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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2007 7:48:08 GMT -7
Fellow men, if we sin, it is our heart that has a problem. We love the wrong things, like the wrong things, and need to correct ourselves from these wrong loves. It is our heart that needs to change. We should find no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rather delight in doing God’s will. If we have pleasure in being unrighteous, then we have not received a real love for the truth.Matt. 15:19-20 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man:Roms. 1:24-26 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections:II Thess. 2: 10-13 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Col. 3:1-5 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:Matt.6:20-21 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.Matt. 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.John.15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. Create in me a clean heart O God, renew a right spirit within me! Continuing to pray for the men crying out in bondage in Egypt, These things are all matters of the heart.May the Day Star arise in your hearts. May Christ give you Light. Wilderness VoicePss.40:8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 16, 2007 4:00:32 GMT -7
I've been sitting on this one waiting for somebody else to start the dialogue because I haven't been quite clear what the right response is, but now that it's aged a few days and nobody else has spoken, let me try.
I think there a couple of things to like about this emphasis on the heart.
We often think as addicts that what we have is a problem of the will. If I just start resolving to do the right things, then I can fix myself. We think of ourselves as rational actors making bad choices. For me, though, resolving that I had acted out for the last time and would never do it again - fighting the problem on the level of reason and will - never worked at all.
If the problem is a deeper problem of the heart, then equally the solution needs to be deeper. I may be able just to decide to act differently; I can't just decide to love differently. I need to go deep inside myself to discern why my heart is defective and how to restore it to wholeness, and I need the help of others to show me that having a new heart is possible, and I need a willingness to surrender my heart to Christ in a new and deeper way. I need the courage and trust to dare to experience my own heart - my own fears and my own pain - and to believe that this process will not kill me, but that through it I can be led to wholeness. All of this makes sense to me, and agrees with my own experience in recovery so far.
The quotation I found particularly apt here was Christ's injunction to love God with all our hearts. When I am trapped in active addiction, my heart and my consciousness are inherently divided. I desperately want my fix; I also desperately want to be free of the need for my fix. I want to love God; I also want to hold on to my own control and to my familiar, safe dysfunction.
In recovery, I'm not looking for the strength to resist temptation. I'm seeking restoration to a promordial wholeness. I'm working to return to a place where I have one heart, in which I am at peace with all the aspects of myself that I have cut off from one another in my addictive fragmentation, in which I have a whole being that can be turned over to Christ.
At least, that's what your analysis said to me. Thanks.
Tim M.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 21, 2007 6:00:02 GMT -7
Hi WV, It's great to hear a heart that Loves the Word like yours.
God bless!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2008 1:49:22 GMT -7
This is a good sermon which challenges me to examine my heart and to see what is there. What is my love for God? How deep and is it sincere? Is it selfishly motivated for the preservation of the soul unto eternal life? Why am I not free of sexual sin? How can a heart love God and love the flesh? It can't be. Yet, I desire to love God, obey His commandments, love my neighbour, do all that would please Him.
I am dismayed and wretched.
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teetop
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Post by teetop on Jun 10, 2016 6:44:44 GMT -7
Why are all the members deleted on this topic? Is it offensive to the senses? It is a great topic and one I've had on my heart for a long time and answers a lot of our/my actions and choices.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2016 6:52:01 GMT -7
Awhile back we went through and deleted members who hadn't posted in 5 years. The subject is an excellent one. Of you would like to revive it, please do so.
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teetop
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Post by teetop on Jun 10, 2016 13:47:47 GMT -7
SIN - A Matter of the HeartGen_6:5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (NASV) Remembering that first mention in scripture gives us an insight into the interpretation of the subject.(The heart) (I watch and listen to Skip Heitzig and have no problem recommending his teachings even though I may not agree 100% with him in all doctrine.) Genesis 6
Gen 8:21 The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done.(NASV)
Rom_10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; Rom_10:10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.(NASV)
wildernessvoice quoted; Matt 15:19-20 though to put it into context here it is;
Mat 15:10 After Jesus called the crowd to Him, He said to them, "Hear and understand. Mat 15:11 "It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man." Mat 15:12 Then the disciples *came and *said to Him, "Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?" Mat 15:13 But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. Mat 15:14 "Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit." Mat 15:15 Peter said to Him, "Explain the parable to us." Mat 15:16 Jesus said, "Are you still lacking in understanding also? Mat 15:17 "Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? Mat 15:18 "But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. Mat 15:19 "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. Mat 15:20 "These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man." (NASV)
A list of many sins are given us of the flesh for those who will not attain the Kingdom of Heaven: 1 Cor. 6:9-10; 1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Cor. 12:20-21; Gal 5:19-21; Rev. 9:21; Rev. 21:8; Rev 21:27; Rev. 22:15
I am reminded of the tax collector in the parable in Luke 18:10-14 and what he cried out in humbleness.
Luk 18:13 "But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, the sinner!'
I think I'll stop here for the time being and post more later. Have a Blessed day. . Fellow men, if we sin, it is our heart that has a problem. We love the wrong things, like the wrong things, and need to correct ourselves from these wrong loves. It is our heart that needs to change. We should find no pleasure in unrighteousness, but rather delight in doing God’s will. If we have pleasure in being unrighteous, then we have not received a real love for the truth.Matt. 15:19-20 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man:Roms. 1:24-26 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections:
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2016 0:43:47 GMT -7
this is why i have an issue with people who say porn addicts will always struggle with sexual temptation. I dont believe that to be true. temptations come from the desires of the heart. If you are given a clean heart, what tempted you before wont tempt you now. bad communication habits , maladaptive coping strategies may remain, but not the desire for what is perverted.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 12, 2016 6:54:14 GMT -7
I no longer desire porn or acting out. I want and need God more. I do still need to shield myself from temptation. I desire to do that because I no longer want to go back to what I was before God got a hold of me and taught me about His truth.
