space program, book 08

8/14/2019 SPACE Program, Book 08

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THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS EMOTIONS

OUTLINE

I. DEALING WITH FEAR.

II. DEALING WITH BITTERNESS.

III. DEALING WITH GUILT,Part One.

IV. DEALING WITH GUILT,Part Two.

V. DEALING WITH FRUSTRATION.

VI. DEALING WITH DEPRESSION.

VII. DEALING WITH JEALOUSY.

VIII. DEALING WITH ANGER.

IX. DEALING WITH BOREDOM.

X. DEALING WITH LONELINESS.Part One.

XI. DEALING WITH LONELINESS.

Part Two.

XII. DEALING WITH CRITICISM.Part One.

XIII. DEALING WITH CRITICISM.Part Two.

XIV. DEALING WITH IMPULSIVENESS.Part One.

XV. DEALING WITH IMPULSIVENESS.Part Two.

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Lesson lTHE CHRISTIAN AND HIS EMOTIONS

DEALING WITH FEAR

INTRODUCTION:Fear is inner panic. It suggests the possibility of loss and is supported by visions of the

unknown, the unexpected, the uncontrollable. Fear causes our imaginations to go wild andconvinces us that the worst is about to happen. Fear is a painful and distressing emotion. See IJohn 4:18.

Some fear is desirable. For example, the fear of God and the fear of fire. Our concern isfear that destroys or at least limits our effectiveness as Christians.

Our fear may be of our own making. We fear we will go under financially. Yet theroot cause of our financial difficulty may be wrong decisions, overspending, and undisciplineduse of credit cards. Fear of divorce often results from actions such as unfaithfulness or failingto give proper time and energy toward making our marriage work. We may fear the futurebecause of unwise decisions we've made in the past.

Our fear may be caused by things which are outside our control such as inflation, world

economics, the choices our children make, and illness.Our fear may be caused by our feelings of inferiority, lack of experience, or the feeling

that others are more qualified than we are.

I. THE BASIS OF THE CHRISTIAN'S SECURITY IS CHRIST.

The basic cause of fear is insecurity. The following verses state that in Christ we havesecurity.

A. We are secure in Christ because we have been redeemed.See I Peter 2:24. The Bible leaves us no doubt as to the significance of Christ'sdeath. He, the very Son of God, died in your place and mine, receiving in Hisbody the penalty that you and I deserved. By this act He redeemed you and me.

The word redemption means to be freed from the penalty of our sin by another.B. We are secure in Christ because we have been adopted. We are no longer a slave,

but a child of God with full rights and privileges. See Romans 8:15-17. Thespirit of bondage is to live in an attitude of fear and apprehension. The spirit ofadoption is to live in security. Fear is replaced by acceptance, a feeling ofbelonging, security.

C. We are secure in Christ because we have a special relationship with the eternal God.He is our Father. Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:25-34 of the loving care which ourheavenly Father extends to his children. He has graciously promised to providefor us the necessities of life -- food, drink and clothing -- if we put Him first. Ourrelationship to our heavenly Father is the basis of our security. Paul spoke of theFather's gift to us in II Timothy 1:7.

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Lesson 1 (contd)

II. SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES TO USE IN DEALING WITH FEAR.

Becoming a Christian does not automatically free us from fear. We cannot prevent fearfrom presenting itself; but we can refuse to allow it to become a houseguest.

A. Bring your fear out into the light. Examine your fear to see it for what it is, to see ifthere is anything you can do about it. Be honest with yourself as to whether youhave really taken the matter to God in prayer.

B. Decide that you want to be free of this fear. God has given to us a free will. He willnot force us to receive even that which is good (a calm mind free of fear).Making up the mind to do something about the fear that is tormenting us iscrucial. The victory begins here. John 13:17.

C. Replace fear with praise. Fear gains its control over our lives through our minds.Fear seeks to control the imagination, to make our minds dwell on the whatif's, and our own inability to face and control these possibilities. When fearpresents itself, replace it with praise based on promises. See Philippians 4:8;Psalm 56:3-4.

D. Give the fear to God. That which you give becomes the receivers to own and do withas he likes. This is exactly what Peter is saying in I Peter 5:7.

CONCLUSION:

A lack of faith means an abundance of fears. Trust God to do as He promised inPhilippians 4:19, and your fears will take wing and fly away.

Answer the following questions:1. In the introduction, there are three things listed that may cause fear in our lives, what

are they?a. b. c.

2. What is basic cause of fear?

3. Who is the Person that gives us security?

4. List the three reasons why we as Christians have security in Christ.a. b. c.

5. If we put God first in our lives all of our needs will be met. Matthew 6:33.TRUE or FALSE

6. List the four principles to use in dealing with fear.a. b. c. d.

7. After becoming a Christian does this free you from the emotion of fear?YES or NO

8. The lack of faith in what causes an abundance of fear?

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Lesson #1Answer Key


DEALING WITH FEAR

1. a. Fear made by our own making.b. Fear made by things outside our control.c. Fear made by our wrong emotions.

