The Examination of Sanctification: Anger/Abuse
Three circles #1#2#3
No.1 Natural Man (self rule) Self-Centered (selfish heart) Self-Seeking (fear/lust) Self-reliant Attempts to control (others, outcomes and circumstances) Chaos..... Enemy of God, alive to sin No choice but to sin - it is our nature.
No. 3 Christian walking according to the Spirit (Christ rules) God-centered (servant’s heart) God pleasing (faith) Dependent on Creator Surrendered to His lordship and sovereignty Order Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)
No. 2 Christian walking according to the flesh (self rule) Self-centered (selfish heart) Self-seeking (fear/lust) Self-reliant Attempts to control (others, outcomes, and circumstances) Chaos..... Deeds of the Flesh (Gal. 5:19-21)
Natural Man Fear/Lust Repentance Christian walking by the flesh Christian walking by the Spirit Wrath/DeathDeeds of the FleshFruit of the Spirit
“ … for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:20 Anger
Anger birthed out of “thwarted desires”
Is it a lust? Am I willing to sin to get it?
Many Faces of Anger 1. Passive – sin of omission – withdraw/neglect 2. Aggressive – sin of commission – abuse
Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me. Micah 7:8 Abuse
Satan’s Seduction “You can’t trust God! He does not have your best interest at heart! You can be your own God and it is no big deal!” Gen. 3:4-5
Matt. 5:21-22 Degrees of Abuse
Essence of Abuse For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Rom. 11:36
Psa. 10:17-18 God’s heart toward the abused
Church’s response Compassionate
Church’s response Moving to accountability
Responsibilities Confused
Heart Society Family Body Affected, but not determined. Ultimately, I am determined by what reigns and rules in my heart. Active Heart Model
Heart Society Family Body Heart is an active agent, which produces fruit – for this I am responsible. Active Heart Model
Heart Society Family Body Sin/Self-rule Or Christ and His rule Deeds of the Flesh Or Fruit of the Spirit Active Heart Model
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15
“Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Heb. 5:8
“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Heb. 5:8
“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Heb. 5:8
1 Peter 2:19-25
Strategies employed in believing I’m to blame
Blaming God for the abuse
God is Sovereign Lam. 3:25-38
God is Sovereign “ … without approving of sin, God governs the sinful acts of men for his own good and wise purposes.” Piper, A Bitter & Sweet Providence (p. 114)
Shifting blame for my response
Observations Responsibilities confused Development of a “victim mentality”
Observations Responsibilities confused Development of a “victim mentality” Satan uses the experience of abuse to breed lies.
Satan’s Lies 1. If this didn’t happen to me, I would be OK (I’m good).
Satan’s Lies 1. If this didn’t happen to me, I would be OK (I’m good). 2. Because He allowed this to happen, God is bad.
Satan’s Lies 1. If this didn’t happen to me. I would be OK (I’m good). 2. Because He allowed this to happen, God is bad. 3. Therefore, I’m the only one who can be trusted (be my own God).
Satan’s Lies 1. If this didn’t happen to me, I would be OK (I’m good). 2. Because He allowed this to happen, God is bad. 3. Therefore, I’m the only one who can be trusted (be my own God). 4. It is no big deal (“surely you will not die!”).
Seduced by Satan
Results of Self-rule 1. Keep from the only one who can heal.
Results of Self-rule 1. Keep from the only one who can heal. 2. Cycle of abuse perpetuated.
Response: Repentance
Micah 7:7-10 In Christ we will rise