Embracing Change: A Year of Spiritual Growth
Summary
As we step into a new year, it's a time for reflection and setting intentions for the months ahead. Many of us have set goals or resolutions, and some may have already stumbled. This year, I encourage us to embrace grace and the concept of repentance—not as a source of guilt, but as an opportunity to restart and refocus. Our church is embarking on a series called "2025," where we'll explore themes of change, commitment, and faith. Today, we focus on life change and the commitment it requires.
Change is a journey that begins with understanding our motivations. Often, our goals are superficial, driven by societal pressures or personal desires. However, true transformation occurs when we align our goals with God's purpose for us. It's not about moving from where we are to where we want to be, but from where we are to where God wants us to be. This shift in perspective is crucial for meaningful change.
Spiritual growth is foundational to any life change. It starts with a commitment to be in God's presence, to grow in Christlikeness, and to encounter Jesus daily. This year, let's aim for victory over struggles and challenges, not just physical or professional achievements. Setting spiritual goals is essential, especially if we find ourselves struggling with recurring sins, seeking comfort in unhealthy ways, or feeling overwhelmed by life's demands.
To facilitate this change, we must acknowledge who or what is discipling us. Are we being conformed to the world or transformed by Christ? Our habits, relationships, and experiences shape us, often unintentionally. Therefore, we must be intentional about our spiritual formation, committing to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.
A vital aspect of spiritual growth is our commitment to the local church. The church is not just a gathering; it's a community where we learn to forgive, love, and support one another. It's where we practice the Great Commission, making disciples and spreading the gospel. By committing to the church, we commit to being active followers of Christ, supporting one another, and fulfilling our mission.
This year, I challenge you to commit fully to our church community. Engage in our membership process, participate in our focus day, and set spiritual goals that align with God's calling. Together, let's make this a year of transformation and growth, both individually and as a church.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace grace and repentance as tools for growth, not guilt. Restarting is part of the journey, and each day is an opportunity to refocus on God's purpose for us. [01:28]
- Align your goals with God's purpose, moving from where you are to where God wants you to be. This shift in perspective leads to meaningful change and spiritual growth. [06:49]
- Spiritual growth begins with a commitment to be in God's presence and to encounter Jesus daily. Set spiritual goals to overcome struggles and align your life with God's will. [11:41]
- Acknowledge who or what is discipling you. Be intentional about your spiritual formation, ensuring that you are being transformed by Christ rather than conformed to the world. [15:00]
- Commit to your local church as a vital part of your spiritual growth. The church is where we learn to forgive, love, and support one another, fulfilling the Great Commission together. [22:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Embracing Grace and Repentance
[04:25] - Superficial vs. Meaningful Change
[06:49] - Aligning Goals with God's Purpose
[08:38] - Setting Spiritual Goals
[11:41] - Overcoming Struggles
[15:00] - Acknowledging Your Discipleship
[16:02] - Being Transformed by Christ
[18:08] - Intentional Spiritual Formation
[19:51] - The Role of Struggle in Formation
[22:06] - Commitment to the Local Church
[24:18] - Learning Forgiveness and Love
[26:08] - The Importance of Church Community
[28:15] - A Year of Commitment
[29:35] - Defining Church Membership
[31:04] - One Anothering in the Church
[33:54] - Spiritual Growth and Church Membership
[36:44] - Prayer for Transformation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:1-2
2. Hebrews 10:25
3. Matthew 28:19-20
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 12:1-2 suggest about the transformation of our minds and how it relates to discerning God's will? How does this connect to the sermon’s emphasis on aligning our goals with God's purpose? [15:00]
2. According to Hebrews 10:25, what is the significance of meeting together as a church community? How does this relate to the sermon’s call for commitment to the local church? [22:06]
3. In Matthew 28:19-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission, and how does the sermon suggest we fulfill this as a church community? [31:04]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between being conformed to the world and being transformed by Christ? [16:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might Romans 12:1-2 challenge individuals to evaluate their current life goals and motivations? What does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice in today’s context? [15:00]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual goals. How can Hebrews 10:25 guide someone in setting these goals within the context of a church community? [22:06]