2. Insecurity.

3. Jesus Christ.

4. a. We have been redeemed.b. We have been adopted.c. We have a special relationship with God, He is our Father.

5. True.

6. a. Bring your fear out into the light.b. Decide that you want to be free of this fear.c. Replace fear with praise.d. Give the fear to God.

7. No.

8. In God's Word -- (The promises which is God's Word).

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Lesson 2THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS EMOTIONS

DEALING WITH BITTERNESS

In our society it is easy to be resentful, to become bitter. There is much injustice. Whilewe may be bitter because of physical injuries, most of us have to deal with the injury of the innerspirit. Whatever the source of the hurt, bitterness is the infection of the wounded spirit.

Our reaction to hurt usually follows this pattern: 1. We discover that a person hasbetrayed our trust and we feel the sting of hurt. We may exclaim, How could he do that tome? 2. If we make the mistake of brooding over the hurt, bitterness sets in. We then findourselves declaring, He can't do that to me and get away with it. I'll show him. 3. Finally, asbitterness grows, we devise a way to get even. We plot our revenge. This may be something wedo to them or it may be that we simply withdraw our friendship and love.

I. WHY BITTERNESS IS NOT THE ANSWER.

Bible warns us not to let even a root of bitterness remain in our hearts. Bitterness willcontaminate and defile many. Hebrews 12:15.

A. All of us will experience that which will cause bitterness if we allow it to. We mayalso be responsible for causing others hurt, intentionally or unintentionally.

B. Bitterness has devastating effects. It can be the cause of physical and emotionalillnesses. It robs us of our peace and joy; it brings a sternness to the

countenance, a harshness to the spirit, and ages a person before his time.

C. Bitterness comes between us and our God. When we refuse to forgive we findourselves unable to accept God's forgiveness. See Matthew 6:12, 14, &

15. To respond in bitterness hurts us more than the person whose action

brought on the response of bitterness.

II. OUR LORD'S ANSWER TO BITTERNESS.

Our Lord's answer to bitterness goes against human nature, does not satisfy our desire forrevenge, and is possible only when we depend on the energy of the indwelling Holy Spirit.Luke 6:27-28. Jesus gives us four keys: Love, bless, do good and pray:

A. LOVE: This love is not an emotional feeling, it is something we do. This loves comesfrom God and flows through us to the person in need of that love. Romans 5:5

B. BLESS: To bless is to affirm the individual's worth before God, and is to wish divineblessing and prosperity for the individual. It is also to give up our desire forrevenge. Romans 12:19. This is one thing God reserves for Himself. WHY?Because only God is capable of fully seeing the situation from all sides. He, whois the source of justice, is the only worthy judge.

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Lesson 2 (contd)

C. DO GOOD: This is hard and certainly goes against the grain. This is also why it is soeffective. There is nothing which can restore a broken relationship as quickly asa kind deed for the person who feels he least deserves it.

D. PRAY: You cannot hate someone and pray sincerely for them at the same time. By thevery act of praying for them, we step over to their side of the situation.

III. DEALING WITH THE FEELINGS OF HURT.

To rid ourselves of bitterness is a spiritual battle, especially if the bitterness has takenroot. These old feelings which we have nursed and brooded over do not easily leave. Thewinning of the battle over feelings begins on our knees.

A. In prayer, review the entire situation with the Lord. Imagine taking all those feelingsof hurt and vengeance in your hands and holding them out to the Lord.

In faith, ask God to empty your hands; to take away those feelings, and in their

place, to pour in His love. Romans 5:5.

B. Ask God to heal your wounded spirit. Jesus said that He came to heal thebrokenhearted. See Luke 4 18. Accept the promise of His gift of inner

healing.

C. When old feelings return, refuse to entertain them. By faith affirm, I have giventhese feelings over to God. From this moment on I will consider only thoughts ofgood will toward this person.

D. Trust God to give you feelings of love and understanding.

CONCLUSION:

Ask God daily to cleanse your heart and mind of irritations and feelings of bitternesstoward any person or groups of persons because of what may or may not have happened. Learnto keep short accounts between you and others and between you and God. Ephesians 4:26.Minor problems grow all out of proportion when they are not dealt with speedily. Uncle John,as a boy, lost his leg and foot from the knee down because the little wound on his foot wasn'tdealt with speedily. A little minor sore unattended caused him to lose his leg and foot and towalk on wood all his life.

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Lesson 2 (contd)

Answer the following questions:

1. Our reaction to hurt usually follows a pattern. List the three steps using one word foreach step.

a. b. c.

