Transforming Desires: The Battle of Faith

In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the tension between our new holy desires and the lingering old desires that do not honor God. This struggle is a common experience for many believers, as illustrated by Emma's heartfelt questions. She wonders how she can be sure that God has given her new desires when she still feels overwhelmed by her old, unholy ones. This leads us to explore two crucial questions: How can we be certain of our new holy desires, and what level of victory over sinful desires is realistic in the Christian life?

The New Testament provides a vivid picture of the transformation that occurs when we are born again. Before this spiritual rebirth, we are described as natural persons, unable to perceive the beauty of Christ and His gospel. However, through the miracle of new birth, God shines a spiritual light into our hearts, allowing us to see Christ as our supreme treasure. This transformation is not merely a change in perspective but a profound shift in our desires and affections. We begin to prize, love, and find satisfaction in Christ more than in our former pleasures.

Yet, this new reality does not completely eradicate the old reality of our flesh. A decisive victory has been won through Christ, but we must actively lay hold of this victory by faith, making war on the flesh and counting ourselves dead to sin. The battle between the desires of the Spirit and the desires of the flesh is ongoing, as Paul describes in Galatians 5:16-17. This struggle is a testament to the real change that the new birth brings, even as we continue to wrestle with sin.

To answer Emma's questions, we must focus on the authenticity and reality of our desires for Christ, rather than the intensity or frequency of the battle. The presence of any God-given spiritual delight in Christ is evidence of new holy desires, something the natural person does not possess. We should pray for the Spirit to bear witness to the authenticity of our desires and to grant us greater victories over sin. While the fight with our flesh continues, we should never underestimate the potential for greater triumphs through God's grace.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The new birth transforms our desires, allowing us to see Christ as our supreme treasure. This shift is not just a change in perspective but a profound alteration in our affections and priorities. [05:30]
• 2. The battle between the desires of the Spirit and the desires of the flesh is ongoing. This struggle is a sign of the real change that the new birth brings, even as we continue to wrestle with sin. [08:13]
• 3. Authenticity and reality of our desires for Christ are more important than the intensity or frequency of the battle. Any God-given spiritual delight in Christ is evidence of new holy desires. [10:00]
• 4. We must actively lay hold of the victory won through Christ by faith, making war on the flesh and counting ourselves dead to sin. This requires a daily commitment to live by the Spirit. [07:54]
• 5. Never underestimate the potential for greater victories over sin through God's grace. While the fight with our flesh continues, the Lord may have far greater triumphs for us than we have ever known. [11:16]
  ** [11:16]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:13] - The Challenge of Theology and Life Change
• [00:28] - Emma's Questions on Desires
• [00:43] - Understanding New Desires
• [01:13] - Desire Victory in Christian Life
• [01:31] - Born Again and New Desires
• [02:14] - New Testament Picture of Desires
• [02:34] - Before and After New Birth
• [03:11] - Spiritual Discernment and New Birth
• [03:50] - Miracle of Spiritual Sight
• [04:51] - Treasure in Jars of Clay
• [05:30] - Transformation of Desires
• [06:09] - Parables of Treasure and Value
• [07:30] - The Ongoing Battle with the Flesh
• [08:48] - Sin and Confession
• [09:39] - Authenticity of New Desires
• [10:54] - Realistic Expectations for Victory
• [11:31] - Conclusion and Next Steps

1. Galatians 5:16-17
2. 1 Corinthians 2:14
3. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7

1. According to Galatians 5:16-17, what are the two opposing forces at work within a believer? How does this passage describe the ongoing struggle between these forces?
2. In 1 Corinthians 2:14, how is the "natural person" described in relation to spiritual matters? What does this imply about the transformation that occurs at new birth?
3. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 speaks of a "treasure in jars of clay." What is this treasure, and how does it relate to the transformation of desires mentioned in the sermon? [04:51]
4. How does the sermon describe the change in perspective and desires that occurs when one is born again? What is the significance of seeing Christ as a "supreme treasure"? [05:30]

1. What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit" as mentioned in Galatians 5:16-17, and how does this relate to the victory over the desires of the flesh? [08:13]
2. How does the concept of spiritual blindness in 1 Corinthians 2:14 help us understand the transformation that occurs at new birth? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this transformation?
3. In the sermon, it is mentioned that the presence of any God-given spiritual delight in Christ is evidence of new holy desires. How can believers discern the authenticity of these desires? [10:00]
4. The sermon suggests that the battle with the flesh is a sign of real change. How can this ongoing struggle be seen as evidence of spiritual growth rather than failure? [08:48]

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a conflict between your old desires and new holy desires. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [07:54]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of authenticity in our desires for Christ. How can you cultivate a more authentic relationship with Christ in your daily life? [10:00]
3. Consider the areas in your life where you feel the strongest pull of the flesh. What practical steps can you take to "make war on the flesh" and live by the Spirit this week? [07:54]
4. The sermon mentions the potential for greater victories over sin through God's grace. What specific area of your life do you want to see a greater victory in, and how can you actively seek God's grace in this area? [11:16]
5. How can you encourage others in your small group or community who are struggling with the tension between old and new desires? What role can prayer and accountability play in this process? [10:18]
6. Reflect on the idea of seeing Christ as your supreme treasure. What changes might you need to make in your priorities or affections to align more closely with this perspective? [05:30]
7. The sermon suggests praying for the Spirit to bear witness to the authenticity of our desires. How can you incorporate this type of prayer into your regular spiritual practice? [10:18]