abuse (verbal / physical), rape, trafficking, slander, libel,
in job, fraud, etc.)
• Bad Personal Decisions (usually also resulting in loss or exposure to
betrayal and/or exploitation)
• Inability: defenselessness, helplessness, loss of control, fear/anxiety, to
hide
TC

65. Instruction: Sources of Soul Pain
• Physically or emotionally abused?
– Unusually harsh punishment
– Bullied at school / ridiculed by peers
– Abandoned or severely neglected at a young age
– Molested by family or ?? ...kept secret
– Developed lack of respect for authority
• Experience tragedy or trauma?
– Broken homes
– Don’t know how to cope
– Can’t “fit in” with “the crowd”
– Unable to process & deal with pain
TC

66. Instruction: Downward Spiral Symptoms
1. Found company with ‘like-minded’ people
– Sin behaviors accepted as normal
– Reinforcement of blame of others
– Close relationships with those of similar compulsions –
adopted as ‘new’ family
– Abandon ‘real’ family for ‘new’ family
2. Developed high tolerance for pain, guilt, shame, &
loneliness
– Increases difficulties, as they increase, so do compulsive
behaviors
– Guilt grows, so cope through denial, leads to lying
– Shame grows, leading to isolation
TC

67. Instruction: More Symptoms
3. Depression begins to dominate life
– Shame, guilt, hopelessness
– Suicidal thoughts
4. The most “hopeless” addicts are often the most
important
– Very clever
– Able to remember “their stories”…cover their tracks
– Rely on intelligence (very self-confident & self-
focused)
– Seeking after God or even asking for help is not
considered valuable
TC

68. Instruction: The Downward Spiral
1. Without healing, a spiritual wound only gets deeper & deeper
2. Hope diminishes, so faith wanes & despair grows
3. As despair grows, the wounded person isolates from others
because the hurt of loneliness is less than the hurt of not being
understood by people “who should” know, understand & help
4. In isolation & hopelessness,
a. The person seeks to medicate themselves, leading to
substance abuse (or “comfortable” compulsive behaviors)
b. The person becomes increasingly depressed & unable to
function in basic life skills, leading to dependency on
psychiatric medications
5. Dependent on substances & feeling out of control, the person
grows in anxiety & hopelessness
6. They continue to spiral downward, repeating (2) through (5),
unless there is a positive intervention (or they die!)
TC

69. Instruction: Roadblocks to Restoration
• Spiritual blocks (internal)
– Unforgiveness
– Denial of truth, self-deception
– Lack of repentance
• External blocks
– Enablement by family & others
– “Stuckedness” in bad habits
– Slavery to substances
– Slavery to compulsiveness
TC

70. Instruction: Responses to Injury
• Pain
• Grief
• Anger
– Against an individual
– Against a group of individuals, organization, or the
government
– Against society as a whole
– Against God (He allowed it; He allows things to be the
way they are; etc.)
• Hate
• Mistrust
• Despair
TC

71. Forgiveness & Unforgiveness
TC

72. Meditation: Genesis 50:15-21
• 15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they
said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us
back in full for all the wrong which we did to him?!”
• 16-18 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father
charged before he died, saying, 17 ‘Thus you shall say to
Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your
brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’And now,
please forgive the evil of the servants of the God of your
father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 Then his
brothers also came and fell down before him and said,
“Behold, we are your servants.”
• 19-21 But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in
God’s place? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but
God meant it for good in order to bring about this present
result, to preserve many people alive. 21 So therefore, do not
be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he
comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
TC

73. Meditation: Job 42:1-6
• JOB 42:1 Then Job answered the LORD and said,
• JOB 42:2 “I know that You can do all things, And that
no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
• JOB 42:3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without
knowledge?’ “Therefore I have declared that which
I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me,
which I did not know.”
• JOB 42:4-5 ‘Hear, now, and I will speak; I will ask You,
and You instruct me.’ 5 “I have heard of You by the
hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You;
• JOB 42:6 Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust
and ashes.”
TC

