Part 1 video can be found here
Part 1 discussion guide can be found here
Part 2 video can be found here
Part 2 discussion guide can be found here
Part 3 video and discussion guide can be found here
See below the video for the discussion guide for part 4
See below the video for the discussion guide for part 4
Here is the discussion guide for part 4.
Image Bearers 4 ‘Making Assessments’
You can spread ______________ loving rule by making godly assessments
You can spread the ______________ rule by making ungodly assessments
Memorize Romans 12:2
Tick some of the thoughts and worldly patterns of assessment you get tempted towards?
Thoughts
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Possible mindset
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How to adjust your assessment with belief
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I’m all on my own’☐
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Orphan mentality
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Believe God is your Father who is watching out for you (Ps 121).
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‘They must have an ulterior motive’☐
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Cynicism
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Believe that God is right when he says it is more wise and loving to be open minded and hope the best of people (1Cor 13:7; Jas 3:17).
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‘I don’t trust them’☐
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Suspicion
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Same as above, and also believe that your own heart is not trustworthy (Jer 17:9).
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‘They’re out to get me’☐
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Paranoia
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Believe that God is your protector (Ps 27:1), and that your heart can mislead you about people (Jer 17:9).
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‘People always treat me badly’ ☐
‘No-one cares’☐
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Victim Mentality
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Believe that God has also been bringing good things into your life (Eph 1:3).
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‘I often clash with those in authority.’ ☐
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Anti-authority
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Believe that God has placed authority in my life for my good (Rom 13:1-3).
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Circle which root sins you might need to repent of?
Pride, Lack of love, Foolishness, Rebellion, Self-centeredness
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‘My group is the right group’☐
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Partisan
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Believe we all get stuff wrong, and need humility (1Pet 5:5). Believe that you can still learn things from others outside your group (1Cor 3:3-5, 21-22).
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‘I’m not in the wrong! I’m in the right here!’ ☐
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Defensiveness, Self-righteousness
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Believe the Bible’s account that you are ungodly. Believe that its Jesus’ righteousness that makes you right, so you can admit your wrong, shame free (Rom 4:5).
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‘They’re wrong about this, and its really important I correct them’☐
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Being Correct, Self righteousness
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Same as above. Believe also that you need to take the plank out of your eye first (Matt 7:1-5).
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‘Its not my fault!’ ☐
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Self-righteousness, blame shifting
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Same as above. Believe, also that you have responsibilities God has given you (Gen 1:28; 2:5).
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‘They’ve hurt me so they need to get it now’☐
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Revenge
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Trust that God will avenge (Rom 12:19-21). Trust that you have hurt God much more, and yet he forgave you (Rom 5:8). Trust that your sinful heart has probably committed the same root sins, even if in a different way (Rom 2:23; Jas 2:10).
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‘They’re not living their life right’☐
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Judge
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Believe that there are many ways you don’t live right, but God gives you so much grace. Believe its not your job to judge others (Rom 14:4).
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‘They haven’t done what I want them to do, so I’m angry at them.’ ☐
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Works-based
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Same as above. Believe that all our good works are tainted with sin (Is 64:6), and only acceptable to God because they are presented through Jesus Christ (1Pet 2:5).
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‘They’re not giving me the respect I deserve’☐
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Pride, entitlement
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Same as above. Trust that in God the Father’s eyes you are clothed in Christ’s righteousness (Eph 1:4). What other people think of you is insignificant compared to that (Rom 8:31).
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Circle which root sins you might need to repent of?
Pride, self-centeredness, self-righteousness
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‘It will never work’☐
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Faithless Pessimism
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Have faith that God can do the impossible (Matt 17:20).
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‘Everything will be ok’ ☐
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Naïve Optimism
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Believe that we live in a fallen world, and bad things happen (Gen 3:16-19).
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‘I’m afraid that…’ ☐
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Anxiety
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Trust that God is your good shepherd, who works out everything for his glory and your good (Ps 23; Rom 8:28).
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‘I just want good stuff now, not later!’ ☐
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Short term thinking
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Trust that you are building up treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21).
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‘This is too hard’☐
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Quitting
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Trust that God is strongest in you in your weakness. Depend on his strength (2Cor 12:9-10).
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‘I just can’t be bothered’☐
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Laziness
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Trust that there are bad consequences to inaction (Prov 6:10-11).
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‘I’ve gotta have a life too though!’ ☐
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Materialism
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Same as above. Also, trust that it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35).
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‘But I don’t feel like it’☐
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Following your heart
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Trust that your heart is deceitful (Jer 17:9). Trust that God’s word needs to be your guide (Ps 119:105).
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‘I’ve got this!’ ☐
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Self-reliance
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Trust you need Christ to be fruitful (John 15:4)
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Circle which root sins you might need to repent of?
Lack of faith, unbelief, pride, self-centeredness
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How is your mind being renewed at the moment? (tick which ones)
Through Bible reading and study? ☐
Through your church Elders? ☐
Through church members? ☐
Through good Christian resources? ☐
Through an Armoury of truth? ☐
Read 2 Corinthians 10:5
Pick one mentality that you need to actively fight against this week _______________________
Which Bible verses will you meditate on to help you_____________________
Time of Confession & Prayer (5mins).
A method of making godly decisions with others:
1) What does the Bible say?
2) How would it make you feel (taking into account the above table)?
3) What would the end result be (for you and others)?
