Ungodly Beliefs UGB or False Beliefs l We

Ungodly Beliefs (UGB) or False Beliefs l We behave and live much of our lives according to what we believe in our hearts. (As a man thinketh…) Some of what we believe is true but so much is not. l Exposing some UGB and replacing them with the Truth l. Equipping you to deal with UGB as they come up in your life

The Kylstra Model Generational Sins Hurts that we’ve Experienced (SOFC) (SSH) Problem: I am an alcoholic Lies that We Believe (UGB) Demonic Activity (DO)

Definitions A BELIEF is a conviction, a persuasion, that we develop and on which we base our life: our thoughts, words, decisions and actions. A belief is not necessarily based on facts but rather our interpretation of facts and experiences that we have. A GODLY (or True) BELIEF is a conviction that we hold which is in agreement with God -- his word, character or nature AN UNGODLY BELIEF Is a conviction that is not in accordance with God -- his word, character or his nature A BELIEF SYSTEM is a collection of beliefs through which we see, experience and interpret the world around us. Tends to comprise both godly (true) and ungodly beliefs (lies).

Be Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind 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. - NIV Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. - NLT As the Holy Spirit sanctifies our minds our belief system will include fewer UGB and more GB The goal is to be transformed into the image of Christ, having only GB.

We live by what we believe All of us live by what we believe, no matter whether it is based upon truth or lies The Truth creates the basis for Godly belief systems in our thinking Likewise, Lies create the basis for Ungodly belief systems in our lives

The Typical Ungodly Belief The typical ungodly belief is one that appears to be absolutely true, based on the facts of our experience, and yet is absolutely false based on God’s word. n n No one loves me. I am stupid/defective. I am all alone. God doesn’t love me. However most UGB are not this absolute, but rather a mixture of truth and error. The dangerous UGB is the one that is well hidden in our heart and subconscious that we don’t think about but live our lives from anyway

How Are Ungodly Beliefs Formed? UGB originate primarily from three sources: n n n The natural or unredeemed mind Family/Culture/Nationality Experiences of hurt Especially strong UGB’s are created in our early childhood when our spirits are most receptive and sensitive as we are being formed

UGB from the Natural Mind Rooted in our sinful nature. Our tendency towards independence and pride. n n n Looking out for number #1! Captain of my own soul, master of my own destiny Asserting MY rights These beliefs pervade our culture and are humanistic in nature.

UGB from family/ cultural/ national heritage Families/cultures/nations pass on beliefs about almost everything: life, politics, religion, education and relationships. Families are belief shapers. n n n Cultural/racial/national biases “You’ve got to work hard for everything that you get” “All men are …”, “All women are …”

UGB from Experiences Childhood hurts, traumas and negative experiences make a very strong impression on us. E. g. a child whose father misses all his ball games, or all his birthday parties or is never there when the child needs help may form UGB that sound like this: n “I am not important because my dad does not have time for me” or n “My dad will not be there when I need him” More serious UGB can come when a girl is sexually abused by an uncle, for example. n “Things would be better if I had not been born” n “I must have done something wrong” n “I am unworthy of honour and respect”. n “I am damaged goods”

UGB from Experiences If the foundation of our belief system that is laid during our childhood is distorted then our life which is built on that foundation will also be distorted In addition, the negative experiences that occur during adult life can cause additional UGB to form or they reinforce the ones we already have. The worse kind of UGB are “I am” or identity statements

The Belief Expectation Cycle Words Experience leads to the formation of our beliefs. Our beliefs cause us to have certain expectations and these expectations govern our actions/behavior. Our behavior affects the behavior/responses of others. This response then results in the expected experience which reinforces our initial belief. We need to appropriate the power of the cross to stop the cycle and replace those lies with the TRUTH.

Belief-Expectation Cycle Diagram 4. Don’t even try or very lackadaisical attempt 4. Behaviour 1. Experience 3. Expectation 2. Belief 3. “I am going to fail so why bother even trying. ” 1. Dad repeated said, “You will never amount to anything!” 2. “I am a failure. I will not succeed”

Results of UGB by definition are unbelief n n They block our faith in God and the truth of His promises. We hinder or shut off Gods ability to bless us because: … without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and the He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11: 6

UGB can undermine our relationship with God UGB can undermine the very basis of any meaningful relationship with God. n n n “No matter how hard I try, it will not be enough to please God” “God is waiting for me to make a mistake” “God cares for others more than He cares for me” We can end up never fulfilling the plan of God for our lives because we succumb to fear based on UGB

God’s Higher Level of Truth In order for us to be transformed into the image of God what is in our minds has to be changed so that it lines up with God’s truth, not the “facts” of our experience. First there are the facts. Facts are what actually happened. n The wreck happened, the person had a disease, the business failed, etc. Facts are true, based on our experience in the here and now. God’s truth: what He says about the situation is higher than our reality We are spiritual men and women and we can discern spiritual truth based on what God has said. 1 Cor 2: 14 -15

God’s Higher Level of Truth Example: n n Apparent fact: I was a surprise to my parents and I wasn’t really wanted. Gods truth: He knew me in my mother’s womb. He planned my life from day one. There is a difference between believing the reality of our circumstances and believing Gods Eternal Truth. We don’t deny the facts we learn to interpret those facts through the grid of God’s Truth.

Writing Ungodly and Godly Beliefs Now that we have an understanding of the dynamics of beliefs, how do we replace UGB with GB? Purpose of writing GB n To clearly identify what God’s word says about any issue so we can align our beliefs with God’s. The written GB help us let go of the UGB.

Procedure for Writing UGB & GB Identify UGB. n Fears, worries, anger, resentments, hurts, unbelief, doubts, bitterness and blaming are good indicators of UGB Write the UGB. n Express the UGB as a statement. In approx. two to three sentences. Make it clear and crisp to emphasize the reality of the belief. Write the GB. n A good GB is a statement that agrees with what God’s word says is true. We want to express the Godly way of looking the core of that UGB. Ask Holy Spirit and use scripture to help this process.

Procedure for Writing UGB & GB Fine tune. Make sure that the new GB statement “fits” you. Include statements such as “with Gods help” or “by His grace”. This helps us make the transition so that the truth does not sound beyond us but is attainable. n n UGB: I will always be lonely With Gods help, I will begin to reach out to others, and also receive from them. He has design me to fit into His body. It is important to mediate on the GB everyday for the next 30 -40 days to renew the mind. It takes 30 -40 days to break old habits and create new ones. This is an essential factor in seeing lasting freedom in your life.

Praying Through UGB 1. Confess the UGB n Lord, I confess the sin of believing the lie that……………………. 2. Forgive n n I forgive those who have contributed to my forming this UGB. I ask you Lord to forgive me for receiving this UGB, for living my life based on it and for any way I have judged others because of it… I receive your forgiveness Lord and on the basis of your forgiveness, I choose to forgive myself for believing this lie.

Praying Through UGB 3. Renounce n I renounce and break agreement with this UGB. I choose to accept, believe and receive the GB that……………. . .