Truth Therapy “IDENTITY IN CHRIST”. Lesson One Our Identity in Christ The Search for Meaning

TruthTruth TherapyTherapy

“IDENTITY IN CHRIST”

Lesson OneLesson One

Our Identity in Christ Our Identity in Christ

The Search for The Search for MeaningMeaning

CLASS OBJECTIVECLASS OBJECTIVE

The objective of this class is to gain an The objective of this class is to gain an understanding of how we were created understanding of how we were created perfectly in God’s image and see the practical perfectly in God’s image and see the practical ramifications of “the fall of man” which affect ramifications of “the fall of man” which affect our daily lives. We will discuss the concept of our daily lives. We will discuss the concept of self-talk, how it affects our perception of self-talk, how it affects our perception of ourselves, God, and the world around us, and ourselves, God, and the world around us, and how it impacts cycles of beliefs, thoughts,how it impacts cycles of beliefs, thoughts,

emotions, and responses. Untrue or negative emotions, and responses. Untrue or negative self-talk needs to be countered by God’s truth.self-talk needs to be countered by God’s truth.

Made in the Image of Made in the Image of GodGod

““So God created man in His own image, So God created man in His own image,

in the image of God He created him;in the image of God He created him;

male and female He created them.male and female He created them.““

Genesis 1:27Genesis 1:27

We have been created in GodWe have been created in God’’s s image. we bear His image in 3 image. we bear His image in 3 ways:ways:

1.1. SoulSoul – Comprising our – Comprising our mind, will & mind, will & emotionsemotions . .

2.2. PersonalityPersonality – You are uniquely you!– You are uniquely you!

3.3. RelationshipsRelationships – We are able to initiate, – We are able to initiate, develop, nurture and maintain a develop, nurture and maintain a relationship with God and others.relationship with God and others.

Above all, we are Above all, we are spirit-beingsspirit-beings

made in the likeness of God.made in the likeness of God.

Our Basic Spiritual NeedsOur Basic Spiritual Needs

Have you ever asked yourselfHave you ever asked yourself

the following questions?the following questions?

Who am I? Who am I?

Why do I exist?Why do I exist?

What is the meaning and purpose of What is the meaning and purpose of life? life?

Does life even have a purpose?Does life even have a purpose?

I sense there is a reason for all of this I sense there is a reason for all of this but how can I know what it is?but how can I know what it is?

1.1. SignificanceSignificance: This is met when we : This is met when we know we are important - when we know we are important - when we matter to someone. We have purpose matter to someone. We have purpose and meaning, and we are adequate and meaning, and we are adequate and able to fulfill our God-given and able to fulfill our God-given purpose. In other words, we know we purpose. In other words, we know we have what it takes to be good at have what it takes to be good at something and are able to add value something and are able to add value to others in a way that is appreciated.to others in a way that is appreciated.

Three basic spiritual needsThree basic spiritual needs

2.2. SecuritySecurity: This is met when we : This is met when we know we are loved, accepted and know we are loved, accepted and forgiven. We are convinced that forgiven. We are convinced that we are loved for who we are, we are loved for who we are, accepted just the way we are, and accepted just the way we are, and fully forgiven of any past fully forgiven of any past shortcomings, mistakes, and shortcomings, mistakes, and failures!failures!



3.3. Spiritual PurposeSpiritual Purpose: This is met : This is met when we are able to love and serve when we are able to love and serve God, and to love and serve others. God, and to love and serve others. Our spirits thrive when we are Our spirits thrive when we are generous and look for ways to be generous and look for ways to be blessing to those around us. We are blessing to those around us. We are fulfilling The Great Commandment fulfilling The Great Commandment and The Great Commission. and The Great Commission.

How the FallHow the FallDistorted GodDistorted God’’s Creations Creation

““Then the Lord God said,Then the Lord God said,‘‘Behold, the Behold, the man has become like one of Us,man has become like one of Us,

knowing good and evil.knowing good and evil.””

Genesis 3:22aGenesis 3:22a

RememberRemember

Our soul is ourOur soul is our

mindmind, , willwill and and emotionsemotions..

Replacing LiesReplacing Lieswith Godwith God’’s Truths Truth

““Therefore, since we have been justified through Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord faith, we have peace with God through our Lord

Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And

we boast in the hope of the glory of God.we boast in the hope of the glory of God.””Romans 5:1-2Romans 5:1-2

We now have peace with God, and access to Him by We now have peace with God, and access to Him by faith. As we stand in His grace, the image of God faith. As we stand in His grace, the image of God within us will begin to be restored! As minister, within us will begin to be restored! As minister, speaker and author Bill Gothard says, the goal of speaker and author Bill Gothard says, the goal of every believer is “to see and respond to life from every believer is “to see and respond to life from God’s perspective.” God’s Word shows us how to do God’s perspective.” God’s Word shows us how to do this.this.

““Do not conform any longer to the pattern of Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the this world, but be transformed by the

renewing of your mind. Then you will be able renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God‘s will is –to test and approve what God‘s will is –

His good, pleasing and perfect will.His good, pleasing and perfect will.””Romans 12:2 Romans 12:2

““Those who are spiritual can evaluate all Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things…things…

For,For,‘‘Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?Who can know the Lord’s thoughts?Who knows enough to teach him?Who knows enough to teach him?‘‘But we understand these things,But we understand these things,for we have the mind of Christ.for we have the mind of Christ.””

1 Corinthians 2:15-161 Corinthians 2:15-16

The Implications of Self The Implications of Self TalkTalk• Our personal perspective - or worldview – Our personal perspective - or worldview –

is shaped by our physical, emotional and is shaped by our physical, emotional and spiritual needs.spiritual needs.

• These partner with our past experiences, These partner with our past experiences, informing what we believe to be true.informing what we believe to be true.

• There is a direct connection between our There is a direct connection between our beliefs, our thoughts, our feelings and beliefs, our thoughts, our feelings and actions.actions.

• Contrary to popular opinion, life events Contrary to popular opinion, life events do do notnot determine how we feel. How we talk to determine how we feel. How we talk to ourselves about life events determines how ourselves about life events determines how we feel.we feel.

• The inner dialogue about what goes on The inner dialogue about what goes on around us is shaped by our beliefs.around us is shaped by our beliefs.

The Implications of Self The Implications of Self TalkTalk

We act the way we feel;We act the way we feel;

we feel the way we think;we feel the way we think;

we think the way we we think the way we believebelieve..

