Principles for Spiritual Growth

 

PRINCIPLES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Explanation

 

When we are saved, God comes and lives in our heart (Regeneration).  He cleanses our guilty consciences and regards us as if we had never sinned (Justification).  

This is just the beginning of God's work in us.

God wants to transform our Character and remove our tendency to sin when we are tempted or provoked.  Most people do not manage to completely stop sinning from the moment  they are saved. 

We need to grow in God and become Holy.  This is a gradual process.  Once God shows us something is wrong, we need to stop doing it or our Spiritual Growth will be halted.  The process by which God transforms our Soul and refines our Character is called Sanctification. 

If we constantly turn to God and worship him, he will remove our propensity to sin and renew our mind.  If we do not turn to God and seek his face, we will not be transformed into his likeness; we may even backslide and go back to our original condition (God forbid). 

SANCTIFICATION  -  THIS MEANS TO BE MADE HOLY  -  OR TO BECOME MORE LIKE GOD IN OUR CHARACTER

Ex.31:13 "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.

Le.20:8 Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.

Le.21:8 Regard them as holy, because they offer up the food of your God. Consider them holy, because I the LORD am holy--I who make you holy.

Le.21:15 so he will not defile his offspring among his people. I am the LORD, who makes him holy.'"

Le.21:23 yet because of his defect, he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar, and so desecrate my sanctuary. I am the LORD, who makes them holy. '"

Le.22:9 "'The priests are to keep my requirements so that they do not become guilty and die for treating them with contempt. I am the LORD, who makes them holy.

Le.22:32 Do not profane my holy name. I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD, who makes you holy

Jn.17:17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Jn.17:19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Ac.26:18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

Ro.15:16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

1Co.1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours:

1Co.6:11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Ep.5:26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,

1Th.4:3 It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

1Th.5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Heb.2:11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Heb.10:14 because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

 

Explanation

 

TRANSFORMATION

1S.10:6 The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.

Rom 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Ro.12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1Co.15:49 And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.

2Co.3:18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2Co.5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Ph.1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Ph.2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

2Pet 1:5-6 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
 

Illustration

 
 

RENEWAL BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

Ps.51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Is.40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
 
Is.57:10 You were wearied by all your ways, but you would not say, 'It is hopeless.' You found renewal of your strength, and so you did not faint.

Rom 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Ro.12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2Co.4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Cor 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Gal 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Gal 6:15  Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.

Ep.4:23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

Tit.3:5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

Col.3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
 
 
 
 
 
 

COMPLETION

Jn.16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Ac.20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Ro.15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.

2Co.10:6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

Ph.2:2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Col.2:2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

Col.4:17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."

Ja.1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Ja.2:22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

1Jn.1:4 We write this to make our joy complete.

1Jn.2:5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:

1Jn.4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

1Jn.4:17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.

Re.3:2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God.

Ph.1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Heb.7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
 
 
 

 

BEING FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

Ex.31:3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts--

Ex.35:31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts--

De.34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.

Eze.43:5 Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple.

Mi.3:8 But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the LORD, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin.

Lu.1:15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.

Lu.1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Lu.1:67 His father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

Lu.4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,

Lu.10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Jn.17:13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.

Ac.2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Ac.4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people!

Ac.4:31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Ac.6:3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them

Ac.6:5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Ac.7:55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Ac.9:17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord--Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Ac.11:24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Ac.13:9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said,

Ac.13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Ac.16:34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God--he and his whole family.

Ro.16:19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you;but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

Ep.3:19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ep.5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

2Ti.1:4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

2Ti.1:4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

1Pe.1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

 
 
 

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Mt.13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'"

Mt.13:32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Mt.25:17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.

Mk.4:8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."

Mk.4:27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.

Mk.4:32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade."

Lu.1:80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.

Lu.2:40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

Lu.2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Lu.12:27 "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

Lu.13:19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches."

Jn.3:30 He must become greater; I must become less.

1Co.3:6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

1Co.3:7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

2Co.9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

2Co.10:15 Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand,

Ep.4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Ph.1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,

Col.1:10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Col.2:19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

1Th.3:12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

1Th.4:10 And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more.

2Th.1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.

Heb.6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,

1Pe.2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

2Pe.1:5-6 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;

2Pe.3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Ju.1:20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

 
 
 
 

MATURITY

Mk.4:28 All by itself the soil produces grain--first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.