In the end it is all about what we choose. Do we choose the world and it's lies or God and His truths? The choice is only easy if you choose the lies and cater to your sins.
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teetop
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Post by teetop on Jun 12, 2016 8:47:40 GMT -7
Amymine712 'Leaving it up to God' Posts: 1,074 Occupation: disabled Days of Integrity: 8 years
about an hour ago teetop likes this
Post by Amymine712 on about an hour ago "I no longer desire porn or acting out. I want and need God more. I do still need to shield myself from temptation. I desire to do that because I no longer want to go back to what I was before God got a hold of me and taught me about His truth.
In the end it is all about what we choose. Do we choose the world and it's lies or God and His truths? The choice is only easy if you choose the lies and cater to your sins"
Perfect, the choice to control our flesh. The very thing I know I chose most of my life not to do. Paul speaks of this somewhere in his writings I believe; 1Co 9:26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 1Co 9:27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (NASB) Discipline
sophronismos (G4995), from sophron, lit., "saving the mind," from saos, "contracted to" sos, "safe" (cf. sozo, "to save"), phren, "the mind," primarily, "an admonishing or calling to soundness of mind, or to selfcontrol," is used in 2Ti_1:7, KJV, "a sound mind"; RV, "discipline." Cf. sophroneo ("to be of sound mind"), sophronizo ("to admonish"), sophronos ("soberly"), and sophron, "of sound mind. See MIND.Cf. CHASTISEMENT.(Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words)
Rom 8:12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— Rom 8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.(NASB)
I can honestly say that my years of drunkenness and lack of self-control led to debauchery. Full Definition of debauchery
plural debaucheries
1 a : extreme indulgence in sensuality b plural : orgies
2 archaic : seduction from virtue or duty
History and Use of debauchery
Some people come to find debauchery through the Bible, in a manner of speaking.
In a number of modern versions the word may be found in Ephesians 5:18, as in The New International Version's translation: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit....” The Greek word that is translated here as debauchery may be interpreted in many different ways: the King James Version uses excess, whereas the American Standard Version uses riot.
Debauchery always involves behavior—especially sexual behavior or behavior involving alcohol or drugs—that some find morally objectionable. In biblical and spiritual contexts, the word debauchery is deadly serious, but in other situations the word often has a playful connotation, as when a group of friends goes out for a "night of debauchery."(Merriam Webster Dictionary) Virgil.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2016 2:46:21 GMT -7
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
We are all tempted, even Jesus was tempted. It's not a sin in fact the closer we get to God the greater are the temptations.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 13, 2016 13:12:31 GMT -7
Yes brave it seems the closer you get to the Lord the worse the temptations can be. What really gets me is how they can change. Its like when you counter one temptation well, Satan comes back at you in a completely different direction. ie...porn isn't working so then something else hits you...for me that would be craving sweets or getting me to loose my temper. There is always something. That's why I need and want God more. I cannot fight these on my own...only with God can these be overcome.
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teetop
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Post by teetop on Jun 14, 2016 11:43:50 GMT -7
Yes brave, it seems the closer you get to the Lord the worse the temptations can be. What really gets me is how they can change. Its like when you counter one temptation well, Satan comes back at you in a completely different direction. ie...porn isn't working so then something else hits you...for me that would be craving sweets or getting me to loose my temper. There is always something. That's why I need and want God more. I cannot fight these on my own...only with God can these be overcome. Luk 4:13 When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.(NASB; NKJV) Luk 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.(KJV) 'opportune time and season are the same root Greek word. (G2540)
We are looking at temptation, so here is what Vines has to share and scripture references:
Temptation peirasmos (G3986), akin to A, above, is used of (1) "trials" with a beneficial purpose and effect, (a) of "trials" or "temptations," divinely permitted or sent, Luk_22:28; Act_20:19; Jam_1:2; 1Pe_1:6; 1Pe_4:12, RV, "to prove," KJV, "to try"; 2Pe_2:9 (singular); Rev_3:10, RV, "trial" (KJV, "temptation"); in Jam_1:12, "temptation" apparently has meanings (1) and (2) combined (see below), and is used in the widest sense; (b) with a good or neutral significance, Gal_4:14, of Paul's physical infirmity, "a temptation" to the Galatian converts, of such a kind as to arouse feelings of natural repugnance; (c) of "trials" of a varied character, Mat_6:13 and Luk_11:4, where believers are commanded to pray not to be led into such by forces beyond their own control; Mat_26:41; Mar_14:38; Luk_22:40, Luk_22:46, where they are commanded to watch and pray against entering into "temptations" by their own carelessness or disobedience; in all such cases God provides "the way of escape," 1Co_10:13 (where peirasmos occurs twice). (2) Of "trial" definitely designed to lead to wrong doing, "temptation," Luk_4:13; Luk_8:13; 1Ti_6:9; (3) of "trying" or challenging God, by men, Heb_3:8.(Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words)
1Co 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1Co 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (This last verse, at least for me brings in a whole new concept in my addictions.)
Maybe Idolatry as a topic should be covered. The question could be: What Idols do I bow-down too? Have a Blessed day. Virgil
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Post by Deleted on Jun 14, 2016 19:11:25 GMT -7
Yes idolatry would be a good topic to start. You should start it teetop.
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teetop
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Post by teetop on Jun 15, 2016 3:23:09 GMT -7
OK, I shall give it a try though I'm not a great writer. It will probably be scattered as my focus tends to wonder.
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