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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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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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 6 – Rebellion (Excerpt)

March 4, 2011 by

Satan tries to convince us to reject the rule of Christ. He makes his appeal to one’s rebellious and independent spirit, trying to make us believe that the way of Christ is too restrictive and that there is not enough liberty. After all, we should be free to live as we please, right? We certainly are free to live as we please. But this does not mean that we live without a master. If we do not wish to be slaves of Christ, and therefore refuse to submit to Him, we are still not truly free – we are slaves of sin.

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness” (Romans 6:20).

When we seek to free ourselves from practicing righteousness in the service of Christ, we make ourselves the slaves of sin. Why do we choose to rebel against Christ rather than rejecting the other master – sin? Christ, through our service to Him, gives us liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). The path of sin is one of bondage that ultimately leads to death (Romans 6:12-13, 23). (p. 33)

You can read more about our choice between rebellion and submission 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 5 – Deception (Excerpt)

February 25, 2011 by

The lies about sin are common. The world tries to convince us that sin is not so bad and that we can engage in it without consequence. Yet as we have seen, the Scriptures teach otherwise. So how do we keep from being deceived? Be on the alert.

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-18).

Paul warns of false teachers who deceive others. But who is it that will be deceived? It will be those who are unsuspecting. Therefore, we must be on the alert. Do not allow yourself to be lulled to sleep and thus let your guard down. (p. 27)

You can read more about the lies of Satan and his ministers 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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