Changed Into His Image, Ch. 2

Jan's Thoughts/Notes:

Recognizing the Evil Within

1) Understanding MY Sinful Heart

• I am sinful (Rom. 1-3)
• I need to be saved (Rom. 4-5)
• I can be sanctified (Rom. 6-8)

There is only ONE way--to be redeemed (purchased) by the blood of Christ--salvation, from eternal separation from God, by His grace (death on the cross) through faith (my belief).

2) The Nature of MY Nature

• My biggest problem is a heart that wants it's own way--all the time.
• My ways and His ways are mutually exclusive
• My sin separates me from Him. It blinds my understanding and without the Spirit within me, I cannot comprehend spiritual things.
• My heart is deceptive. I was born with a heart against God.

3) Why is MY "flesh" Deceitful?

• Sin generates lies. Lies about life that conceal the reality. Once sin has deceived the mind, I am sure to sin.
• The will (my will) chooses what appears to be good to my affections bc the mind has been deceived by my sin (Rom. 7:23)

4) My Flesh is Death (Jms 1:15; Rom. 8:13)

• The Serpent's design is to separate the believer from the Lord's fellowship
• The enemy seeks to separate my body & soul--rendering it useless to Christ
• An unrestrained sinful heart is destructive! Rom. 3:10-18; 8:13

5) God's Word MUST be MY Authority

• If I refuse to acknowledge my authorities desire to rule, I am rejecting God's Way. That in itself is ruling my life at that moment
• I must practice making decisions that are wise (in line with God's way)
• I must humble myself before God and acknowledge His right to superintend ALL my choices

So What?

1. If left alone I would destroy myself--I MUST recognize God's convicting and chastising Word and confront my sin!
2. I MUST humble myself when God exposes sin or their will be no biblical change in my life.
3. God will mercifully keep exposing my sin that would ultimately keep me from being productive for Him.