Those
who
by
faith
accept
Jesus
Christ
as
their
Savior
and
Lord
have
received
a
priceless
gift—paid
for by the blood that was shed by God’s Son as He died on the cross for our sins.
•
“For
the
wages
of
sin
is
death,
but
the
gift
of
God
is
eternal
life
in
Christ
Jesus
our
Lord.”
Romans
6:23
•
“Who
Himself
bore
our
sins
in
His
own
body
on
the
tree,
that
we
having
died
to
sins,
might
live
for
righteousness.”
1 Peter 2:24
As
we
seek
and
grow
closer
to
God—and
as
we
move
from
darkness
and
into
His
light—we
discover
our
sinful
nature
(i.e.
our
flesh)
often
conflicts
with
His
desires
for
our
wellbeing.
In
addition,
when
we
experience
His
grace,
love
and
forgiveness
for
our
sins,
we
also
develop
a
heart-felt
desire
to
stop
sinning.
The
word
repentance
is
commonly
defined
as
“turning
away
from
sin.”
However,
repentance
encompasses
much
more
because
it
involves
the
crucifixion
(or
death)
of
our
fleshly
passions
and
desires…so that we may become the righteousness of Jesus.
•
“Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:24
•
“Therefore
put
to
death
your
members
which
are
on
the
earth:
fornication,
uncleanness,
passion,
evil
desire,
and
covetousness,
which
is
idolatry.
Because
of
these
things
the
wrath
of
God
is
coming
upon
the
sons
of
disobedience,
in
which
you
yourselves
once
walked
when
you
lived
in
them.
But
now
you
yourselves
are
to
put
off
all
these:
anger,
wrath,
malice,
blasphemy,
filthy
language
out
of
your
mouth.
Do
not
lie
to
one
another,
since
you
have
put
off
the
old
man
with
his
deeds,
and
have
put
on
the
new
man
who
is
renewed
in
knowledge
according
to
the
image
of
Him
who
created
him,
where
there
is
neither
Greek
nor
Jew,
circumcised
nor
uncircumcised,
barbarian,
Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.”
Colossians 3:5-11
The
process
of
repentance
may
be
divided
into
three
sequential
categories:
awareness,
confession
and
righteousness.
Within
each
category
are
sequential
steps
that
define
the
spiritual
and
behavioral
transitions
that
occur
when
one
repents.
In
addition,
each
step
foundationally
and
synergistically
supports the other steps that follow.
Awareness:
1
.
Recognition and understanding that a behavior (word and/or deed) is sinful.
2
.
An experience of emotional pain due to guilt, remorse and shame after the sin occurs.
3
.
Recognition and understanding of the various consequences of the sin.
4
.
A changing of the mind (despisement, disgust, hatred) towards the sin.
5
.
A growing desire to break free from the bondage of the sin.
6
.
A
realization
that
they
are
unable
to
overcome
the
sin
by
their
own
efforts
and
must
turn
to
God
for
forgiveness, guidance and assistance.
Confession:
7
.
A
prayerful
confession
of
their
sin
directly
to
God,
a
request
for
forgiveness,
and
a
heart-felt
plea
for help.
8
.
God’s
forgiveness
of
the
sin
(because
of
His
grace
and
love)—combined
with
the
influence
of
the
Holy Spirit—then becomes a spiritual force that:
A
.
Strengthens the heart’s resolve in overcoming the sin.
B
.
Weakens the controlling power of sin by breaking the sin’s “chain of bondage.”
C
.
Provides
guidance
on
how
to
escape.
“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 Corinthians 10:13
Righteousness:
9
.
Desires
identification
of
other
types
of
sin
by
praying,
“Search
me,
O
God…and
see
if
there
is
any
wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
1
0
.
Prudently identifies and avoids the “triggers” that have a propensity to initiate the desire to sin.
1
1
.
An
indescribable
feeling
of
joy,
peace,
praise
and
worship
when
the
controlling
power
of
the
sin
is
replaced by spiritual strength and the righteousness of Christ.
It
is
very
important
to
note
that
repentance
does
not
earn
salvation—but
facilitates
righteousness.
