Believer’s Authority & Integrity: Aligning Self to God’s Will

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Believer's Authority and Identity

• Authority is granted to believers over five specific areas including Satan, sin, sickness, situation, and self

• Control over situations and personal reactions is essential for spiritual maturity
• Outbursts and emotional reactions are considered disrespectful for believers who should maintain higher standards
• Technology and cameras are everywhere making public behavior increasingly scrutinized
• Personal conduct must reflect God's character in all circumstances including challenging situations

Spiritual Growth and Transformation

• Growth requires aligning mind, emotions, thoughts, perspective, and general outlook to God's will

• Frustration arises when God's children show no improvement in behavior, attitude, or perspective over time
• God will eventually make examples of those who continue in poor behavior rather than making exceptions
• Scandals in ministry typically result from issues that have been ignored or swept under the rug for years
• Higher levels of wisdom and knowledge result in God holding individuals to higher standards

Relationship with God and Revelation

• Deep relationship with God requires whole-hearted seeking rather than casual or half-hearted commitment

• Many believers only turn to God during times of trouble instead of maintaining consistent spiritual practices
• Revelation from God comes through spending dedicated time in relationship with Him
• Prioritizing time with God leads to experiencing His presence, guidance, peace, and grace
• Months can pass without feeling God's presence when believers compromise their prayer life and Bible reading

Personal Accountability and God's Will

• God's will refers to His divine plan, purpose, and desire for creation and humanity

• Alignment with God's will is required rather than pursuing personal desires for location, work, or relationships
• Decisions made outside of God's will should not expect divine assistance as God uses consequences for teaching
• Christians often blame the devil for everything instead of taking personal accountability for their choices and decisions
• Submitting to God first makes it easier to resist the devil and make conscious decisions

Conduct and Appearance Standards

• Modest dress and appropriate appearance reflect respect for oneself and others

• Details of personal presentation reveal character and commitment to godly standards
• Church leaders should dress professionally to show preparation and respect for their congregation
• Believers should avoid clothing that could tempt or distract others from spiritual focus
• Public behavior including shopping attire should maintain dignity and self-respect

Marriage and Family Relationships

• Spouses should be prioritized over other conversations and commitments including business calls

• Married individuals should carry themselves in ways that clearly indicate their marital status
• Respect between spouses should be mutual without one treating the other as a child
• Communication about decisions and purchases should involve both partners rather than making independent choices
• Family order and respect demonstrate godly principles to others

Character Development and Integrity

• Shady behavior prevents believers from achieving spiritual maturity and godly character

• Saying one thing and doing another demonstrates lack of integrity and trustworthiness
• Following instructions completely rather than doing whatever one wants shows respect and commitment
• Details matter in all aspects of life including home, car, and personal belongings as they tell a story about character
• Stolen items even from hotels reveal compromised integrity that affects spiritual authority

Next Steps

• Believers must examine themselves for areas of shady behavior and work toward complete integrity

• Personal conduct standards need to be elevated to reflect godly character in all situations
• Spiritual practices including prayer and Bible reading require consistent dedication rather than crisis-driven engagement
• Authority over the five areas of Satan, sin, sickness, situation, and self must be developed and demonstrated
• Identity as believers needs to be clearly established and maintained through transformed behavior and attitudes

Key Points

• Authority over five key areas was established for believers: Satan, sin, sickness, situation, and self, with emphasis on controlling personal reactions and outbursts.
• Believers must align their mind, emotions, thoughts, perspective, and general outlook to God's will rather than pursuing personal desires.
• God's will refers to His divine plan, purpose, and desire for creation and humanity, requiring believers to submit to His direction in all life decisions.
• Without relationship with God, believers will never receive revelation, as demonstrated through the example of Peter's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God.
• Jeremiah 29:13 requires seeking God with all your heart rather than being a casual or half-hearted believer who only turns to God during times of trouble.
• Prioritizing time with God and dedicating yourself to Him results in experiencing His presence, guidance, peace, and grace in daily life.
• Every attitude, decision, action, and detail of a believer's life must reveal God's presence within them, including modest dress and respectful behavior.
• Christians cannot blame the devil for everything and must take personal accountability for their decisions and circumstances rather than making excuses.
• Submitting to God first makes it easier to resist the devil, requiring conscious decisions to avoid compromising situations and behaviors.
• Believers should demonstrate emotional maturity and self-control rather than having outbursts, as these reactions reveal areas where demons can influence Christians.
• Shady behaviors prevent believers from achieving spiritual growth, including saying one thing while doing another and failing to honor commitments.
• Following instructions precisely demonstrates respect and trustworthiness, whether in ministry engagements or daily responsibilities at church and work.
• Details in personal life reveal character and integrity, from the condition of your car and home to how you serve others and handle borrowed items.