2. Who can experience bitterness if they allow it to take root?

3. Can bitterness hurt you physically as well as spiritually?

4. Can you be right with God and not right with man? Matthew 6:14-15.YES or NO

5. The Lord's answer to bitterness goes with human nature and satisfies our desire forrevenge.

TRUE or FALSE

6. List the four keys our Lord gives us to deal with bitterness.a. b.c. d.

7. The battle over bitterness is won on our knees: List the four things we should dobefore God in prayer.

a. b.c. d.

8. In the "conclusion" there are two things we should do so bitterness will not grow outof proportion. List them.

a.

b.

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Lesson #2Answer Key


DEALING WITH BITTERNESS

1. a. Betrayal.

b. Brooding.

c. Plotting.

2. All -- Everyone.

3. Yes.

4. No.

5. False.

6. a. Love.

b. Bless.

c. Do good.

d. Pray.

7. a. Review the entire situation with the Lord.

b. Ask for healing.

c. Refuse to entertain bad feelings.

d. Trust God to give you feelings of love and understanding.

8. a. Ask God daily to cleanse your heart and mind of irritations and feelings of bitterness.

b. Keep short accounts between you and others and with God.

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DEALING WITH GUILT

Part OneGuilt is that gnawing feeling deep within that we have done something wrong that must

be made right. Guilt varies from mans uneasy feeling to an intense torment. It is the absence ofpeace of mind and inner joy. It may be caused by real or imagined sin, and its effects vary fromindividual to individual.I. THE THREE BASIC REASONS WHY WE SUFFER GUILT.

A. Sin. If we have committed sin, then we suffer guilt. In this case, guilt is a healthyemotion for it can lead us to repentance.

B. An inability to accept forgiveness. This guilt persists even though we have repented.To learn to accept forgiveness, we must deal with why we find ourselves unable toreceive forgiveness and Biblical keys to deliverance.

C. Failure to conclude the past. How are we to handle those things in the past which continue tohaunt us, those might have been's and if only's? There is a scriptural pattern to

follow to put the past behind us once and for all.

II. SIN AND GOD'S PROVISIONS FOR OUR FORGIVENESS.

A. Sin can be defined as rebellion against the law of God. I John 3:4. It is choosing todo our own thing rather than obeying the will of God. Sin is a lifelong problem --evenfor the Christian, see I John 1:8. The Apostle John recognizes the fact that although weare Christians, there continues to be a war going on inside us. Romans 7:18-25. Thereis a part of us, the new life imparted at conversion, which desires to do Gods will; andthere is also the principle of sin which pulls us toward disobedience to God. TheChristian life is a growth experience. John is dealing with this truth. Growing mayinvolve failure as well as success, but that which we nurture grows in strength. Every

time we give in to the principle of sin and disobey God, it becomes easier to disobey thenext time.

B. When we do sin, we have the assurance that God has provided for our forgiveness.I John 1:9. If we sin, and we will, we can be forgiven. The pattern is given to us.There are three key words: Confession, Forgiveness and Cleansing. To confess our sinsis not only to feel sorrow for the act, but also to turn from, to cease doing, what we knowto be sin. When we confess our sin, God keeps His word, and on the basis of Christ'sdeath, forgives our sins and cleanses us. This frees us from the possibility of guilt. Guiltcan no longer be placed on our doorstep. John goes on to speak of Christ's work as ouradvocate before God. I John 2:1-2. "Advocate" means "one summoned alongside,"especially in the sense of acting as a helper. We could compare this to the prosecutingattorney. The fact that Jesus Christ is also the Righteous One speaks of His right todefend us. On the basis of His death, burial and resurrection, we are forgiven andcleansed. He offers His sacrifice to satisfy our guilt: Therefore, we walk away pardoned-- completely cleansed, with all guilt removed from us.

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Lesson 3 (contd)

CONCLUSION:

If your guilt is from God, that is, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, confess your sin toHim. By faith, accept God's forgiveness on the basis of I John 1:9. From this moment, refuse toagree with the accuser, thus piling self-condemnation on your head. Replace those broodings ofguilt with promises of God's forgiveness, such as Isaiah 43:25.


1. List the three basic reasons why we suffer guilt.a.b.c.

COMMENT - Do you suffer guilt in any one of the three reasons listed or from all? If sorejoice lesson 3 & 4 will give us the scriptural help to conquer guilt.

2. When is guilt a healthy emotion and why is it?

3. When we repent of sin and still have the emotion of guilt what did we fail to do?

4. Can our past cause guilt?YES or NO

5. What happens every time we give in to the principle of sin and disobey God?

6. When we have forgiveness of sin, guilt is gone; but can you really believe God's

Word for forgiveness? That is, will God forgive you of every sin, every time yousin, and every time you ask for forgiveness?

COMMENT - Can God lie? No. So by His Word you can be forgiven and say good-bye toguilt based on God's Word.