As our beliefs go, so go our As our beliefs go, so go our thoughts.thoughts.

As our thoughts go, so go our As our thoughts go, so go our feelings.feelings.

As our feelings go, so go our actions.As our feelings go, so go our actions.

Identifying core beliefs that are inconsistent with Identifying core beliefs that are inconsistent with biblical truth is the first step in recognizing what biblical truth is the first step in recognizing what Zig Zigler calls “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” and the Zig Zigler calls “Stinkin’ Thinkin’” and the unhealthy behaviors that follow.unhealthy behaviors that follow.

True freedom begins by learning how to:True freedom begins by learning how to:

1.1.Evaluate our thinkingEvaluate our thinking

2.2.Replace false beliefs with the truthReplace false beliefs with the truth

3.3.Make better choicesMake better choices,, which lead to which lead to healthier actions.healthier actions.

Core BeliefsCore Beliefs

DiscussDiscuss Read Romans 12:2, John 8:31-32,Read Romans 12:2, John 8:31-32,

and Ephesians 4:17-25.and Ephesians 4:17-25.

See if you can identify the connection See if you can identify the connection between beliefs, thoughts and actions. between beliefs, thoughts and actions.

Circle key words and phrases that stand Circle key words and phrases that stand out to you. Share your observations out to you. Share your observations

with your group members.with your group members.

1.1. Complete the Complete the ““Who I AmWho I Am”” assignment. assignment.

2.2. Reflect: What are the 1 or 2 most Reflect: What are the 1 or 2 most

meaningful ideas that stood out to meaningful ideas that stood out to

you from this lesson?you from this lesson?

3.3. Personal Study: Read the Handouts: Personal Study: Read the Handouts:

““Search for Identity and MeaningSearch for Identity and Meaning”” and and

““Knowing God More DeeplyKnowing God More Deeply””..

HOMEWORKHOMEWORK

Lesson TwoLesson Two

The Real You.The Real You.

Living in God’s Living in God’s Reality.Reality.


The objective of this class is to refocus the The objective of this class is to refocus the source of our significance, adjust our source of our significance, adjust our expectations of the Christian life, and realign expectations of the Christian life, and realign our perception of reality to become what our perception of reality to become what God declares is true. As we become fully God declares is true. As we become fully united with Christ, we obtain the promises united with Christ, we obtain the promises and resources God has freely given to those and resources God has freely given to those who follow Him. Through God’s Word we are who follow Him. Through God’s Word we are trained and equipped to resist the lies of trained and equipped to resist the lies of Satan. We also mature in our faith, our Satan. We also mature in our faith, our character and our responses to life character and our responses to life experiences.experiences.

ActivityActivityRead through all the Misbelief Markers Read through all the Misbelief Markers (Appendix 4) individually. Pick three (Appendix 4) individually. Pick three markers that you identify with. Write markers that you identify with. Write down a thought related to each one down a thought related to each one that comes to your mind. Then use a that comes to your mind. Then use a scripture from either the “Misbelief scripture from either the “Misbelief Scriptures” (Appendix 5) or “My Scriptures” (Appendix 5) or “My Identity in Christ Affirmation” Identity in Christ Affirmation” (Appendix 12) to conquer negative (Appendix 12) to conquer negative self-talk with God’s Truth.self-talk with God’s Truth.

Union with ChristUnion with Christ ““On that day you will realize thatOn that day you will realize that

I am in my Father, and you are in me,I am in my Father, and you are in me,

and I am in you.and I am in you.””’’

John 14:20 John 14:20

““Jesus said to him,Jesus said to him,‘‘I am the way, the I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the truth and the life. No one comes to the

Father except through me.Father except through me.’”’”

John 14:6John 14:6

THE BIG QUESTIONTHE BIG QUESTION

Have YOU been joined with Have YOU been joined with Christ?Christ?

““Jesus said to him,Jesus said to him,‘‘I am the way, the I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the truth and the life. No one comes to the

Father except through me.Father except through me.’”’”John 14:6John 14:6

A Prayer for SalvationA Prayer for Salvation Jesus, I confess that I need to be forgiven of Jesus, I confess that I need to be forgiven of my sin, and that You are the only Savior for my sin, and that You are the only Savior for the world, the only way that I can be forgiven the world, the only way that I can be forgiven of my sin and itof my sin and it’’s penalty. I want my life to be s penalty. I want my life to be ““in Youin You””, and now know that in order to do so , and now know that in order to do so I must repent of my sin and lay down my will I must repent of my sin and lay down my will to receive Your will. Please come into my to receive Your will. Please come into my heart and life, and teach me to walk in your heart and life, and teach me to walk in your ways. Thank you for forgiving me of my sin ways. Thank you for forgiving me of my sin and self-centeredness, and placing Your and self-centeredness, and placing Your Spirit within me. Empower me to live out Spirit within me. Empower me to live out Your plan and purpose for my life. I trust that Your plan and purpose for my life. I trust that I am now totally and inseparably joined to I am now totally and inseparably joined to You. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.You. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

This is the Good News!This is the Good News!

If you prayed to receive ChristIf you prayed to receive Christas your Savior,as your Savior,

you are now “in Christ”you are now “in Christ”and have received the full and have received the full

benefits of being a child of God!benefits of being a child of God!You have a new security, a new You have a new security, a new significance, and a new role all significance, and a new role all

found in Jesus!found in Jesus!

The EnemyThe Enemy’’s Reactions Reaction

Your picture just went up on a Your picture just went up on a ‘Most Wanted’ poster in hell. The ‘Most Wanted’ poster in hell. The

Enemy is upset that you made the Enemy is upset that you made the decision to unite your life with decision to unite your life with

Jesus. Because he is opposed to Jesus. Because he is opposed to God, he is now opposed to you. God, he is now opposed to you.

Remember the enemy is the Remember the enemy is the father of all lies!father of all lies!

Even More Good NewsEven More Good News

You are special and God has chosen you…You are special and God has chosen you…

chosen to dwell with you.chosen to dwell with you.

““You belong to God, my dear children.You belong to God, my dear children.

You have already won a victory…You have already won a victory…

because the Spirit who lives in you is greaterbecause the Spirit who lives in you is greater

than the spirit who lives in the world.than the spirit who lives in the world.””