74. Meditation: Job 42:7-9
• JOB 42:7 It came about after the LORD had spoken these
words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the
Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against
your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me
what is right as My servant Job has.
• JOB 42:8 “Now therefore, take for yourselves seven bulls
and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a
burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will
pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do
with you according to your folly, because you have not
spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.”
• JOB 42:9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite
and Zophar the Naamathite went and did as the LORD
told them; and the LORD accepted Job.
TC

75. Meditation: Jonah
• JNH 1:1-2 The word of the LORD came to Jonah the
son of Amittai saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh the
great city and cry against it, for their wickedness
has come up before Me.”
• JNH 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from
the presence of the LORD. So he went down to
Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish,
paid the fare and went down into it to go with
them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
• JNH 3:10 When God saw their deeds, that they
turned from their wicked way, then God relented
concerning the calamity which He had declared
He would bring upon them. And He did not do it.
TC

76. Jonah (continued)
• JNH 4:1-3 But it greatly displeased Jonah and he
became angry. 2 He prayed to the LORD and said,
“Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was
still in my own country? Therefore in order to
forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You
are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to
anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who
relents concerning calamity. 3 Therefore now, O
LORD, please take my life from me, for death is
better to me than life.”
• Jonah’s unforgiveness led to his disobedience to
God!
• But God is gracious, resulting in Jonah Chapter 4
TC

77. Meditation: New Testament
• Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not
know what they are doing.”… (Luke 23:34)
• But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us. (Romans 5:8)
• Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving
each other, just as God in Christ also has
forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)
• 1JN 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and
righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
us from all unrighteousness.
TC

78. Instruction
• God is a forgiving God, loving to show mercy
to those who are repentant. But, repentance is
required (God is NOT an enabler of sin).
• We are not God, we are not Judge of all, we
are called to love others, we MUST forgive.
Our ultimate love is for others to be saved.
• Unforgiveness is a root of bitterness that
ALWAYS leads to disobedience to God’s will.
• We should desire to be vessels of grace and
forgiveness.
TC

79. Instruction
• We need to be forgiving, even when others
continue to do evil against us.
– This doesn’t mean that we are required to submit
ourselves to their evil if avoidable.
– It does mean that if there is a true fruit of
repentance, we would be willing to have a
continued relationship with them (perhaps with
good healthy boundaries).
• Ultimately Jesus Christ is the source of all
forgiveness.
TC

80. Instruction
• “If your brother sins, go and show him his
fault in private; if he listens to you, you have
won your brother.” (Matthew 18:15)
– God’s goal for all is to live in love & harmony, so
when there is a problem, the first to perceive it
(usually the one offended) is to initiate the
reconciliation process.
– Matthew 18:16-35 explains we need to forgive &
seek reconciliation in order to receive the grace of
God to endure what has occurred to injure us.
• A process is prescribed, which can lead to restoration or
ending of relationship: follow God’s process
TC

81. Instruction
• Do we need to forgive ourselves? (this is a concept
taught by many counselors & self-help groups)
– Yes (in the sense that we need to rid ourselves of
the burden of guilt we are bearing and stop
condemning ourselves)
– No (in the sense that we can’t do anything to earn
forgiveness beyond the grace we have already in
the salvation of Jesus Christ)
• God is the sole source of love, forgiveness,
grace & peace. WE REALIZE ALL OF
THIS BY WALKING IN THE SPIRIT!
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in
Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
TC

82. Lack of Repentance
TC

83. Meditation
• ISA 30:15 For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, “In
repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your
strength.” But you were not willing.
• MT 3:8-12 “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not
suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our
father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up
children to Abraham. The axe is already laid at the root of the trees;
therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and
thrown into the fire. As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance,
but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to
remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His
threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will
burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (John the Baptist)
• 2PE 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness,
but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to
come to repentance.
• LK 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
TC

