24/7 Coachesنموونە

Renew 2

“Take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” —Ephesians 4:22-24

The Oxford Dictionary defines renewal as resuming something that has been interrupted. The phrase “God’s likeness” in this verse harkens back to the image of God in Genesis 1 and 2: God created humans, male and female, in His image and likeness. The rebellion in Genesis 3 was a major interruption. Humanity and all of creation fell under the curse of sin and death. However, God has been on a mission to renew everything that has been broken.

Key Scripture: Acts 3:19–21

Our man Peter has come a long way from cowering in the corner, swearing in an oath that he now knows Jesus. Now he’s boldly standing and preaching in the name of Jesus, not too far from the spot where he denied this same Jesus. Where did Peter find this newfound confidence and boldness? He’s a living testimony to Jesus’ promise that the Spirit would bring power for mission.

Notice what Peter says in his sermon: “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, and seasons of refreshing may come from the...Lord” (Acts 3:19–20). Notice how refreshment and renewal come when we repent and turn back to Jesus. The coaching culture holds out great “hopes” of finding joy and hope: a winning season, a trip to the state, championship rings, your name in headlines. Those things aren’t bad, but they won’t give us the renewal we need. Only the forgiveness and restoration found in turning to Jesus can ultimately satisfy.

Notice again what Peter says: “And that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed for you as the Messiah. Heaven must receive him until the time of the restoration of all things” (Acts 3:20–21). The renewing hope and glory of Jesus are for now and for eternity. What Jesus began at His first coming will be finally finished when He comes again!

• Have you repented and turned to Jesus? Describe what that process is like for you.
• Do you ever think about the second coming of Jesus? How should His coming affect the way we coach?

New Heart

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” —Ezekiel 36:26

This old covenant promise finds its new covenant fulfillment in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost. In Scripture, the heart is representative of the center of our being: the executive center from which come our will, our desires, our character, and our values. The human problem is a heart problem, and by coming to Jesus, we get a new heart.

• What does it mean to have a new heart?
• How should this reality bring renewal to our lives?

New Purpose

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” —Mark 12:30

“He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.” —2 Timothy 1:9

We are not only saved from something but we are also saved for something. God has a purpose for His people that extends from our redemption into a life of loving God and loving others.

• Do you see your coaching as an opportunity to love God and love others?
• What could this look like practically?