1. Spiritual Sickness (Some signs/ The cure)

2. The format of today’s study  There will be some questions for you to consider.  Try your best to answer these questions of yourself as honestly as possible.  For the 2 nd part of the lesson, we will examine Scripture to see how we may overcome these weaknesses.

3. Questions to ask of myself  What is my attitude towards authority?  Do I find myself resenting authority?  Do I find myself looking for alternate means of authority outside the Bible?

4. Questions to ask of myself  How do I interact with others?  Do I have trouble resisting peer pressure?  Do I harbor feelings of neglect?  Am I constantly looking for something of which to be critical?

5. Questions to ask of myself  Reactions to spiritual activity?  What are my preferences?  Is it difficult for me to engage in spiritual activity?

6. Questions to ask of myself  What is my attitude toward sin?  Do I find myself growing comfortable with sin?  Do I try and minimize sin?  Am I more focused on the one correcting than the one in need of correction?

7. We must humble ourselves…  When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. Prov 11:2  A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. Prov 18:2  Good and upright is the L ORD ; Therefore He teaches sinners in the way. 9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. Psalms 25:8-9

8. What is my attitude towards authority?  God has spoken on the matter of authority…  Within the home (Eph 6:1-3, Col 3:18)  With the church (1Pet 5:5; Phil 1:1)  Within the community (Rom 13:1)  Concerning those who are more experienced in life (1Tim 5:1-2)  We need to read our Bibles more carefully, and meditate on what God expects from us in respecting figures of authority. (Honor God in living His way!)

9. Do I find myself looking for alternate means of authority?  … as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3)  If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)  Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. (1 Cor 4:6)

10. Do I find myself looking for alternate means of authority?  The secret things belong to the L ORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deut 29:29)  There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Prov 14:12; 16:25)  O L ORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. (Jer 10:23)  Isaiah 55:8-9; God’s thoughts are much loftier than ours.  The truly humble will not want to go beyond what God has authorized.

11. How do I interact with others?  He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Prov 13:20 (NKJV)  Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 1 Cor 15:33-34 (NKJV)

12. Do I have trouble resisting peer pressure?  Psalm 119:114-116; What kind of company do we seek?  He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. (Prov 13:20)  Ps 1:1-2; 14:1-7; Gal 1:6-10, 2:11-13  For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Heb 2:18 (NKJV)  No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10:13 (NKJV)

13. Do I harbor feelings of neglect?  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:11-13)  2 Corinthians 1:3-6; The God of all comfort.  Strength from brethren is certainly helpful when we need it, but we should also reach a point where our strength comes from God.

14. Conclusion  We’ve been seeking to diagnose any areas of spiritual sickness within ourselves.  Not just to find fault, but to see where we might be missing out on some wonderful blessings.  We also want to inspire a true hunger for Bible study; realizing that God’s word DOES provide all the answers we are searching for!  What does God say about any potential I may have, or am neglecting to develop?  Concerning my attitude towards authority?  My interaction with others?  Any feelings of neglect that I harbor?