1. The Lies We Believe “The number one cause of our unhappiness is the lies we believe.” Dr. Chris Thurman, The Lies We Believe There are four categories of lies: Self lies Worldly lies Distortion lies Religious lies

2. “I Must Be Perfect” “Perfectionism is the most disturbing emotional problem among evangelical Christians. It walks into my office more often than any other single Christian hang-up.” David A. Seamonds, Healing Damaged Emotions “Perfectionism is a constant all pervading feeling of never quite measuring up, never quite being or doing enough to please. Perfectionism produces a distorted picture of God with feelings of doubt, rebellion, and anger against a God you can never please.” Dr. Seamonds

3. 1.The Symptoms of Perfectionism. Dr. Seamonds A. Tyranny of the oughts B. Self-depreciation C. Anxiety D. Legalism E. Anger F. Denial

4. 2. The Cause of Perfectionism. Dr. Seamonds A. Un-please able parents B. Unpredictable home situation C. Hate D. Rage

5. 3. The Cure for Perfectionism. A. The cure is a process B. The cure is found in the grace of God. He perfects the imperfect (Heb 9:26) “for by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.” Heb 10:14

6. “Therefore, having been justified by faith; we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Rom 5:1-2 (Rom 3:21-31, 8:31-39; Gal 2:16-21)

7. Justified, (just, justification) is a legal term describing the instantaneous, once for all legal decree of God in which He thinks upon the sinner as forgiven and that Christ righteousness is imputed to the believing sinner. It is to be declared righteous in His sight.

8. JustificationSanctification Legal standing-outside of you Internal condition Once for all time Continues through life Entirely God’s work We cooperate Perfect in this life Not complete in life Same in all Christians Greater in some

9. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1Thess 5:23-24

10. God is perfect, but He is not a perfectionist!

11. “I in them, and you in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent me, and I have loved them as You have loved Me.” JN 17:23