Transforming Faith: Embracing Change Through God's Truth
Summary
In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the challenge of personal change. While we may never achieve sinlessness in this life, it is possible to sin less and address the defects that hinder our spiritual growth. Ephesians 4 provides a roadmap for this transformation, highlighting six essential requirements for personal change.
First, we must understand why change is so difficult. Our defects are often deeply ingrained, having been with us for a long time. We may even identify with them, confusing our identity with our faults. Additionally, our defects often have a payoff, providing some form of emotional or relational reward. Lastly, Satan actively discourages us, planting seeds of doubt and fear to keep us stuck.
To overcome these barriers, change requires learning the truth. Jesus said, "When you know the truth, the truth will set you free." This truth is not found in self-help books or seminars but in the Word of God. We must face the truth about ourselves, our relationships, and our past to build a solid foundation for change.
Change also requires making intentional choices. It's not enough to desire change; we must decide to act. This involves letting go of old habits and patterns, even when it involves loss and pain. Our genetic inclinations may explain our tendencies, but they do not excuse our sins. With the Holy Spirit's power, we can overcome these tendencies and embrace a new way of living.
Finally, change is a partnership between us and God. Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us to "work out" our salvation while God "works in" us. This balance of effort and divine intervention is crucial for spiritual growth. We cannot earn our salvation, but we can cooperate with God's work in our lives to become more like Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the Difficulty of Change: Our defects are often deeply ingrained, and we may even identify with them, confusing our identity with our faults. Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward transformation. [00:59]
- The Power of Truth: True change begins with learning and facing the truth about ourselves, our relationships, and our past. This truth is found in God's Word, which provides the foundation for lasting change. [11:21]
- Intentional Choices for Change: Change requires more than desire; it demands intentional choices and actions. We must let go of old habits and patterns, even when it involves loss and pain. [17:17]
- The Role of the Holy Spirit: While our genetic inclinations may explain our tendencies, they do not excuse our sins. With the Holy Spirit's power, we can overcome these tendencies and embrace a new way of living. [22:38]
- Partnership with God: Change is a partnership between us and God. We must "work out" our salvation while God "works in" us, balancing our efforts with divine intervention for spiritual growth. [24:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - The Possibility of Change
- [00:32] - Why Change is Hard
- [01:12] - Four Reasons for Difficulty
- [02:25] - Identity and Defects
- [03:25] - Celebrate Recovery vs. AA
- [05:18] - Payoffs of Defects
- [07:25] - Satan's Discouragement
- [09:01] - Requirements for Change
- [10:48] - Learning the Truth
- [11:41] - Facing the Truth
- [14:18] - Lies Behind Behaviors
- [17:17] - Making Choices
- [20:48] - Genetics and Inclinations
- [23:11] - God's Part and Our Part
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:21-26
- Philippians 2:12-13
- John 8:32
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 4:21-26, what are the steps Paul outlines for personal change? How does this passage describe the process of putting off the old self and putting on the new self?
2. In Philippians 2:12-13, what does it mean to "work out" our salvation, and how does God "work in" us according to this passage?
3. The sermon mentions that "the truth will set you free" (John 8:32). What kind of truth is being referred to, and how is it different from other sources of truth? [11:21]
4. What are the four reasons mentioned in the sermon that make personal change difficult? [01:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might identifying with our defects, as discussed in the sermon, hinder personal growth and change? What does it mean to separate our identity from our faults? [02:25]
2. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming our genetic inclinations. How does this understanding affect the way we view our personal struggles and tendencies? [22:38]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between truth and personal change? How does knowing the truth about ourselves and our past contribute to transformation? [11:21]
4. How does the concept of a "payoff" for our defects challenge the way we view our habits and behaviors? What might be some examples of these payoffs in everyday life? [05:36]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a personal defect or habit that you have struggled with for a long time. What steps can you take this week to begin addressing it, using the principles from Ephesians 4:21-26? [09:34]
2. Consider a situation where you have identified with a defect. How can you begin to redefine your identity in Christ rather than through your faults? What practical steps can you take to reinforce this new identity? [02:25]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of making intentional choices for change. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to make a decisive choice. What is holding you back, and how can you overcome it? [17:17]
4. How can you actively involve the Holy Spirit in your journey of personal change? What practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily routine to seek the Spirit's guidance and strength? [22:38]
5. Think about a lie you might be believing that is hindering your growth. How can you confront this lie with the truth found in God's Word? What specific scripture can you meditate on to replace this lie with truth? [14:18]
6. Reflect on the partnership between you and God in your spiritual growth. What is one area where you need to "work out" your salvation more diligently, and how can you rely on God to "work in" you in this process? [24:12]
7. Identify a personal defect that has a hidden payoff. What is the payoff, and how can you find healthier ways to meet that need or desire? [05:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Roots of Resistance
Understanding the difficulty of change begins with recognizing that our defects are often deeply ingrained within us. These defects may have been part of our lives for so long that we start to identify with them, confusing our identity with our faults. This identification can create a significant barrier to transformation, as it becomes challenging to separate who we are from the habits and patterns that hold us back. Additionally, these defects often provide some form of emotional or relational payoff, making it even harder to let go. Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward transformation, as it allows us to confront the reality of our situation and begin the journey of change. [00:59]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What is one deeply ingrained habit or pattern in your life that you have identified with? How can you begin to separate your identity from this defect today?