7. List the three key words of assurance for forgiveness.a.b.c.

8. What does the word ADVOCATE mean and who is our advocate?a.b.

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Lesson #3Answer key


DEALING WITH GUILT

Part One1. a. Sin.

b. An inability to accept forgiveness.c. Failure to conclude the past.

2. When we sin, for it can lead us to repentance.

3. To accept forgiveness.

4. Yes.

5. It becomes easier to disobey the next time.

6. Yes --- Absolutely every time.

7. a. Confession. b. Forgiveness. c. Cleansing.

8. a. " one summoned alongside."b. Jesus.

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DEALING WITH GUILT

Part Two

INTRODUCTION:We have already seen that guilt is the feeling that we have done something wrong that

must be made right. The three main causes of guilt are (1) Sin, (2) An inability to accept Godsforgiveness and (3) Failure to conclude the past. We considered the first of these causes in ourlast lesson. In this weeks lesson we will look at the second and third causes.I. THE SECOND CAUSE OF GUILT IS AN INABILITY TO FORGIVE OURSELVES.

Before considering the reasons why we are unable to forgive, we need to be reminded ofGod's total forgiveness. Read Psalms 103:10-12 and Isaiah 44:22. God wipes the slatecompletely clean. The only record of our sin is in our memory or some other person's memory.If God totally forgives us, and removes our sins from us, why do we find it so hard to forgiveourselves? Consider some of the reasons why we are unable to accept forgiveness:

A. Our own pride. Pride makes us unwilling to accept our own humanity; the fact thatwe could be capable of such a deed. We sometimes say, "It is so unlike me to actthat way." Our actions reveal exactly what we are. True repentance must see ouract for what it is ---- SIN. Pride keeps us from "owning up" to the full extent ofour guilt. If I am to know forgiveness, I must come clean and face up to my actwith all its ramifications, including my responsibility to right the wrong ifpossible. Pride makes us want to "add something" to God's grace; to feel that Hisforgiveness is too easy, that if we do some type of "penance" then we willbecome an acceptable candidate for forgiveness. When we really look at this, wesee it as arrogance which supposes that anything we might do could possibly add

to Christ's substitutionary work.B. We continue to brood about our sin, and to talk to others about it. What God has

placed under the blood of Jesus, we keep digging up and going over. We mustmentally accept God's promises as true and by an act of the will decide to acceptHis forgiveness rather than indulging in brooding which becomes self-pity.

If you have truly repented, give evidence of it by a change of behavior today and in thefuture. See John 8:11. When the Apostle Paul spoke of the past he did not spend time trying tountangle the problems. His emphasis was on the present and the hereafter. His instruction to theChristians at Ephesus is typical. Ephesians 4:28.II. LEARN TO CONCLUDE THE PAST.

A. Get rid of that which pertains to your past life of sin. Acts 19:18-20.B. Restitution should be made where possible. Luke 19:8.

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Lesson 4 (contd)

It is clear from the experience of Zacchaeus that we must not only confess whateverwrong has been committed, but try to make it right. Whether or not we will ever be able toreimburse or rectify the damage which has been done is another thing. This is where we mustlean heavily on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the wise counsel of mature Christians.

C. Become a present/future oriented person. Philippians 3:13. Paul had a devastatingpast in many ways. He was responsible for the slaughter of many Christians.How could he forget? He had learned to fully accept God's forgiveness, basednot on his own merits, but completely on the blood of Jesus Christ. The glory ofthat truth gave him peace and made him a power for God. He concentrated hisefforts on what he could do today, on the work that Christ was doing in his lifenow, and the prize that was set before him -- his future with Christ in thehereafter.

CONCLUSION:

Guilt can either be a healthy emotion that leads us to repentance, or it can be a millstonearound our neck that robs us of joy and inner peace. Learn to accept God's forgiveness, or writefinished on the past, and to become a present/future oriented person.


1. What is the first step we are to do to forgive ourselves and to rid ourselves from guilt?

2. Why did God say in Psalms 103:12 that He has removed our sins as far as the East isfrom the West and not from the North as far from the South?

3. List two reasons why we are unable to accept God's forgiveness.a. b.

4. Find and list the three results of pride.a. b. c.

5. If you truly have repented what will be the results?

6. Please list the three ways we can conclude the past.a. b. c.

7. Which of the three in concluding the past would be the hardest for you to do? List inorder.

a. b. c.

8. Guilt is like what kind of a stone around our necks and what is its results?a. b.

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Lesson #4Answer Key


DEALING WITH GUILT

Part Two

1. Remind ourselves of Sod's total forgiveness of our sins.

2. East and West never meet and North and South do.

3. a. Pride.b. We continue to brood about our sin and tell others about it.

4. a. Makes us unwilling to accept our own humanity.b. Keeps us from "owning up" to the full extent of our guilt.c. Makes us want to add something to God's grace.