Lu.8:14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

1Co.13:11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

1Co.14:20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

Ep.4:13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ph.3:15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

Col.4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

Heb.5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Heb.6:1 Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,

Ja.1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 
 

 

SEEK

Mt.6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Mt.7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Lu.11:9 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Lu.11:10 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Lu.12:31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Jn.5:30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Ac.17:27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

Ro.2:7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

Ro.10:20 And Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."

1Co.10:24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Heb.11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

1Pe.3:11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

 
 
 
 

PERSEVERE

Lu.8:15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Ro.2:7 To those who by persistence in doing goodseek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.
 
1Ti.4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Heb.10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Ja.1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
 

 
 

ENDURE

Ac.13:18 he endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert,

Ro.15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Ro.15:5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus,

1Co.4:12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

2Co.1:8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

2Co.6:4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;

Col.1:11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully

1Th.1:3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Ti.6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

2Ti.2:3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2Ti.2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

2Ti.2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

2Ti.3:10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance,

2Ti.3:11 persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

2Ti.4:5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Tit.2:2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

Heb.12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb.12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Heb.12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

1Pe.2:20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

Re.3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

Re.1:9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurancethat are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Re.2:3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

Re.13:10 If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

Re.14:12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

 

 
 

WAIT

Nu.9:8 Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you."

Ps.27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Ps.33:20 We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Ps.37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Ps.37:34 Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

Ps.38:15 I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God.

Ps.106:13 But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his counsel.

Ps.119:166 I wait for your salvation,O LORD, and I follow your commands.

Ps.130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

Ps.130:6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Is.8:17 I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him.

Is.26:8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

Is.30:18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Is.51:5 My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.

Is.64:4 Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.

Lam.3:24 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

Lam.3:26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Ho.12:6 But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.

Mi.7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Hab.2:3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Hab.3:16 I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us.

Zep.3:8 Therefore wait for me," declares the LORD,"for the day I will stand up to testify. I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them-- all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger.

Ro.8:23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.

Ro.8:25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

1Co.1:7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.

1Co.4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

1Th.1:10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Tit.2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Ju.1:21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Re.6:11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed.
 
 
 
 

WATCH

De.4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

De.4:15 You saw no form of any kind the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire. Therefore watch yourselves very carefully,

1K.2:4 and that the LORD may keep his promise to me: 'If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.'

Ps.39:1 I said, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence."

Ps.59:9 O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress,

Mi.7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

Hab.1:5 "Look at the nations and watch-- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.

Mt.7:15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Mt.24:4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.

Mt.24:42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

Mt.24:43 But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.

Mt.25:13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Mt.26:38 Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."

Mt.26:40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter.

Mt.26:41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Mk.8:15 "Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."

Mk.12:38 As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces,

Mk.13:5 Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you.

Mk.13:35 "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.

Mk.13:37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'"

Mk.14:37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?

Mk.14:38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Lu.12:15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed;a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Lu.12:38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.

Lu.17:3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.

Lu.21:8 He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived.For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

Lu.21:36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Ac.20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.

Ro.16:17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

Ga.5:15 If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

Ga.6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Ph.3:2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.

1Ti.4:16 Watch your life and doctrine closely.Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Heb.13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

2Jn.1:8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

Col.4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
 
 

 

ACCEPT GOD'S DISCIPLINE

De.4:36 From heaven he made you hear his voice to discipline you. On earth he showed you his great fire, and you heard his words from out of the fire.

Jb.5:17 "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

Ps.39:11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth-- each man is but a breath. Selah

Ps.94:12 Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;

Pr.1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom

Pr.3:11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,

Pr.5:12 You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!

Pr.5:23 He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.

Pr.6:23 For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life,

Pr.10:17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Pr.12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

Pr.13:18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

Pr.13:24 He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Pr.15:5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

Pr.15:10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

Pr.15:32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

Pr.19:18 Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

Pr.22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.

Pr.23:13 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.

Pr.23:23 Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.

Pr.29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.

Je.17:23 Yet they did not listen or pay attention; they were stiff-necked and would not listen or respond to discipline.

Je.30:11 I am with you and will save you,' declares the LORD. 'Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.'

Je.32:33 They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline.

Ho.5:2 The rebels are deep in slaughter. I will discipline all of them.

