“WHY AM I LIKE I AM?”
Session 2
Introduction: Consider the
puppet, Pinocchio – crafted lovingly and loved unconditionally. That’s how God treats us – we were made
lovingly (Psalm 139: 13-16) and we’re loved unconditionally (Psalm 139: vv.5,
6, 17,18).
Made
by God, but marred by sin:
·
Original sin (Genesis
ch.3) - Notice the effects of sin – life is difficult (vv.16-18), draining (v.19)
and, ultimately, leads to death (v.19)
·
Your own sin (Romans
·
Others’ sin
against you
·
Society’s sinful
habits which we too easily copy
Made
by God, but moulded by our parents.
The way out:
·
Jesus sets us
free from the domination of original sin (Romans 6:1-4, 14, 18). He loves us even in our sin (Psalm 139:1-6)
·
We need to
repent of our own sin and move on in Christ (1 John 1:9)
·
Jesus frees us
from the effects of the sins of others (John
·
We can break
free from following the sinful habits of society by embracing fully the Holy
Spirit (Ephesians 5:8-21)
M.O.T. Check Points:-
4. What sin of yours is marring your life?
Determine to change. Ask for
forgiveness and move on.
5. What sin of others has marred your life? Work
towards forgiving those people and determine to be free. Ask for help if necessary.
6. What sin or behaviour, prevalent in society, do
you find yourself in all too often? Face it, repent, embrace
the Spirit’s power.
7. What sins/weaknesses are present in your life
that you were aware of in your parents’ lives?
Ask God to set you free.
8. Consider what Jesus has done (Isaiah 53:4-6),
spend time reflecting on it and renew your commitment to Him.
Two further
exercises:
·
What are the beautiful things about you?
Take time to list them and thank God.
·
Consider the person of Jesus and spend at least 10 minutes each day
loving and appreciating Him.