IN PURSUIT OF AN AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD FREEDOM FROM ANGER, PRIDE AND DECEIT Being real with God means I must be honest with my sin Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God… Luke 18:9-14 NLT I must discover how my sin keeps me from a real and right relationship with God. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts… James 4:8 NLT ANGER: THE DESIRE TO BE PERFECT My anger gives evil influence in my life And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26 NLT My anger separates me from God’s purpose Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:20 NLT To draw closer to God:
PRIDE: THE DESIRE TO BE NEEDED My pride puts God’s anger against me “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” James 4:6 NLT Then Hezekiah humbled himself and repented of his pride, as did the people of Jerusalem. So the LORD’s anger did not fall on them during Hezekiah’s lifetime. 2 Chronicles 32:26 NLT My pride will blind me to God’s leading You have been deceived by your own pride… Obadiah 3
To draw closer to God:
DECEIT: THE DESIRE TO SUCCEED Deceit separates me from God I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. Psalm 101:7 NLT To draw closer to God: