The Power To Change
Ephesians 4:17 - 5:20

If we are honest, whether looking in the proverbial mirror or the actual mirror, we see things we want to change. James reminds us that the person who looks into the mirror of scripture and forgets what they look like has a name - fool. But wanting to change and really changing are two very different things. Can you change? Really?

The Christian life is all about change. It is the promise of the Gospel. Not that you can change, but you will change. There is power to change through faith in Jesus. Come learn about the power of the Spirit of God to bring the change God wants for you.

Why "Stop it! Start it!" Doesn't Work

- The Gospel is not behavior modification.
- The Gospel is an invitation to transformation.

The Power To Change starts with new knowledge, new awareness, new wisdom.

The Power To Change requires me to Recognize my thinking, feeling, acting and being as it really is.

The Power to Change can't be unleashed until we Acknowledge how who we are is affecting our life and impacting others.

The Power To Change Requires Surrender - to let got...to move forward.

You have to let go...to go forward.

The Power to Change is Received.

Through Faith we receive the Spirit.

Did you do the assignment?

Practice Stirring the Spirit

Do something...

1. In response to the Spirit.
2. In the power of the Spirit.
3. In trust of the Spirit.

Practice
Practice
Practice

Why We Fail To Change

A. We are blind and ignorant
1. Your feelings reveal your thinking and influences your doing.
a) Emotions are a reflection of your beliefs.
b) Emotions are reactions.
c) Emotions are data, not directives. (Dr. Susan David)
2. If you are blind to your thinking, feelings or actions you are unable to change.
3. To change your feelings, you need to change your thinking and your doing.
4. To change your doing, you need to change your thinking.

We See Jesus As An Add-On

- No surrender
- We attempt to manage our sin

We Do Only What We Can Do

- No spiritual power

We Give Up Too Quickly

- As followers of Jesus, we are on a journey of sanctification.

Get Dressed

“Your commitments shape your life more than anything else. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way, they will define you. Tell me what you’re committed to, and I’ll tell you what you’ll be in 20 years, because we become whatever we’re committed to.”
- Rick Warren

Paul's Examples of Spiritual Disciplines to Shape Your Life

Ephesians 4 & 5

v. 4.25 - speak truth to each other.
vv. 4.26-27 - keep your anger in the light.
v. 4.28 - work hard and with integrity so you can share with others.
v. 4.29 - build up and bless others with how you talk.
vv. 4.31-32 - be kind, tender and forgiving.
vv. 5:1-2 - imitate God and Jesus, especially in sacrificial love towards others.
v. 5.4 - practice gratitude.
vv. 5.9-10 - practice walking in the light.
v. 5.16 - steward your time well.
v. 5.18 - stir up the Spirit through worship.
v. 5.20 - practice gratitude.
v. 5.21 - be submissive to each other.

Spiritual Formation

Spiritual formation is the development of a Christ-like character through intentional actions that change you from the inside out through the power of the Holy Spirit.

An Assignment

- Commit to a spiritual practice for 90 days.
- Do it with someone, if possible.
- Share your journey with someone.