1 John 4:41 John 4:4

ItIt’’s time to prepare for battle!s time to prepare for battle!

DiscussDiscuss Read Ephesians 6:10-18.Read Ephesians 6:10-18.

Before putting on the armor of Before putting on the armor of God, what must we do?God, what must we do?

What is the first piece of armor What is the first piece of armor we’re instructed to put on? we’re instructed to put on?

Who is our battle really against? Who is our battle really against?

How many times do you see the How many times do you see the words “stand” or “stand firm”?words “stand” or “stand firm”?

WeWe’’re at War!re at War!

What comes to mind when you hearWhat comes to mind when you hear

the statement, the statement, ““We're at war?We're at war?””

Key Truth:Key Truth:

Every physical battle ever fought on Every physical battle ever fought on earth was preceded by,earth was preceded by,

and was the direct result of,and was the direct result of,

a war between opposing beliefs. a war between opposing beliefs.

There are 3 EnemiesThere are 3 Enemieswaging war against uswaging war against us1. 1. Satan Satan – –

““Be careful. Watch out for attacks from Be careful. Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for around like a roaring lion, looking for

some victim to devour.some victim to devour.””

I Peter 5:8 I Peter 5:8

There are 3 EnemiesThere are 3 Enemieswaging war against uswaging war against us2. 2. The WorldThe World – –

Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever. forever. I John 2:15I John 2:15

There are 3 EnemiesThere are 3 Enemieswaging war against uswaging war against us3. 3. The FleshThe Flesh – –

The lies contained within your belief system The lies contained within your belief system as reflected in your thoughts and emotions.as reflected in your thoughts and emotions.

““I know I am rotten through and through so I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't. When I want do right. I want to, but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do

wrong, I do it anyway.”wrong, I do it anyway.”Romans 7:18 (NLT)Romans 7:18 (NLT)

God is much more concerned God is much more concerned about our about our charactercharacter than our than our comfort…comfort…

He is more interested in our He is more interested in our holinessholiness than our happiness. than our happiness.

We usually base our “happiness” on We usually base our “happiness” on positive circumstances.positive circumstances.

Is it realistic to think that we could Is it realistic to think that we could experience one positive experience experience one positive experience after another, while living on a fallen after another, while living on a fallen planet with three enemies who are planet with three enemies who are warring against us? No!warring against us? No!

Is it realistic to expect only positive Is it realistic to expect only positive experiences all the time, every day, experiences all the time, every day, for the rest of our lives? No!for the rest of our lives? No!

““For I know the plans I have for you,” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper declares the Lord, “plans to prosper

you and not to harm you, plans to give you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will me, and I will listen to you. You will

seek me and find me when you seek seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found me with all your heart. I will be found

by you,” declares the Lord…by you,” declares the Lord…““

Jeremiah 29:11-14aJeremiah 29:11-14a

The primary goals of this study are to The primary goals of this study are to prepare you to:prepare you to:

1. Recognize the Enemy’s attacks 1. Recognize the Enemy’s attacks through lies of deception, and through lies of deception, and

2. Know the Truth that will defeat the 2. Know the Truth that will defeat the Enemy, so you can live the victorious Enemy, so you can live the victorious life God has accomplished for you!life God has accomplished for you!

WRAP-UPWRAP-UP

1.1. Read: Read: ““The Christian’s Scriptural The Christian’s Scriptural IdentityIdentity”” (Appendix 7) every day. (Appendix 7) every day. Look up and read the corresponding Look up and read the corresponding scripture verses. Highlight the scripture verses. Highlight the verses that stand out to you and verses that stand out to you and memorize them. memorize them.

2.2. Personal Study: Read the Handout Personal Study: Read the Handout Destroying Mental StrongholdsDestroying Mental Strongholds (Appendix 8).(Appendix 8).

HOMEWORKHOMEWORK

Lesson ThreeLesson Three

The Battlefield: The Battlefield:

Renewing the MindRenewing the Mind

CLASS OBJECTIVECLASS OBJECTIVEThe objective of this class is to understand the The objective of this class is to understand the history of the spiritual battle we now face, and history of the spiritual battle we now face, and how to victoriously overcome in Jesus’ name. how to victoriously overcome in Jesus’ name. We read in the scripture of Satan’s origin, We read in the scripture of Satan’s origin, mankind’s genesis, and the start of our mankind’s genesis, and the start of our spiritual battle. We uncover Satan’s spiritual battle. We uncover Satan’s motivation to destroy us, and the strategy and motivation to destroy us, and the strategy and weapons he uses on the battlefield of our weapons he uses on the battlefield of our mind. We discover the resources of God’s mind. We discover the resources of God’s Truth and the Holy Spirit, which have been Truth and the Holy Spirit, which have been given to us to fight this spiritual battle and given to us to fight this spiritual battle and victoriously overcome in Jesus’ name.victoriously overcome in Jesus’ name.

DiscussDiscuss

At your table, take one minute At your table, take one minute per person to share one way per person to share one way

either Satan, the world, or your either Satan, the world, or your flesh tried to battle against you flesh tried to battle against you

this past week. Did you this past week. Did you recognize the attack right recognize the attack right

away? How did you respond?away? How did you respond?

THE BATTLETHE BATTLEFOR THE SOUL OF MANFOR THE SOUL OF MAN

The Origin of the BattleThe Origin of the Battle

Before we can proactively engage into Before we can proactively engage into spiritual battle, we must first spiritual battle, we must first understand where the battle originated understand where the battle originated and what fuels it. It is not enough to and what fuels it. It is not enough to simply acknowledge that a battle simply acknowledge that a battle exists; we must understand exists; we must understand whywhy it it exists, what exists, what motivates motivates its ongoing its ongoing persistence, and what persistence, and what rolerole we have we have within it.within it.