In
addition,
some
people
think
they
need
to
“get
their
act
together”
by
repenting
from
their
sin
before
they
turn
to
Jesus
for
their
salvation.
This
misperception
is
not
based
upon
biblical
truth
and
is
a
delusional
lie
that
is
designed
to
delay
a
decision
for
Christ.
There
is
nothing
we
can
do
on
our
own
to
make
us
more
“acceptable”
to
God—for
He
is
more
interested
in
the
desires
of
our
heart
than
He
is
with
all
of
our shortcomings.
It
is
also
sad
that
there
are
people
who
claim
to
be
a
Christian,
but
have
never
repented
from
behavior
that
does
not
align
with
God’s
word
and
His
will.
These
are
those
persons
who
believe
they
are
a
Christian
because
they
were
“baptized”
as
an
infant,
or
have
attended
church,
or
have
read
the
Bible
(or
parts
thereof),
or
have
done
“good
deeds.”
However,
Christianity
is
based
upon
a
heart
that
wants
to
know
God;
a
desire
to
follow
Jesus
and
become
more
like
Him;
a
willingness
to
obey
the
guidance
of
the Holy Spirit; and a continual repentance of sinful behavior unto righteousness.
•
“Therefore,
if
anyone
is
in
Christ,
he
is
a
new
creation;
old
things
have
passed
away;
behold,
all
things have become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
•
“The goodness of God leads you to repentance.”
Romans 2:4
•
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
Ephesians 2:10
Jesus declared:
•
“Enter
by
the
narrow
gate;
for
wide
is
the
gate
and
broad
is
the
way
that
leads
to
destruction,
and
there
are
many
who
go
in
by
it.
Because
narrow
is
the
gate
and
difficult
is
the
way
which
leads
to
life, and there are few who find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14
•
“Not
everyone
who
says
to
Me,
‘Lord,
Lord,’
shall
enter
the
kingdom
of
heaven,
but
he
who
does
the
will
of
My
Father
in
heaven.
Many
will
say
to
Me
in
that
day,
‘Lord,
Lord,
have
we
not
prophesied
in
Your
name,
cast
out
demons
in
Your
name,
and
done
many
wonders
in
Your
name?’
And
then
I
will
declare
to
them,
‘I
never
knew
you;
depart
from
Me,
you
who
practice
lawlessness!’”
Matthew 7:21-23
•
“Therefore
whoever
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
them,
I
will
liken
him
to
a
wise
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
rock:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
did
not
fall,
for
it
was
founded
on
the
rock.
But
everyone
who
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
not
do
them,
will
be
like
a
foolish
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
sand:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
fell.
And great was its fall.”
Matthew 7:24-27
•
“I
say
to
you
that
likewise
there
will
be
more
joy
in
heaven
over
one
sinner
who
repents
than
over
ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
Luke 15:7
Stiff-Necked
Stiff-necked
is
an
illustrative
biblical
term
that
describes
the
attitude
of
one
who
is
obstinate
towards
God:
determined,
stubborn,
inflexible,
and
difficult
to
lead.
These
are
persons
who
are
unwilling
to
submit to God’s will and guidance, and are unrepentant be
cause they:
•
Know their sinful behavior is against God’s will.
•
Are held captive by Satan’s influence.
•
Willingly sin because it is what they desire.
•
Reject:
o
God’s word.
o
Christian assistance.
•
Refuse to ask God for forgiveness.
•
Develop a hardened heart because they must:
o
Justify their sinful behavior (via deceptional lies).
o
Find any means possible to repress their guilt, remorse and shame.
“Having
their
understanding
darkened,
being
alienated
from
the
life
of
God,
because
of
the
ignorance
that
is
in
them,
because
of
the
blindness
of
their
heart;
who,
being
past
feeling,
have
given
themselves
over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Ephesians 18-19
Here
are
biblical
references
to
stiff-necked.
Click
on
the
scripture
hyperlinks.
