The Fact of Nobility

The focus of this Trail is on the shadow which is within us, outside of us, and always against us.

“Don’t expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong.” Calvin Coolidge

I. The shadow attacks the king’s view of his own nobility by: A. Lowering his expectations of what a male can become. B. Limiting his learning from positive role models.

D. Emphasizing his victimhood, helplessness, and hopelessness. I. The shadow attacks the king’s view of his own nobility by: C. Telling him that he lacks worth because of his negative thoughts and actions. D. Emphasizing his victimhood, helplessness, and hopelessness.

F. Promoting all or nothing thinking. I. The shadow attacks the king’s view of his own nobility by: E. Establishing a perfectionist mind-set where he never feels good enough. F. Promoting all or nothing thinking.

I. The shadow attacks the king’s view of his own nobility by: G. Elevating the importance of his previous failures so that it is useless to start over or seek forgiveness. H. Viewing his worth as based on social status, appearance and power.

I. The shadow attacks the king’s view of his own nobility by: I. Confusing pride with self- confidence. J. Keeping the individual from creating and participating in supportive relationships.

I. The shadow attacks the king’s view of his own nobility by: K. Emphasizing the difficulties, instead of the benefits of personal growth. L. Defining God as the enemy of a man reaching personal fulfillment.

“This pile of stones will stand as a witness to remind us of the covenant we have made today.” Genesis 31:48

II. The king of the man: A. Supports the reality of the man’s nobility. B. Recognizes that the ways a man views himself can lead to the self- fulfilling prophecies of what he will become.

II. The king of the man: C. Knows that when a man values his kingship, it is harder for him to slide into spandex ways. D. Knows that achieving a positive identity and strong character narrows the options to choose to do wrong.

II. The king of the man: E. Is aware of the weaknesses within himself which the enemies that surround his core are likely to attack. F. Is aware that some of his weak links will never be fully corrected during his time on earth.

II. The king of the man: G. Clearly sees his imperfections and develops a plan to strengthen these areas. H. Regularly reinforces his nobility by serving others.

II. The king of the man: I. Recognizes an error quickly and moves toward restoration by: * Acknowledging to himself the full extent of his choice. * Sharing with his accountability partners what has occurred in order to obtain their support.

II. The king of the man: I. Recognizes an error quickly and moves toward restoration by: * Confessing his sinful actions to God. *Seeking the forgiveness of anyone he has hurt.

I. Recognizes an error quickly and moves toward restoration by: II. The king of the man: I. Recognizes an error quickly and moves toward restoration by: * Accepting the consequences of his actions and making restitution when appropriate. * Establishing boundaries and rules for the future in this area of personal weakness.

II. The king of the man: I. Recognizes an error quickly and moves toward restoration by: * Analyzing how he was fooled by this seductive choice. * Celebrating the nobility of his willingness to be corrected.

II. The king of the man: J. Recognizes that his nobility comes from being made in the image of God and submitting to God’s guidance, principles, and His Word.