Scene #1:SatanScene #1:Satan’’s Creation, s Creation, Rebellion & FallRebellion & Fall

““You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and exquisite You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and exquisite in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God. Your clothing was adorned with every precious stone…all beautifully crafted was adorned with every precious stone…all beautifully crafted

for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the for you and set in the finest gold. They were given to you on the day you were created. I ordained and anointed you as the day you were created. I ordained and anointed you as the

mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of mighty angelic guardian. You had access to the holy mountain of Go and walked among the stones of fire. Go and walked among the stones of fire. ““You were blameless in You were blameless in all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was all you did from the day you were created until the day evil was found in you. Your rich commerce led you to violence, and you found in you. Your rich commerce led you to violence, and you

sinned. So I banished you in disgrace from the mountain of God. sinned. So I banished you in disgrace from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the I expelled you, O mighty guardian, from your place among the

stones of fire. Your heart was filled with pride because of all your stones of fire. Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So I threw you to the ground and exposed you to the curious gaze I threw you to the ground and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and of kings. You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and

your dishonest trade. So I brought fire out from within you, and it your dishonest trade. So I brought fire out from within you, and it consumed you. I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight consumed you. I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All who knew you are appalled at your of all who were watching. All who knew you are appalled at your

fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you will exist no fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you will exist no more.more.””

Ezekiel 28:12-19 (NLT)Ezekiel 28:12-19 (NLT)

““How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the

earth, you who once laid low the nations! You earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, said in your heart, ‘‘I will ascend to the heavens; I I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend

above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”

Isaiah 14:12-15Isaiah 14:12-15


““Then war broke out in heaven. Michael Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and his angels fought against the dragon,

and the dragon and his angels fought and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great they lost their place in heaven. The great

dragon was hurled down - that ancient dragon was hurled down - that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was leads the whole world astray. He was

hurled to the earth, and his angels with hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”him.”

Revelation 12:7-9Revelation 12:7-9


Who was LuciferWho was LuciferBefore He Became Satan?Before He Became Satan?Before he became Satan, Ezekiel says Before he became Satan, Ezekiel says Lucifer was the model of perfection. He was Lucifer was the model of perfection. He was a pinnacle of creation. He was exquisitely a pinnacle of creation. He was exquisitely beautiful, filled with wisdom, and held an beautiful, filled with wisdom, and held an exalted angelic role. He was one of the exalted angelic role. He was one of the mightiest guardians and had permission to mightiest guardians and had permission to walk in the place where God ruled. He had it walk in the place where God ruled. He had it all! Yet Lucifer’s vanity, pride, and jealousy all! Yet Lucifer’s vanity, pride, and jealousy of God became his downfall. Upon his of God became his downfall. Upon his rebellion, he and one third of the angels who rebellion, he and one third of the angels who sided with him were cast down to the earth.sided with him were cast down to the earth.

Scene #2:Scene #2:MankindMankind’’s Creations Creation

““Then God said, Then God said, ‘‘Let us make mankind in our Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule image, in our likeness, so that they may rule

over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,and over the livestock and all the wild animals,and

over all the creatures that move along the over all the creatures that move along the ground.ground.’’ So God created mankind in his own So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; image, in the image of God he created them;

male and female he created them. God blessed male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, them and said to them, ‘‘Be fruitful and increase Be fruitful and increase

in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on and over every living creature that moves on

the ground.’the ground.’””Genesis 1:26-28Genesis 1:26-28

““Then the man and his wife heard Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the was walking in the garden in the

cool of the day, and they hid from cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the LORD God among the trees of

the garden. But the LORD God the garden. But the LORD God called to the man, called to the man, ‘‘Where are you?Where are you?’’

””Genesis 3:8aGenesis 3:8a

Scene #2:Scene #2:MankindMankind’’s Creations Creation

Who was MankindWho was Mankindbefore the Fall?before the Fall?

Mankind was created in GODMankind was created in GOD’’s image, in s image, in GODGOD’’s very likeness. God gave mankind a s very likeness. God gave mankind a significant role of rulership that held purpose significant role of rulership that held purpose and meaning and significance. Lucifer had and meaning and significance. Lucifer had previously been allowed to walk where God previously been allowed to walk where God ruled, but in Genesis 3, we see that God ruled, but in Genesis 3, we see that God walked where man ruled. He came down walked where man ruled. He came down from Heaven to meet with mankind. He from Heaven to meet with mankind. He knew them intimately, talked with them, and knew them intimately, talked with them, and pursued them. They had a place of high pursued them. They had a place of high value in Godvalue in God’’s heart.s heart.

DiscussDiscuss Re-read Genesis 1:26-28.Re-read Genesis 1:26-28.

•What do you think was going through his mind What do you think was going through his mind as he watched Adam and Eve being created in as he watched Adam and Eve being created in God’s image?God’s image?

•What do you think he felt as Adam and Eve What do you think he felt as Adam and Eve were given rulership over all created things on were given rulership over all created things on the earth (the very place to which he’d been the earth (the very place to which he’d been cast down to)? cast down to)?

•What emotions do you think he experienced as What emotions do you think he experienced as he saw God’s blessing upon them? he saw God’s blessing upon them?

•What thoughts of retribution might be stirring What thoughts of retribution might be stirring in his mind?in his mind?

Scene #3:Scene #3:MankindMankind’’s Falls Fall

Genesis 3Genesis 3

Verse 1: “Now the serpent was more crafty than Verse 1: “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, He said to the woman, ‘‘Did God really say, Did God really say, ‘‘You You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’must not eat from any tree in the garden?’””

Verse 4: Verse 4: ““You will not certainly die,You will not certainly die,”” the serpent said the serpent said to the woman. to the woman. ‘‘For God knows that when you eat For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’like God, knowing good and evil.’””

Verse 13: “Then the LORD God said to the woman, Verse 13: “Then the LORD God said to the woman, ‘‘What is this you have done?What is this you have done?’’ The woman said, The woman said, ‘‘The The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’”serpent deceived me, and I ate.’”

Once Lucifer deceived Adam and Eve, he Once Lucifer deceived Adam and Eve, he was given the name Satan - which in the was given the name Satan - which in the Greek means Greek means ““accuseraccuser””. He has . He has constantly deceives mankind into sin and constantly deceives mankind into sin and then accuses them of that sin before God - then accuses them of that sin before God - who cannot accept or permit sin. who cannot accept or permit sin. Therefore, Satan successfully breached the Therefore, Satan successfully breached the relationship between God and mankind, relationship between God and mankind, causing sin to be the barrier between God causing sin to be the barrier between God and His new beloved creation which had and His new beloved creation which had been made in His image.been made in His image.