(
Exodus
33:3-5
),
(
Deuteronomy
9:6
;
10:16
),
(
Ne
hemiah
9:16
),
(
Acts
7:51-52
),
(
Jeremiah
7:25-26
),
(
Psalm
32:8-9
),
(
Proverbs 29:1
)
“But
you
have
not
so
learned
Christ,
if
indeed
you
have
heard
Him
and
have
been
taught
by
Him,
as
the
truth
is
in
Jesus:
that
you
put
off,
concerning
your
former
conduct,
the
old
man
which
grows
corrupt
according
to
the
deceitful
lusts,
and
be
renewed
in
the
spirit
of
your
mind,
and
that
you
put
on
the
new
man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:20-24
“And
a
servant
of
the
Lord
must
not
quarrel
but
be
gentle
to
all,
able
to
teach,
patient,
in
humility
correcting
those
who
are
in
opposition,
if
God
perhaps
will
grant
them
repentance,
so
that
they
may
know
the
truth,
and
that
they
may
come
to
their
senses
and
escape
the
snare
of
the
devil,
having
been
taken captive by him to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:24-26
I
pray
you
now
have
a
greater
understanding
and
appreciation
of
repentance,
and
you
witness
the
blessings of your transformation into the righteousness of Christ.
All for His Glory!
Harold D. Thomas
Thought Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader,
or
church
pastor.
The
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
the
lesson.
In
addition,
the
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
personal
opinions
and
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
relates
to
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided.
Questions
The
lesson
states
repentance
is
comprised
of
a
sequential
process
that
involves
multiple
“steps”
of
behavioral
transition.
In
addition,
these
steps
foundationally
and
synergistically
support
the
other
steps
that follow.
•
Identify one step in each category that could be eliminated.
o
What is the relevance, purpose, and transitional outcome of this step?
o
What are the potential consequences upon the following steps if this step does not occur?
•
Is it possible to reorder the sequence of any step? Explain.
•
Can
you
identify
another
step
(in
any
category)
that
may
strengthen
one’s
determination
to
repent
from their sin?
Consider
the
heart
of
someone
who
prays,
“Search
me,
O
God…and
see
if
there
is
any
wicked
way
in
me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
•
What do you think may have occurred prior to the prayer?
•
What do you think is occurring within the heart, soul and mind of the person making the prayer?
•
Why does this prayer exemplify the latter steps of repentance?
To what degree does the Holy Spirit influence the various steps of repentance? Explain.
The
lesson
states
a
stiff-necked
person
will
develop
a
hardened
heart
towards
God
via
behavioral
justifications for their sin (deceptional lies), and will repress guilt, remorse and shame.
•
Were you stiff-necked in the past? If yes, explain. Plus, what happened to cause the change?
•
In
truth,
every
Christian
experienced
varying
degrees
of
being
stiff-necked
prior
to
their
acceptance
of
Jesus
Christ
as
their
Savior
and
Lord—for
it
conveys
the
multiple
consequences
of
being
held
captive by Satan’s influential and delusional lies. Therefore:
o
How may your personal experience help you in sharing truth with someone who is stiff-necked?
o
Identify
at
least
7
specific
words
in
the
following
scripture
that
provides
prudent
spiritual
guidance
in
how
to
assist
a
stiff-necked
person.
“And
a
servant
of
the
Lord
must
not
quarrel
but
be
gentle
to
all,
able
to
teach,
patient,
in
humility
correcting
those
who
are
in
opposition,
if
God
perhaps
will
grant
them
repentance,
so
that
they
may
know
the
truth,
and
that
they
may
come
to
their
senses
and
escape
the
snare
of
the
devil,
having
been
taken
captive
by
him
to
do
his
will.”
2
Timothy
2:24-26
Did you learn anything new from this lesson? Explain.
You may do
wnload a PDF version of the questions by clicking this button.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
The words of Jesus
are in red text.
Those
who
by
faith
accept
Jesus
Christ
as
their
Savior
and
Lord
have
received
a
priceless
gift—paid
for
by
the
blood
that
was
shed
by
God’s
Son
as
He
died
on
the
cross for our sins.
•
“For
the
wages
of
sin
is
death,
but
the
gift
of
God
is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
•
“Who
Himself
bore
our
sins
in
His
own
body
on
the
tree,
that
we
having
died
to
sins,
might
live
for
righteousness.”
