Read Judges 3:12-30.

 1. Must recognize the fact that you have dirt in your life. (Judges 3:22)
2. Must realize that you need to be delivered from this dirt. (Judges 3:15)
3. Must be willing to do your part. (Judges 3:20)
4. Must not go empty handed (Judges 3:16)
5. Must do right when you are all alone (Judges 3:18-19)
6. Must use your weapon. (Judges 3:21-22)

Each of these methods will be discussed in detail.

In order to get the dirt out of your life, you must first recognize the fact that you have dirt. You can’t clean something up that isn’t dirty. I mean you go through the process, but why would you if it wasn’t necessary? Have you ever tried to convince a seven-year-old that they need a bath? They don’t think that they are dirty, and, therefore, can’t see the point in taking a bath. People as a general rule don’t clean what isn’t dirty. The dirt in your life is much the same way. Most people believe that they are good, and, therefore, don’t see the necessity of getting rid of the dirt out of their lives. They may realize, and even sometimes admit that they do, or have done some bad things, but still believe that ultimately they are good people. The Bible says in Proverbs 30:12, that all men think that they are good in their own eyes. We can’t see the forest for the trees so to speak.

So let’s take a look at our lives from Gods perspective shall we? Let’s look first of all at what it is that Jesus said would defile us. In Mark 7:18-23 Jesus said that it was not the things on the outside that would defile us, but the things that are on the inside. It is easy to cleanup on the outside; it’s the stuff on the inside that is hard to get clean. So how do we know what it is that we need to clean out of our lives? Well, that is what the Bible is for. If you read and study your Bible on a daily basis the Holy Spirit will show you what you need to get out of your life.

If you are still not convinced that you have dirt that needs to be cleaned out then take this simple little quiz, and be honest with yourself; it will not do you any good to lie to yourself.
1. Have you ever used Gods name in vain?
Exodus 20:7

2. Have you ever stolen anything, no matter how small?
Exodus 20:15

3. How many times have you told a lie?
Exodus 20:16

4. Have you ever brought dishonor to your parents?
Exodus 20:12
(Before you answer this one don’t forget that you most likely answered yes to numbers 2 and 3, and this would not bring honor to your parents)

5. Have you ever lusted after a member of the opposite sex?
Exodus 20:14
Jesus said in Matthew 5:27-28 that if you look upon someone with lust then you have committed adultery in your heart.

6. Have you ever murdered anyone?
Exodus 20:13
Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22 that if you are angry without a cause that you have committed murder in your heart.

As you can see (if you were honest) you have broken Gods laws, and if you have broken his laws than in His eyes you are NOT a good person. A lawbreaker needs to be judged, and that is what we all deserve. Thanks be to God that he made a way for us to escape this judgment. The Bible says in1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 10:9-10That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. So if you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior then you have Eternal Life; however it is still a struggle to get the dirt that you have grown so accustomed to living in; out of your life.

In Lesson 2 we will deal with the second method which is to realize that you are going to need help if you wish to get the dirt out of your life.

Memory verse for today is 1 John 2:15.