Scene #3:Scene #3:MankindMankind’’s Falls Fall

Scene #4: The Result of SinScene #4: The Result of SinAnd the Coming of a SaviorAnd the Coming of a Savior““So the LORD God said to the serpent, So the LORD God said to the serpent,

‘‘Because you have done this, Because you have done this, ‘‘cursed are cursed are you above all the livestock and all the you above all the livestock and all the

wild animals! You will crawl on your belly wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you life. And I will put enmity between you

and the woman, and between your and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your offspring and hers; he will crush your

head, and you will strike his heel.head, and you will strike his heel.’”’”Genesis 3:14-15Genesis 3:14-15

““Therefore, just as sin entered the world Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because in this way death came to all people, because

all sinned…Consequently, just as one all sinned…Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all trespass resulted in condemnation for all

people, so also one righteous act resulted in people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man [Christ] the many obedience of the one man [Christ] the many

will be made righteous.”will be made righteous.”Romans 5:12, 18-19Romans 5:12, 18-19

Scene #4: The Result of SinScene #4: The Result of SinAnd the Coming of a SaviorAnd the Coming of a Savior

““Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; was raised from the dead, he cannot die again;

death no longer has mastery over him. The death death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he

lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ

Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer

any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; those who have been brought from death to life;

and offer every part of yourself to him as an and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”instrument of righteousness.”

Romans 6:8-13Romans 6:8-13

Scene #4: The Result of SinScene #4: The Result of SinAnd the Coming of a SaviorAnd the Coming of a Savior

The Battle for our MindThe Battle for our Mind

Key Truth: The Battle for the Soul Key Truth: The Battle for the Soul is fought and won in the mind!is fought and won in the mind!

Our minds are protected two Our minds are protected two ways:ways:

#1 Our weapon is #1 Our weapon is God’s TruthGod’s Truth. .

““……for this reason I was born, and for this I for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.””

John 18:37John 18:37

““I am the way and the truth and the life. No I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through one comes to the Father except through

me.me.””John 14:6John 14:6

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."and the truth will set you free." John 8:31- John 8:31-

32 32

““He who the Son sets free is free indeedHe who the Son sets free is free indeed”” John 8:36John 8:36

What is Truth?What is Truth?

Truth Truth is is reality - what God says isreality - what God says is..

God is and God has spoken. What He thinks and God is and God has spoken. What He thinks and believes defines truth (reality).believes defines truth (reality).

Anything contrary to what God has stated to be Anything contrary to what God has stated to be true is therefore false (non-reality). In the true is therefore false (non-reality). In the mental health field, when someone is mental health field, when someone is significantly out of touch with reality, they are significantly out of touch with reality, they are said to be living in insanity.said to be living in insanity.

God created everything that is and He alone God created everything that is and He alone gets to decide what is true and what is false, gets to decide what is true and what is false, what is good and what is evil.what is good and what is evil.

““For the time will come when men will For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine [truth]. not put up with sound doctrine [truth]. Instead, to suit their own desires, they Instead, to suit their own desires, they

will gather around them a great will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth turn their ears away from the truth

and turn aside to myths. But you, keep and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations…”your head in all situations…”

2 Timothy 4:3-5 2 Timothy 4:3-5


How can I tell the differenceHow can I tell the difference

between the truth and a lie? between the truth and a lie?

Don't study the Don't study the lielie. Study the . Study the truthtruth..

GodGod’’s Word is Truth!s Word is Truth!


““Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devilstand against the devil’’s schemes. For our struggle is s schemes. For our struggle is

not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark against the authorities, against the powers of this dark

world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of

God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done able to stand your ground, and after you have done

everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate

of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In

addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of

the Spirit, which is the word of God.the Spirit, which is the word of God.””Ephesians 6:10-17Ephesians 6:10-17


““Fix these words of mine in your hearts and Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to

your children, talking about them when you sit your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, at home and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down and when you get up. Write when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your gates, so that your days and the days of

your children may be many…your children may be many…””

Deuteronomy 11:18-21Deuteronomy 11:18-21


Filling your life with GodFilling your life with God’’s Truth begins with s Truth begins with surrendering your: surrendering your:

My My MindMind (intellect). I must embrace the truth (intellect). I must embrace the truth that God is God and I am not, and that I need that God is God and I am not, and that I need Him to restore me to sanity (bring me in touch Him to restore me to sanity (bring me in touch with his reality). with his reality).

My My EmotionsEmotions (heart). I must embrace the fact (heart). I must embrace the fact that God came to save me. that God came to save me.

My My WillWill (soul). I must surrender and choose to (soul). I must surrender and choose to enter into and stay engaged in a personal enter into and stay engaged in a personal relationship with God through his son Jesus relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ. Christ.


The Battle for our MindThe Battle for our Mind

Key Truth: The Battle for the Soul Key Truth: The Battle for the Soul is fought and won in the mind!is fought and won in the mind!

Our minds are protected two Our minds are protected two ways:ways:

#2 Our power is #2 Our power is the Holy Spiritthe Holy Spirit..


When each of you repented of your sin When each of you repented of your sin and gave your life to Jesus, He came to and gave your life to Jesus, He came to dwell inside of you through the Holy dwell inside of you through the Holy Spirit. Just as God walked in the Garden Spirit. Just as God walked in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, He now of Eden with Adam and Eve, He now walks with you throughout the details of walks with you throughout the details of your life. You now have full access to your life. You now have full access to Him, and power through the Holy Spirit to Him, and power through the Holy Spirit to live Godlive God’’s ways and resist the lies of s ways and resist the lies of Satan. You are a new creation, set free Satan. You are a new creation, set free from the chains that held you captive to from the chains that held you captive to sin.sin.

““Do not conform any longer to the Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be pattern of this world, but be

transformed by the renewing of transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God‘s will is test and approve what God‘s will is

- his good, pleasing and perfect - his good, pleasing and perfect will.will.””

Romans 12:2Romans 12:2


Becoming aBecoming aVictorious New CreationVictorious New Creation

HereHere’’s how it works:s how it works:

My new beliefs, based on GodMy new beliefs, based on God’’s s truth, begin to reshape my truth, begin to reshape my thinking. Those new thoughts thinking. Those new thoughts begin to generate new emotions begin to generate new emotions and motivation, which lead to and motivation, which lead to Godly choices, and my behavior Godly choices, and my behavior begins to change.begins to change.

““For though we live in the world, we do For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The not wage war as the world does. The

weapons we fight with are not the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, weapons of the world. On the contrary,

they have divine power to demolish they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments strongholds. We demolish arguments

and every pretension that sets itself up and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it take captive every thought to make it

obedient to Christobedient to Christ..””2 Corinthians 10:3-52 Corinthians 10:3-5



““and we take captive every thought to and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christmake it obedient to Christ..””

