8 Instructions for Overcoming Bad Habits
One of the ways our culture in America has reaped God's judgment is that we are an addicted society. America at large has refused to be purchased and possessed by God therefore they are controlled by other things.
Many times God will allow people to have what they think they want……..
Some Common Strongholds
Gambling
Chemical Dependence
Work (Workaholism, Desire to earn money)
Food
Entertainment – (T.V., Video Games, Music, Computers, recreation)
Sexual – (fornication, adultery, lust, pornography)
Compulsive Shopping and Spending – (Materialism)
Gossip
Worry
Popularity – (Desire to be liked, accepted, noticed)
These are just some of the most prevalent!
Many of these Strongholds are attempts to fill voids that only God can fill.
Many of these strongholds are Satan's attempts to bind us with guilt and shame.
One major step to confronting these types of strongholds is to accept responsibility for them
1. Stop Blaming Others
2. Stop Blaming God
3. Stop trying to Justify it
4. Stop Trying to Pacify it – (It is not a disease, it is
a disorder)
God offers freedom and I want to share with you some ways to get on the path to obtaining it!
8 Instructions for Overcoming Bad Habits
1. Remember that the Trumpet Could Sound at Anytime
1Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
Continually be reminded that Jesus will return without any warning and it could happen at any moment. It will be a lot harder to engage in this besetting sin when you are convinced that the trumpet could sound right in the middle of it.
2. Remember That There is a Great Cloud of Witnesses Cheering You On
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We all have loved ones in "Heavens Grandstand" that are watching us with anticipation.
Most importantly The Author and Finisher of our Faith!
3. Surround Yourself With Spiritual People
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Spiritual People have the ability to restore the fallen and bring out the best in us. They lift us to a higher level rather than bring us down.
That is why God gave us a church family and the gift of fellowship!!!!!!!!!! It was one of His provisions that He "fully furnished" us with.
4. Absorb Your Life With God's Word
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Ps 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
God's Word is like water, it can flush the impurities out of us.
The more we absorb God's word the more discernment we have towards the things that can harm us!
5. Remove the Opportunity
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
If you have a problem with drinking, don't have a wet bar installed in your home!!!
If you are tempted to gamble or purchase pornography, don't go in the store – pay at the pump
6. Replace it With Something Good
Eph 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Col 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
7. Do Not Allow the Thought of it to Occupy Your Mind
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
8. Have a Deep Dependence on God
**** The Cycle of Diminishing Intent (As time passes our best intentions fade)
Phase 1 – Desperation – "I've got to change"
Phase 2 – Determination – "I am Going to Change"
Phase 3 – Effort – Sheer Willpower – "Look at me I'm Changing"
Phase 4 – Pride – "I've got it under control"
Phase 5 – Fall
After 5 or 6 Times of repeating this cycle you then give up
and arrive to the conclusion that you are hopeless.
Ro 7:18 For I know that in me (that is,
in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing …
Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the
spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in
the flesh.
2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God
Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: