Transforming Lives: Embracing Change Through Faith

 

Summary

On this special Mother's Day, we honor and celebrate all the mothers across our campuses for their invaluable contributions to our lives. As we continue our series on "Resetting My Life," we delve into the biblical principles necessary for personal change, focusing on the hard changes within ourselves. These are the stubborn areas of our lives that resist change despite our efforts. Today, we explore why these changes are difficult and what God says it takes to transform them.

First, we must understand why change is challenging. Many of our habits and patterns have been with us for a long time, often rooted in childhood as survival tactics. We also tend to identify with our defects, confusing them with our true identity. Additionally, these defects often have a payoff, whether emotional or relational, which reinforces their persistence. Lastly, Satan discourages us, using self-doubt and criticism to keep us stuck.

To overcome these challenges, we must embrace four biblical principles for lasting change. First, change requires learning and facing the truth. We must confront the uncomfortable truths about ourselves, as true transformation begins with truth. Second, change requires new thinking. Our thoughts shape our feelings, which in turn influence our actions. By renewing our minds, we can alter our behaviors. Third, change requires community and coaching. We need the support of others to tackle the tough areas of our lives. Finally, change requires the Holy Spirit. True transformation is not possible through human effort alone; it requires divine intervention.

As we seek to reset our lives, we must be willing to face the truth, renew our minds, engage in community, and rely on the Holy Spirit. This journey is not instantaneous but a gradual process of becoming more like Christ. Let us commit to these steps and invite God to work within us, transforming us into the people He created us to be.

Key Takeaways:

1. Facing the Truth: Lasting change begins with learning and facing the truth about ourselves. This requires acknowledging our imperfections and confronting the lies we believe about ourselves, God, and others. Embracing truth is the most loving act we can do for ourselves and others. [22:25]

2. Renewing the Mind: Our thoughts determine our feelings, which influence our actions. To change our behavior, we must first change our thinking. This process, known as repentance, involves a mental U-turn, aligning our thoughts with God's truth. [27:12]

3. Community and Coaching: We cannot achieve lasting change alone. We need the support of a community and the guidance of a coach to tackle the tough areas of our lives. Being part of a small group provides accountability and encouragement. [34:46]

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: True transformation requires the power of the Holy Spirit. Human effort alone is insufficient to overcome deep-seated habits and defects. We must rely on God's Spirit to work within us, gradually transforming us into Christ's likeness. [43:08]

5. Commitment to Change: Change is a gradual process that requires time and commitment. We must be serious about addressing the areas of our lives that need transformation, inviting God to make the necessary changes through His Spirit. [45:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Honoring Mothers
- [00:59] - Introduction to Resetting My Life
- [01:50] - Making Hard Changes
- [02:32] - Why Change is Difficult
- [03:12] - Long-Standing Habits
- [04:31] - Identity and Defects
- [06:09] - Payoffs of Defects
- [09:27] - Satan's Discouragement
- [11:24] - The Role of Truth in Change
- [13:30] - Learning and Facing the Truth
- [27:12] - Renewing the Mind
- [34:46] - Community and Coaching
- [43:08] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [45:10] - Commitment to Change
- [46:52] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Resetting My Life

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:21-27
2. Proverbs 23:23
3. Zechariah 4:6

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 4:21-27, what are the steps mentioned for spiritual renewal and transformation? How does this passage relate to the concept of "resetting" one's life? [12:05]

2. In Proverbs 23:23, what are the two actions we are encouraged to take regarding truth? How do these actions contribute to personal change? [13:53]

3. Zechariah 4:6 emphasizes a particular source of strength for success. What is this source, and how does it contrast with human effort? [43:50]

4. The sermon mentions that change requires facing the truth about ourselves. What are some of the lies we might believe that hinder our transformation? [21:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "renewing the mind" in Ephesians 4:23 relate to the process of repentance described in the sermon? What does it mean to have a "mental U-turn"? [29:42]

2. The sermon discusses the role of community and coaching in achieving lasting change. How does this align with the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens as mentioned in Galatians 6:2? [39:18]

3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit facilitate transformation according to Zechariah 4:6 and the sermon? Why is human effort alone insufficient for true change? [43:08]

4. The sermon highlights the importance of identifying the "payoffs" of our defects. How can understanding these payoffs help us in the process of change? [06:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you have struggled to change. What truths do you need to face about this area, and how can you begin to confront them this week? [13:30]

2. Consider your current thought patterns. What is one thought you need to change to align more closely with God's truth? How can you practice this new way of thinking daily? [27:12]

3. Identify a small group or community you can join or engage with for support and accountability. How can being part of this group help you tackle the tough areas of your life? [34:46]

4. Think about a time when you relied solely on your own strength to make a change. How can you invite the Holy Spirit into your process of transformation this week? [43:08]

5. What is one specific lie you have believed about yourself, God, or others that you need to replace with truth? How can you remind yourself of this truth regularly? [22:25]

6. Reflect on a strength you have that might be misused as a defect. How can you redirect this strength to serve others and glorify God? [31:30]

7. What is one practical step you can take this week to commit to the gradual process of change, as described in the sermon? How will you measure your progress? [45:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Truth for Transformation
Understanding and accepting the truth about ourselves is the first step toward genuine change. Many of us carry habits and patterns from our past, often rooted in childhood, that we mistakenly identify as part of our core identity. These defects can provide emotional or relational payoffs, making them difficult to let go. Additionally, self-doubt and criticism, often fueled by negative influences, can keep us trapped in these patterns. To break free, we must confront these uncomfortable truths and acknowledge our imperfections. Embracing truth is not only a courageous act but also a loving one, as it allows us to see ourselves and others more clearly. [22:25]

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 uncomfortable truth about yourself that you have been avoiding? How can you begin to face it today with honesty and grace?