5. There will be evidence of it by a change of behavior today and in the future.

6. a. Get rid of that which pertains to your past life of sin. b. Make restitution.c. Become a present/future person.

7. Your own words --- each will differ.

8. a. Millstoneb. It will rob us of joy, inner peace and our health.

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DEALING WITH FRUSTRATION

INTRODUCTION:Frustration comes when we are thwarted in our plans to carry out some objective. Today

we want to examine the causes behind the frustrations of life and learn the Scriptural pattern fordealing with frustration.I. THE PROBLEM.

Luke gives us a classic example as to how frustration can effect our relationship withothers. Luke 10:38-42.

We can sympathize with Martha because we too feel pressured at times. The demands oflife push in on us until we become frustrated and even provoked to rudeness. For Martha towant to put a good meal on the table for her guest was not wrong. To become so consumed inhaving that meal exactly right in every detail, to the point that she neglected her guest, waswrong and produced frustration.

There are three lessons we can learn from this incident as recorded in Luke 10. Jesusunderstands how we feel. He felt the frustration of Martha, but He used the situation to teachher, and us, some vital lessons.

A. We must not major on minors. Martha was "cumbered about much serving." Jesusrebuked her for being worried and upset about many things. If our Lord were inour midst he would say, "You have complicated your lives. You have allowedpressures, some of which are of your own making, to put your life out ofbalance. You are majoring on minors, concentrating on the incidentals. It is notthat what you are doing is necessarily wrong, but the good is crowding out thebest that I have for you."

B. We must not be provoked by people. The more Martha thought about Marysneglect of her household duties, the more frustrated she became. The truth is,Mary chose "the good part," while Martha settled for second best.

C. We must not have unworthy ambitions. We can also be caught up in a shallowphilosophy of trading true greatness for worldly acclaim. We have an inherentdesire to achieve, to accomplish something worthwhile in our lives. If we arefrustrated, perhaps it is because we are measuring our self-worth by mansapproval and not Gods.

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Lesson 5 (contd)

II. THE SCRIPTURAL PATTERN FOR DEALING WITH FRUSTRATION.

A. Get your life into balance. No one had more to do in less time than our Lord, norhas anyone ever felt greater pressure from the forces of darkness. Jesus gave thekey to His inner tranquility in John 4:4.

Jesus did all that God sent Him to do, and He accomplished all that God intended forHim to do. On the cross He could cry out, It is finished John 19:30. The lesson for us in this:We can do all that God requires us to do. See II Timothy 4:7.

If you are frustrated because of the pressure of many things, if you find yourselfanxious and worried, it is time to examine your priorities. Where does God want you to put theemphasis? Is your life out of balance? Ask yourself, why am I doing these things? What is myreal motivation?

B. Do you let your possessions possess you. It is so easy to find ourselves living toacquire, and then to find that we are in bondage paying for all those things. See

Hebrews 13:5-6. To truly put God first in our lives, is the only way to keep thedesire for things from possessing us. Matthew 6:33.

C. Measure your life by God's standard. The world puts the emphasis onaccomplishments. A person is considered important because of what he or shedoes. The worth of a person is measured by his achievements, by his success inbusiness, by the car he drives or the house he lives in, and by the honors andprestige he has won. God measures us by what we are and what we arebecoming. His desire for you and me is that we should be conformed to theimage of His Son. Romans 12:2.

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Lesson 5 (contd)

CONCLUSION:

We must subordinate our plans and our dreams to our Heavenly Father. If we have agoal that is His goal for us, and His goal becomes our goal, then we know we are moving in Hisdirection. He gives us an inner tranquility and peace so that the pressures do not result infrustration. This doesn't rob us of ambition, initiative or excitement for living. It simplymeans that we do what God wants us to do and we do it for His glory.


1. Have you ever had to deal with frustration? List one incident, discuss it with yourfamily on Saturday night. Have fun with it.

2. Why did Martha experience frustration even while doing right?

3. List the three lessons Jesus wants us to learn from Martha's experience.

a. b. c.

4. Martha majored in the minor thing that caused her to get frustrated at a person, whowas that person and why?

a. b.

5. Our selfworth should be measured by who's approval?

6. When is it time to examine your priorities?

7. What is the true way to keep our possessions from possessing us?

8. Measuring your life by God's standard is one way to deal with frustration, can you listat least two more ways?

a. b.

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Lesson #5Answer Key


DEALING WITH FRUSTRATION

1. Have fun with this answer.

2. She neglected her guest buy being consumed in having the meal just right.

3. a. We must not major on minors.b. We must not be provoked by people.c. We must not have unworthy ambitions.

4. a. Mary, her sister.b. Mary wasn't helping and seemed not to be concerned about the meal being just right

like Martha did.

