View of the law | - A set of detailed obligations that I must keep
- Rigid application of case law
| - The underlying principles of the law describe the ultimate goal toward which God is moving me: a loving life-style
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View of self | - I am regenerate, and therefore I am able to keep the law.
- The law helps me live for God.
| - I am regenerate, but I still can't keep the law, because of my "outer man."
- By relying on the Spirit, not the letter, I can gradually change.
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View of the Holy Spirit | - Little practical understanding of the Spirit's ministries
| - Depends on the Holy Spirit for all power, Motivation, and direction
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The "Key" to spiritual growth | - Self discipline
or - Special experiences
| - Knows self-effort is futile Romans 7:18
- Looks to a process, not to quick-fix experiences
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Approach to Scripture | - Relies on an inconsistent hermeneutic
- Unable to harmonize Jesus and the epistles
| - Is consistent, and is able to harmonize the gospels and epistles
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Mental focus | - My duty: to do what the rules require
| - Identification with Christ
- Personal relationship with God
- Loving others as a means of growth
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Reaction to failure | - Surprised and distressed
- Rationalizations, minimization, blame-shifting and self-recrimmination
- Vows to do better
| - Not surprised
- Confident of God's acceptance
- Return to active dependence
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Reaction to success | - Proud and intolerant of others
| - Humbly grateful
- Still able to empathize with those who fail
- Sees continued need for growth
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Eventual result | - External conformity, but increasing internal defeat and hypocrisy
- Growing cynicism and despair OR:
Self-righteous externalistic comparisons--self deception
| - Gradual transformation into a person with a measure of victory over sin and a spiritual mind-set
- A more loving person
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