Introduction: 1. Warning! Danger Ahead! 2. The Lord warns us of temptation and possible problems. 3. While our life may lead to a slippery slope God wants us to stay away from them. I. Failure to manage stress. A. The problem of stress. We believe we need to be busy. Leads to addictive behavior, sense of entitlement, etc. B. Manage your stress: 1. Say no! 2. Identify your priorities. 3. Take time to worship (1 Tim. 4:8). 4. Find a hobby. 5. Finish and turn loose of tasks. 6. Take care of yourself physically (1 Cor. 3:16, 17). II. Failure to seek input. A. Danger comes from secrecy and isolation. This will often lead to self- deception. We keep secrets because: 1. We want to keep on doing what we are doing (Heb. 10:26). 2. Others often cause us to reevaluate (Prov. 12:15). 3. We think we are keeping it from God (Heb. 4:13; Ps. 44:20, 21). 4. We don’t have to face the consequences (Gal. 6:8-10). B. Man’s pride often keeps him from taking a look at himself (Prov. 14:12; 2 Cor. 3:5). A humbling must take place (Ps. 131:1, 2; Job 22:29). C. Go talk with others (Prov. 12:15; 10:17; 15:10). III. Stunted growth. A. The failure of a stagnate and immature faith (Heb. 5:11-14). B. We have been challenged to grow (1 Pet. 2:1, 2; Col. 2:6, 7; Psalm 1. C. A checklist to help us grow 1. Have I done anything to refresh my faith? 2. Where are my roots? 3. Am I stimulated by others who stimulate growth? D. To grow there must be desire and commitment. What type person do you want to be? E. Growth will take meditation (Ps. 119:16, 15), reading, and prayer. IV. Failure to choose to live in truth. A. A choice to follow the Lord must be made (1 Kings 18:21; Dt. 30:19, 20; Josh. 24:15-18). B. As we choose to live for the Lord maintenance must be a part of it (1 Thes. 4:4; 5:22; 1 Tim. 5:22). C. Self evaluation on a regular basis must take place.
Entered on 12/7/2008
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