Embracing Change: The Spiritual Tug of War
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved deeper into the concept of the spiritual tug of war between our flesh and our spirit, building on last week's message. We explored how to make lasting changes in our lives, emphasizing that perfection is not attainable, but progress is. Drawing from Romans 7:19 and James 3:2, we acknowledged that everyone has defects and makes mistakes. The key is not to strive for a zero-defect life, which is unrealistic and paralyzing, but to aim to sin less and grow in our spiritual journey.
We discussed three main reasons why change is difficult: long-standing habits, identity confusion, and the payoff of our struggles. Many of our defects have been with us for so long that they become part of our identity, and even though they are detrimental, they are familiar and provide a temporary payoff. To combat this, we must learn the truth, make intentional choices, and rely on the Holy Spirit for transformation.
Ephesians 4:21-24 was our guiding scripture, highlighting that change requires learning the truth, making deliberate choices, and allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our thoughts and attitudes. We must throw off our old sinful nature and embrace our new nature in Christ. This involves facing the truth about ourselves, making intentional decisions to live on the right side of the spiritual tug of war, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace the Truth: Real change begins with learning and facing the truth about ourselves, our habits, and our relationships. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). This means acknowledging the lies and distortions that lead to self-defeating behaviors and bringing them into the light. [19:14]
2. Intentional Choices: Change requires making deliberate decisions to live on the right side of the spiritual tug of war. Ephesians 4:22 instructs us to "throw off your old sinful nature." This means making a conscious effort to reject our old ways and embrace a new way of living, which involves daily, intentional choices. [26:25]
3. Identity in Christ: We must uncouple our identity from our defects and sins. Our actions do not define us; our identity is in Christ. This shift in perspective is crucial for lasting change, as it prevents us from perpetuating our struggles by constantly seeing ourselves as inherently flawed. [12:16]
4. Holy Spirit's Role: True transformation is only possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us that while we must work out our salvation, it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His purpose. This divine partnership is essential for overcoming our sinful nature. [36:25]
5. Facing the Hard Truths: Change often begins with facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves. This process can be painful, but it is necessary for growth. Denial only prolongs our struggles, while embracing the truth, even when it hurts, sets the stage for genuine transformation. [21:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Introduction to Part Two
[02:05] - Zero Defect Mindset
[03:34] - The Reality of Imperfection
[04:55] - Biblical Perspective on Mistakes
[06:57] - The Challenge of Change
[07:42] - Long-Standing Habits
[09:35] - Identity Confusion
[11:13] - Overcomers Recovery Group
[13:43] - The Payoff of Struggles
[17:18] - Ephesians 4:21-24
[18:46] - Learning the Truth
[26:25] - Making Intentional Choices
[36:25] - Letting the Spirit Help
[37:25] - Working Out Salvation
[42:02] - Conclusion and Altar Call
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 7:19 - "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing."
2. Ephesians 4:21-24 - "Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."
3. Philippians 2:12-13 - "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 7:19, what struggle does Paul describe about his actions and desires?
2. In Ephesians 4:21-24, what are the steps mentioned for personal transformation?
3. What does Philippians 2:12-13 say about the role of God in our efforts to change?
4. What are the three main reasons mentioned in the sermon for why change is difficult? ([07:42])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul’s struggle in Romans 7:19 reflect our own battles with sin and change?
2. What does it mean to "throw off your old sinful nature" as described in Ephesians 4:22? How can this be practically applied in daily life?
3. Philippians 2:12-13 speaks of working out our salvation while God works in us. How can this divine partnership be understood and lived out in our spiritual journey?
4. The sermon mentions that our defects can become part of our identity. How can we begin to uncouple our identity from our defects and sins? ([09:35])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a habit or defect that you have struggled with for a long time. What steps can you take this week to begin addressing it? ([07:42])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of facing the truth about ourselves. What is one uncomfortable truth you need to confront in your life, and how can you bring it into the light? ([21:16])
3. Making intentional choices is crucial for change. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to make a deliberate decision to "throw off" an old habit. What will you do differently starting today? ([26:25])
4. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit for transformation in your life? What practical steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to renew your thoughts and attitudes? ([36:25])
5. The sermon discusses the temporary payoffs of our struggles. Can you identify a behavior in your life that provides a short-term payoff but is ultimately detrimental? What alternative, healthier behavior can you adopt? ([13:43])
6. Think about your identity in Christ. How can you remind yourself daily that your identity is not defined by your defects or sins but by who you are in Jesus? ([12:16])
7. The sermon encourages us to make a decision to live on the right side of the spiritual tug of war. What specific actions will you take this week to stay on the right side and grow in your spiritual journey? ([27:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Truth
Description: Real change begins with learning and facing the truth about ourselves, our habits, and our relationships. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). This means acknowledging the lies and distortions that lead to self-defeating behaviors and bringing them into the light. When we confront these truths, we can begin to dismantle the strongholds that keep us bound and start to experience genuine freedom and transformation. [19:14]
Facing the truth is not always easy. It requires humility and a willingness to see ourselves as we truly are, not as we wish to be. This process can be painful, but it is necessary for growth. Denial only prolongs our struggles, while embracing the truth, even when it hurts, sets the stage for genuine transformation. As we bring our hidden struggles into the light, we allow God to work in those areas and bring about healing and change.
Ephesians 4:25 (ESV): "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."
Reflection: What is one lie or distortion about yourself that you have been holding onto? How can you bring this into the light and begin to embrace the truth today?
