Workbook
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - INVISIBLE IMPOSTERS

thelordismyshepherd invisibleimposters8

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How the spirit of the world deceives us.

1. Scripture Reading: Foundation Text (10 minutes)

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (NKJV)

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For "who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

2. Reflection Questions (10 minutes)

A. Identifying the Spirit of the World

  1. In your own words, what is the spirit of the world trying to offer us as believers?

Reflect on the idea that the spirit of the world might promise a pain-free relationship with God or a breakthrough based on visible signs and wonders.

  1. How does this offer differ from what is described in 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 about the wisdom of God and the role of the Spirit?

Consider the contrast between worldly wisdom and the wisdom revealed by the Spirit of God.

B. Testing the Shepherd

  1. Tending:
    Who or what is truly sustaining you and attending to your welfare? Is it the Lord as your Shepherd or the spirit of the world?
    Reflect on whether you expect a life free from sacrifices and pain.

  2. Defending:
    Is the spirit of the world leading you to believe that you are in a battle against an undefeated foe, or do you trust in the victory of Christ over all enemies?
    Consider how you perceive the reality of spiritual warfare and God’s role in defending you.

  3. Ruling:
    Do you believe that you have the wisdom to determine outcomes, processes, and timescales, and expect God to deliver on your terms? Or do you trust that God is sovereign and in control of all aspects of your life?
    Reflect on how much control you believe you have versus the sovereignty of God.

3. Action Points (10 minutes)

A. Prayer and Surrender

  1. Pray for Clarity:
    Ask God to reveal any areas where you might be relying on the spirit of the world rather than trusting Him as your Shepherd. Pray for the courage to submit to His guidance and wisdom.

  2. Surrender Control:
    Write down one area of your life where you feel the need to control outcomes. Surrender this area to God and commit to trusting Him with the results.

B. Practical Application

  1. Daily Reminder:
    Create a daily reminder or affirmation that reflects your trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom. Place it somewhere visible as a daily encouragement.

  2. Support and Accountability:
    Share one insight or commitment from today’s reflection with a trusted friend or mentor. Set up a follow-up time to discuss your journey and receive encouragement.

Closing Thoughts

Take a moment to thank God for His guidance and wisdom. Reflect on how today’s teachings can help you grow in faith and deepen your relationship with Him. Remember, the Lord is our Shepherd, and He is the only one who can truly tend, defend, and rule over our lives.