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This article is from Today's
Native Father, issue #108, January, February, 2000. Related articles
from this issue: |
Rising Above an Imperfect
Past A Family Bible Study by David Hertzler |
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Let’s face it. Our parents’ love for each other wasn’t perfect. We still feel the effects of that imperfect parenting. We find it all too easy to copy wrong parenting styles. God, however, has a better plan for us and provides a way to fulfill that plan. Everyone has an imperfect past. Romans 5:12-21 Who was our ancestor who brought sin and death to the human race? Who is the man who brought righteousness and life, which He offers to us? We don’t have to live as our families did in the past. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 What were some of the wrong ways your parents lived? How will you be different when you have been “washed, sanctified, justified?” God promises to transform us, to make a “new creation” out of us. Romans 12:1-2, What kind of sacrifices (Romans 12:1) will you need to make to allow God to transform you? An imperfect past is not easy to leave behind. It has a powerful grip on us. What good things do you desire to do (verse 18)? Which of these do you most often fail to do? Who is able to rescue you from this “body of death” that keeps you from winning this struggle? The real struggle is between the spirits of nature and the Spirit of God. Romans 8:5-11 Is your mind controlled by nature (“doing what comes naturally”) or by the Spirit of God? How could you tip the balance in this struggle, giving the Spirit of God control over your mind and body (see also Acts 3:38)? To overcome our imperfect past, we must face the truth about our past. What things in your past are you ashamed of or unwilling to talk about? Is God able to give you a friend whom you can trust with this information (James 5:16, 1 John 1:9, Galatians 6:1)? Someone has gone ahead to show us the way. Hebrews 4:14-16 Why is Jesus able to sympathize with your weaknesses? How can you find His help in your time of need? |
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