Hi.
Welcome to the fe2 Women’s Mentoring Network.
Welcome to the fe2 Women’s Mentoring Network.
James 4:4 states that friendship with the world is enmity (hostility) toward the Lord. Really? Whatʼs the big deal?
Read 1 John 2:15-17. What three things are listed as of the world? Do they fade or do they last? What lasts forever?
Read Galatians 5:19-21.What are the works of the flesh? How does that list fit into the three categories listed above?
Read Galatians 5:16-17. How do we fight the flesh? This passage tells us to fight by walking in the Spirit - but is that an automatic victory? Re-read verse 17 again to answer that question. They are in constant opposition and keep us from doing what?
So what are the things of the Spirit that we want to do as children of God? Read Galatians 5:22-23. How does this compare to the list and categories above? What hope do we have of ever conquering the flesh and walking by the Spirit? Read Galatians 5:24. Is it through our own strength?
1 John 2:15-16 mentioned the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride in your possessions. Describe practical examples in all 3 of those areas. Out of those 3, which worldly desire do you struggle with the most?
As seen in Galatians 5, the flesh is opposed to the Spirit and keeps us from choosing the fruit of the Spirit naturally. How have you seen this battle played out in your own life?How have you chosen to fight the flesh? Is it working?
1 John 4:4 says that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. Do you believe that to be true? If so, do you choose daily to remember His Word and apply it practically to your own life or do you tend to forget it?
Read 1 Samuel 15:1-3, 7-9. Keep in mind as you read this that in the OT, Amalek is a picture of the flesh. The Lord has commanded Saul to go into battle with the Amalekites and do what (verse 3)? Saul defeated the Amalekites but did he carry out his marching orders completely (verse 9)? How did the Lord feel about this half-hearted response to obedience? Read 1 Samuel 15:10-11.
What was Saulʼs response when Samuel questioned him on his lack of obedience? Read 1 Samuel 15:16-21. Did Saul take responsibility or make excuses and pass the blame? He did not seem to think it was a big deal. What areas in your life do you have half-hearted obedience and tend to think it is not a big deal?
As Samuel continues to talk to Saul, what do we learn about how God views total obedience? Read 1 Samuel 15:22-23. Saul refused to fully attack the Amalekites and justified his actions - but the Lord rejected him as King. If we are going to walk by the Spirit in one accord with the Lord then we must also fully attack our flesh and choose obedience. In the middle of the word obedience is the word die. We must die to self to walk by the Spirit.
Read Exodus 17:8-13. This is another battle against the Amalekites. This time it is with Moses. In order to fight the battle, what was the battle plan? Just like Moses needed Joshua and Hur to help conquer the Amalekites, we need each other to help battle the flesh. Who can you trust in your life to be the support you need to walk by the Spirit?
Read Matthew 13:22. This is an explanation of a parable about a seed thrown among thorns. It is describing what happens to one who hears the Word but ignores it. What chokes out the Word? Without hearing the Word, does this seed prove fruitful? How are we to bear the fruit of the Spirit if we are choked out by the cares of the world? We need to cling to His Word to counteract the affection of the world.