3. What practical steps can a church take to ensure it is actively participating in the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20? How does the sermon suggest this can be achieved? [31:04]
4. The sermon discusses the role of struggle in spiritual formation. How can acknowledging who or what is discipling us help in overcoming these struggles? [19:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current goals. Are they aligned with where God wants you to be, or are they more focused on personal desires? What changes can you make to align them with God’s purpose? [06:49]
2. Consider your daily habits and routines. Who or what is discipling you? How can you be more intentional about allowing Christ to transform you rather than conforming to worldly influences? [15:00]
3. How can you actively commit to your local church this year? What steps will you take to engage more deeply with your church community and fulfill the Great Commission? [22:06]
4. Identify a recurring struggle in your life. What spiritual goals can you set to address this struggle, and how can your church community support you in this journey? [11:41]
5. Think about a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation. How can you apply the principles of forgiveness and love discussed in the sermon to mend this relationship? [24:18]
6. How can you incorporate daily encounters with Jesus into your routine? What specific practices or disciplines will help you grow in Christlikeness this year? [08:38]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s challenge to commit fully to the church community. What fears or hesitations do you have about this commitment, and how can you overcome them to experience transformation and growth? [36:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Grace as a Path to Renewal
Embracing grace and repentance is not about feeling guilty for past mistakes but about recognizing the opportunity to restart and refocus on God's purpose for our lives. Each day presents a new chance to align ourselves with His will, allowing us to grow and transform. This perspective encourages us to view setbacks not as failures but as stepping stones toward spiritual maturity. By accepting grace, we can let go of the burden of guilt and embrace the freedom to pursue a life that reflects God's love and purpose. [01:28]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of guilt and embrace God's grace for a fresh start today?
Day 2: Align Your Goals with Divine Purpose
True transformation occurs when we shift our focus from personal desires to aligning our goals with God's purpose for us. This change in perspective leads to meaningful life changes and spiritual growth. Instead of striving to move from where we are to where we want to be, we should aim to move to where God wants us to be. This alignment requires us to examine our motivations and ensure they are rooted in a desire to fulfill God's calling. By doing so, we open ourselves to a deeper, more fulfilling journey of faith. [06:49]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one goal you have set for yourself that needs realignment with God's purpose? How can you begin this realignment today?
Day 3: Commit to Daily Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is foundational to any life change and begins with a commitment to be in God's presence and encounter Jesus daily. Setting spiritual goals helps us overcome struggles and align our lives with God's will. This year, focus on achieving victory over personal challenges rather than just physical or professional achievements. By prioritizing spiritual growth, we can develop a deeper relationship with God and experience true transformation. [11:41]
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific spiritual goal you can set today to help you grow closer to God and overcome a current struggle?
Day 4: Be Intentional About Your Spiritual Formation
Our habits, relationships, and experiences shape us, often unintentionally. To ensure we are being transformed by Christ rather than conformed to the world, we must be intentional about our spiritual formation. This involves acknowledging who or what is discipling us and making a conscious effort to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. By being intentional, we can cultivate a life that reflects Christ's teachings and values, leading to a more profound spiritual transformation. [15:00]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one habit or influence in your life that is conforming you to the world. How can you replace it with something that transforms you in Christ?
Day 5: Commit to Your Church Community
The local church is a vital part of our spiritual growth, providing a community where we learn to forgive, love, and support one another. By committing to the church, we commit to being active followers of Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission together. Engaging in church activities and setting spiritual goals that align with God's calling can lead to personal and communal transformation. This year, challenge yourself to fully commit to your church community and experience the growth that comes from being part of a supportive and loving fellowship. [22:06]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your church community this week to foster spiritual growth and support others in their faith journey?
