3. The Israelites did not just walk away one day, but were held back a long time by Pharaoh. Often, we are held back by... family, friends, our own fear & false beliefs When ready for change and understand we do need his help, then, we can call out to God. How do we leave our dependencies?

4. Let's take another look at Paul. Paul went to Jerusalem and he spoke "boldly" of the Lord; but the Greeks were going to kill him, so the apostles sent him away, Then, there was peace in the churches. and comfort of the Holy Spirit. It takes time to smooth and polish the rough edges from our old ways. We’re all diamonds in the rough! Acts 9.26-31

5. How we behave is based on what we believe and is communicated in our attitude, behavior and emotions! The Israelite's lack of trust (attitude) came from their fear (emotion), they expressed in worship of things (behavior) other than God.

6. Before we can enter the promised land that brings true peace of mind, we must first overcome kingdoms that rule our lives. Know what and where your sin is. These are the self, mind and body, and fear: of new beginnings and of leaving the past.

7. The kingdom of selfishness: Think about the ways you put yourself and your own needs before anyone and anything else.

8. The kingdom of the intellect: This is how we justify our behavior and refuse to take responsibility.

9. The kingdom of the flesh: physical world encourages selfishness: money, fancy homes, expensive cars, elegant clothing, and worry over our "look-good" instead of concern for our soul!

10. The kingdoms of fear: Leaving the past behind gives rise to all kinds of fears, but overcoming is what develops courage Opposition or ridicule can weaken our witness. Often we cling to peace and comfort, even at the cost of our walk with God. Fear can be a problem.

11. The fear of newness: Standing up for what we believe in can be a challenge Yet, we must replace the old ways with new ones, and Like a newborn child, we learn to walk and experience life again, as if for the first time – like a newborn.

12. Learning God’s ways isn't easy, but anyone can do it! God recognizes that it is a learning experience. He says “Stop doing wrong. Learn to do good” (Isaiah 1:16, 17) Our salvation depends on God’s grace, love and mercy (Ephesians 2.8-9) not anything we do on our own.

13. Jesus was in the wilderness 40 days without food. Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness and forty days he was tempted by the Devil. In those days He ate nothing. And after they had ended, He was hungry. Luke 4:1-2 Temptation is part of life. For Jesus to be fully human, to understand us completely, he had to face temptation (see Heb_4:15). Adam gave in to temptation and passed sin on to all us. Jesus resisted Satan. His victory offers salvation to all Jesus' Temptation

14. After forty days, Jesus was tempted by the devil… The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread”. (Luke 4:3) Turning a stone into bread wasn't a bad thing. The sin was not in the act but in the reason behind it. The devil tried to get Jesus to take a shortcut and solve His immediate problem at the expense of his long-range goals, to seek comfort at the sacrifice of his discipline. Satan often tries to persuade us to take action, usually for the wrong reason or at the wrong time. Many sin by trying to fulfill legitimate desires outside of God's will or before His time. Jesus' first temptation

15. First ask: Is the Holy Spirit leading me to do this or is Satan trying to get me off the track? Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths. By giving in to temptation and using our strength rather than God’s, we become proud and self-reliant. Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God. To avoid this, know that all your strengths are God's gifts to us, and we use those strengths to his service. Jesus said, “It is written, one does not live by bread alone, but every word of the mouth of God”. (Luke 4:4)

16. "I will give all this power and glory to you” The devil said “It has been given to me; I can give it to whomever I want. (7) Just worship me, and you can have it all.” (Luke 4:6-7) The devil hoped to divert Jesus from his mission and win his worship. But Jesus refused. Jesus answered him, “Get behind Me, Satan! “It is written, you will worship the LORD your God, and Him only you will serve”. (Luke 4:8) Knowing and obeying God's Word is most effective with temptation, part of the Christian's "armor" (Eph_6:17). Jesus' second temptation

17. Jesus' third temptation The devil took Jesus to Jerusalem to the top of the temple and said, "If you are God's Son, jump off. (10) “ The Scriptures say: 'God will tell his angels to care for you. They will catch you in their arms, and you will not hurt your feet on the stones.'“ Lu 4:9-10 Psalm 91 is to show God's protection of his people, not to incite them to use God's power for foolish displays. “Scripture says [it is written], 'Don't test the Lord God!'“ Jesus responded. Obeying Scripture is more important than quoting a verse, so read them daily and apply them to your life. Then your "sword" will always be sharp and your shield of faith strong.

18. In the Wilderness... Jesus relied on the word of God and refused to give into temptation. For in that He Himself has suffered, having been tempted, He is able to rescue those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18) Enduring temptations and leaving our former way of life is necessary to a godly life.

19. What did Jesus give up? comforts of childhood home & family, his time, and his life on the cross. What was his motivation? he was motivated by the love of God " I have come so that they might have life, and... have it more abundantly. ” John 10:10 Jesus had a purpose “ I have come ….” Jesus said “not to do my will but the will of him who sent me.” -- John 6:38

20. Imagine Jesus saying, "God you're being unreasonable" "The Pharisees are mean and cruel" "It's unfair expecting me to die like a criminal for these people." “Just let them die; after all, they deserve it, and I don't." "There is no way I will submit to this, and you can't make me." Sounds just a little bit childish?

21. Jesus depended on God, alone. He acknowledged his anguish and troubles He had compassion, forgiveness and was kind And Jesus said: 'If any person desires to come after Me (be like me), let that person deny their selfish ways, take up their cross (discipline their behavior, thoughts and emotions) and come follow Me. …. Luke 9:23 These mean the same thing: we are to Get Rid Of, Give Up, Deny or say "No“ to our selfish desires.

22. HOMEWORK Strategies for Success

23. KINGDOMS to overcome Selfishness is (things you still want your way) Intellect (how you rationalize your behavior) World(things of the world - idols of worship) Fear of newness (fear of success, intimacy, love, happiness – after all, it might not last) Fear of leaving (whatever is your comfort zone, even your fears and anxieties that get you by, or difficulties that bring attention your way)

24. Jesus' was tempted by these things. How are they expressed in your life? Feel good of _ Or drug of choice: alcohol, marijuana, candy, coffee, cigarettes, chocolate, "speed" and/or emotions (anger, sadness or anxiety) Look good of _ Money, fancy homes, expensive cars, clothing, prestigious job title or college degree. End-it-all by _ (suicide, divorce, get fired, get loaded, etc.)

25. What will you give up? comforts of ____________________________ Why? (what is your motivation) ______________________________________ What do you want for an abundant life? _____________________________________ _____________________________________

26. Are you able to ( from Sermon on the Mount ) Depend on God? (Matthew 5.3) Admit to your grief? (Matthew 5.4) Be kind and forgive? (Matthew 5.5 - 7) Be pure of heart & childlike? (Matthew 5.8) Be at peace with others? (Matthew 5.9) Not retaliate when attacked? (Matthew 5.10)

27. Consider behavior: illegal, immoral, or ? You treat yourself poorly by__ - negative thoughts - criticisms of self - sex abuse (compulsive masturbation or other) - physical abuse (drugs, alcohol, poor diet and exercise, stress out with anger and anxiety, or other self-harming behavior)

28. Consider behavior: illegal, immoral, or ? You treat others poorly by__ - attitude is negative - criticisms of a person - sexually use the person - physical abuse of a person (encourage drugs, alcohol, poor diet and exercise, add to anger, stress and anxiety, and any others) Recall, we are to love our neighbor as our self

29. NEXT Part Two Begins with A LIFE VISION