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| Title: 'HIGH EXPECTANCY'/Acryl - Visual Prayer Art from Collection by Rev.Bola A |
STEP FOUR
*We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.*
It has been stated often that this particular step is not an easy one, because it does require a measure of self-honesty on our part, and coming out of denial.
Yet it is an extremely rewarding step, when taken diligently and with the right attitude.
It is also very useful to have first completed the initial three steps.
(Please see side bar to the right for my post description of these steps)
The first 3 Steps build you up and prepare you Spiritually to do step 4, and the other remaining steps. There's definitely an order to this process of Spiritual recovery.
(Please see side bar to the right for my post description of these steps)
The first 3 Steps build you up and prepare you Spiritually to do step 4, and the other remaining steps. There's definitely an order to this process of Spiritual recovery.
We can also see that, all through Jesus time in the bible, His ministry had a Divine order to it.
As we mature spiritually, let us not attempt to run before we can walk. Rather, we should prepare ourselves adequately for the transformation process ahead, so that the devil cannot derail us.
It was never intended that we do Step four on our own or in our own power and might.
Instead we do step four with the assistance and authority of the Holy Spirit.
It is God who empowers us to do this step. He gives us the fearlessness necessary to face ourselves, face our past sins and mistakes, and acknowledge our God given talents and abilities.
At this step, we not only learn of our weaknesses, but we also acknowledge are gifts, talents and the many blessings we have already received from God.
For a list of The Bible Verse that can help you complete this step 4, click on this link:
Step 4 - Spiritual Recovery work
And, here are some important questions to help you to complete your Step 4.
In Others
As we mature spiritually, let us not attempt to run before we can walk. Rather, we should prepare ourselves adequately for the transformation process ahead, so that the devil cannot derail us.
It was never intended that we do Step four on our own or in our own power and might.
Instead we do step four with the assistance and authority of the Holy Spirit.
It is God who empowers us to do this step. He gives us the fearlessness necessary to face ourselves, face our past sins and mistakes, and acknowledge our God given talents and abilities.
At this step, we not only learn of our weaknesses, but we also acknowledge are gifts, talents and the many blessings we have already received from God.
For a list of The Bible Verse that can help you complete this step 4, click on this link:
Step 4 - Spiritual Recovery work
And, here are some important questions to help you to complete your Step 4.
1 Have you had any broken relationships? If so, describe them and how
they hurt others or yourself. Describe any grudges, anger or resentment
that you have over these relationships.
2 Have you ever felt self-righteous? Explain when and the circumstances.
Was this justified? Elaborate.
3 What events or triggers have caused you to begin your sin, in
the past? Describe situations, feelings, events, circumstances or people
that seem to be a part of your life just before or during
your
sinful behaviors.
4 Have you ever held a grudge? Did you try to get revenge? If so, explain
the situation and how it played out, including whether or not
someone else was hurt.
5 Describe times that you have been oversensitive. Did this ever damage
your relationship with others, or were you just trying to keep
your own boundaries?
6 Describe the faults that you most detest in others. Do you have
any of
these traits yourself?
7 Put a check mark beside any of the following traits that you
despise in
others. Also check whether you see these traits in yourself.
Traits
that I Despise in Others
Sins Trait In Myself
Selfishness?
Greed?
Cowardice?
Snobbish?
Dishonesty?
Sarcastic?
Fearful?
Hypercritical?
Controlling?
Gossip?
Backbiting?
Denial?
Rudeness?
Manipulative?
Tightwad?
Insensitivity?
Intimidating?
Harsh?
Stuborness?
Arrogance?
Power-hungry?
Unforgiving?
Possessive?
Over-competitive?
Verbally
abusive?
Prejudiced?
Physically
abusive?
Overly
dependent?
Sexually
abusive?
Addicted/Addictive?
Obsessive/Compulsive?
Procrastinating?
Impatient?
Unreliable?
Judgmental?
Racist?
Sexist?
Argumentative?
Adulterous?
Promiscuous?
Preoccupied?
Faithless?
Chaotic?
Sneaky?
Lying?
Theiving?
Ungrateful?
Demanding
Ruthless?
Spiteful?
Divisive?
Lazy/Procrastinating?
Cheating?
Scheming/Coniving?
Cynical?
Intolerant
?
Bitter/Resentful?
Irresponsible?
Self-Pitying?
Full
of Rage?
Jealous?
Envious?
Insecure?
Describe the positive qualities you admire in others.
Do you have these qualities yourself?
Again,
Put a check mark beside any of the following qualities that you see or admire in others. Also check whether you see these traits in yourself.
Put a check mark beside any of the following qualities that you see or admire in others. Also check whether you see these traits in yourself.
In Others
Qualities In Myself
Peaceful?
Joyfulness?
Sharing?
Faith?
Kindness?
Creativity?
Gratitude?
Appreciation?
Confidence?
Courage?
Diligence?
Honesty?
Fairness?
Respectful?
Humility?
Generous?
Supportive?
Humour?
Order?
Patience?
Cheerfulness?
Optimism?
Trustworthy?
Forgiving?
Obedient to God?
Evangelical?
By now you will have a fairly good idea of where you are spiritually and what area or areas need improving. Make a note of these, and prayerfully ask for the Lord to help you.
If you would like information regarding joining our fellowship, further assistance, or private one to one life coaching, to complete Step 4 or any of the 12 Steps presented, then please email your enquiries to Rev.Bola :bolaamail-church@yahoo.co.uk
Wishing You a Blessed Recovery Journey in Christ Jesus.
Peace and Love
Rev.Bola
Pastor and Director - Christians Victorious Fellowship
I am an ardent Internet evangelist, and a proud member of the JSM.ORG media church worldwide
ReplyDeleteIf you have not yet heard of this ministry, let me briefly explain that it offers excellent Church services and programs, via Internet, radio and TV broadcasts.
Recently, I was watching one program with a panel of their pastoral leaders discussing the best way to handle the 'Sin Nature', which of course is also the work that we address in Christians Victorious as Steps 4, 5, 6 and 7.
The TV program's panel of pastors explained in great detail using Scripture, how the only way to ultimately subdue the sin nature, is not by our own effort or self will and trying, but by FAITH in our Lord Jesus Christ and what He achieved for us at the Cross of Calvary.
The panel led by evangelist Jimmy Swaggart, actually emphasized that, this infact was the only real way to effectively subdue our sin nature.
Jesus Christ died for us. He did so that we may have victory over sin. He paid the price and was the sacrifice for ALL our sins, at the Cross.
Therefore, If we put our faith in Him, and accept this gift of freedom through His crucifixion and sacrifice, we gain victory over sin in our own lives, because all are sins are no longer recorded but automatically wiped clean at this point.
That about summarizes how to do Steps 5, 6, and 7. of our Spiritual Recovery program
The thing is can we handle that level of ease?
Can we allow the solution to be that simple?
I understand that we should give thanks to God and praise Him for this awesome provision, by releasing the need to keep working to earn that which has already been earned for us, and given to us free of charge, through Grace. The price has already been paid at the Cross. We simply need to claim it through Faith. Nothing more is required. Praise God!
For more on 'The Message Of The Cross' and becoming a Media Church member of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries visit: www.jsm.org