1 Peter 2:24
As
we
seek
and
grow
closer
to
God—and
as
we
move
from
darkness
and
into
His
light—we
discover
our
sinful
nature
(i.e.
our
flesh)
often
conflicts
with
His
desires
for
our
wellbeing.
In
addition,
when
we
experience
His
grace,
love
and
forgiveness
for
our
sins,
we
also
develop
a heart-felt desire to stop sinning.
The
word
repentance
is
commonly
defined
as
“turning
away
from
sin.”
However,
repentance
encompasses
much
more
because
it
involves
the
crucifixion
(or
death)
of
our
fleshly
passions
and
desires…so
that
we
may
become the righteousness of Jesus.
•
“Those
who
are
Christ’s
have
crucified
the
flesh
with
its passions and desires.”
Galatians 5:24
•
“Therefore
put
to
death
your
members
which
are
on
the
earth:
fornication,
uncleanness,
passion,
evil
desire,
and
covetousness,
which
is
idolatry.
Because
of
these
things
the
wrath
of
God
is
coming
upon
the
sons
of
disobedience,
in
which
you
yourselves
once
walked
when
you
lived
in
them.
But
now
you
yourselves
are
to
put
off
all
these:
anger,
wrath,
malice,
blasphemy,
filthy
language
out
of
your
mouth.
Do
not
lie
to
one
another,
since
you
have
put
off
the
old
man
with
his
deeds,
and
have
put
on
the
new
man
who
is
renewed
in
knowledge
according
to
the
image
of
Him
who
created
him,
where
there
is
neither
Greek
nor
Jew,
circumcised
nor
uncircumcised,
barbarian,
Scythian,
slave
nor
free,
but
Christ
is
all
and
in
all.”
Colossians 3:5-11
The
process
of
repentance
may
be
divided
into
three
sequential
categories:
awareness,
confession
and
righteousness.
Within
each
category
are
sequential
steps
that
define
the
spiritual
and
behavioral
transitions
that
occur
when
one
repents.
In
addition,
each
step
foundationally
and
synergistically
supports
the
other
steps that follow.
Awareness:
1
.
Recognition
and
understanding
that
a
behavior
(word
and/or deed) is sinful.
2
.
An
experience
of
emotional
pain
due
to
guilt,
remorse and shame after the sin occurs.
3
.
Recognition
and
understanding
of
the
various
consequences of the sin.
4
.
A
changing
of
the
mind
(despisement,
disgust,
hatred) towards the sin.
5
.
A
growing
desire
to
break
free
from
the
bondage
of
the sin.
6
.
A
realization
that
they
are
unable
to
overcome
the
sin
by
their
own
efforts
and
must
turn
to
God
for
forgiveness, guidance and assistance.
Confession:
7
.
A
prayerful
confession
of
their
sin
directly
to
God,
a
request for forgiveness, and a heart-felt plea for help.
8
.
God’s
forgiveness
of
the
sin
(because
of
His
grace
and
love)—combined
with
the
influence
of
the
Holy
Spirit—then becomes a spiritual force that:
A
.
Strengthens
the
heart’s
resolve
in
overcoming
the
sin.
B
.
Weakens
the
controlling
power
of
sin
by
breaking
the sin’s “chain of bondage.”
C
.
Provides
guidance
on
how
to
escape.
“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 Corinthians 10:13
Righteousness:
9
.
Desires
identification
of
other
types
of
sin
by
praying,
“Search
me,
O
God…and
see
if
there
is
any
wicked
way
in
me,
and
lead
me
in
the
way
everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
1
0
.
Prudently
identifies
and
avoids
the
“triggers”
that
have a propensity to initiate the desire to sin.
1
1
.
An
indescribable
feeling
of
joy,
peace,
praise
and
worship
when
the
controlling
power
of
the
sin
is
replaced
by
spiritual
strength
and
the
righteousness
of Christ.
It
is
very
important
to
note
that
repentance
does
not
earn
salvation—but
facilitates
righteousness.
In
addition,
some
people
think
they
need
to
“get
their
act
together”
by
repenting
from
their
sin
before
they
turn
to
Jesus
for
their
salvation.
