What if?, November 25, 2007

"One Fruit...Nine Traits", November 25, 2007

What if....my desires and passions were redirected toward good?

Read 2 Cor. 10:3-5
According to verse 5, what is the major battleground in our battle with sinful desire?

Galatians 5:16-25 is the passage we have been studying. Reread the passage.
•What strikes you as pertinent in your life this week?

•In what ways are you thinking differently about your life as a result of studying this passage during the last two months?

Galatians 5:19-21 list some (but not all) of the sinful behaviors that are generated by the sinful nature. What would you name or add to the list as a major temptation you face?

The following questions might help you think through that temptation and by the Spirit establish self-control (mastering desires and passions).

What is this craving promising?

Can it deliver?

Is this desire (lust) about something else?

What is the lie here?

Where is the good in this person or thing?

Where is the good that has been distorted?

What good has God made here that has been hijacked?

Have I been tempted like this before?

Have I given in before?

What was it like?

Did it work?

Was I more satisfied or more empty?

What will the moment, the morning, or the week after be like?

Is there a pattern here?