The Root of the Problem: Chapter 10 – Materialism (Excerpt)

April 1, 2011 by

The Root of the Problem (cover)We live in a materialistic society. So apparent is this reality that I believe examples need not be given. As Christians we must be careful that we do not follow after the world in this regard. Paul gives us a sobering warning about having a materialistic attitude:

“If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:8-10).

It is important to notice that Paul does not say that money is the root of all sorts of evil. Rather he says the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. Hence, this warning is not exclusively for the rich. Those who are poor are often guilty of this as well. The text says, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare.” No matter who we are, rich or poor, we must guard against this mindset.

You can read more about how we can combat materialism in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 9 – Impatience (Excerpt)

March 25, 2011 by

The Root of the Problem (cover)Our culture has long promoted the “instant gratification” mindset. We do not want to wait, we want to have our desires realized now. We have credit cards to buy things for which we have yet to earn the money to pay for them. No down payment home loans allow us to move into our own house before we save enough money for a down payment. We can cook our food with microwaves, pay for our gas at the pump, and instantly download music, books, and movies from the internet.

It is not always wrong to receive what we want instantly, but we must guard ourselves against becoming accustomed to that mindset. Expecting the things we want immediately, rather than having to patiently wait for some things, can lead to sin.

Satan tries to use this mentality against us. He tells us not to wait for God’s plan, but to indulge ourselves now. Why wait for marriage when we can engage in sexual relations now? Why wait for riches in heaven when we can pursue riches here using any means necessary? He wants us to give up God’s reward that will come later in the hopes of obtaining an inferior reward now. Sadly, this tactic works against many people.

You can read more about sin’s promise of an immediate reward and the patience necessary to receive God’s greater reward in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 8 – Peer Pressure (Excerpt)

March 18, 2011 by

The Root of the Problem (cover)“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

Who are we going to try to please? If we are trying to please men, then like Paul, we cannot be a servant of Christ. We have to make that choice. To follow the crowd and succumb to peer pressure prevents us from being able to serve the Lord as He demands.

We need to give up the desire for popularity and acceptance from our peers, no matter how old or young we are. The way of Christ is not a popular path. This lesson is repeatedly given throughout the New Testament.

You can read more about overcoming peer pressure and learning to please Christ first in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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Suspending the Affiliate Program

March 15, 2011 by

In January we announced the launch of a new Gospel Armory Affiliate program. Unfortunately we are having to suspend this program for the time being. We hope to bring it back sometime in the future. Be sure to subscribe to our RSS feed to be informed as soon as the program is back.

Thanks

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 7 – Arrogance (Excerpt)

March 11, 2011 by

The Root of the Problem (cover)Arrogance leads us to think that we cannot fall. In this study, we have been looking at how we can overcome sin with the understanding that we are capable of doing so. What if we are successful in giving up sin? Can we let our guard down? Should we boast that we have overcome sin and will never fall again? Certainly not. Even if one gives up sin, the possibility to sin again remains.

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Even after we repent and put away sin from our lives, we must be diligent to keep it out. If we begin thinking of our accomplishments – and repentance is an accomplishment, for many people fail in doing it – we risk ignoring the threat of sin and temptation.

You can read more about overcoming arrogance and learning humility in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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