This
misperception
is
not
based
upon
biblical
truth
and
is
a
delusional
lie
that
is
designed
to
delay
a
decision
for
Christ.
There
is
nothing
we
can
do
on
our
own
to
make
us
more
“acceptable”
to
God—for
He
is
more
interested
in
the
desires
of
our
heart
than
He
is
with
all of our shortcomings.
It
is
also
sad
that
there
are
people
who
claim
to
be
a
Christian,
but
have
never
repented
from
behavior
that
does
not
align
with
God’s
word
and
His
will.
These
are
those
persons
who
believe
they
are
a
Christian
because
they
were
“baptized”
as
an
infant,
or
have
attended
church,
or
have
read
the
Bible
(or
parts
thereof),
or
have
done
“good
deeds.”
However,
Christianity
is
based
upon
a
heart
that
wants
to
know
God;
a
desire
to
follow
Jesus
and
become
more
like
Him;
a
willingness
to
obey
the
guidance
of
the
Holy
Spirit;
and
a
continual
repentance
of
sinful behavior unto righteousness.
•
“Therefore,
if
anyone
is
in
Christ,
he
is
a
new
creation;
old
things
have
passed
away;
behold,
all
things
have
become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
•
“The
goodness
of
God
leads
you
to
repentance.”
Romans 2:4
•
“For
we
are
His
workmanship,
created
in
Christ
Jesus
for good works.”
Ephesians 2:10
Jesus declared:
•
“Enter
by
the
narrow
gate;
for
wide
is
the
gate
and
broad
is
the
way
that
leads
to
destruction,
and
there
are
many
who
go
in
by
it.
Because
narrow
is
the
gate
and
difficult
is
the
way
which
leads
to
life,
and
there
are few who find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14
•
“Not
everyone
who
says
to
Me,
‘Lord,
Lord,’
shall
enter
the
kingdom
of
heaven,
but
he
who
does
the
will
of
My
Father
in
heaven.
Many
will
say
to
Me
in
that
day,
‘Lord,
Lord,
have
we
not
prophesied
in
Your
name,
cast
out
demons
in
Your
name,
and
done
many
wonders
in
Your
name?’
And
then
I
will
declare
to
them,
‘I
never
knew
you;
depart
from
Me,
you
who
practice lawlessness!’”
Matthew 7:21-23
•
“Therefore
whoever
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
them,
I
will
liken
him
to
a
wise
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
rock:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
did
not
fall,
for
it
was
founded
on
the
rock.
But
everyone
who
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
not
do
them,
will
be
like
a
foolish
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
sand:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
fell.
And
great
was
its
fall.”
Matthew
7:24-27
•
“I
say
to
you
that
likewise
there
will
be
more
joy
in
heaven
over
one
sinner
who
repents
than
over
ninety-
nine
just
persons
who
need
no
repentance.”
Luke
15:7
Stiff-Necked
Stiff-necked
is
an
illustrative
biblical
term
that
describes
the
attitude
of
one
who
is
obstinate
towards
God:
determined,
stubborn,
inflexible
,
and
difficult
to
lead.
These
are
persons
who
are
unwilling
to
submit
to
God’s
will
and
guidance,
and
are
unrepentant
because they:
•
Know their sinful behavior is against God’s will.
•
Are held captive by Satan’s influence.
•
Willingly sin because it is what they desire.
•
Reject:
o
God’s word.
o
Christian assistance.
•
Refuse to ask God for forgiveness.
•
Develop a hardened heart because they must:
o
Justify their sinful behavior (via deceptional lies).
o
Find
any
means
possible
to
repress
their
guilt,
remorse and shame.
“Having
their
understanding
darkened,
being
alienated
from
the
life
of
God,
because
of
the
ignorance
that
is
in
them,
because
of
the
blindness
of
their
heart;
who,
being
past
feeling,
have
given
themselves
over
to
lewdness,
to
work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Ephesians 18-19
Here
are
biblical
references
to
stiff-necked.
Click
on
the
scripture
hyperlinks.
