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March
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The group identified the book's answer for the "sin" underneath al your other sins as "trying to be your own God"
ReplyDeleteWe observed that we can only dismantle this sin wih God's help. We can do this by means of prayer and Bible study.
It is Jesus who dismantles our sin. We sin and he forgives.
Dr. Keller describes 3 approaches to personal change.
ReplyDelete1. The "moralizing" approach
This approach focuses on behavior, but doesn't go deeply enough. We must find out the why of our behavior. Why do I find I want to do the wrong things? What inordinate desires are drawing me to do so? What are the idols and false beliefs behind the?
But to simply tell an unhappy person or yourself to "Repent and change behavior" is insufficient, because the lack of self-control is coming from a belief that says, "Even if you live up to moral standards but don't have this particular thing that you treasure, you are still a failure."
You must replace this belief by repenting for the one sin beneath it all - your particular idolatry.
2. The "psychologizing" approach:
Your problem is that you don't see that God loves you as you are. Rejoice!
This approach focuses on feelings, which seem to be "deeper" than behaviors, but it fails to go deeply enough. We must also find out the why of our feelings. Why do I have such strong feelings of despair, fear, or anger when this or that happens? What are the inordinate desires that are being frustrated? What are the idols and false beliefs behind them?
To simply tell an unhappy person that "God loves you, so rejoice" is insufficient, because the unhappiness is coming from a belief that says, "Even if God loves you but you don't have that particular thing that you treasure, you are still a failure,"
You must replace this belief by repenting fro the one sin beneath it all - your particular idolatry.
3. The "gospel" approach
Your problem is that you are looking to something besides Christ for your happiness. You have been worshipping an idol and rejecting the true God. Repent and rejoice!
This approach confronts a person with the real sin underlying the sins and behind the bad feelings. Our problem is that we have given ourselves over to idols. Every idol-system is a way of our-works-salvation, and thus keeps us "under the law".
Paul tells us that the bondage of sin is broken when we come out from under the law - when we begin to believe the gospel of Christ's-work-salvation. Only when we realize in a new way that we are righteous in Christ does the idol's power over us break. "Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, under grace". Romans 6:14
You will only be "under grace" and free from the controlling effects of idols to the degree that you have both (1) repented of your idols" and (2) rested and rejoiced in the saving work and life of Christ instead.
To replace idols, you must learn to rejoice in the particular thing Jesus provides that replaces that particular idol of your heart. Whenever you see your heart in the grip of some kind of disobedience or misery, some temptation, anxiety, anger, etc, always ask, (1) How are these effects being caused by an inordinate hope for someone or something to give me what only Jesus can give? (2) How does Christ give me so much more fully and graciously and suitably the very things I am looking for elsewhere? Next, rejoice and consider what he has done and what he has given you.
Dr. Keller suggests the approaches to prayer to help us displace idols
ReplyDelete1. In prayer, name the idols to God:
"Lord, these are the things I have built my heart around . . ."
2. Recognize how weak and poor your idols are in themselves. In prayer, confess that these things are good, but finite and weak, and praise God for being the only source of what you need.
"Lord, this is a good thing, but why have I made this so absolute? If I have you, I don't have to have this. This cannot love me and help me as you do. This is not my life - Jesus is my life. This is not my righteousness and worthiness. It cannot give me that - but you can and have!"
3. Recognize how dangerous your idols are to you. Idols enslave, and they will never be satisfied. Realize how they increasingly destroy you. In prayer, confess that these things are lethal, and ask a strong God for help. "Lord, why am I giving this so much power over me? If I keep doing it, it will strangle me. I don't have to do so - I will not do so any longer. This will not be my master. You are my only King."
4. Recognize how grievous they are to Christ. Realize that when you pine after idols (in your anger, fear, despondency), you are saying, "Lord, you are not enough. This is more beautiful, fulfilling, and sweet to my taste than you. You are negotiable, but this is not." In prayer, admit how deeply you have grieved and de-valued Jesus, and ask forgiveness.
"Lord, I see how repulsive idolizing this mere idol really is. In yearning after this, I was trampling on your love for me. I realize how my lack of thankfulness, my lack of grateful joy for what you have done for me."
Dr. Keller also believes that we must also rejoice in Christ.
ReplyDeleteThe following prayers will not affect you unless- as you pray and praise and meditate - the Spirit inscribes the gospel truths in your own heart. It is not only important to spend time repenting and rejoicing in fixed times of solitude and prayer; you must also "catch" your heart when it begins falling into idolatry during the day, and you must draw on your hard work of reflection by learning to quickly repent/rejoice your heart into shape on the spot.
"Lord, only in your presence is fullness of joy and pleasures forever more. (Psalm 16:11), yet here I am trying to find comfort in something else. This thing I am tempted by is just a pleasure that will wear off so soon. It is a sham and cheat, while your pleasure, though it may start small, will grow on and on forever (Proverbs 4:18). Please remove my idol of pleasure, which can never give me the pleasure I need."
Meditations:
John 6 verses 5-13 and 32-40
Luke 8:22-25 and Mark 4:35-41
Matthew 26:36-46
John 15:9-7 and 17:13-26
More prayers:
ReplyDeleteA rejoicing prayer for times of anxiety:
"Lord, I live by your sheer grace. That means though I don't deserve to have things go right, yet I know you are working them all out for good (Romans 8:28) because you love me in Christ. My security in life is based neither on luck or hard work, but on your gracious love for me. You have counted every hair on my head (Matthew 10:30-31), and every tear down my cheeks (Psalm 56:8). You love me far more and better than anyone else loves me, or than I love myself. Please remove my idol of security, which can never give me the security I need."
Rejoicing prayer for times of anger:
"Lord, when I forget the gospel I become impatient and judgmental towards others. I forget that you have been infinitely patient with me over the years. You are "slow to anger and rich in love" (Psalm 145:8). When I am anything other than tender-heareted and compassionate to people around me, I am like the unmerciful servant, who, having been forgiven an infinite debt, is hard toward his fellow debtor (Matt. 18:21-35. Please remove the idol of power - the need to get my own way = which is making me so hard towards these people"
Rejoicing prayer for times of struggling with rejection and a sense of worthlessness:
"Lord, when I forget the gospel I become dependent on the smiles and evaluation of others. I let them sit in judgment of me, and then I hear all their criticism as a condemnation of my very being. But you have said there is no condemnation for me now (Romans 8:1). You delight and sing over me (Zeph. 3:14-17). You see me as a beauty (Col. 1:22). Let me be so satisfied with your love (Psalm 90:14) that I no longer respond to people in fear of displeasing them, but in love, committed to what is best for them. Please remove my idol of approval, which can never give me the approval I need."