Quotes
"New year is one of those, it's kind of like Christmas, we build up to holidays and you, I don't know if, like with Christmas we have this long build up and then the day after it's like, let's get all this stuff down, let's just move on to the next holiday. And then for me, new year's is kind of the same. I spend the week, what's this next year going to be like? What am I going to go after? What are we going to do? And then it comes and goes. And so we're two or three days now, four days into our new year's goals, resolutions, whatever you want to call them. How many of you set a new year's goal or resolution or some had some idea that you were going to make a change this year? If not, hey, what better time? You should, I think everyone should always change, okay? So how many of you have already failed at whatever you were going to try to do? Not failed, but had to. I've already done a reset. I'm going to keep my hand up. I quickly realized, you know, this is going to be a year of grace for me. I'm going to give myself a lot of grace when I go back and do a reset. I was talking to my wife last night and I said, this is a great reminder of repentance, of I'm not going to feel guilty. I'm just going to restart because I might be restarting every single day when I screw up on these diets and whatever I'm going after." [00:05:43]
"I think that most of us, when we set goals, we, or when we, we decide we want to change, we kind of start with what we've always done. And we begin to lose kind of the reasoning of why do we do what we do? And so, um, when I boil down and I think about most of the goals that I hear, most people that are making changes, it's probably not as superficial as we make it sound, but it can be very superficial if we lose something. So this year, I have to give all these goals, because I'm just, I'm just going to be more awesome. That's basically what many of us would say. We wouldn't say it like that. Um, if you were to put it in church lingo, you would try to say this year is about leading me from where I am." [00:05:54]
"where I want to be, right? But the truth is the mission of this church is not to lead you from where you are to where you want to be. It's to lead you from where you are to where God wants you to be. And that to me is a crucial change that most of us never consider when we talk about our goals, when we think about how do I want to change? Some of us may love where we are physically, where we love where we are professionally or with our family. But when we think about this as God is taking me on a journey, I think that is where we really can dig deep into what does God have in store for me this year. I read this quote from J .I. Packer in his book, Knowing God. He said this, Christian minds have been conformed to the modern spirit." [00:06:39]
"The spirit, that is, that spawns great thoughts of man and leaves room for only small thoughts of God. And I thought, man, as much as I love God, I love God. I love God. I love God. I love God. I love God. I love setting personal goals and becoming awesome and improving myself, what I don't want to do is make this year about how am I going to change for my sake. And instead, I really want this year to be where is God calling me to make changes? Where is God calling me to be? And I think that if I come from that perspective, it is going to influence everything I do. Because I really believe that any life change starts spiritually." [00:07:26]
"It starts with what God is going to do in our lives before it starts physically. How many of us, when we sit down and write our goals, think, you know what, all I really want this year is I want to be in the presence of God more. I want to grow and become like Jesus more. My main goal for this year is I just want to spend and encounter Jesus daily. That's my goal. Because I'm going to find a way to encounter the risen Christ daily. And so I really want to challenge us this year. I want us to be victorious. I want you to be walking in victory. But more than having a church with six -pack abs and muscles walking around, I want us to be" [00:08:08]
"and victory over the struggles that have plagued us for years, over the challenges that have caused us to give up on some of the things God really wants to do and move in our life. And so I want to talk today just about how we change. And then I want to talk about what we can do to make some of these changes corporately. But the first thing is, because some of you have already admitted that you're not into resolutions or goals, and I don't care what you call them, call them anything. I just call them forming my life this year, just doing something to form who God wants me to be. But I wrote down some reasons why every single one in this church needs to set some spiritual goals of how we encounter God this year. Okay, so the first one, if you're struggling with the same sins to the same degree as you were last year, I think this is a good year, a good time to for us to say, you know what, I'm going to try to encounter God in a new way. I might make some changes this year. If you're running to food, alcohol, prescriptions, pornography, or any other fix when you feel anxious or in need of comfort, this might be the year that we say, you know what, I'm going to make some changes and I'm going to see what God can do in my life. If you're worried about the example that you're setting for your family, not just for you, but also the habits and the things that you're doing, how is it building up your family?" [00:08:38]
"This may be the year. If life currently seems to be overwhelming, or as the ladies say, life is a lot, it's a lot. I don't know, guys say that? I don't, I think that's a girl thing. So, but if you feel overwhelmed all the time, and I'm not just saying one, you know, you've got a big project. I'm saying if you're always, life is always a lot, it's always overwhelming, this might be the time that you say, you know what, I need to set some spiritual goals. And not just, I'm going to read more, but I'm going to encounter, how am I going to go into the presence of Christ more? If you lack joy or peace, if you find yourself growing bitter around the people that you've been around for a while, maybe at work." [00:10:21]