84. Instruction
• PS 119:37-39 Turn away my eyes from looking at
vanity, And revive me in Your ways. Establish
Your word to Your servant, As that which
produces reverence for You. Turn away my
reproach which I dread, For Your ordinances are
good.
• What is repentance?
– To turn away from turning away from God
– Seeking the face of God with a humble heart,
seeking to restore a right relationship with Him and to
obey Him
– To confess your sin (agree with God you have sinned
and seek His help in removing it from your life)
TC

85. Instruction
• Ps 51:4 Against You, You only, have I sinned and done
what is evil in your sight, so that You are proved
right when You speak and justified when You judge.
• Lack of repentance invites judgment upon us.
– It separates us from the power of God to cleanse our
hearts
– It invites His discipline (see Hebrews 12)
– It removes us from realizing His grace, joy, & peace
– It prevents us from being blessed
– You cannot walk in the Spirit if you are unrepentant
• Unrepentance hinders your prayers & hinders your
hearing of the word and will of God.
TC

86. Instruction
• Repentance is a choice we make
– Want to stop doing things you know to be sinful &
confess your sins to God
– Adopt a repentant attitude in quickly turning to God
for healing as soon as & whenever you see sin in your
life
– Actively pursue a closer relationship with God, doing
His will and sacrificing your own will.
• Avoid people who are encouraging you to
continue in sin
• Avoid people who excuse your sin so you feel OK
to continue sinning
Do not be deceived, bad company corrupts good morals. (1 COR 15:33)
TC

87. Self-Deception (Denial of Truth)
TC

88. Meditation
• DT 11:16 Beware that your hearts are not deceived, and
that you do not turn away and serve other gods and
worship them.
• ISA 44:20 …a deceived heart has turned him aside. & he
cannot deliver himself, nor say, “Is there not a lie in my
right hand?”
• 1CO 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not
inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate,
nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the
kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were
washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of
our God.
TC

89. Meditation
• 1CO 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company
corrupts good morals.”
• GAL 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for
whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
• JAS 1:16-18 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is
from above, coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the
word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first
fruits among His creatures.
TC

90. Meditation
• COL 2:2-3 that your hearts may be encouraged, having
been knit together in love, & attaining to all the wealth
that comes from the full assurance of understanding,
resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is,
Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge.
• COL 2:4 I say this so that no one will delude you with
persuasive argument.
• COL 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through
philosophy and empty deception, according to the
tradition of men, according to the elementary principles
of the world, rather than according to Christ.
TC

91. Instruction
• Seek the truth in every matter
• JN 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, & the truth, &
the life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.”
• PS 119:142 Your righteousness is an everlasting
righteousness, And Your law is truth.
• PS 119:151 You are near, O LORD, And all Your
commandments are truth.
• PS 119:160 The sum of Your word is truth, And every
one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.
• Jn 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt
among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the
only begotten from the Father, full of grace and
truth
TC

92. Instruction
• God is the only source of what is really real
(truth),
– but the sinful world (culture) is constantly seeking
to redefine truth
• Because they seek to redefine God to fit their image
• …which is corrupt
– Sin seeks its own will, not God’s will
– Materialism denies the spiritual realm (& God)
• A materialistic world view distorts reality (the truth) by
denying the spiritual
– Spiritualism denies the physical realm
• God created it all & knows it all perfectly
TC

93. Instruction
• God reveals Himself
– In the Creation
– Through His Word, the Bible
– Through His personal relationship with us through
The Spirit
– Through His LAW
• Written on our heart
• Collectively realized through the culture
• All of this in spite of rampant sin in us & in the
culture
TC

94. Instruction
• Reject everything that opposes the word or will of God,
regardless of the “seeming good” credibility of the
source.
• For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they
will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance
to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from
the truth and will turn aside to myths. 2 Timothy 3-4
(Be careful to be seeking the truth, not merely what
you want to hear)
• One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said,
“Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
Titus 1:12 (don’t be a Cretan)
TC

95. Instruction
• The Bible is:
– The most reliable source of truth
– Authoritative for directing our life
– A source of supreme wisdom
– Illustrative of real life
• Perfect your attitudes toward the Bible
• The better you know the Bible, the easier it is
to avoid being deceived
• The more you improve your relationship with
God through Christ, the more truth you know
– Perfect your GRATITUDE to HIM
TC