5. Gods.Comment: God accepts us as we are. In success or in failure He accepts and loves us

the same. So seek God's approval and you will not suffer frustration.

6. When you find yourself anxious and worried by the pressure of many things.

7. Putting God first.

8. a. Get your life into balance.b. Do not let your possessions possess you.

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DEALING WITH DEPRESSION

INTRODUCTION:

Most of us have had some experience with depression. The Bible calls it a spirit ofdespair. The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the Messiah to come, told of how He would consolethose who were experiencing "the spirit of heaviness," see Isaiah 61:1-3. The promise is thatGod will renew the inner man so that our countenance can express joy instead of despair ordepression. When we review various Scriptures concerning despair, we find that depressionhas common elements: inner weariness, a sense of being weighed down, anguish of heart andgloom. See Psalms 69:20; 119:28; 42:5 and Proverbs 12:25.I. THE MAJOR CAUSES OF DEPRESSION.

While in a general sense, we can say that depression comes from the enemy, depressioncannot gain Control over us without our co-operation.

A. The direct causes:

1- Physical. When we are worn out physically, our perspective often becomeswarped. Things appear worse than they are.

2- Emotional. Some of us are more given to depression because of our basictemperament. Others go from high heights to low lows.

3- Problems. See I Peter 1:6. We suffer depression because of trials which cometo us, situations which cause our hearts to be heavy.

B. The indirect causes. (These deal with our reactions to problems which come.):1. Unbelief or failure to exercise our faith in God, to affirm the confidence and

trust we have in Him.2. Self-pity or the feeling that we are somehow being mistreated.

We need to be reminded that depression is progressive. It begins with a suggestion toour mind or a feeling that all is not well, a down mood. When we entertain this suggestionand brood upon it, our depression deepens. Finally, a dark cloud settles over us. We havenourished our self-pity and we slide into despair. The longer this goes on, the deeper ourdepression.

II. THE FIVE BIBLICAL STEPS TO OVERCOMING DEPRESSION.

A- Recognize God is with you. You may not feel God's presence, but on the basis ofHis

word, you can declare that HE IS. See Hebrews 13:5. When we begin to hopein God and praise Him, our problems become much less significant. See Psalms42:5.

B. Ask God to help you identify the cause of your depression. Is it physical? If so, agood nights rest and food may be the best answer. It is sometimes

true that things do look entirely different in the morning. Is the problememotional? Are you giving into your natural tendency? See Colossians 3:15.

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Lesson 6 (contd)

C. Surrender to God's working in your life. This is perhaps the most difficult to do.We have a tendency to brood, to feel sorry for ourselves when things go wrong.We think we know what is best for us and may even resent God for allowingsome things to happen to us. Surrender begins by acknowledging that God isSovereign and knows what is best for us. He only allows that which will help usto become what He wants us to be. Romans 8:28.

D. Learn to tap the energy of God. The Psalmist says we are to be like a tree plantedby

the rivers of water, refer to Psalms 1:3. This means that just as the tree receivesstrength from the water as its roots go down deep, we can tap into God's energyby the time spent in prayer, reading the Word, and fellowshipping with believers.

E. Reach out to someone in need. This may only be a smile of encouragement or anappreciative word at first, but do something. Every time you turn outward, toreach out to someone else who is hurting, you weaken the hold of depression inyour life.

CONCLUSION:

Depression is very much an emotional mood and grows or weakens according to what wefeed our minds. Take a few moments to consider what you have been feeding your inner manthis week. Are you WORD deficient? Are you reading the Word? Have you nourished thatinner spirit by fellowship with other believers? What about your spare time? What kind ofbooks, magazines, TV programs are you filling your time with? Is God truly your HeavenlyFather? Is Jesus Christ your personal Savior?

Answer the following questions:1. What does Isaiah call depression?

2. What are some of the common elements of depression ?

3. Can depression gain control in our lives without our co-operation?

4. List two major causes of depression?a. b.

5. There are five reasons for depression listed under "direct and indirect" causes ofdepression, list which one effects you the most. Discuss it at your family meeting.

6. Why is it good to recognize that God is with you when you are depressed?

7. Which of the five steps to overcome depression is the most difficult to do? Tell whyit is in your opinion.

8. List the five Biblical steps to overcome depression, then answer the last question atthe end of the lesson.

a. b. c. d. e.

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Lesson #6Answer Key


DEALING WITH DEPRESSION

1. The spirit of heaviness.

2. Inner weariness, a sense of being weighed down, anguish of heart and gloom.

3. No.

4. a. Direct. b. Indirect.

5. List it and discuss it on family night.

6. Problems become much less significant when we know that God will not forsake nor leave

us.

7. a. C Surrender to God's working in your life.b. Because it is easier to trust in our strength and knowledge than in God whom we have

not seen.