"just watching the news, whatever, if you find your heart going more negative, it might be time that we make a change. For some of us, if you feel like life depends on you, you're carrying around this weight that you've got to control everything, you've got to hold everything together, that is a weight you cannot carry. And if that is where you are coming into this year, I encourage you, this might be the year you say, you know what, rather than just the physical goals, rather than just the professional goals or the time goals, I'm going to set some spiritual goals. I'm going to make some changes. Maybe things are going good. And if things are going good, another good reason. If you love Jesus now, man, how much more?" [00:11:04]
"I want to spend more time with the people I love. Maybe your marriage is going great. I want to love my spouse even closer. That's a great reason. Maybe you love your friends and family and you want to draw them into the presence of Christ and that's it. And have their lives change the way that Christ has changed your life. These are all good reasons. In fact, I think if we really all dig down into it, we'll find that every single one of us probably has an area that God is calling us to take some steps of faith and become a deeper and a more dedicated disciple, not so that we can say, look how holy I am, but so that we can truly be the type of people who say, man, look at them. They've been in the presence of Jesus. Look how they carry. They carry themselves as if they're just living life to the fullest because God is active in their life." [00:11:41]
"How we go through these things. is a dangerous, dangerous thing to do unintentionally. We need to recognize as we go through life this year, every single thing, the people you're going to hang out with, the places you're going to go, the things you're going to watch on TV, the TV is this thing on the wall. It's basically a bigger version of the screen that you look at at your hand. Okay, I forget that now. None of my kids watch TV. Nobody I know watch TV. We're being formed all the time unintentionally. And my goal, the second thing I would say is decide I'm going to give and commit my life to Jesus. And I'm going to decide this year, I'm going to spiritually form myself. I'm going to spiritually be intentional about my growth in the Lord. But here's the twist. Here's what I want you to understand about this." [00:19:51]
"There is only one way that you can make these commitments. There is only one way to grow in Christ. This might be the most controversial thing some of you hear all year, and we're just starting out. But this is something I believe to my core. I believe I can show it to you scripturally. The only way you can be a growing, practicing disciple of Jesus is by committing to your local church. The only way. There is only one way that we can grow spiritually as a disciple of Jesus, by committing to a local church. Now, some of us hear this and they're like, I don't think that's true. I don't think that's true. You need to show me, you need to prove that. And I'll just say, scripturally, it's all over, okay? Ephesians 5 .25, Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Who did he die for? He says, I'm doing this for the church, the church universal. That's what Jesus, that's where he is. That's what he's doing this for. And the church is not just you. The church is a body. And if you sever part of the body, the hand that's lying on the ground is not the body anymore. The body is the body. You've got to be connected to it. Hebrews 10 .25, do not neglect, meeting together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another all the more as you see the day drawing near. That over and over again, there are scriptures all over that when we are formed spiritually, we do it intentionally." [00:20:43]
"in the church, specifically through a commitment to church. Now, let me explain to you, give you some things to chew on, because I know a lot of people disagree, especially in this day and age. There's a lot of, I'm spiritual, but I don't believe in a church. I don't go to a specific church. I can be, I don't have to have a church to be spiritual. The Bible disagrees. Jesus disagrees with this, okay? There is really only one way a Christian can grow spiritually. Let me give you some things to chew on. I can grow in knowledge alone, right? I read books. I can do a lot of things to become more knowledgeable, to have more information. But I would argue that I cannot become wiser alone. I have to have other people, because knowledge applied, that's wisdom. Wisdom is when I use my knowledge most of the time in my reactions, in my relationships with other people." [00:22:06]
"So wisdom is something that needs other people to actually understand. Think about it this way. I can be very knowledgeable on parenting. In fact, how many of you have ever sat before you had kids and you were at a table in the restaurant and right next to you was some parents that had kids and you were like, these people don't know what they're talking about. I know how I would do it and I know how to do this. You can read books on parenting and you can become very knowledgeable. But I'll tell you, you can't become wise as a parent from reading a book. You can't have your child say, I hate you. I wish you were never my parent. And know in that moment, they are not mad at you, that they are hurting. And what they really mean is I need you. I need you, but I don't know how to express it. I don't even know how. I just want you to feel how I'm feeling. So I'm going to yell at you. That's wisdom. And the only way you get there is you got to go through it. You got to be around. And some of y 'all, you got to be around preteens. That's how you do it. You got to be around teenagers." [00:22:50]
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