We must listen to our self talk and learn to take We must listen to our self talk and learn to take our “stinking thing” captive.our “stinking thing” captive.

And then by faith complete the process of And then by faith complete the process of renewal with new thoughts new emotions renewal with new thoughts new emotions

and actions.and actions.

They Overcame Satan by They Overcame Satan by the Word of their Testimonythe Word of their Testimony

Satan, I am a child of God, saved by Satan, I am a child of God, saved by grace, and redeemed by the blood of the grace, and redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, chosen before the foundation of Lamb, chosen before the foundation of the world, and a partaker of the the world, and a partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light. I am a inheritance of the saints in light. I am a member of the chosen generation, the member of the chosen generation, the royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, showing forth the praises of Him people, showing forth the praises of Him who brought us out of darkness into a who brought us out of darkness into a marvelous light. I am more than a marvelous light. I am more than a conqueror through Him that loved me. conqueror through Him that loved me. You are a liar and the father of lies, the You are a liar and the father of lies, the adversary, the enemy, the accuser.adversary, the enemy, the accuser.

They Overcame Satan by They Overcame Satan by the Word of their Testimonythe Word of their Testimony

You are the prince of this world, the You are the prince of this world, the prince of darkness, the prince of the prince of darkness, the prince of the powers of the air. You are the tempter, powers of the air. You are the tempter, the old serpent, the evil one. You are the old serpent, the evil one. You are the ruler of the darkness of this world the ruler of the darkness of this world and the spirit that now works in the and the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. You have children of disobedience. You have been defeated at Calvary, and you are been defeated at Calvary, and you are destined for the bottomless pit, and destined for the bottomless pit, and the lake of fire forever and ever. In the the lake of fire forever and ever. In the name of Jesus I resist and rebuke you, name of Jesus I resist and rebuke you, and command you to GO!and command you to GO!

DESTROYING DESTROYING STRONGHOLDS EXERCISESTRONGHOLDS EXERCISE

With the time remaining, begin With the time remaining, begin working through the working through the Destroying Destroying StrongholdsStrongholds worksheets. worksheets.

First complete the First complete the ““lielie”” worksheet, and worksheet, and then complete the then complete the ““truthtruth”” worksheet worksheet for each misbelief that the Holy Spirit for each misbelief that the Holy Spirit helps you identify.helps you identify.

1.1. Read Read My Identity In ChristMy Identity In Christ daily. daily.

2.2. Personal Study: Continue to work Personal Study: Continue to work through the through the Destroying Strongholds Destroying Strongholds worksheets.worksheets.

3.3. Begin preparing to write Begin preparing to write My StoryMy Story. . Think about writing your story as it Think about writing your story as it pertains to what you are learning in pertains to what you are learning in this study and how it is impacting this study and how it is impacting you. you.

HOMEWORKHOMEWORK

Lesson FourLesson Four

Emotional Freedom: Emotional Freedom:

ForgivenessForgiveness

CLASS OBJECTIVECLASS OBJECTIVEThe objective of this class is to define The objective of this class is to define biblical forgiveness, and to understand how biblical forgiveness, and to understand how the Enemy uses unforgiveness as a powerful the Enemy uses unforgiveness as a powerful weapon to imprison us. We need to open our weapon to imprison us. We need to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, allow Him to reveal hearts to the Holy Spirit, allow Him to reveal the people we need to forgive, and then the people we need to forgive, and then practically demonstrate real forgiveness. As practically demonstrate real forgiveness. As we give and receive forgiveness in a we give and receive forgiveness in a genuine, heartfelt way, we will experience genuine, heartfelt way, we will experience the true emotional and spiritual freedom the true emotional and spiritual freedom that Christ achieved for us by the cross.that Christ achieved for us by the cross.

DiscussDiscuss Has anyone had any positive Has anyone had any positive

experiences this week relating to the experiences this week relating to the truths we have been considering and truths we have been considering and

the action steps you have been the action steps you have been taking?taking?

Did anyone identify a false belief and Did anyone identify a false belief and successfully take it captive, making it successfully take it captive, making it

obedient to Christ this week?obedient to Christ this week?What was your experience like?What was your experience like?

Discuss ConfidentialityDiscuss ConfidentialityAs a Group CovenantAs a Group Covenant

Then, in groups of 3 or 4,Then, in groups of 3 or 4,

take turns readingtake turns reading

Matthew 18:1-35.Matthew 18:1-35.

The Matthew 18 PrincipleThe Matthew 18 Principle

Wounded people wound others.Wounded people wound others.

Our unwillingness to forgiveOur unwillingness to forgive

leads to self-destruction beyondleads to self-destruction beyond

what the perpetrator did.what the perpetrator did.

Defining forgivenessDefining forgiveness

Forgiveness isForgiveness is::•A choice we make through a decision A choice we make through a decision of our will, motivated by obedience to of our will, motivated by obedience to God and his command to forgive. God and his command to forgive. (Colossians 3:13)(Colossians 3:13)

•Letting go of the need for revenge. Letting go of the need for revenge. (Romans 12:19)(Romans 12:19)

•Releasing negative thoughts of Releasing negative thoughts of bitterness and resentment.bitterness and resentment.

(Romans 12:14-18)(Romans 12:14-18)

Forgiveness is NOT:Forgiveness is NOT:•Pretending an offence never Pretending an offence never happened.happened.•Denying the other personDenying the other person’’s s responsibility for hurting you.responsibility for hurting you.•Excusing or justifying the wrong Excusing or justifying the wrong behavior.behavior.•Giving permission to continueGiving permission to continue

harmful behaviors.harmful behaviors.

Defining forgivenessDefining forgiveness

““Not forgivingNot forgiving

is like drinking poison is like drinking poison

and expecting the and expecting the

other person to get other person to get

sick.sick.””

The Big QuestionsThe Big Questions

• Are you holding onto hatred for Are you holding onto hatred for someone?someone?

• Is a lie holding you hostage due to Is a lie holding you hostage due to unhealed wounds, self-centered unhealed wounds, self-centered pride, harbored resentment, pride, harbored resentment, jealousy, anger or fear?jealousy, anger or fear?