96. Closing Meditation (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
• But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it
lawfully,
• Realizing the fact that law is not made for a
righteous person, but for those who are lawless
and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for
the unholy and profane, for those who kill their
fathers or mothers, for murderers
• And immoral men and homosexuals and
kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever
else is contrary to sound teaching,
• According to the glorious gospel of the blessed
God, with which I have been entrusted.
TC

97. Enablement
TC

98. Enabling - Definition
• To make feasible or possible. To supply with the
means, knowledge, or opportunity to be or do
something.
• In this case,
– To make drugs/alcohol/substances more easily
obtained or used.
– To promote an excuse for continuing the compulsive
behavior.
– To allow continuing in a sinful, destructive behavior
• Enablement is not love as it allows behaviors
leading to death.
TC

99. Examples of Enablement
• Helping to avoid consequences of bad decisions:
– Repeatedly bailing them out - jail, financial problems, etc.
– "Rescuing" by softening/removing the natural consequences
• Giving them "one more chance" - ...over and over
• Ignoring or avoiding the problem
– Avoiding conflict because the offender gets defensive
• Joining in the bad behavior
• Joining in blaming others for their own feelings,
problems, and misfortunes
• Accepting justifications, excuses & rationalizations
• Doing for them what they should do for themselves
TC

100. Enabler Motivations
• Trying to "fix" you (or your problem) (Christ’s
job)
• Trying to control them or their problem.
(Being your God)
• Allowing you to control them (promoting your
sin)
• Covering up bad behavior (denying sin)
• Avoiding having to face one’s shortcomings
and sins (avoiding repentance)
Bottom Line: Enablement is SIN
TC

101. Meditation
• MT 16:23 & Mk 8:33 But He turned and said to Peter,
“Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling
block to Me; for you are not setting your mind
on God’s interests, but man’s.”
• MT 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it
is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD
YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’ ”
• Compulsive behaviors do not allow worshiping
the Lord; enablers are preventing the worship of
God by promoting man’s heart attitudes, not
God’s will
TC

102. Instruction
• Peter had the mind of an enabler. He was trying to say
that Christ should never go to the Cross, which was
Christ’s purpose.
• The key to NOT being an enabler: set our minds on the
things that are in God’s will, not man’s perspectives.
• The key to not being trapped in the snares of someone
who is an enabler of your compulsive behaviors is to
focus on God’s calling on your life.
– If you don’t know what that calling really is, you still need
to focus on walking day by day in the Spirit of Christ.
– You MUST fight to overcome the compulsive behaviors in
your life;
– We only do that by building our intimacy with God through
Christ Jesus.
TC

103. “Stuckedness”
(The inability to make progress toward victory
over our compulsions & improving our
relationship with our LORD)
TC

104. Background
• Recall from the Introduction
– We are created for fellowship with God
– Our heart has a special place for God, without Him,
we have a hole in our soul
– Our sin nature seeks fills this hole with compulsive
behaviors – things & activities we control, not God
– Sometime the compulsive behaviors are manifested
as slavery to substances
– Our sin is always disobedience to God’s will
– Compulsive behaviors modify our brain, physically
reinforcing the compulsion
TC

105. Background
• Recall the lessons on “Removing Blockades to
Restoration”; the issues are:
– Unforgiveness
– Lack of Repentance
– Self-Deception (Denial of Truth)
– Enablement
– All of these issues can create “stuckedness”
• “Stuckedness” results when we fail to value
our relationship with God above the things of
the world; i.e. we don’t PUT GOD #1 in our
lives!
TC

106. What is “Stuckedness”?
• “Stuckedness” can be manifested as:
– Slavery to substances
– Slavery to other compulsive behaviors
– Fear of serving the Lord/answering His call
• Continued worldliness instead of joyous
victory; self-will, not God’s will
• Poor personal testimony results
• Poor example for others, especially children
• Rooted in heart attitudes
TC

