Willing to Change: Embracing God's Transformative Journey
Summary
Summary
Today, we explored the concept of being "Willing to Change" as part of our Celebrate Recovery series. We focused on the fifth principle, which is to voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in our lives. This principle is rooted in the Beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled." The emphasis is on the desire for righteousness, not on being righteous itself. This desire is a sign of being blessed, as it indicates a longing for a deeper relationship with Christ.
We delved into Romans 12:1-2, which calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is not about conforming to the world but about allowing God to change us from within. It's important to understand that God loves us as we are, but He loves us too much to let us stay the same. Change is a process, not an instant switch, and it requires us to focus on progress rather than perfection.
We also discussed the factors that contribute to our flaws and habits, such as heredity, upbringing, and personal choices. Recognizing these influences helps us understand the areas where God wants to work in us. The journey of transformation involves identifying one area to focus on, praying for guidance, writing down our goals, and sharing them with a trusted friend for accountability.
In closing, we are encouraged to offer ourselves as living sacrifices and to seek transformation through the renewal of our minds. This week, let's pray, write, and share about the changes God wants to make in our lives, focusing on progress and trusting in His guidance.
Key Takeaways
1. Desire for Righteousness: The Beatitude emphasizes the blessing of those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, highlighting the importance of desire over attainment. This longing for a deeper relationship with Christ is a sign of being blessed, as it reflects a heart open to God's transformative work. [42:38]
2. Transformation Over Conformity: Romans 12:1-2 calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is about allowing God to change us from within, rather than conforming to the patterns of the world. It's a journey of continuous growth and renewal. [47:30]
3. God's Love and Change: God loves us as we are, with all our flaws, but He desires to transform us into His likeness. This change is not about instant perfection but about a gradual process of becoming more like Christ. Embracing this journey requires a willingness to submit to God's will. [48:14]
4. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Change is a process that involves focusing on progress rather than perfection. By identifying one area to work on and celebrating small victories, we can experience meaningful transformation. This approach helps us avoid the discouragement of trying to change everything at once. [56:28]
5. Community and Accountability: Sharing our journey with a trusted friend or mentor provides accountability and support. As a church family, we are called to pray for one another and encourage each other in our walk with Christ. This communal aspect strengthens our resolve and helps us stay committed to the changes God is leading us to make. [01:01:35]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [40:45] - Introduction to Celebrate Recovery
- [42:38] - Beatitude: Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
- [44:27] - Personal Reflection and Humor
- [45:41] - Romans 12:1-2: Living Sacrifice
- [47:30] - Transformation vs. Conformity
- [48:14] - God's Love and Desire for Change
- [49:11] - Embracing Change
- [50:49] - Sources of Our Flaws
- [52:28] - Choices and Consequences
- [53:28] - Renewing the Mind
- [54:14] - Maturity in Faith
- [55:32] - Starting the Journey of Change
- [56:28] - Focus on Progress
- [58:12] - Identifying Areas for Change
- [59:33] - Next Steps: Pray, Write, Share
- [01:02:49] - Closing Prayer and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Willing to Change
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:1-2
- Matthew 5:6 (Beatitude: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.")
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Romans 12:1-2 suggest about the nature of transformation in a believer's life? How does this relate to the concept of being a "living sacrifice"? [45:41]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness"? How does this relate to our desire for change? [42:38]
3. What are some of the factors mentioned in the sermon that contribute to our flaws and habits? How do these factors influence our need for transformation? [50:49]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between being conformed to the world and being transformed by God? [47:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a "living sacrifice" challenge the way believers view their daily lives and decisions? What might this look like in practical terms? [45:41]
2. In what ways does the desire for righteousness, as described in the Beatitude, reflect a deeper longing for a relationship with Christ? How can this desire influence one's spiritual journey? [42:38]
3. How can understanding the sources of our flaws and habits, such as heredity and personal choices, help us in the process of transformation? [50:49]
4. What does it mean to focus on progress rather than perfection in the journey of change? How can this mindset impact a believer's spiritual growth? [56:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Is there an area where you feel God is calling you to change? How can you begin to submit to this change voluntarily? [49:11]
2. Consider the Beatitude about hungering and thirsting for righteousness. What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate a deeper desire for righteousness in your life? [42:38]
3. Identify one habit or flaw that you believe God wants to transform in your life. What practical steps can you take to address this area, and who can you ask to hold you accountable? [50:49]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of offering yourself as a "living sacrifice" into your daily routine? What changes might this require in your current lifestyle? [45:41]
5. Think about a recent decision you made. How did your thought process align with the idea of being transformed by the renewing of your mind? What might you do differently next time? [52:28]
6. In what ways can you focus on progress rather than perfection in your spiritual journey? How can celebrating small victories help you stay motivated? [56:28]
7. How can you engage with your church community to find support and accountability in your journey of transformation? What role can you play in supporting others in their journey? [01:01:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Longing for Righteousness
The desire for righteousness is a profound longing that signifies a heart open to God's transformative work. This longing is not about achieving perfection but about seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. When you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you are blessed because it reflects a willingness to be molded by God. This desire is a sign of spiritual vitality, indicating that you are on a journey towards becoming more like Christ. Embrace this longing as a gift, and let it guide you towards a life of purpose and fulfillment. [42:38]
"Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart." (Psalm 119:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you feel a deep longing for God's righteousness to transform? How can you nurture this desire today?
