Here is the outline and video from yesterday's message on breaking bad habits. God bless you!
Invaders: Habits
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of
God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to
God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this
world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able
to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
(Romans 12:1–2, NIV)
What is a habit?
A habit is a
pattern of behavior acquired by frequent repetition.
“…throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of
life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.” (Ephesians 4:22, NLT)
“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord
Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil
desires.” (Romans 13:14, NLT)
“For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (2
Peter 2:19b, NLT)
“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not
everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I
must not become a slave to anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12, NLT)
How do I know if I have a destructive habit or
a hidden addiction that is not consistent with God’s will?
— Are my
thoughts consumed with it?
— Is my time
scheduled around it?
— Could my
health be harmed by it?
— Does my
guilt increase following it?
— Are my
finances affected by it?
— Am I
defensive when asked about it?
— Are my
relationships hurt by it?
— Am I upset
when I can’t do it?[1]
How Can I Break Bad H.A.B.I.T.S.?
Hope
“In those days you were living apart from Christ… You
lived in this world without God and without hope.” (Ephesians 2:12, NLT)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:13, NKJV)
“…Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians
1:27b, KJV)
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet
been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall
be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in
Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:2–3, NKJV)
Accountability
“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever
confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13, NKJV)
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help
each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But
someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close
together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person
standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and
conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, NLT)
“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help
in time of need.” (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses
from an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6, NLT)
Biblical Instruction
“The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
(Proverbs 1:7, NKJV)
“How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.”
(Psalm 119:9, NLT)
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not
sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11, NKJV)
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix
your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely,
and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
(Philippians 4:8, NLT)
Intentionality
“… exercise yourself toward godliness.” (1 Timothy
4:7, NKJV)
“So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the
power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the
way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your
body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves
completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your
whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”
(Romans 6:11–13, NLT)
Time
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the
right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
(Galatians 6:9, NLT)
Spirit of God
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our
lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
(Galatians 5:22–23, NLT)
Recommended
Resources:
Chester, Tim. You Can Change: God's
Transforming Power for Our Sinful Behavior and Negative Emotions. Wheaton,
IL: Crossway, 2010.
Accountability Software: www.Covenanteyes.com
[1]
June Hunt, Habits, n.d.
2013 8 18 0930am from Fort Caroline Baptist Church on Vimeo.
