Why Change Is So Hard
Why Change Is So Hard
Romans 7:14-15 (NLT) So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.
Why are my shortcomings so hard to change?
They’ve been with me for a long time.
They’ve become like second nature.
They’ve done something for me.
The adversary works hard against me.
What must I do for real change to happen?
1. I must submit my thoughts to Christ.
Ephesians 4:23 (CEV) Let the Spirit change your way of thinking.
Ephesians 4:17-19 (NLT) With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
2. I must grow in knowledge and truth.
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NLT) Then we will no longer be like children, forever changing our minds about what we believe because someone has told us something different or made a lie sound like the truth. Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more like Christ, who is the head of his Body, the church.
Ephesians 4:21(NLT) Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him.
3. I must interrupt old patterns.
Ephesians 4:22 (NLT) Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
Hebrews 12:1 (GW) We must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially any sin that distracts us, so we can run the race that lies ahead of us!
4. I must show someone else the real me.
Ephesians 4:25 (MSG) No more pretense! Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s Body we’re all connected to each other. So if you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.
Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
5. I must hold fast to the fact that God will never give up on me.
Ephesians 3:20 (TLB) Now, by his mighty power at work within us, God is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.
Growing Deeper Together - Small Group Discussion Questions
Use these points throughout the week as part of your quiet time, in your small group, or over coffee with a friend to help you apply what you learned in today’s message.
Take time this week to think about the “shortcomings” in your life that you’d like to see changed. Which of the four points Ronnie made is making it the most difficult for you to see transformation in that area? In your prayer time, ask the Holy Spirit to transform you to become more like Christ. (2 Cor 3:18)
We’ve all addressed an area in our life that needs change. In looking back at what has been sustainable change for you, what was the key component? Can you incorporate that again in a new area?
How are you growing in knowledge and truth? Do you have a faithful meeting time with God? Are you participating in a small group or Bible study? There are opportunities all around you! Start by checking out northpointe.org/events or write to hello@northpointe.org to help you get started.
Do you know in your heart of hearts that God will never leave you? Never give up on you? Never walk away from you? If this is something you struggle to believe is true, spend time in his Word meditating on these verses: Deuteronomy 3:19; Hebrews 13:5-6; Joshua 1:5; John 14:18; Isaiah 41:10; Luke 12:32; Genesis 28:15; Romans 8:35-39; Psalm 94:14; Matthew 29:20