(
Exodus
33:3-5
),
(
Deuteronomy
9:6
;
10:16
),
(
Nehemiah
9:16
),
(
Acts
7:51-52
),
(
Jeremiah
7:25-
26
), (
Psalm
32:8-9
), (
Proverbs 29:1
)
“But
you
have
not
so
learned
Christ,
if
indeed
you
have
heard
Him
and
have
been
taught
by
Him,
as
the
truth
is
in
Jesus:
that
you
put
off,
concerning
your
former
conduct,
the
old
man
which
grows
corrupt
according
to
the
deceitful
lusts,
and
be
renewed
in
the
spirit
of
your
mind,
and
that
you
put
on
the
new
man
which
was
created
according
to
God,
in
true
righteousness
and
holiness.”
Ephesians 4:20-24
“And
a
servant
of
the
Lord
must
not
quarrel
but
be
gentle
to
all,
able
to
teach,
patient,
in
humility
correcting
those
who
are
in
opposition,
if
God
perhaps
will
grant
them
repentance,
so
that
they
may
know
the
truth,
and
that
they
may
come
to
their
senses
and
escape
the
snare
of
the
devil,
having
been
taken
captive
by
him
to
do
his
will.”
2 Timothy 2:24-26
I
pray
you
now
have
a
greater
understanding
and
appreciation
of
repentance,
and
you
witness
the
blessings
of
your
transformation
into
the
righteousness
of
Christ.
All for His Glory!
Harold D. Thomas
Thought Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader,
or
church
pastor.
The
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
the
lesson.
In
addition,
the
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
personal
opinions
and
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
relates
to
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers are provided.
Questions
The
lesson
states
repentance
is
comprised
of
a
sequential
process
that
involves
multiple
“steps”
of
behavioral
transition.
In
addition,
these
steps
foundationally
and
synergistically
support
the
other
steps
that follow.
•
Identify
one
step
in
each
category
that
could
be
eliminated.
o
What
is
the
relevance,
purpose,
and
transitional
outcome of this step?
o
What
are
the
potential
consequences
upon
the
following steps if this step does not occur?
•
Is
it
possible
to
reorder
the
sequence
of
any
step?
Explain.
•
Can
you
identify
another
step
(in
any
category)
that
may
strengthen
one’s
determination
to
repent
from
their sin?
Consider
the
heart
of
someone
who
prays,
“Search
me,
O
God…and
see
if
there
is
any
wicked
way
in
me,
and
lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
•
What
do
you
think
may
have
occurred
prior
to
the
prayer?
•
What
do
you
think
is
occurring
within
the
heart,
soul
and mind of the person making the prayer?
•
Why
does
this
prayer
exemplify
the
latter
steps
of
repentance?
To
what
degree
does
the
Holy
Spirit
influence
the
various
steps of repentance? Explain.
The
lesson
states
a
stiff-necked
person
will
develop
a
hardened
heart
towards
God
via
behavioral
justifications
for
their
sin
(deceptional
lies),
and
will
repress
guilt,
remorse and shame.
•
Were
you
stiff-necked
in
the
past?
If
yes,
explain.
Plus, what happened to cause the change?
•
In
truth,
every
Christian
experienced
varying
degrees
of
being
stiff-necked
prior
to
their
acceptance
of
Jesus
Christ
as
their
Savior
and
Lord—for
it
conveys
the
multiple
consequences
of
being
held
captive
by
Satan’s influential and delusional lies. Therefore:
o
How
may
your
personal
experience
help
you
in
sharing truth with someone who is stiff-necked?
o
Identify
at
least
7
specific
words
in
the
following
scripture
that
provides
prudent
spiritual
guidance
in
how
to
assist
a
stiff-necked
person.
“And
a
servant
of
the
Lord
must
not
quarrel
but
be
gentle
to
all,
able
to
teach,
patient,
in
humility
correcting
those
who
are
in
opposition,
if
God
perhaps
will
grant
them
repentance,
so
that
they
may
know
the
truth,
and
that
they
may
come
to
their
senses
and
escape
the
snare
of
the
devil,
having
been
taken
captive
by
him to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:24-26
Did you learn anything new from this lesson? Explain.
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