8. a. Recognize God is with you.b. Ask God to help you identify the cause of your depression.c. Surrender to God's working in your life.d. Learn to tap the energy of God.e. Reach out to someone in need.

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DEALING WITH JEALOUSY

INTRODUCTION:

The emotion called jealousy has a great crippling effect upon those who allow it tocontrol them. Proverbs 27:4. It was the spirit of jealousy that caused Cain to kill Abel,Joseph's brothers to sell him as a slave, and the religious community to crucify our Lord. It isthe sin that often pits one person against another, husband against wife, wife against husband,nation against nation. Jealousy is the grief we experience because of the superiority (real orimagined) of others. It is that emotion that rises up within us against our equal when his successexceeds ours. You would not be jealous of an architect if you were a salesman. It takes anarchitect to be jealous of another architect. If the powerful force of jealousy is allowed to gripour lives, it will have a great crippling effect. The more jealous we become the less emotionalenergy there is left to be directed toward becoming the person God wants us to be. The poisonof jealousy also shuts us off from true fellowship with others and produces a judgmental andcritical attitude.

I. THE MAJOR CAUSES OF JEALOUSY.

A. Jealousy develops basically because of our lack of self-esteem. We fail to think ofourselves as God would have us to think. As a result, when another succeeds, allwe can see is our lack.

B. Jealousy creeps in because though we are equal before God, we are unequals when itcomes to ability. We cannot all do the same things or experience and enjoyeverything that everybody else does. When we think we can, or that we have theright to, and we find that we cannot, frustration develops. This is the breedingground for jealousy.

II. THE WAY TO DEAL WITH JEALOUSY.

A. Are you living in an intimate relationship with God, or do you have only a casualacquaintance with Him? It is so important not only to have our souls saved, butalso to have our emotions, our minds, and our wills brought under the control ofthe Holy Spirit. The more we know God, the deeper our relationship to Him,the greater our feeling of self-worth and self acceptance is. There is a bigdifference between having an intimate, close relationship with God and only acasual one. When we know God intimately, we have a firsthand depth ofknowledge about Him. This knowledge comes through reading the Word andmeditating upon the things of God. II Timothy 3:15-17.

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Lesson 7 (contd)

B. Are you willing to be the person God wants you to be? Do you remember theincident recorded in John 21? It had to be one of the most dramatic moments inSimon Peter's life. Refer to John 21:15-22. Jesus told Peter He would one daydie by crucifixion. This was a shock to the young man. Peter turned around andsaw John walking behind them and he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesusresponded that this was not for him to know. His chief concern should have beento follow the Lord, and be the person God wanted HIM to be.

If we are to ever destroy jealousy, we will have to be willing to be the man or womanGod wants us to be. Our Lord made it clear that it is not our prerogative to question why Godchooses to deal differently with Christians. What God desires is our willingness to allow Him towork out His will according to His wisdom and plan.

C. Are you willing to reach out to the one who seems to be prospering or succeedingmore than you are? Remember the story of Jonathan and David? Jonathan was

the son of King Saul and heir to his throne. When God rejected Saul and choseDavid to reign in his stead, this also meant that Jonathan was rejected. As mightbe expected Saul did not humbly step aside and make David king. David had toflee for his life. During these difficult days we see the tremendous love Jonathanhad for David and his acceptance of the will of God. See I Samuel 23:16-18.

Do you see the secret to overcoming jealousy wrapped up in this story? Jonathan

responded in love to the one near him who had been chosen to fill the place he normally wouldhave had. We too must learn to reach out to help the person of whom we are jealous.

CONCLUSION:

Jealousy, like anger, may be a healthy emotion if kept under control. See II Corinthians11:2 and Exodus 34:14. On the other hand, if it goes unchecked it can destroy relationships andhinder our fellowship with other believers. We must learn to trust in the wisdom of God whomade us as we are, and then do the best we can with what talents God has entrusted to us.

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Lesson 7 (contd)


1. The poison of jealousy does at least two things to us. Name them.a.b.

2. What is the basic cause of jealousy?

3. Is everybody equal when it comes to ability?YES or NO

4. Who is to control our emotions, minds, and will?

5. Why is it so important to have a deep intimate relationship with God?

6. When we know God intimately, we have a firsthand depth of knowledge about Him.How do we get this knowledge?

7. Are you willing to be the person God wants you to be? If so how can you accomplishthis?

8. What did Jonathan do to David that we should do also to keep jealousy under control?

9. CONCLUSION: In a nutshell, what two things can we do to help us keep Jealousyunder control?

a.

b.

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Lesson #7Answer Key


DEALING WITH JEALOUSY

1. a. Shuts us off from true fellowship with others.b. Produces a judgmental and critical attitude.

