Transforming Habits: A Journey to Spiritual Growth

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound impact of habits on our spiritual journey and how they shape our identity as followers of Christ. We began by acknowledging the diverse challenges and distractions each of us faces, inviting God to intervene and guide us. As believers, we are called to be the church, not just within the walls of a building, but in our daily lives, reflecting Jesus in all we do. This year, our focus is on living out our faith consistently, inspired by the teachings of the book of Acts and the study of "Experiencing God."

We delved into the concept of habits, recognizing that everyone has them, whether good or bad. The key to spiritual growth lies in developing positive habits and maintaining consistency. Craig Groeschel's quote, "Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally," reminds us of the importance of regularity in our spiritual practices. Our habits, combined with consistency and time, shape the new spiritual person we aspire to be.

We examined the struggle of aligning our actions with our intentions, as illustrated by Paul's words in Romans 7. Despite our best efforts, we often find ourselves doing what we don't want to do. This internal conflict can be overwhelming, but the answer lies in Jesus Christ, who empowers us to overcome these challenges. By focusing on the "who" behind our goals—Jesus—we can transform our habits and ultimately our lives.

The journey to spiritual maturity requires patience and perseverance. We must trust in God's timing, even when progress seems slow. The small, consistent actions we take each day, like reading scripture or spending time in prayer, accumulate to create lasting change. Our identity in Christ should guide our actions, helping us to become more like Him.

As we continue this series, we will explore how to eliminate negative habits and cultivate positive ones. Our ultimate goal is to embody the likeness of Christ, allowing His presence to guide our every step. Let us commit to this journey together, supporting one another as we strive to be the church in our daily lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Consistency: Consistency in our spiritual practices is crucial for growth. Just as successful people do consistently what others do occasionally, we must strive to make our spiritual habits a regular part of our lives. This consistency, combined with time, leads to transformation. [30:41]

2. Identity Shapes Actions: Our identity in Christ should guide our actions. By focusing on who we are in Him, we can overcome negative habits and develop positive ones. This shift in perspective helps us align our actions with our spiritual goals. [54:58]

3. Trust in God's Timing: Spiritual growth requires patience and trust in God's timing. Even when progress seems slow, we must remain faithful in our habits, knowing that God is working in us. The small, consistent actions we take each day will eventually lead to significant change. [49:13]

4. Overcoming Internal Conflict: Like Paul, we often struggle with doing what we don't want to do. This internal conflict can be overwhelming, but the answer lies in Jesus Christ. By focusing on Him, we can find the strength to overcome these challenges and align our actions with our intentions. [40:50]

5. The Importance of Small Actions: Small actions matter. The daily habits we cultivate, whether positive or negative, shape who we become. By focusing on small, consistent actions, we can create lasting change and grow in our spiritual journey. [51:13]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [24:14] - Prayer and Reflection
- [28:05] - Introduction to Habits
- [29:25] - Identifying Personal Habits
- [30:41] - Consistency in Habits
- [32:31] - Setting Spiritual Goals
- [33:53] - Jesus' Consistent Practices
- [36:08] - Paul's Struggle with Habits
- [39:51] - Overcoming Distractions
- [42:26] - Focusing on the How
- [43:35] - Learning from Daniel
- [47:06] - Trusting God's Plan
- [48:07] - The Importance of Patience
- [50:35] - Small Actions Matter
- [54:20] - Identity and Self-Worth
- [57:15] - Becoming Like Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 7:15-25
2. Hebrews 13:8
3. Galatians 2:20

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 7:15-25, Paul describes a struggle between his intentions and actions. What specific examples does he give to illustrate this internal conflict? [36:08]

2. How does Hebrews 13:8 emphasize the consistency of Jesus Christ, and why is this important for believers? [33:53]

3. According to the sermon, what role do small, consistent actions play in shaping our spiritual identity? [51:13]

4. What does Galatians 2:20 suggest about the relationship between our identity in Christ and our daily actions? [54:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul's struggle in Romans 7 reflect the common human experience of wanting to do good but often failing? What does this reveal about the nature of sin and grace? [40:50]

2. Why is the consistency of Jesus, as mentioned in Hebrews 13:8, a model for our spiritual habits? How can this consistency impact our faith journey? [33:53]

3. The sermon mentions that small actions matter. How can seemingly insignificant daily habits lead to significant spiritual growth or decline? [51:13]

4. Galatians 2:20 speaks about being crucified with Christ. How does this concept of identity transformation challenge or encourage believers in their spiritual walk? [54:58]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a habit you currently have that aligns with your spiritual goals. How can you ensure consistency in this habit to foster spiritual growth? [30:41]

2. Identify a negative habit that you struggle with, similar to Paul's struggle in Romans 7. What steps can you take this week to begin overcoming it? [40:50]

3. Consider the role of patience in your spiritual journey. How can you trust in God's timing when progress seems slow? What small, consistent actions can you commit to this week? [49:13]

4. How does your identity in Christ influence your daily decisions and actions? What changes can you make to better align your actions with your identity in Him? [54:58]

5. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to focus more on the "who" (Jesus) rather than the "how" or "what." How can this shift in focus help you overcome challenges? [42:26]

6. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by distractions or internal conflict. How can focusing on Jesus help you find strength and clarity in such moments? [40:50]

7. What is one small action you can take this week to embody the likeness of Christ in your daily life? How can your small group support you in this endeavor? [57:15]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Consistency
Consistency in spiritual practices is essential for growth and transformation. By regularly engaging in spiritual habits, such as prayer, reading scripture, and worship, individuals can experience profound changes in their spiritual lives. Consistency allows these practices to become ingrained in daily life, leading to a deeper relationship with God. The quote by Craig Groeschel, "Successful people do consistently what other people do occasionally," highlights the importance of making these practices a regular part of life. Over time, this consistency leads to spiritual transformation and growth, shaping individuals into the people they aspire to be. [30:41]

"Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one spiritual habit you can commit to practicing consistently this week, and how will you ensure it becomes a regular part of your daily routine?


Day 2: Identity in Christ Guides Our Actions
Understanding one's identity in Christ is crucial for aligning actions with spiritual goals. When individuals focus on who they are in Christ, they can overcome negative habits and develop positive ones. This shift in perspective helps believers to act in ways that reflect their faith and values. By embracing their identity in Christ, individuals can find the strength and motivation to pursue spiritual growth and transformation. This focus on identity helps to guide actions and decisions, leading to a life that is more aligned with spiritual goals and values. [54:58]

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How does your understanding of your identity in Christ influence your daily decisions and actions? What changes can you make to better align your actions with this identity?


Day 3: Trusting in God's Timing
Spiritual growth requires patience and trust in God's timing. Even when progress seems slow, believers must remain faithful in their spiritual habits, knowing that God is working in them. Trusting in God's timing means having faith that the small, consistent actions taken each day will eventually lead to significant change. This trust allows individuals to persevere through challenges and setbacks, knowing that God has a plan for their spiritual growth. By remaining patient and faithful, believers can experience the transformation that comes from trusting in God's timing. [49:13]

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." (2 Chronicles 15:7, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life do you need to trust God's timing more? How can you practice patience and perseverance in this area today?


Day 4: Overcoming Internal Conflict Through Christ
Believers often struggle with internal conflicts, doing what they don't want to do despite their best intentions. This struggle can be overwhelming, but the answer lies in Jesus Christ. By focusing on Him, individuals can find the strength to overcome these challenges and align their actions with their intentions. Jesus empowers believers to overcome internal conflicts and live in a way that reflects their faith and values. By keeping their focus on Christ, individuals can find the guidance and strength needed to overcome these struggles and live a life that is aligned with their spiritual goals. [40:50]

"For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing." (Romans 7:19, ESV)

Reflection: What is one internal conflict you are currently facing, and how can you invite Jesus into this struggle to help you overcome it?


Day 5: The Significance of Small Actions
Small actions matter in the journey of spiritual growth. The daily habits individuals cultivate, whether positive or negative, shape who they become. By focusing on small, consistent actions, believers can create lasting change and grow in their spiritual journey. These small actions, when practiced consistently, accumulate over time to produce significant transformation. By paying attention to the small details of daily life, individuals can ensure that their actions align with their spiritual goals and values, leading to a life that reflects their faith. [51:13]

"Whoever is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." (Luke 16:10, ESV)

Reflection: What small action can you take today to align your life more closely with your spiritual goals? How can you ensure this action becomes a consistent part of your daily routine?

Quotes



"Good habits plus consistency. Consistency plus giving it a little bit of time to bake, right, to get worked on, all of those things together are going to help to create the new you, the new spiritual person that you want to be." [00:31:48] (15 seconds)


"It's because if we're going to be who Jesus wants us to be, and we want to live like him, then we've got to build in the consistency in the daily things that we need to be doing, okay? That's the why." [00:33:26] (13 seconds)


"Another very well-known, Christian leader, a man that has written quite a few books on developing those godly habits that we need to have, says our habits will make us or break us. This is Sean Covey. He says we become what we repeatedly do." [00:35:04] (18 seconds)


"Evaluate, what do I do over and over and over? And that is essentially who I'm becoming. I want you to flip in your Bibles, Romans chapter 7. This is a chapter for you to maybe go and think through. You're familiar with this. I'm sure you've read it many times." [00:36:27] (17 seconds)


"I don't really understand myself for I want to do what's right, but I don't do it. Instead, I end up doing what I don't want to do or even what I hate doing." [00:37:47] (13 seconds)


"Trust the how, the process, and stay consistent in doing the things that you should be doing. Good habits plus consistency plus time will end up leading you to be who you're supposed to be." [00:47:41] (15 seconds)


"One of the reasons we fail is because we give up too easy. Build those habits. The small things that we do eventually add up to who we are. And that's my next thought for you. The small things matter, all right? They really do." [00:49:13] (19 seconds)


"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with very much. And whoever is dishonest with very little will be dishonest with very much. God is wanting you to be faithful." [00:51:13] (19 seconds)


"Let us not become weary in doing good. Don't get tired of it. Don't give up on it. Right? Don't become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." [00:53:26] (18 seconds)


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Transcript
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