Heb.12:5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,

Heb.12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?

Heb.12:8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.

Heb.12:11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Re.3:19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

 

 
 
 

DISCERNMENT

1Cor 5: 12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?

Ph.1:10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,

1Co.10:15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.

1Co.2:14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1Co.2:12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

1Co.13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Ep.3:18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

1 Th 5:21  Test everything. Hold on to the good.

Ph.1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,

Heb.5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

1 John 4:1  Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
 
 

 

ARGUMENTS

Prov 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Prov 22:10 Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.

1 Cor 1:11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.

2 Cor 10:5  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Col 2:4  I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

1Tim 6:3-6  If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,  he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions  and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.   But godliness with contentment is great gain.

2 Tim 2:23   Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.  Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Titus 3:9  But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
 
James 4:1  What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?
 
 
 
 
 

MEET WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS TO BUILD EACH OTHER UP
 

1 Cor 12:12   The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

1 Cor 12:18  But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.

1 Cor 12:20  As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

1 Cor 12:22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

1 Cor 12:24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it,

1 Cor 12:25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

1 Cor 13:9  For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

1 Cor 14:5  I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.

1 Cor 14:26  What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

1 Cor 14:31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

1 Cor 14:39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

Eph 3:14-21  For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Eph 4:13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Eph 4:16  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

2 Tim 2:22   Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 John 1:3  We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
 
 

 
 

SUBMIT TO ALL AUTHORITIES APPOINTED BY GOD

Gen 16:9  Then the angel of the LORD told her, "Go back to your mistress and submit to her."

Gen 41:40  You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."

Num 27:20  Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him.

Deu 21:20  They shall say to the elders, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a profligate and a drunkard."

2 Chr 30:8   Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the LORD. Come to the sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you.
 
Job 22:21"Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you.

Psa 68:31  Envoys will come from Egypt; Cush will submit herself to God.

Psa 81:11  "But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me.

Psa 119:100   I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.

Mark 1:27  The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."

Luke 10:17  The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."

Luke 10:20  However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Acts 16:4   As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.

Rom 8:7   the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.

Rom 10:3  Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

Rom 13:1   Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Rom 13:5  Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

1 Cor 16:15-6   You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.

Eph 5:21  Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Eph 5:22  Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.

Eph 5:24  Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Col 2:20-3  Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?  These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.  Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Col 3:18  Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Heb 12:9  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!

Heb 13:17  Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

James 4:7   Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Pet 2:13   Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,

1 Pet 2:18   Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
 
 
 

 

HUMBLE YOURSELF

Exo 10:3   So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said to him, "This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, so that they may worship me.

Num 12:3   (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)

Deu 8:2  Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.

Deu 8:16  He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you.

2 Sam 22:28  You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.

1 Ki 11:39  I will humble David's descendants because of this, but not forever.'"

2 Chr 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chr 33:23  But unlike his father Manasseh, he did not humble himself before the LORD; Amon increased his guilt.

2 Chr 36:12   He did evil in the eyes of the LORD his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke the word of the LORD.

Ezra 8:21  There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

Job 8:7  Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.

Job 40:12  look at every proud man and humble him, crush the wicked where they stand.

Psa 18:27   You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

Psa 25:9   He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.

Psa 37:11  But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

Psa 147:6   The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.

Psa 149:4   For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

Prov 3:34  He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

Prov 6:3  then do this, my son, to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!

Isa 13:11  I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

Isa 23:9  The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.

Isa 29:19  Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

Isa 58:5   Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?

Isa 66:2   Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?" declares the LORD. "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.

Dan 4:37   Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Dan 5:19   Because of the high position he gave him, all the peoples and nations and men of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death; those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble, he humbled.

Dan 10:12  Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.

Zep 2:3  Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord's anger.

Zep 3:12   But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the LORD.

Mat 5:5   Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Mat 11:29  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Luke 1:48  for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,

Luke 1:52  He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

2 Cor 10:1   By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you--I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away!

2 Cor 12:21  I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.

Eph 4:2  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

James 1:9  The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.

James 4:6  But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

James 4:10   Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

1 Pet 3:8   Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.

1 Pet 5:5  Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

1 Pet 5:6   Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
 
 
 

 

GET RID OF PRIDE

Lev 26:19   I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze.

2 Ki 19:22  Who is it you have insulted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!

2 Chr 26:16  But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the LORD his God, and entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

2 Chr 32:26   Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the Lord's wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.