107. “Stuckedness” Produces Struggle
• Are you still struggling with sins?
– Fornication, adultery, immorality, impurity, sensuality,
cross-dressing, homosexuality, pornography
– Idolatry, greed, theft, shoplifting, swindling,
covetousness
– Drugs, drunkenness, partying, carousing, sorcery
– Enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes,
dissensions, factions, envying
– False testimonies, lying, slander, libel
– Evil thoughts, etc. (there are many ways to sin)
• Do you have trouble loving others?
Knowing the areas in which we struggle shows us where we need Jesus!
TC

108. Meditation
• PR 3:3-4 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck, Write them on the
tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and
good repute In the sight of God and man.
• PR 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding. In
all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will
make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your
own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from
evil.
• PR 3:8 It will be healing to your body And
refreshment to your bones.
TC

109. Fixing “Stuggedness”
• Understand your relationship with Jesus Christ
– Are you certain of your salvation? (if not, why not?)
– Do you trust Him in everything? (What are areas
where you don’t trust Him?)
– Are you thankful for what Christ has done in your
behalf?
• Understand your weaknesses; admit weakness
– Areas in which you still struggle
– Where are you proud?
• Build your relationship with Christ
TC

110. Meditation
• ROM 12:16 Do not be proud, but be willing to
associate with people of low position. Do not be
conceited.
• JER 9:23-24 Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise
man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty
man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of
his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this,
that he understands and knows Me, that I am the
LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice
and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these
things,” declares the LORD.
TC

111. Meditation
• PS 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning
of wisdom; A good understanding have all
those who do His commandments; His praise
endures forever.
• PR 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD And
your plans will be established.
• PR 16:4 The LORD has made everything for its
own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of
evil.
TC

112. Rising Above the World
TC

113. Meditation
• COL 3:1 Therefore if you have been raised up
with Christ, keep seeking the things above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand of
God.
• COL 3:2 Set your mind on the things above, not
on the things that are on earth.
• COL 3:3-4 For you have died and your life is
hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who
is our life, is revealed, then you also will be
revealed with Him in glory.
TC

114. Meditation
• Phil 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let
your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
• Phil 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, 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
comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.
• Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if
anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
• Phil 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and
seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be
with you.
TC

115. Meditation
• 1TH 5:16 Rejoice always;
• 1TH 5:17 pray without ceasing;
• 1TH 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
• 1TH 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit;
• 1TH 5:20 do not despise prophetic utterances.
• 1TH 5:21-22 But examine everything carefully;
hold fast to that which is good; abstain from
every form of evil.
Remember: when you don’t know anything else that’s God’s
will, give thanks to God that He is God!
TC

116. Where is your HOPE?
The government?
What you do for yourself?
A program?
Power? Money? Influence over others?
Good home? Spouse? Family?
Friends? Acceptance by others?
Or…?
TC

