Transformative Habits: Embracing Grace and Community
Summary
Today, we gathered as a church family to reflect on the power of habits and the way God’s unchanging nature guides us through every season of life. While our circumstances shift—joy, sorrow, routine, or crisis—God remains steadfast, inviting us to respond to His grace with intentional choices that lead to transformation. Grace is a gift, but change is a choice; God’s desire is not just to forgive us, but to see us grow and become more like Christ. This growth doesn’t happen by accident or by simply trying harder; it comes from developing habits that point us toward God’s wisdom, community, and surrender.
We looked at how, in times of crisis, the church and the wider community instinctively came together, breaking down barriers and serving one another. This unity and compassion are not just reactions to hardship, but habits formed by a life rooted in Christ. God’s plan is not just for the good times, but for every moment, using even our struggles to draw us closer to Him and to each other.
Drawing from Proverbs and the example of Solomon, we saw the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding. Wisdom is not just about knowing what to do, but about shaping our character and our choices. It’s a daily pursuit—paying attention, listening, and letting God’s truth guide us. Our identity in Christ comes first; when we know who we are, our actions naturally follow. Rather than focusing on outward behavior, we are called to believe better, to bring our real selves before God, and let Him do the transforming work.
We also explored the necessity of connection over isolation. True strength comes from community—“we strengthens me.” God designed us to walk together, to share wisdom, and to support one another. Finally, we are invited to choose surrender over struggle. Willpower alone cannot carry us through life’s hardest moments; it is God’s power, accessed through surrender, that breaks down walls and brings light into darkness. When we let go and trust Him, we become beacons of hope, just as so many in our community have been in recent days.
Key Takeaways
- Grace is a gift, but change is a choice. God’s grace allows us to start over again and again, but He ultimately desires our transformation. We can circle the same struggles until we surrender, but real change only comes when we choose to respond to His invitation to grow. This means moving beyond passivity and embracing the responsibility to partner with God in our own renewal. [36:04]
- Identity precedes activity. When we focus on who we are in Christ, our actions begin to align with that identity. God is not interested in performance or outward appearances; He wants our authentic selves. Believing better—trusting in our new identity—leads to genuine transformation, rather than just trying harder to behave. [51:15]
- Wisdom is a daily pursuit that requires attention and humility. Like Solomon instructing his son, we are called to seek wisdom and understanding as a habit, not just in crisis but every day. This means paying attention, listening, and letting God’s word shape our decisions and character. Wisdom protects, guides, and brings life, but it must be intentionally sought and cherished. [49:42]
- Connection is God’s design for strength and growth. Isolation is our default, especially in difficulty, but God calls us into community. “We strengthens me”—true spiritual and emotional resilience comes from walking with others, sharing wisdom, and supporting one another. Community is not just a comfort, but a vital part of God’s plan for our flourishing. [56:05]
- Surrender unlocks God’s power in our lives. Willpower can only take us so far; it often feels like pushing against a wall. When we choose to surrender—letting God take control—we experience His strength breaking through our limitations. In surrender, we become light in the darkness, able to offer hope and healing to others, even in the midst of our own struggles. [59:55]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[36:04] - Introduction to the Habits Series
[38:10] - God’s Unchanging Nature in Every Season
[39:46] - Community Response in Crisis
[40:37] - God’s Plan for Every Situation
[44:47] - The Power of Asking Questions Like Jesus
[46:11] - Seeking Wisdom Over Having All the Answers
[48:04] - The Need for Wisdom in Everyday Life
[49:42] - The Urgency of Paying Attention and Gaining Understanding
[51:15] - Identity Transforms Activity
[56:05] - Choosing Connection Over Isolation
[58:08] - The Fruit of Wisdom in Daily Living
[59:55] - Surrendering to God’s Power, Not Willpower
[01:01:23] - Serving Through Small Acts
[01:03:23] - Being Light in the Darkness
[01:04:37] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Habits That Point the Way
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### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 4:5-6, 20-22
“Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you... My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.”
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
3. John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 4:5-6, what are we told to “get” and what are the promised results of doing so?
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, what does Paul say happens to someone who is “in Christ”?