Day 2: Inner Transformation
Transformation is a journey that begins from within, as Romans 12:1-2 reminds us. It is about offering yourself as a living sacrifice and allowing God to renew your mind. This transformation is not about conforming to the world but about being changed by God's love and truth. As you embark on this journey, focus on the continuous growth and renewal that God desires for you. Trust that He is working in you, even when the process feels slow or challenging. Embrace the changes He wants to make, knowing that they lead to a more abundant life. [47:30]
"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." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways are you currently conforming to the patterns of the world? How can you invite God to transform these areas of your life?
Day 3: Embracing God's Love and Change
God's love for you is unconditional, yet He desires to transform you into His likeness. This change is not about achieving instant perfection but about a gradual process of becoming more like Christ. Embrace this journey with a willing heart, submitting to God's will and trusting in His perfect plan for your life. Remember that God loves you as you are, but He loves you too much to let you stay the same. Allow His love to guide you through the process of change, knowing that He is with you every step of the way. [48:14]
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you resist change? How can you invite God's love to transform this area today?
Day 4: Progress Over Perfection
The journey of change is about focusing on progress rather than perfection. By identifying one area to work on and celebrating small victories, you can experience meaningful transformation. This approach helps you avoid the discouragement of trying to change everything at once. Embrace the process of growth, knowing that each step forward is a step towards becoming more like Christ. Celebrate the progress you make, no matter how small, and trust that God is working in you to bring about His perfect will. [56:28]
"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." (Philippians 3:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one small victory you can celebrate today in your journey of transformation? How can you continue to focus on progress in this area?
Day 5: Community and Accountability
Sharing your journey with a trusted friend or mentor provides accountability and support. As a church family, you are called to pray for one another and encourage each other in your walk with Christ. This communal aspect strengthens your resolve and helps you stay committed to the changes God is leading you to make. Embrace the support of your community, knowing that you are not alone in this journey. Together, you can grow in faith and become more like Christ, supporting each other every step of the way. [01:01:35]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can share your journey with for accountability and support? How can you encourage them in their walk with Christ today?
Quotes
"Now, as was pointed out with a lot of other Beatitudes, notice that it doesn't say, blessed are the righteous. It says, blessed are those that hunger and thirst after righteousness. Those that are hungering and thirsting are people that are in want. They are in need. They have a desire. So if you find yourself here today in want, if you find yourself here today in need or in desire, you may be blessed." [00:43:02]
"The fact of the matter is, we all have stuff in our lives that keeps us from being as righteous as God would want us to be. Now, whether we call those things defects or flaws or hang-ups or habits or whatever we want to call it, the fact of the matter is, we all have them." [00:44:56]
"Remember, the principle for today is to voluntarily submit to any change that God wants to make in your life. It says here in Romans 12, 1, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice. And you all know the joke. If you don't know about a living sacrifice, the problem with it is they keep crawling off the altar. I understand that." [00:46:17]
"Jesus Christ loves you the way you are right now. All your flaws and works and everything. God loves you just the way you are. You don't have to clean up to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. He loves you. He loves you like you are. But he loves you too much to allow you to stay there." [00:47:34]
"He calls us not to be conformed to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed. Now, maybe some of your kids or grandkids or somebody plays with these transformers where they change from human to machine and all that. But it's change. That's what transform is. So we're called to change." [00:47:59]
"The changes that he wants to make in your life are for your benefit. They're to help you. It's something that is there to help you with those flaws, those defects, those habits. And how do we get those flaws and defects and habits? Well, there's a variety of things that I think contribute to it." [00:50:47]
"You know, there was a person much smarter than I was talking one time and said about like that decisions come from thoughts. Thoughts come from voices. Voices create choices. And choices have consequences. And when you make those choices, it can help you or it can hurt you. There's consequences." [00:52:28]
"We're called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We might have to change the way we think, the way we look at things. And that's not easy for us. And to be honest with you, I can't do it by myself. I need God to help me with that." [00:53:20]
"And when we become a Christian, sometimes what happens is this. We look and we say, okay, Lord, I accept you as my Savior, and I want to change. I need you to help me change. But I look at my life, and it's just too much of a mess. I have too much baggage. I don't know where to start." [00:55:32]
"Because if you try to tackle the whole thing at once, you won't be able to do it. Pick one thing. One thing to focus on. When you sit with God and you say, Lord, what is it you want me to work on? What is it that you want me to change? Pick the one thing and focus on that." [00:56:21]
"It's because you take one thing at a time and you focus on it, but you also focus on progress, not perfection. Because in the first sermon of this series, Pastor Jacob talked about flipping, flipping a switch. He said, some of you don't understand how addiction works. You know, you think that you can just flip the switch." [00:56:58]
"The next steps are pray about it, write about it, share about it. Gotcha. Pray about it. The first thing I ask you to do is this week, when you have your prayer time, and I don't know whether you start or end or both your prayer time, you know, with your devotions and so on and so forth." [00:59:38]
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