117. What Evidence Do I Have? -
1. That I am saved & have a true relationship
with God (through Jesus Christ)
2. That I am bearing the Fruit of the Spirit
3. That I trust God
4. That I love God with my entire being
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118. Instruction
• Make the decision in your heart daily that you have
died to sin, the world
– Give thanks that you are of the Kingdom of God
– Keep seeking Godly things that are in your life: true,
right, pure, lovely, honorable, praiseworthy, beautiful,
excellent, of good reputation, etc.
• Groom good attitudes in your heart by thinking on
these things in your life:
– Love (including forgiveness) everybody
– Gratitude, Generosity, Humility, Honesty, Honor,
Heroism, Integrity – all based on your relationship
with Christ
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119. Instruction
• Day & night meditate on God’s Word, the Bible
(especially daily readings in Deuteronomy, Psalms, Proverbs)
• Pray always
– Especially giving thanks to God
– Seeking wisdom & to know God’s will
• Learn to rejoice in all circumstances
– Driven by the certainty that God is in control
– HE is working all things together for your good
– HE is with you throughout every circumstance
– HE already has won the victory
• Reject anxiety, certain of God’s love for you
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120. Instruction
• Remember to cherish your JOY & PEACE
• Remember how to be a good (spiritual) fruit
inspector
• Prayerfully turn all your concerns over to God
– In detail
– In confidence that God hears you (He is with you)
– With great gratitude!
– Remembering that all power & authority in heaven
& earth reside in Christ Jesus, your savior
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121. Instruction
• In everything, give thanks
• Flee from evil
• Guard your eyes & guard your heart
– Flee from things that tempt you
• Keep only good company (bad company corrupts
good morals – 1 Corinthians 15:33)
• Be accountable to good teachers
• Be willing to quickly obey the Spirit
• Give thanks always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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122. Spiritual Needs
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123. Relationships with others
Personal Significance
Self-Identity
Truth & Wisdom
Hope
Life Purposes Realized
In
Personal
Relationship
with God
Fruit of the Spirit
(Love, Joy, Peace, Patience…, Self-Control)
We want to fulfill our needs through
our own strength & wisdom. We think
this way because of PRIDE – our
sin nature. (Only Christ
has the strength to
enable us to overcome
this.
God wants for us to thrust HIM to
provide for our needs, depending
on HIS strength &
wisdom. We can only do
this in a personal
relationship with Him.

124. …It is not good for man to be alone…
(Genesis 2:18)
• In our compulsive behaviors –
• We isolate from others
• Behave badly & drive others away
• Injure others so they draw away
• When we overcome our compulsive behaviors
• In healthy relationships – marriage, family, &
society: work & play & service to each other
• We are free to love others above self
• Even enemies & those who hurt us
• Seek to constructively belong to communities
• Seek to meet the needs of others with whom we
live in community.

125. When is it good to be alone?
• When we need to meditate on God’s Word &
His will for us.
• When we have healthy thoughts & good on
which to meditate & give thanks.
• When we have a healthy relationship with God
• When we are not stuck in our compulsions
• When the world around us is chaotic &
divisive & hateful & distracting from walking
in the Spirit
• …Then we are not truly alone because the
LORD is with us.

126. When we feel insignificant…
• Psalm 144:3-4 – O LORD, what is man, that You
take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that
You think of him? Man is like a mere breath; His
days are like a passing shadow.
• Our lives are short. After we die, others soon
forget. Our works are forgotten, become broken
down or obsolete> Who will remember in the 5th
or 10th generation? (see Ecclesiastes 1&2, esp
2:16)
• God remembers every detail forever
• God cares about you now
• Jesus, God’s Son came to save you personally so
that you may live with Him forever. (John 3:16)

127. When we have low self-esteem…
• “But by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1
Corinthians 15:10)
• God created me to do good works (Ephesians 2:10)
• God has guided my steps in unseen ways to where I
am today & will continue to guide me to where I need
to be
• I need to trust Him & do His will
1 Peter 5:6-7 – “Therefore humble yourselves under
the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at
the proper time, casting all your anxiety (fearful
cares) on Him, because He cares for you.”

128. When we are seeking truth & wisdom…
• John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life – nobody comes to the
Father except by Me.” (Jesus Christ speaking)
• James 1:5-8 – “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives
to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he
must ask in faith with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of
the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that
he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable
in all his ways.”
• Proverbs 24:13-14 – “My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from
the comb is sweet to your taste; Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; If
you find it, then there will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off.”
• PROVERBS 23:23-24 Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom and
instruction and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice,
And he who sires a wise son will be glad in him.
• PROVERBS 3:3-6: Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them
around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find
favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with
all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways
acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

129. When we are hopeless…
• Proverbs 24:13-14 – “My son, eat honey, for it is good,
Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste; Know
that wisdom is thus for your soul; If you find it, then there
will be a future, And your hope will not be cut off.”
• Romans 5:1:5 – “Therefore, having been justified by faith,
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
through whom also we have obtained our introduction by
faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in
hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also
exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings
about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character;
and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out within our
hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ”
• 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “But now faith, hope, love, abide in
these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