• Are you ready to turn it over to Are you ready to turn it over to Jesus and be forgiven? Forgiven for Jesus and be forgiven? Forgiven for the sinful reactions to their wrongs?the sinful reactions to their wrongs?

Despite what some people think, God is not Despite what some people think, God is not looking for a reason to condemn us (John looking for a reason to condemn us (John 3:18). We have already condemned 3:18). We have already condemned ourselves through our sin. He wants to save ourselves through our sin. He wants to save us from ourselves and from the evil us from ourselves and from the evil influences of this fallen world. God invites influences of this fallen world. God invites you to…you to…

•Stop blaming yourself and othersStop blaming yourself and others

•Make the choice to stop living in reactionMake the choice to stop living in reaction

•Take your life back (Jesus paid the price for Take your life back (Jesus paid the price for your life already)your life already)

•Make the choice to forgive those who have Make the choice to forgive those who have hurt youhurt you

““He was hated and rejected by people. He had He was hated and rejected by people. He had much pain and suffering. People would not much pain and suffering. People would not

even look at him. He was hated, and we didn't even look at him. He was hated, and we didn't even notice him. But he took our suffering on even notice him. But he took our suffering on

him and felt our pain for us. We saw his him and felt our pain for us. We saw his suffering and thought God was punishing him. suffering and thought God was punishing him. But he was wounded for the wrong we did; he But he was wounded for the wrong we did; he

was crushed for the evil we did. The was crushed for the evil we did. The punishment, which made us well, was given to punishment, which made us well, was given to

him, and we are healed because of his him, and we are healed because of his wounds. We all have wandered away like wounds. We all have wandered away like

sheep; each of us has gone his own way. But sheep; each of us has gone his own way. But the Lord has put on him the punishment for all the Lord has put on him the punishment for all

the evil we have done.”the evil we have done.”

Isaiah 53:3-6Isaiah 53:3-6

““If the Son sets you free, If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.you will be free indeed.””

John 8:36John 8:36

God does not promise to change God does not promise to change your circumstances but He will your circumstances but He will

change how you see and react to itchange how you see and react to it

DiscussDiscuss

““What did the Holy Spirit What did the Holy Spirit impress upon you through impress upon you through

the truth of this lesson, and the truth of this lesson, and what will your next step be?what will your next step be?

Who would like to share Who would like to share first?”first?”

1.1. Begin writing your story this week using Begin writing your story this week using the the ““Write Write My StoryMy Story”” handout. handout.

2.2. Read through Read through My Identity in ChristMy Identity in Christ at at least once this week.least once this week.

3.3. Begin taking a personal moral inventory Begin taking a personal moral inventory of your life.of your life.

4.4. In the future, determine to make In the future, determine to make restitution for each confessed offense, as restitution for each confessed offense, as Jesus directs you.Jesus directs you.

5.5. Personal Study: Read Personal Study: Read Forgiving From The Forgiving From The Heart.Heart.

HOMEWORKHOMEWORK

Lesson FiveLesson Five

Living in the Spirit: Living in the Spirit:

The True ExpressionThe True Expression

of Our Identityof Our Identity


The objective of this class is to understand The objective of this class is to understand what it means to “walk in the Holy Spirit,” what it means to “walk in the Holy Spirit,” and to learn practical ways of doing so. As and to learn practical ways of doing so. As we practice God’s presence in all the details we practice God’s presence in all the details of our lives, we become sensitive to the of our lives, we become sensitive to the voice and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. voice and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This protects us from being deceived by This protects us from being deceived by Satan, restrains us from acting in sinful Satan, restrains us from acting in sinful ways, and enables us to live a life that ways, and enables us to live a life that produces good fruit for God’s Kingdom!produces good fruit for God’s Kingdom!

DiscussDiscuss What is one way you’ve been What is one way you’ve been challenged to forgive this past challenged to forgive this past

week?week?How have you expressed your How have you expressed your

forgiveness?forgiveness?Did you notice a response from Did you notice a response from

your offender?your offender?How can we pray for you?How can we pray for you?

Putting the Flesh to DeathPutting the Flesh to Death““Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to

your earthly nature: sexual immorality, your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the

life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, yourselves of all such things as these: anger,

rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being and have put on the new self, which is being

renewed in knowledge in the image of its renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.Creator.””

Colossians 3:5-10Colossians 3:5-10

““We know that the law is spiritual; but I am We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not

understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not

want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in

me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin

living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.

For in my inner being I delight in God‘s law; but I For in my inner being I delight in God‘s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my see another law at work in the members of my

body, waging war against the law of my mind and body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work

within my members. What a wretched man I am! within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?Who will rescue me from this body of death?””

Romans 7:14-24Romans 7:14-24

You are not a sinner saved by grace; rather,You are not a sinner saved by grace; rather,you are a you are a ““saintsaint”” who is still capable of sinning. who is still capable of sinning.

It is only by the personal leadership and It is only by the personal leadership and supernatural power of the Holy Spirit that we are supernatural power of the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to stop doing the dysfunctional empowered to stop doing the dysfunctional deeds of the flesh. Our responsibility may be deeds of the flesh. Our responsibility may be summarized in one word – FAITH. We need to summarized in one word – FAITH. We need to trust the Holy Spirit to both reveal what should trust the Holy Spirit to both reveal what should be changed in our lives, and give us the power be changed in our lives, and give us the power to change it. The bottom line is simply that the to change it. The bottom line is simply that the Holy Spirit’s role and responsibility is to give us Holy Spirit’s role and responsibility is to give us both the revelation and power to change. This both the revelation and power to change. This truth separates Christianity from all other truth separates Christianity from all other religions. A religious system of ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ religions. A religious system of ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ cannot save us. If it could, Jesus would not have cannot save us. If it could, Jesus would not have had to die.had to die.

““I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that are contrary to one another, so that

you do not do the things that you wish. you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you But if you are led by the Spirit, you

are not under the law.are not under the law.””

Galatians 5:16-18Galatians 5:16-18

Walking in the SpiritWalking in the Spirit• ““WalkWalk”” is from the original Greek word is from the original Greek word

““peripateo”.peripateo”.

• ““Peri” Peri” means means ““aroundaround””, suggesting the idea , suggesting the idea of something that is encircling.of something that is encircling.

• ““Pateo” Pateo” means means ““to walkto walk””..

