******* OVERCOME TEMPTATION ***********
12Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
6But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 7Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-7)
8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:10-18)
4greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4b)
1Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. (James 1:2-3)
12Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (James 1:12-15)
18For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)
41"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)
15For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
9the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation (2 Peter 2:9a)
********* PROCRASTINATION & WORK **********
23Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (Colossians 3:23-24)
1Do not boast about tomorrow, 10Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
3If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. 4He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. (Ecclesiastes 11:3-4)
9Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. (Galatians 6:9)
24The hand of the diligent will rule, 4The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. (Proverbs 13:4)
4The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, 4Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, 27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, 4The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, 4The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, 6Go to the ant, O sluggard, ********** SELF-CONTROL *************
24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
7...discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
7For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
12All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
5...applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)
28Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit. (Proverbs 25:28)
13Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." (1 Peter 1:13-16)
********** RENEWING YOUR MIND *******
3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
1...present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)
6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (Philippians 4:6-8)
2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:2-3)
1It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
23Watch over your heart with all diligence, ********** NEW CREATURE/IDENTITY IN CHRIST *************
17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
20"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)
31"If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32)
34Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin." 35The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)
********** WALK IN THE SPIRIT *************
15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. (Ephesians 5:15-21)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:16-26)
12So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--13for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:12-13)
14Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. 15Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. (Proverbs 4:14-15)
4"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5)
12...work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12b-13)
********** FAILING FORWARD **********
12Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)
16For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again, 28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
7For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
6For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)
******** STEWARDSHIP, TIME ********
10He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. (Luke 16:10)
15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)
********** GUARDING OUR WORDS **********
29Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
5So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! (James 3:5)
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; 31The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, 34For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. (Matthew 12:34b)
11"It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man." (Matthew 15:11)
23He who guards his mouth and his tongue, 7"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain." (Exodus 20:7)
3Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; 23A man has joy in an apt answer, ******** PERSEVERANCE ************
56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:56-58)
******** LIVING FOR GOD *********
12in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:12b)
31Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
5You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
33But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
19Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
1He said to His disciples, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!" (Luke 17:1)
********** GOD'S WORD *************
9How can a young man keep his way pure? 31The law of his God is in his heart; 8This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. (Joshua 1:8)
2Keep my commandments and live, 17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, 12For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
For you do not know what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1)
But the slack hand will be put to forced labor. (Proverbs 12:24)
So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. (Proverbs 20:4)
But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely,
But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully. (Proverbs 10:4-5)
When it is in your power to do it.
28Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,"
When you have it with you. (Proverbs 3:27-28)
But the soul of the diligent is made fat. (Proverbs 13:4)
So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. (Proverbs 20:4)
Observe her ways and be wise,
7Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler,
8Prepares her food in the summer
And gathers her provision in the harvest.
9How long will you lie down, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?
10"A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to rest"--
11Your poverty will come in like a vagabond
And your need like an armed man. (Proverbs 6:6-11)
For from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
But the wicked stumble in time of calamity. (Proverbs 24:16)
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
A stranger, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2)
But the perverted tongue will be cut out.
32The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable,
But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted. (Proverbs 10:31-32)
Guards his soul from troubles. (Proverbs 21:23)
Keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3)
And how delightful is a timely word! (Proverbs 15:23)
By keeping it according to Your word.
10With all my heart I have sought You;
Do not let me wander from Your commandments.
11Your word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You. (Psalm 119:9-11)
His steps do not slip. (Psalm 37:31)
And my teaching as the apple of your eye.
3Bind them on your fingers;
Write them on the tablet of your heart. (Proverbs 7:2-3)
And apply your mind to my knowledge;
18For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
That they may be ready on your lips. (Proverbs 22:17-18)