Page 25 - Personal Spiritual Life Syllabus w videos

The behaviorist believes we are a product of our environment and behave the way we do because of
external forces acting upon us. A person’s behavior can be directed by external reinforcement: positive
reinforcement insures the continuance of a behavior and negative reinforcement extinguishes a
behavior.

Christian Example: “The best way to control a Sunday class is by offering candy to each child for correct
responses. That way, the kids will listen to the Bible lesson and learn more about God.”

Christian Example: “Have you ever heard a parent say, ‘When your dad gets home, he is going to
discipline you!’ This is bad. You need to discipline a child immediately after he has disobeyed, because
he will forget his offense and the discipline will not be effective.”

Our motivation to obey God needs to come from the heart, not from a piece of candy. Matthew 15:8
says God looks at the heart of a man, not on his outward actions. The love of God compels us to live for
His purposed, not our own. (Eph. 6:6-7)

So, how can we KNOW the right path?

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light upon my path. Psalms 119: 11

As you can see, these and many other philosophies have crept into our minds and pervert our thinking.
This is Satan’s plan. He wants you to think any way but biblically! Because if you think biblically, you will
become like Christ!

The Bible is an essential life guide.
The Bible discovers and convicts us of sin.
The Bible helps us understand the way of salvation.
The Bible helps cleanse us from the pollutions of sin.
The Bible imparts strength.
The Bible instructs us in what we are to do.
The Bible provides us with a sword for victory over sin.
The Bible makes our lives fruitful and worthwhile.
The Bible gives us power to pray and change others and the world.

God commands us to read it.

II Timothy 2:15 Study [i.e., be diligent] to show yourself approved unto God, rightly dividing the word of
truth.

Here is a list of reasons why God wants us to read His Word:

The Scriptures can be trusted .
The Bible is reliable and trustworthy. It is God’s Book and has been preserved in its accuracy. It
is without errors!

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