3. The sermon described how the church and community responded in crisis. What were some specific ways people came together and served each other? [[38:10]]
4. In John 8:12, what does Jesus promise to those who follow Him?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Solomon compares wisdom to something that protects and watches over us? How does this relate to the habits we form in our daily lives? [[49:42]]
2. The sermon said, “Identity transforms activity.” What does it mean for our actions to flow from our identity in Christ, rather than just trying to behave better? [[51:15]]
3. The phrase “we strengthens me” was repeated in the sermon. Why is community so important for spiritual growth and resilience, especially during hard times? [[56:05]]
4. The pastor talked about the difference between willpower and surrendering to God’s power. Why is surrender necessary for real change, and what does it look like practically? [[59:55]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “Grace is a gift, but change is a choice.” Is there an area in your life where you’ve been circling the same struggle, hoping for change without making a new choice? What’s one intentional step you could take this week to respond to God’s invitation to grow? [[36:04]]
2. When you think about your identity, do you focus more on what you do or who you are in Christ? How might believing better about your identity change the way you approach a current challenge? [[51:15]]
3. Proverbs urges us to “pay attention” and “get wisdom.” What is one practical habit you could start (or restart) this week to seek God’s wisdom—like reading a chapter of Proverbs daily, journaling, or asking God questions in prayer? [[49:42]]
4. The sermon highlighted the power of community, especially in crisis. Is there someone in your life who needs support or encouragement right now? What’s one way you can reach out and strengthen someone else this week? [[56:05]]
5. The pastor shared about choosing surrender over struggle, and how God’s power breaks through where willpower fails. Is there a situation where you’ve been relying on your own strength? What would it look like to surrender that to God this week? [[59:55]]
6. The message said, “We strengthens me.” Are you currently connected to a group or community that helps you grow in faith? If not, what’s one step you could take to build those connections—like joining a group, serving, or simply asking someone to pray with you? [[56:05]]
7. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” In what specific way can you be a light in your family, workplace, or neighborhood this week, especially in a place where there’s darkness or discouragement? [[01:03:23]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person take a next step in forming habits that point the way to Him, and to strengthen your group’s connection and surrender to His power.
Devotional
Day 1: God Has a Plan for Every Season
No matter what season of life you are in—joy, sorrow, routine, or growth—God remains unchanging and sovereign. He specializes in turning the problematic into the miraculous, guiding us through every difficulty with a purpose that is always for our good and His glory. Even when life feels out of control, we are reminded that it is God who holds all things together, and His plan is to use every circumstance to help us meet others where they are and serve them in their time of need. [36:04]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Reflection: In what current challenge can you trust that God is working for good, and how might He be inviting you to serve someone else through it today?
Day 2: Pursue Wisdom and Understanding
Wisdom and understanding are essential for navigating life’s complexities, and God’s Word offers practical guidance for every day. Like a loving parent urging their child to pay attention, Scripture calls us to seek wisdom diligently, to keep it close, and to let it shape our decisions and character. When we devote ourselves to gaining insight, we find protection, health, and life, and we are equipped to face whatever comes our way with discernment and grace. [48:04]
Proverbs 4:5-6, 20-22 (ESV)
Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need God’s wisdom today, and how can you intentionally seek His guidance through Scripture or prayer?
Day 3: Identity in Christ Transforms Activity
True transformation begins with understanding who you are in Christ, not just trying to change your behavior. When you embrace your new identity as a beloved child of God, the old ways pass away and new life takes root. God is not impressed by outward performance or religious checklists; He desires your honest heart and authentic self. As you believe better—trusting in your identity in Christ—your actions and habits will naturally begin to reflect that inner change. [51:15]
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: What is one old habit or mindset you need to let go of so you can live more fully in your identity as a new creation in Christ?
Day 4: Choose Connection Over Isolation
We are not meant to go through life alone; community strengthens and protects us. When we choose to connect with others—sharing wisdom, encouragement, and support—we experience the fullness of God’s design for His people. Wisdom is not just for personal gain but is meant to be shared, and together we can navigate conflict, relationships, and challenges with greater resilience. “We strengthens me”—community with Jesus and others surpasses going it alone. [56:05]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
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.
Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to this week for encouragement or support, or to offer the same to them?