130. We Need More Hope
• Psalm 33:18-22 – “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on
those who fear Him, On those who hope for His
lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death And to
keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD;
He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in
Him, Because we trust in His holy name. Let Your
lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we
have hoped in You.”
Without hope, people worry excessively about the future, even
neglecting what should be done in the present. Without
hope, people are often dominated by anxiety and
depression. Without hope, people become suicidal. True
hope in a person’s heart can resolve these issues.
Hope is a critical element of having faith, and faith is essential
for living confidently and purposefully

131. When we lack purpose & direction
in life…
• Ephesians 2: 10 says, “For we are His (God’s)
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good
works, which God prepared beforehand that we
should walk in them.”
• Psalm 37:4-6 “Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in
Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your
righteousness as the light And your judgment
(wisdom in what to do) as the noonday.”

132. Purpose & Direction
• Most of us were asked, “What do you want to be when
you grow up?”
• How many of us have developed aspirations to do
something or to achieve something or to be someone set
apart from others?
• When did we start setting personal goals?
• Perhaps we played on a team at a sport and really liked it &
desired to become REALLY good at it, but perhaps we
were merely mediocre and were always the last one picked
for a team.
• Maybe you really liked & cared about animals & decided
you wished to become a zookeeper or a veterinarian or an
animal rescue person.
• What placed this desire in your heart?
• Did you pursue your heart’s desire?

133. When we are missing the Fruit of
the Spirit…
1. Refer back to “Recognizing The Fruit of the
Spirit & Avoiding the Counterfeits of the
Flesh” and “Becoming a Good Fruit
Inspector” (slides 49 through 60)
2. Do step (1) continually with humility

134. Some Summaries
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135. Isaiah 6
ISA 6:1 In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne,
lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.
ISA 6:2 Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered
his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
ISA 6:3 And one called out to another and said, “ Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD
of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.”
ISA 6:4 And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who
called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.
ISA 6:5 Then I said, “ Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of
unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have
seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”
ISA 6:6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand,
which he had taken from the altar with tongs.
ISA 6:7 He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your
lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.”
ISA 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who
will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
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136. Isaiah 6 Instruction
• In part 1, Isaiah sees the glory & holiness of
God
• He is awed by God’s glory & holiness
• He is immediately aware of his sinfulness & fears
death
• An angel removes his iniquity (sin)
• With sins forgiven, Isaiah responds with
willingness to serve God totally & completely
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137. Isaiah 6 2
ISA 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send,
and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
ISA 6:9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not
perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’
ISA 6:10 “ Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull,
And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear
with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be
healed.”
ISA 6:11 Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered, “Until cities
are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people
And the land is utterly desolate,
ISA 6:12 “The LORD has removed men far away, And the forsaken
places are many in the midst of the land.
ISA 6:13 “Yet there will be a tenth portion in it, And it will again be
subject to burning, Like a terebinth or an oak Whose stump remains
when it is felled. The holy seed is its stump.”
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138. Isaiah 6 Instruction
• In part 2 Isaiah receives his instructions from
God
• “Go” & tell the people a difficult message
• Which very few will receive although its for their
benefit
• Keep telling until God’s judgment is carried out
• With prophesy for the coming of Christ
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139. Luke 5
LK 5:4-7 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out
into the deep water & let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon
answered, “Master, we worked hard all night & caught nothing,
but I will do as You say & let down the nets.” 6 When they had
done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, & their nets
began to break; 7 so they signaled to their partners in the other
boat for them to come & help them. They came & filled both of
the boats, so that they began to sink.
LK 5:8 But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet,
saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man, O
Lord!”
LK 5:9-11 For amazement had seized him & all his companions because of
the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 & so also were James & John,
sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon,
“Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” 11 When
they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and
followed Him.
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140. Luke 5 Instruction
1. Jesus calls (opportunity to obey)
2. You obey
3. The miracle happens
4. You realize how unworthy you are
5. Jesus commissions you for service
6. You obey; your life is changed forever
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