Day 2: Intentional Choices
Description: Change requires making deliberate decisions to live on the right side of the spiritual tug of war. Ephesians 4:22 instructs us to "throw off your old sinful nature." This means making a conscious effort to reject our old ways and embrace a new way of living, which involves daily, intentional choices. [26:25]
Every day, we are faced with choices that either draw us closer to God or pull us away from Him. These choices may seem small, but over time, they shape our character and our spiritual journey. By being intentional about our decisions, we can align our actions with our faith and make progress in our spiritual growth. This requires vigilance and a commitment to living according to God's principles, even when it is difficult.
Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to make more intentional choices? How can you start making those choices today?
Day 3: Identity in Christ
Description: We must uncouple our identity from our defects and sins. Our actions do not define us; our identity is in Christ. This shift in perspective is crucial for lasting change, as it prevents us from perpetuating our struggles by constantly seeing ourselves as inherently flawed. [12:16]
Understanding our true identity in Christ is foundational for spiritual growth. When we see ourselves as God sees us—redeemed, loved, and valued—we can break free from the negative patterns and labels that have held us back. This new identity empowers us to live in the freedom and victory that Christ has already secured for us. It is a daily reminder that we are not defined by our past mistakes but by the grace and love of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: How do you currently view your identity? What steps can you take to align your self-perception with your identity in Christ?
Day 4: Holy Spirit's Role
Description: True transformation is only possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us that while we must work out our salvation, it is God who works in us to will and to act according to His purpose. This divine partnership is essential for overcoming our sinful nature. [36:25]
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual growth and transformation. He empowers us to overcome our weaknesses and guides us in making choices that align with God's will. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can experience a deeper level of change that goes beyond our own efforts. This partnership requires us to be open and receptive to the Spirit's leading, trusting that He will provide the strength and wisdom we need.
Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit? How can you invite Him to work in those areas today?
Day 5: Facing the Hard Truths
Description: Change often begins with facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves. This process can be painful, but it is necessary for growth. Denial only prolongs our struggles, while embracing the truth, even when it hurts, sets the stage for genuine transformation. [21:16]
Facing hard truths about ourselves requires courage and honesty. It means acknowledging our flaws, mistakes, and areas of weakness without making excuses. This level of self-awareness is the first step toward meaningful change. By confronting these truths, we can begin to address the root causes of our struggles and invite God to bring healing and transformation. It is a humbling process, but one that leads to greater freedom and spiritual maturity.
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: What is one hard truth about yourself that you have been avoiding? How can you confront this truth and seek God's help in addressing it today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If your goal is to never make a mistake, you are setting yourself up for failure. Amen? If you don't allow for some margin in your life, hear me, you're never going to be innovative. You will never be visionary. You will probably never accomplish very much. Because if perfection is required, no one is ever going to be able to step up to the plate." [02:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You will never be sinless. But it is possible to sin less. God bless you. You're dismissed in Jesus' name. You can all go home. Amen? And that's what I want to talk about today. You're never going to be sinless, but you can sin less. And if anybody wants to learn how to do that, I want you to stay with me right now, and I want you to stay with me next message, amen?" [06:16] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to change how we think and operate differently as believers. For example, I'm going to give you an example, a real life example. We have a Christ-centered Overcomers Recovery Group that meets on Thursday nights here at Life.Church. If you want to come to it, you don't have to sign up for it. It's anonymous. I'm giving it a plug right now. They talk about sexual addictions, drug addictions, alcohol addictions, and it's a safe place." [10:45] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have got to learn to uncouple your identity, who you are, from what you have done in the past because you are not that thing that holds you down. Amen. Thank you. Amen. It's a huge difference. You are not your sin. You are not your defect. Change is hard if you make your flaws your identity." [12:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. Amen. Paul is saying the very same thing that Jesus said. Folks if you don't hear anything else hear this. The secret to personal change in life it's not a pill. It's not a program. It's not positive thinking. Real personal change happens when you learn the truth. You know the truth. And you face the truth. Come on. About yourself. About your relationships. About your habits. You shall know the truth." [19:14] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you live your life, no defects, no errors, no mistakes, no slip-ups, hear me, you are going to become paralyzed by condemnation and by indecision. Amen? You're going to run from anything that stretches you toward growth because you're afraid to make mistakes. You're going to have a difficult time making decisions. You're going to have a difficult time accepting responsibility. You will live in this unrealistic pressure." [03:34] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The truth is, the problem that prohibits real change is that we often confuse our identity with our flaws. I'm going to say it again. You are not your defects. Amen? You are not your sins. That might be something you do or struggle with, but don't do it. Don't let that become your identity. Amen?" [10:11] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you constantly see yourself eternally connected to your struggle, you are setting yourself up to continually perpetuate it. If you constantly see yourself connected to your struggle, you are setting yourself up to continually repeat it over and over again. Your identity is compromised because you've identified yourself with a particular way of acting or thinking or desiring or whatever." [13:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Change requires learning the truth. Amen. That is the first requirement. Change requires learning the truth. You know the famous quote by Jesus. What did He say? You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free. Amen. Paul is saying the very same thing that Jesus said. Folks if you don't hear anything else hear this. The secret to personal change in life it's not a pill. It's not a program. It's not positive thinking. Real personal change happens when you learn the truth." [18:46] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You gotta choose to live on the right side of the rope. What I'm saying here is it's not just enough to want to change. It's not enough just to desire to change. You gotta have more than desire. You gotta have more than dreams. It takes a decision to get on the right side of the rope. You're not gonna change until you choose to change. A lot of people think about changing. A lot of people plan on changing. They want to change. They say stuff like someday I'll change. One day I'm gonna get around to changing. Amen. But we don't ever actually choose to change." [27:26] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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