This suggests a person who has lived in one This suggests a person who has lived in one region for so long that it has now become his region for so long that it has now become his environment, his place of daily activity, the environment, his place of daily activity, the sphere that encircles his existence. We must sphere that encircles his existence. We must become intimately familiar with the Scriptures become intimately familiar with the Scriptures so we can discern when the spirit is speaking so we can discern when the spirit is speaking to us.to us.

DiscussDiscuss

Read John 15:1-8.Read John 15:1-8.

Question: According to John 15,Question: According to John 15, what is the result of abidingwhat is the result of abiding

(or remaining) in Christ?(or remaining) in Christ?

Fruit of the SpiritFruit of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit produces the fruit in us The Holy Spirit produces the fruit in us and through us, as we remain in him, and through us, as we remain in him, and as our roots grow deep into Him.and as our roots grow deep into Him.

Remaining in Jesus means:Remaining in Jesus means:

1.1.Doing what God says.Doing what God says.

2.2.Continuing to believe the truth.Continuing to believe the truth.

3.3.Loving the community of believers, Loving the community of believers, which is Christ's body.which is Christ's body.

““But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control. Against such things gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.there is no law.””

Galatians 5:22-23Galatians 5:22-23

““For this very reason, make every effort to add to For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, your faith goodness; and to goodness,

knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to to self-control, perseverance; and to

perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing For if you possess these qualities in increasing

measure, they will keep you from being measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge

of our Lord Jesus Christ.of our Lord Jesus Christ.””

2 Peter 1:5-82 Peter 1:5-8


Recipe for Producing Fruit:Recipe for Producing Fruit:

1.1.Saturate yourself in God's Word, Saturate yourself in God's Word, and obey it.and obey it.

2.2.Engage in frequent conversation Engage in frequent conversation with Jesus and other believers.with Jesus and other believers.

3.3.Practice the presence of God by Practice the presence of God by noticing what He is doing around noticing what He is doing around you and joining Him in it.you and joining Him in it.


1.1. Finish writing Finish writing Write My Story Write My Story (Appendix (Appendix 10) if you haven’t already done so. 10) if you haven’t already done so. Prepare to share it with someone you Prepare to share it with someone you trust. Perhaps you would like to share it trust. Perhaps you would like to share it with your group next week.with your group next week.

2.2. Memorize one verse from Memorize one verse from The Christian’s The Christian’s Scriptural IdentityScriptural Identity (Appendix 7). (Appendix 7).

3.3. Read Read My Identity In Christ Affirmation My Identity In Christ Affirmation (Appendix 12) again.(Appendix 12) again.

HOMEWORKHOMEWORK

Lesson SixLesson Six

Created forCreated for

Relationship Ministry:Relationship Ministry:

Pass It On!Pass It On!

DiscussDiscuss Briefly share about a time when Briefly share about a time when you did something for someone you did something for someone that had a positive impact on that had a positive impact on them. How did it make you feel?them. How did it make you feel?

Take turns reading John 13:34-35, Take turns reading John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-21, and I Peter 2:2 in 1 John 4:7-21, and I Peter 2:2 in your group.your group.

Christianity is Relationship –Christianity is Relationship –Not ReligionNot Religion

Human Love vs. Divine Love (1 John 4:7-Human Love vs. Divine Love (1 John 4:7-21)21)

The primary drive behind human love is,The primary drive behind human love is,““I want you to love me.I want you to love me.””

The primary drive behind divine love is,The primary drive behind divine love is,““I want to love you like Jesus loves you.I want to love you like Jesus loves you.””

Human love is Human love is self-self-centered.centered.Divine love is Divine love is Christ-Christ-centeredcentered

and therefore and therefore others-others-centered.centered.

1.1. We must be born of God through the We must be born of God through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. We regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. We must believe that Jesus died for our sins must believe that Jesus died for our sins and receive Him as our personal Savior.and receive Him as our personal Savior.

2.2. We must “know God.” Knowing God in an We must “know God.” Knowing God in an intimate, personal relationship allows us intimate, personal relationship allows us the freedom to actually love one another the freedom to actually love one another in the same way Jesus loves us. Our love in the same way Jesus loves us. Our love for others will spill over from the love we for others will spill over from the love we have received from our personal Savior have received from our personal Savior and friend.and friend.


We were made by God,We were made by God,and for God.and for God.

We were created on We were created on purpose,purpose,

for a purpose!for a purpose!


““This is how we know what love is: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

And we ought to lay down our lives for And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in possessions and sees his brother in

need but has no pity on him, how can need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear the love of God be in him? Dear

children, let us not love with words or children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”tongue but with actions and in truth.”

1 John 3:16-181 John 3:16-18


DiscussDiscuss

Share Your Story!Share Your Story!

Share one or two things that Share one or two things that really encouraged you the really encouraged you the

most throughout this study.most throughout this study.

What has God done in your life What has God done in your life as a result of this study?as a result of this study?

My Identity in ChristMy Identity in ChristAffirmationAffirmation

Because of Christ's redemption,Because of Christ's redemption,I am a new creation of infinite worth.I am a new creation of infinite worth.

I am deeply loved, I am completely forgiven, I am deeply loved, I am completely forgiven, I am fully pleasing, I am fully pleasing,

I am totally accepted by God.I am totally accepted by God.I am absolutely complete in Christ.I am absolutely complete in Christ.

When my performanceWhen my performancereflects my new identity in Christ.reflects my new identity in Christ.

That reflection is dynamically unique.That reflection is dynamically unique.There has never been another person like meThere has never been another person like me

in the history of mankind,in the history of mankind,nor will there ever be.nor will there ever be.

God has made me an original,God has made me an original,one of a kind, really somebody! one of a kind, really somebody!

Suggested Next StepsSuggested Next Steps

• • Biblical Counseling Biblical Counseling – If you need – If you need ongoing individual and group ongoing individual and group recovery counseling.recovery counseling.

• • Foundations Life Study Foundations Life Study – Deepen – Deepen your understanding of your understanding of foundational Christian theologyfoundational Christian theology

• • Truth Therapy Truth Therapy – Learning to think – Learning to think with God. Replacing lies with the with God. Replacing lies with the Truth. The process of the Truth. The process of the renewing of your mind.renewing of your mind.

Documents

Truth Therapy “IDENTITY IN CHRIST”. Lesson One Our Identity in Christ The Search for Meaning