Lesson Two: Spiritual Self Defense

This lesson is the linchpin

Today we’re going to talk about the wall in your mind. This lesson is the linchpin. It’s key to understanding Spiritual Self Defense. In the years that I’ve been teaching Spiritual Self Defense to people, I’ve discovered something: You gotta understand today’s lesson. If you do, the rest of the lessons will make sense. If you don’t, they won’t. So give yourself the time you need to soak in an understanding of the two belief systems that operate inside each of us.

The wall in your mind

Let’s jump right in with this video:

If the video doesn’t appear on your screen, here’s a link so you can watch it on YouTube.

Let’s move straight into the reading on pages 34–46 (Chapter 2, Section 2.1) NOTE: You may want to work on the questions on pages 47–48 as you read. To make it a little easier, I’ve also listed the questions below and indicated the page numbers where you can find information for your answers. As always, the answers to “Check your understanding” are available.

Link to today’s reading.

Link to questions

Answers to “Check your understanding” questions (pages 278-284)

Questions on page 47:

Check your understanding

1. How do the concepts in this chapter relate to Spiritual Self Defense? (see pages 34-35)

2. What are other names for intellectual beliefs? …for gut-level beliefs? (see pages 36, 37)

3. What are the differences between intellectual beliefs and gut-level beliefs? (see page 37)

4. Give examples of holding two opposite beliefs at the same time. (see pages 36, 37)

5. Something feels true even though you know it is not true. That something that feels true is an example of what? (see page 36+)

6. Why did Jesus sleep in the boat during the storm? (see pages 39-40)

7. What is a truth experience? (see page 39)

8. What did Dr. Ed Smith discover while working with survivors of abuse? (see pages 40-42)

9. How are emotions like a thermometer? How are gut-level beliefs like a thermostat? (see pages 42-43)

Because this is such an important lesson, please take some time to at least think through all of the discussion questions below. If you are studying this material in a group or with someone else, I encourage you to talk through as many of these questions as you can with your group. If you are studying on your own, let me encourage you to connect via our Facebook group:

Questions? Comments? Use our private Facebook group to connect…

Group discussion

1. Respond to this statement: I’m not gullible; I wouldn’t believe lies. (see page 35)

2. Explain the wall in the mind and the two belief systems. (see pages 36-37)

3. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32) Many people know the truth, yet are not free (from sin, addiction, anxiety, anger, etc.). How would the two belief systems explain this?

See the following video for a discussion of this question:

If the video doesn’t appear on your screen, here’s a link so you can watch it on YouTube.

Questions page 48

4. Explain and respond to this sentence: Christian ministry that adds information has much value in providing wisdom, but limited value in offering transformation. (see page 37)

5. Why did quoting Bible verses NOT help Kim when she was having panic attacks? What role does Bible memorization and positive confession have in a believer’s life? (see page 44)

6. What examples of truth experiences can you think of from the Bible or from real life? (see page 39)

7. Respond to this statement: I need to keep telling myself that God loves me. (see pages 44-45)

Let me just weigh in on this one for a moment. Is telling yourself the truth a bad thing? No, of course not. It’s a good and healthy thing. But sometimes people “need to keep telling” themselves the truth because deep down they don’t really believe the truth. Here we need something more than positive self talk. Here we need a truth experience with Jesus.

8. Can you trust your feelings? (see pages 45-46)

9. Does God want us to be happy? (your thoughts after reading the entire section)

10. What is the difference between happiness and joy? Is joy an emotion? How would you explain 1 Peter 1:6? (your thoughts after reading the entire section)

11. What is the difference between positive self talk and a truth experience? (see pages 44-45)

Feel free to journal with any or all of the following questions:

Journal / on your own

1. Can you think of anything in your own life that feels true even though you know it isn’t true? (see pages 36-37+)

2. What is the most meaningful encounter you have ever had with Jesus? (your thoughts)

3. Have you ever had a “truth experience” with Jesus (or something like a truth experience)? What was that like? How did you come away changed? (your thoughts after reading the entire section)

Congratulations!
You have completed Lesson Two. I recommend bookmarking this page. If you find yourself with questions later on, chances are you’ll want to come back to this page for review.
In Lesson Three, we’ll talk about deception and the role it plays in our lives. I’ll explain in detail the four kinds of lies we all believe, and the damage those lies do in our lives. The good news is, Jesus, the Truth, can empower us to overcome all of this deception in our lives. More about that in future lessons.
Look forward to seeing you next time!
Dwight