Job 20:6   Though his pride reaches to the heavens and his head touches the clouds,

Job 33:17  to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride,

Psa 10:4   In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Psa 31:18  Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.

Psa 47:4   He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. Selah

Psa 56:2   My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.

Psa 59:12  For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter,

Psa 62:10  Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Psa 73:6   Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.

Prov 8:13   To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Prov 11:2   When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Prov 13:10   Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.

Prov 16:18  Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Prov 21:24   The proud and arrogant man--" Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride.

Prov 29:23   A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.

Eccl 7:8   The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Isa 2:11   The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled and the pride of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

Isa 2:17  The arrogance of man will be brought low and the pride of men humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,

Isa 4:2  In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.

Isa 9:9  All the people will know it-- Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria-- who say with pride and arrogance of heart,

Isa 10:12   When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, "I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.

Isa 13:11  I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins. I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless.

Isa 13:19   Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians' pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah.

Isa 16:6   We have heard of Moab's pride-- her overweening pride and conceit, her pride and her insolence-- but her boasts are empty.

Isa 23:9   The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.

Isa 25:11   They will spread out their hands in it, as a swimmer spreads out his hands to swim. God will bring down their pride despite the cleverness of their hands.

Isa 28:1   Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim's drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley-- to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine!

Isa 28:3  That wreath, the pride of Ephraim's drunkards, will be trampled underfoot.

Isa 37:23  Who is it you have insulted and blasphemed? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!

Isa 43:14   This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake I will send to Babylon and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, in the ships in which they took pride.

Isa 60:15   "Although you have been forsaken and hated, with no one traveling through, I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations.

Jer 13:9   "This is what the LORD says: 'In the same way I will ruin the pride of Judah and the great pride of Jerusalem.

Jer 13:17   But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord's flock will be taken captive.

Jer 48:29   "We have heard of Moab's pride-- her overweening pride and conceit, her pride and arrogance and the haughtiness of her heart.

Jer 49:16   The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's, from there I will bring you down," declares the LORD.

Ezek 7:24  I will bring the most wicked of the nations to take possession of their houses; I will put an end to the pride of the mighty, and their sanctuaries will be desecrated.

Ezek 16:56  You would not even mention your sister Sodom in the day of your pride,

Ezek 24:21   Say to the house of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am about to desecrate my sanctuary--the stronghold in which you take pride, the delight of your eyes, the object of your affection. The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword.

Ezek 28:2   "Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "'In the pride of your heart you say, "I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas." But you are a man and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god.

Ezek 32:12   I will cause your hordes to fall by the swords of mighty men-- the most ruthless of all nations. They will shatter the pride of Egypt, and all her hordes will be overthrown.

Dan 4:37   Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Dan 5:20  But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.

Dan 11:12   When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be filled with pride and will slaughter many thousands, yet he will not remain triumphant.

Amos 6:8   The Sovereign LORD has sworn by himself--the LORD God Almighty declares: "I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it."

Amos 8:7  The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: "I will never forget anything they have done.

Oba 1:3  The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?'

Zep 2:10   This is what they will get in return for their pride, for insulting and mocking the people of the LORD Almighty.

Zep 3:11   On that day you will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done to me, because I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride. Never again will you be haughty on my holy hill.

Zec 9:6   Foreigners will occupy Ashdod,  and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

Zec 10:11   They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria's pride will be brought down and Egypt's scepter will pass away.

1 Cor 4:6   Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.

2 Cor 5:12   We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.

2 Cor 7:4  I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you.  I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

2 Cor 8:24   Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.

Gal 6:4   Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else,

James 1:9   The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.

James 1:10  But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
 
 
 
 
 
 

PUT ON THE FULL ARMOUR OF GOD

Eph 6:11-19  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.   Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.  Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

 
 
 
 

READ THE WORD

Luke 11:28  He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Col 3:16   Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Eph 6:17  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

2 Tim 3:16  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

1Thes 2:13  And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
 
 
 
 

GUARD

1 Cor 16:13  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Phil 4:7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Tim 6:20  Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

2 Tim 1:12  That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

2 Tim 1:14  Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

2 Tim 4:15  You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

2 Pet 3:17  Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.
 
 
 
DISCOVER GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOU
 
SALVATION

SEE WHAT SHOULD WE DO