Day 5: Surrender to God’s Power, Not Your Own Willpower
Trying to overcome life’s struggles by sheer willpower is exhausting and often ineffective, but when you surrender to God’s power, He makes a way where there seems to be none. God invites you to bring your authentic self, trust Him with your burdens, and let His strength carry you through. Even in the darkest moments, Jesus is the light of the world, and His presence brings hope, healing, and direction. Letting go and letting God take control is the habit that points the way to true transformation. [01:02:37]
John 8:12 (ESV)
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Reflection: What is one area where you have been relying on your own strength instead of surrendering to God, and how can you invite His power into that situation today?
Quotes
He's the God of every single season of our lives. God doesn't change. We change. God guides us through difficulties and changes in our own personal life, the joy, the sorrow, the routine, the growth, the next phase, the next thing, but he also specializes in the problematic and turning that into the miraculous. Amen. [00:36:45] (22 seconds)
Believe it or not, God remains the same in every chapter. And if you get in your feelings like I get in my feelings sometimes, it doesn't seem like he's in control of too much. Come to find out, we are not in control of too much. It's him. God doesn't struggle or have issue with what he should or shouldn't do. While his timing is perfect in every season, you have to understand something, and it's the tagline for our new series, grace is a gift, but change is a choice. [00:37:08] (34 seconds)
We get this huge gift called grace. You get to do this over and over and over again. God will let you go around the proverbial block of your life and just keep circling the same problems until you surrender, but you have to know that gift eventually will kind of start running out after a while. You can have it your whole life, and God's ultimate goal for you is just to get you to change, get you to grow. [00:37:42] (28 seconds)
It didn't take days and hours and hours and hours and weeks to figure things out. It was the immediate knee -jerk response. It was this great wave of Christians from here, from around our city that began stepping up and showing up. Churches began losing the four walls, and it became about how can I help? How can I serve? What can I do? Regardless of what affiliation and what place you camp out on, we were all helping out together. [00:38:57] (30 seconds)
And you get all these practical suggestions. Look at Proverbs 4, 5, and 6. It says this. Get wisdom. Get understanding. Do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom. She will protect you. Love her. She will watch over you. Solomon's giving some wordplay here to wisdom. Proverbs 4, 20 through 22 says this. My son, give attention to my words. Incline your ear to my sayings. Don't let them depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh. Now, how I'm reading them is not how Solomon was saying them. And I'm sure he was saying them as if we would talk to our son or our daughter. Pay attention. [00:48:51] (52 seconds)
I'm doing loud prom dad warnings. Listen, Ava, pay attention to me. You're hanging out with good people. It's a good group. Make good choices. Pay attention, Ava. Do not let anybody peer pressure you to do something you don't want to. Pay attention to who you're with, Ava. Ava, pay attention to where you're going. This is not a game. Nothing good happens after midnight. Should have said 930. Pay attention, Ava. You need something. Listen to me now. Call me. I'll come get you. Text me. I'm in there. I'll take the forerunner. We're going through the hills. I'm on it. Pay attention, Ava. This stuff matters. You can ruin your life quickly. [00:50:03] (47 seconds)
he's in service he's listening and i'm thinking to myself if the perfect one had to ask all these questions learn and listen how much more do you and i need this stuff and he disappears for 18 years then comes back at 30 with a full -blown ministry you and i should just sit and listen ask questions go get wisdom amen proverbs uh he doesn't tell his son what to do he tells him why to do it he tells him go get this stuff and here's why proverbs 6 6 20 up there on the screen put it up it says follow your father's good advice. Don't wander off from your mother's teachings. Wrap yourself in them from head to foot. Wear them like a scarf around your neck. Wherever you walk, this is real important, wherever you walk, wherever you go, even at prom, Ava, they're going to guide you. Whenever you rest, they'll guard you. When you wake, they'll be right next to you. I don't have to search for the stuff. For sound advice is a beacon. Good teaching is a light. Moral discipline is a life path. Here's what he's saying to break it all down. Point number two is this. Choose connection over isolation. [00:55:27] (79 seconds)
And I'm telling you it's the opposite. We strengthens me. We strengthens me. That's all I saw this week. Start with Jesus. We strengthens me. And here's an African proverb. It says, if you want to go quickly, go alone. You'll get there quick. But if you want to go far, you have to go together. I love that. It's a great reminder. I cannot do this alone. Imagine trying to play music alone up here today. Imagine trying to do all these things and orchestrate kids church alone and the coffee and the ladies things and this thing and the men's stuff. I can't do it alone. [00:56:56] (40 seconds)
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