Teaching Notes are Bible studies we taught before GraceLife Ministries began publishing articles online in 1995. Some were presented as sermons, others as group studies.
Our hope is that these older studies will be a blessing to you in your life and ministry. Please use them in any way God leads you.
These teaching notes are from a study in Genesis.
[These notes are from a study taught more than 40 years ago. The notes are in outline form.]
Genesis 2:7 – “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Read Psalm 139:1-6 and 13-16
(Comment about studies in the psychological makeup of human beings.)
God’s command to Adam (Genesis 2:16-17)
Eve’s choice (Genesis 3:6)
Quote from Christian psychologist, H. Norman Wright, in his book The Christian Use of Emotional Power –
“Each day we experience stimuli that trigger emotional reactions. It is even possible for the memory of a past event to arouse an emotion. When this emotional energy is aroused it must be directed into the proper outlet. If it is not, it does not disappear. If anything, it will increase until it overflows. Emotions that are to expressed through healthy outlets such as play, work, and talking about our feelings, usually end up directed toward certain organs of the body.
Emotions are aroused when a person makes a value judgment. This judgment is usually made on the basis of sensory appeal or repulsion and rational evaluation. For example, something you like may provide you with great pleasure and satisfaction, but from a rational standpoint it might be bad for you. A chocolate candy bar may be very desirable to the diabetic, but if he eats it he knows he will suffer the consequences. A college student may want to skip his classes and go to the beach, but if he gives in to that desire he may flunk his examinations.
If it were possible to look into a person’s mind we would find a process occurring of which the person may not even be aware. An emotional reaction is preceded by knowledge, evaluation, and finally, judgment. But these occur so rapidly and even unconsciously that you might not be aware of them happening at all. After the judgment has been made the emotional reaction follows with the appropriate muscular and glandular changes which are a part of emotional activity.
Emotions involve reactions and experiences which come about as we just to life situations. They are tied to intellectual functions because a person first has to perceive and understand something about a situation before his emotions come into play.”
Genesis 3 – 4
Cain — Dependence upon the flesh leads to tragedy
Enosh — Dependence upon God leads to triumph
- You are responsible for your actions.
- You can master your emotional responses through restructuring of your thought life as directed by Scripture.
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from more than 40 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you and your ministry.]
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Founder & Director of GraceLife Ministries View all posts by gracelifethoughts
