About This Project

We are in a battle with the sin nature. Little by little, the Holy Spirit is changing us. A Christian who is not eagerly seeking the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their life and using the weapons He has provided is just waiting for shame to happen. Today we give you hope on how to win the battle within!

Key Verse: Galatians 5:17

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Theme:  THE GOD OF “SELF” DOES NOT SURRENDER EASILY

Scriptures Studied:  2 Samuel 2 ; 2 Samuel 3:1 ;  Matthew 4:4 ; Romans 7:23 ; Romans 7:24 ; Genesis 1 ; Proverbs 20:21 ; Exodus 23:28-30 ; 2 Corinthians 3:18 ;  Galatians 5:25 ; Hebrews 10:25 ;  2 Timothy 3:16-17 ; Psalm 103:14 ;Proverbs 24:16 ; Matthew 28:20 ; Hebrews 12:2 : Deuteronomy 31:6-8 ; Philippians 1:6

Further Study:

• Ish-Bosheth (Saul’s son and King of Israel) = “man of shame”
• Asahel (Zeruiah’s son and Abner’s pursuer) = “swift of foot”
• City of Hebron
• City of Ziklag
• Hill of Ammah
• Pool of Gibeon

Points to Note:

Reminder, the story of Saul & David is Our Story:

• Saul: [Kingdoms of this world] Self-Centered, Demanding, Disobedient to God, Seeks His Own Glory
• David: [Kingdom of God]  Other-Centered, Giving/Self-Sacrificing, Obedient to God, Seeks the Glory of God

Kingdom of Saul | Self-Absorbed and Insecure | Passing Away

• Every moment is about himself
• Everyone is suspect
• Everyone is a threat
• Willing to kill for his kingdom
• Estranged from everyone he loved
• On the road to self-destruction

Kingdom of David | Self-Less & Dependent on God | Arriving

• Wounded by the Lord
• Made useful to those wounded in the world
• Contrite, Compassionate, and Hungry for God
• Made ready to serve others

Symbolism:

• In 2 Samuel chapter 2 with the account of Asahel, we see the picture of the new beginning in the Christian’s life. When we first come to Christ, the battle is just beginning. We will all have to engage in battle and struggle with sin until the day we die.
• With King Saul representing our sinful nature, the best we can do is make “men of shame” (Ish-bosheth) king of our lives. It’s an illustration of “when you let the sinful nature rule, it can only ever bring shame”.
• The map of 2 Samuel 2 depicting the land ruled by King David versus the land ruled by King Ish-bosheth is a picture of the spiritual battle we have. When Christ comes in, there’s lots of “land” He has to conquer.

Episode Points:

• RHYTHMS OF GRACE:

1. 1. Weekly Sabbath WORSHIP. (Heb 10:25)
   2. Daily Spiritual NOURISHMENT. (Read your Bible)
   3. Regular Community ENGAGEMENT. (Life Groups)
   4. Annual DETACHMENT. (Prayer & Fasting)

• THE BATTLE WITH SIN…
  1. Is NOT a light-hearted battle.
  2. Is NOT won overnight.
  3. Is NOT something God is disappointed with in you

Recognize the Following:

• The Kingdom of Saul which represents us does not die easily.
• The solution to our struggle with sin is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection, provides for us the Holy Spirit.
• Christianity is not surface adherence to a few “dos” and “don’ts”. Christian sanctification is letting the Holy Spirit do that deep dive work inside of you where Christ excavates the underlying motivations of why you do what you do.
• The Lord is the Lord of one degree.  Little by little, He is changing us one step at a time.
• GOD PREFERS: DELIBERATE PROGRESS OVER INSTANT RESULTS
• A Christian who is not eagerly seeking the Lordship of Jesus Christ over their life is just waiting for shame to happen. You have got to fight with the weapons Jesus Christ has provided. It’s not someone else’s fault, we have to take responsibility.

Questions to Consider:

1. Have you ever felt so discouraged by your sinful condition that you believe Jesus is done with you?
2. Is the Lord changing me more and more into the image of Jesus Christ?
3. Are you engaging in weekly Sabbath worship?
4. How often are you reading your Bible?
5. Are you in regular Christian community where you am accountable to other believers?
6. Are you actively finding ways to detach from the things of this world by engaging in the habit of prayer and fasting?

Further Consideration:

• Christ does not vengefully attack us in our sinfulness; He does not hate us–He mourns for us.  Last week’s episode: “How to Self-Destruct”
• You can’t fight the battle with sin if you don’t have regular community engagement. That is precisely why we have small groups! Find your fit either in-person, online, or in acts of service at https://waterschurch.org/life-groups/.
• Marriage resources from Sheila Wray Gregoire: tolovehonorandvacuum.com
• Marriage resources from Mark Gungor: https://markgungor.com/

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