This past week we covered Chapter One. In this chapter, the author discusses in more detail the progression in Eve's actions that led to her sinning. She points out the following progression in regards to the lie. She says Eve:
Listened - Then Dwelt - Then Believed - Then Acted
The author takes this pattern and shows how it's the same pattern that leads to bondage.
We are presented with some steps to follow in order to break the yoke of bondage formed from believing lies. The author gives us the following steps (found on pgs. 40-41 of the text*):
"1. Identify the area(s) of bondage or sinful behavior...Ask God to show you specific areas where you are not free."* (pg. 40)
"2. Identify the lie(s) at the root of that bondage or behavior...We need the Lord to help us see what we have been believing that is not true."* (pg. 41)
"3. Replace the lie(s) with the Truth...Once we identify the lies that have put us in bondage and repent of believing those lies, we have an effective weapon to overcome deception - the weapon of Truth. Each lie must be countered with the corresponding Truth. Where we have listened to, dwelt on, believed, and acted on lies, we must begin to listen to, meditate on, believe, and act on the Truth."* (pg. 41)
We are getting ready to be exposed to 40 different lies that many women have fallen prey to. As we begin this week, let us all pray that God will open our eyes and show us any and all lies we have believed and are currently believing. Let us ask Him to show us the lie(s) at the root of any bondage we are in and/or have been in, in the past. Finally, let's ask God to show us His Truth and help us replace the lies with his Truth so that we may be free indeed.
Discussion on Assignment #2
Question #2
"Satan knows that you will be more vulnerable to deception if you are not regularly meditating on God's Word. What 'good' things keep you away from consistent study of the Word?" (pg. 16)
Something that can take me away from consistent study of the Word is the computer (if I'm not careful). I have to be careful that I don't utilize all of my free time to be on the computer. I am currently working on my daily priorities - things that NEED to be done daily. Doing this helps to keep things in balance and in their proper prioritized place in my day.
Question #6
"As long as we live in this world, we cannot completely isolate ourselves so that we never hear any lies. What is the difference between 'hearing' and 'listening to' lies?" (pg. 19)
You can hear something and immediately tune it out or take it captive. But listening involves more intently hearing. You listen to hear and understand what's being said. Therefore, when it comes to lies, listening to a lie means you are paying more attention to what's being said. My hubby explained it very well. He said that hearing is external. It's acting upon us. Listening is internal. When we listen, we allow it to come inside. Applying that to lies, we can hear a lie and not allow it to be internalized. But when we choose to listen to the lie, we ARE allowing it to be internalized. Hence, the greater chance of us heading towards bondage from that lie.
Question #7
"Read Philippians 4:8-9. Why is it so important to be selective about the input we allow to come into our minds and to consciously choose to expose ourselves and listen to the Truth?" (pg. 19)
Because it is easy to move from hearing to listening to dwelling to believing and then ultimately to act.
Our Memory Work
"'Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
- John 8:32 (NIV)
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free..."
- Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
Assignment 3
Reading
Read the Chapter Two on pages 45-62.
Questions
In some of the questions I've written, I have put the page numbers in parenthesis where you can find the answer to that question. These questions are not from the companion guide this time. If you'd like a more indepth study, I would encourage you to purchase the companion guide for this book.
1. How is what we believe shown in our lives? (see pg. 46)
2. What are two important questions we need to ask ourselves as we read about these lies? (see pg. 46)
3. Have you ever found yourself thinking God isn't good? Explain.
4. Have you ever thought that God would love you more if you participated in some ministry, read your Bible every single day, sang in the church choir, ___________(you fill in the blank), etc.?
5. Have you believed what "Sarah" in Chapter Two believed which was "...to eat what she wanted, whenever she wanted, and in whatever quantities she wanted..." (pg. 56 of our text)?
*Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss published by Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL ©2001.
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If you'd like to participate in this book study, please read the book study information by clicking here. After reading the information, you can join in with us each Monday.
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