REAL CHANGE STARTS WITH NEW LIFE, NOT JUST A NEW LEAF.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
In the Old Testament, we see how this cycle played out in the life of Solomon. He tried to change through human ingenuity when he needed divine intervention. And he was the smartest person – ever. (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)
Jesus calls it being “born again.” (John 3:3)
REAL CHANGE IS A PROCESS, NOT A DESTINATION.
“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6)
“By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires” (2 Peter 1:4)
“We all, with unveiled faces, are reflecting the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
REAL CHANGE IS LETTING GO AND GRABBING HOLD.
“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT)
Here are some of the reasons why change is difficult:
a. Because we are stubborn
b. Because we are trapped
c. Because we are comfortable
d. Because we are afraid
d. Because change hurts
e. Because we lack knowledge
f. Because we lack power
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves;” “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:7, 16 NASB77)