Day 2: Renewing the Mind for Lasting Change
Our thoughts have a profound impact on our feelings and actions. To change our behavior, we must first change our thinking. This process, often referred to as repentance, involves a mental U-turn, aligning our thoughts with God's truth. By renewing our minds, we can break free from destructive patterns and embrace a new way of living. This transformation is not instantaneous but requires intentional effort and a willingness to let go of old thought patterns. As we align our thoughts with God's truth, we open ourselves to the possibility of true and lasting change. [27:12]

Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

Reflection: Identify a negative thought pattern that you struggle with. What is one practical step you can take today to replace it with a thought aligned with God's truth?


Day 3: The Power of Community and Coaching
Lasting change is not something we can achieve on our own. We need the support and guidance of a community to tackle the tough areas of our lives. Being part of a small group or having a mentor provides accountability and encouragement, helping us stay committed to our journey of transformation. In community, we find strength and support, as well as the opportunity to learn from others' experiences. By surrounding ourselves with people who are also seeking change, we create an environment that fosters growth and transformation. [34:46]

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 in your life can you reach out to for support and accountability in your journey of change? How can you actively engage with a community that encourages growth?


Day 4: Relying on the Holy Spirit for True Transformation
Human effort alone is insufficient to overcome deep-seated habits and defects. True transformation requires the power of the Holy Spirit. As we invite God's Spirit to work within us, we open ourselves to the possibility of becoming more like Christ. This transformation is a gradual process, requiring patience and a willingness to surrender to God's will. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can experience a change that goes beyond our own abilities, allowing us to overcome obstacles and embrace a new way of living. [43:08]

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: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit for transformation? How can you invite the Spirit to guide you in this area today?


Day 5: Committing to the Process of Change
Change is a gradual process that requires time and commitment. We must be serious about addressing the areas of our lives that need transformation, inviting God to make the necessary changes through His Spirit. This journey involves facing the truth, renewing our minds, engaging in community, and relying on the Holy Spirit. As we commit to these steps, we open ourselves to the possibility of becoming the people God created us to be. This commitment is not a one-time decision but a daily choice to pursue growth and transformation. [45:10]

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: What is one specific area of your life where you need to commit to the process of change? What steps can you take today to begin this journey with intention and dedication?

Quotes



"To overcome these challenges, we must embrace four biblical principles for lasting change. First, change requires learning and facing the truth. We must confront the uncomfortable truths about ourselves, as true transformation begins with truth. Second, change requires new thinking. Our thoughts shape our feelings, which in turn influence our actions. By renewing our minds, we can alter our behaviors." [00:03:12]

"Change requires learning and facing the truth. Learning and facing the truth change always starts with truth. You can't have positive change on negative ideas and on lies and mistruths. Change always starts with truth, but there are two important parts of it: learning the truth and then facing the truth. They are two different things." [00:13:30]

"Lasting change requires new thinking. We talked about this last week, so I'm not going to have to go into it very much, but I just want to re-emphasize it because it's a key principle. You aren't what you think you are, but what you think you are. Let me say it again: you aren't what you think you are, but what you think you are." [00:27:12]

"Lasting change requires community and coaching. The Bible has a ton to say about this. Lasting change requires community and coaching. We're not going to get well on our own. You're not going to get healthy by yourself. We're better together. There's some things you're never going to be able to change in your life on your own." [00:34:46]

"Lasting change requires the Holy Spirit. This is not something you do with just human energy. Only God can make those transformations in your life. You could make a law that says no more prejudice, no more racism, no more bigotry, but no law is ever going to turn a bigot into a lover. Only God can do that." [00:43:08]

"Behind every self-defeating defect in your life is a lie you're believing. Write this down: behind every self-defeating defect is a lie I'm believing. It's a lie. That's why it's self-defeating because it's based on a lie. I'm believing a lie about happiness and what brings happiness. I'm believing a lie about God and what He's really like." [00:21:40]

"Now, lasting change in your life not only requires community, and I'm not saying a big crowd, it's a small group, a trusted group of people who love you unconditionally. Not only requires community, and the best place to get that is at church, but it also requires coaching. Follow me on this: we always grow faster with a tutor or a trainer or a coach." [00:39:52]

"Change the way you act by changing the way you feel. Change the way you feel by changing the way you think. How you think, what you think about all the time. Now there's a Bible word for this process: changing the way I think, which changes the way I feel, which changes the way I act. It's the word repentance." [00:28:19]

"Love should always make us tell the truth. Then, if our truth-telling to ourselves, to others, is based on love, he says, then we will grow. Circle that: we will grow. You want to grow, you want to change, you want a new life, you want to reset, you want to be reborn, you want a fresh start in some area of your life." [00:23:12]

"Now, if you don't get anything else I say this weekend, get this: in your life, behind every self-defeating defect that makes it difficult for you to get along with others or whatever it is, behind every self-defeating defect in your life is a lie you're believing. Write this down: behind every self-defeating defect is a lie I'm believing." [00:21:40]

"Now, lasting change in your life not only requires community, and I'm not saying a big crowd, it's a small group, a trusted group of people who love you unconditionally. Not only requires community, and the best place to get that is at church, but it also requires coaching. Follow me on this: we always grow faster with a tutor or a trainer or a coach." [00:39:52]

"Lasting change requires the Holy Spirit. This is not something you do with just human energy. Only God can make those transformations in your life. You could make a law that says no more prejudice, no more racism, no more bigotry, but no law is ever going to turn a bigot into a lover. Only God can do that." [00:43:08]

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Transcript
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