Page 76 - First Steps 2023

• Some life issues are generational
Children tend to imitate the sins of their parents. When you grow up
in an environment where materialism is the norm, you have a natural bent
toward it. Be aware that you might be blind to some temptations and sins
playing out in your life—so be open to having those being revealed to you.

• Life issues can become addictive
And not just physically addictive; repeatedly giving in to life issues
can rewire you emotionally and mentally. Sin is pleasure for a moment
but can have consequences that last a lifetime.
You need the power of Scripture to overcome a life issue because…

• You can’t overcome life issues on your own
You already know this, right? No amount of gritting your teeth or self-
discipline can pull you out of sin. You must have God’s help—and one way
he equips you to walk faithfully with him is through his words in the Bible.

• The place to begin identifying your life issues is to ask God

Rather than run away from God when you think about your sins, ask
him to shine his light into those dark corners of your life.
Ask:
What temptations simply won’t go away?
What causes me to stumble more than anything else?
What causes the most feelings of guilt and condemnation?

• And there’s great power in talking with someone else, too
It may be your discipler, it may be a pastor or other spiritual leader,
but talk with a believer you trust about your life issues. Talk through your
responses to these questions:
What temptation is the Holy Spirit convicting me of?
What temptations do others see me giving way to?
What life issue do I act out repeatedly, in spite of my best intentions?
Those questions, answered honestly and prayerfully, will out your life

issues—and identify the one that’s most troublesome now in your life.

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