Day 2: Embracing the Liberating Power of Truth
True change begins with learning and facing the truth about ourselves, our relationships, and our past. This truth is not found in self-help books or seminars but in the Word of God, which provides the foundation for lasting change. By confronting the truth, we can build a solid foundation for transformation, allowing us to see ourselves and our circumstances clearly. This clarity is essential for breaking free from the chains of our past and moving forward in our spiritual journey. [11:21]
John 17:17 (ESV): "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Reflection: What is one truth about yourself or your past that you have been avoiding? How can you confront this truth with the help of God's Word today?
Day 3: The Necessity of Intentional Choices
Change requires more than just a desire; it demands intentional choices and actions. We must be willing to let go of old habits and patterns, even when it involves loss and pain. Our genetic inclinations may explain our tendencies, but they do not excuse our sins. With the Holy Spirit's power, we can overcome these tendencies and embrace a new way of living. This process involves making deliberate decisions to act in ways that align with our spiritual goals, even when it is difficult. [17:17]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: What is one old habit or pattern you need to let go of? What intentional choice can you make today to align your actions with your spiritual goals?
Day 4: Relying on the Holy Spirit's Empowerment
While our genetic inclinations may explain our tendencies, they do not excuse our sins. With the Holy Spirit's power, we can overcome these tendencies and embrace a new way of living. The Holy Spirit empowers us to break free from the chains of our past and live in a way that reflects our identity in Christ. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can find the strength and guidance needed to make lasting changes in our lives. [22:38]
Romans 8:13-14 (ESV): "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment to overcome a tendency or sin? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this area today?
Day 5: Partnering with God in Transformation
Change is a partnership between us and God. We must "work out" our salvation while God "works in" us, balancing our efforts with divine intervention for spiritual growth. This partnership involves actively cooperating with God's work in our lives, allowing Him to transform us into the likeness of Christ. By embracing this partnership, we can experience true spiritual growth and become more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and character. [24:12]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you actively cooperate with God's work in your life today? What steps can you take to partner with Him in your journey of transformation?
Quotes
what I want to say as we begin this weekend is you will never be sinless on this planet but it is possible to sin less you're never going to be sinless but it is possible to sin less and it is possible to deal with your defects that's what we're going to look about at this weekend [00:00:03]
the first reason is because I've had them so long I've had my defects so long I'm actually pretty comfortable with them now you didn't get the way you are overnight I mean it took a long time for you to get as messed up as you are it didn't happen overnight it took years and some of the patterns that you have your fears your anxieties your faults [00:01:27]
you are not your defects you are not your faults you are not your sins they may be something you do but they're they're not your identity in other words a lot of people rather than saying I work too much will say I'm a workaholic or instead of saying you know I have a tendency to to put off and procrastinate they say I'm I'm lazy [00:02:39]
there is a reward to everything you do people don't do things that aren't rewarded and whatever is rewarded gets repeated and if you're doing something that you know isn't good for you or it's self-destructive or it's ruining a relationship or messing up your marriage or it's destroying your finances or whatever it's because there is some kind of payoff [00:05:21]
Satan discourages me he wants you to stay stuck in your stuckness and so he's constantly suggesting negative thoughts as I've said to you many times when uh you know uh God gives you an idea we call that inspiration when Satan gives you an idea we call that Temptation when you get an idea we call it stupidity no I'm just kidding [00:07:30]
change requires learning the truth now you know this famous quote of Jesus Jesus said when you know the truth the truth will what set you free yeah and you're not going to be free until you know the truth now Paul starts in this very same thing in verse 21 he says since you have heard all about Jesus and you have learned the truth [00:10:54]
the secret to personal change is not p a pill it's not a program it's not a process it's not therapy it's not a book a seminar it's not positive thinking or psychology or anything else the pro the the the proof of personal change is found in the truth you've got to know and face the truth you got to know and face the truth about yourself [00:11:26]
why is it so important to learn the truth for anything I want to change in life I'll tell you why because behind every self-defeating behavior in my life is a lie I'm believing behind every self-defeating behavior in my life is a lie I'm believing if you're deeply in debt right now it's because you believed some lies [00:14:10]
genetics explain my inclinations genetics explain my inclination ations but they don't excuse my sins genetics explain my inclinations but they don't excuse my sins just because I have a natural inclination toward something doesn't mean I should do it and doesn't mean it's necessarily good I can have all kinds of self-destructive inclinations [00:20:48]
once you become a Believer you have a new power in you that is greater than those old Tendencies and that power is the Holy Spirit you see in changing the defects in your life God has a part and you have a part it's not all God and it's not all you it's kind of like growing up physically growing up physically [00:23:11]
continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to Will and to act according to his good purpose now I want you to circle the phrases work out and work in this is the balance there's a working out and there's a working in when there you want to make changes in your life [00:24:04]
nowhere in the Bible are you told to work for your salvation you cannot earn your way to heaven you cannot buy your way into heaven you you cannot deserve your way into heaven it is a gift and the Bible says in Ephesians 2:8 and9 for by Grace God's gift we are saved through faith and even that is not of ourselves [00:24:48]
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