2. Our lack of self-esteem.

3. No.

4. Holy Ghost.

5. That we would have the feeling of self-worth and acceptance.

NOTE: Parents be sure to talk to your children about self-worth and acceptance

comes from their relationship with God.

6. Through reading the Word and meditating upon the things of God.

7. Yes. By following the Lord and be willing to be the person the Lord wants me to be.

8. He responded in love to help David.

9. a. We must learn to trust in the wisdom of God who made us as we are.b. Then do the best we can with what talents God has entrusted to us.

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DEALING WITH ANGER

I. THE MEANING AND SOURCES OF ANGER.

The emotion of anger is not in itself sinful. A person who never feels anger of any kindwould have to be so passive as to be almost totally uninvolved with life. Anger is thatemotional or physical excitement that is aroused within us by particular situations or happenings.It has been described as strong displeasure or bad temper.

Anger is, in fact, a part of love. We cannot truly love without reacting in anger when theobject of our affection is gravely misused or hurt. Anger which is a part of love is righteousanger. It is anger at sin, oppression and injustice. Anger which is a part of self-love reacts tothat which is considered personal injustice, a response to personal offense.

The reason for our anger quickly indicates whether it is the result of love, or self-love.Anger is an inner response. No one, in fact, can make us get angry. Their reactions simplybring forth what is already within us. See Matthew 15-11, 18-19.

More often than not, we will find the root of our anger within ourselves. We may not

always be able to analyze why a particular person always brings forth an angry response fromus. They may not live up to our expectations, or we misinterpret their intentions.

II. A BRIEF LOOK AT ANGER IN THE BIBLE.

A. The "wrath of God." God's anger is mentioned often, especially in the OldTestament. Notice that God's anger is directed at sin and He is slow to anger.Refer to Jeremiah 32:30-32 and Psalms 103:8.

B. The Anger of Jesus Christ. In Mark 3 is the story of Jesus healing the man with theshriveled hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath. There were those in the crowdwho were watching the interaction between Jesus and the man, waiting to see if

the Lord would heal on the Sabbath. They were looking for a reason to accuseHim. Notice the reaction of Jesus in Mark 3:4-5.

What caused Jesus to become angry? It was the hardness of their hearts. Jesus did notrespond in anger to offenses against His personal self. In fact, we are counseled to think often ofthe way He patiently endured the grievous opposition of His enemies. See Hebrews 12:3.

C. The Followers of Christ and Anger. As followers of our Lord, we should respond inrighteous anger to sin. Our problem today is rather one of apathy or tolerancetoward sin. Sin, oppression and injustice should provoke action on our part to seethe situation corrected. Paul instructs us to put off the old self and to be madenew in the attitude of our mind; and to put on the new self, created to be likeGod in true righteousness. See Ephesians 4:20-27. James also instructs us ina similar manner. James 1:19-20.

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Lesson 8 (contd)

These Scriptures teach us that anger is not in and of itself sin. The sin occurs in ourreaction. Anger should be dealt with immediately. If allowed to remain a part of us, anger willbe like a banked fire within, eventually consuming us.

III. HOW TO COPE WITH ANGER.

A. We cannot wish it away by will power alone. The will is involved in that we mustdecide not to surrender to our feelings of anger. However, trying to ignore angersimply sends it "underground."

B. We cannot let it all hang out, saying whatever comes into our head. We do, attimes need to confront the situation, but only when we are able to do so calmly inorder that true healing may come. In general, an outburst in anger will not solvethe problem.

C. We can neutralize anger by allowing the love of God, which He has promised to pourinto our hearts to be brought to bear on the situation. See Romans 5:5.

CONCLUSION:

Is there anger within which is causing defeat in your life? Is it worth what it is costingyou? Ask God to help you see the inner cause for your anger. Begin now to lean on the powerof the Holy Spirit to gain victory over your anger.

Answer the following questions:1. Is anger in itself sinful?

YES or NO

2. There are two types of anger, list them. a. b.

3. What is the difference between love anger and self-love anger?a. b.

4. What is God's anger directed toward?

5. Why did Jesus get angry?

6. What kind of anger did Christ have that we too should have? What is this anger directed at?a. b.

7. List at least three ways NOT to cope with anger.a. b. c.

8. List at least two ways TO cope with anger.a. b.

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Lesson #8Answer Key


DEALING WITH ANGER

1. No.

2. a. Love, righteous anger.b. Self-love, personal anger.

3. a. Love anger is righteous anger against sin, oppression and injustice.b. Self-love is personal anger caused by personal injustice and offenses.

4. Sin.

5. Because of the hardness of their hearts of unbelief.

6. a. Righteous love anger. b. Sin.

7. a. We cannot wish it away by will power.b. Not to ignore it.c. We cannot "let it all hang out" saying whatever comes into our mind. No outburst of

anger.

8. a. By allowing the love of God to pour into our hearts.b. By leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit to gain victory over our anger.

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