November 17, 2008
Text: Matt. 3:1-6
Title: Change: It’s Possible!
Thoughts:
Change. It is the hope that America placed their vote in. It is the inward desire of every individual for some area of their life. Whether it is a change of lifestyle or environments, everyone wants change at some point or another.
Thankfully, the message of Jesus brings real, achievable change. Preparing His way, John the Baptist declared to the people, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This word, repent, so embraced by the Christian world, literally means to have a change of mind. It “is therefore, primarily, an after-thought, different from the former thought; then, a change of mind which issues in regret and in change of conduct.” It is defined as “Such a virtuous alteration of the mind and purpose as begets a like virtuous change in life and practice.” John’s message for the people of his day is reverberated in our day. If we want true change, we must recognize the truth of and our need for Christ.
Change must be differentiated from sorrow. Sorrow can be falsely masked as repentance, but lacks a commitment to a change of conduct. Repentance comes as an outcome of sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10), but sorrow is not the end result. Change of conduct is the desired outcome.
So what does it take to experience true change?
1) A Confrontation of Truth: Be it finances, drug addiction, or sin, there must be a confrontation with truth for there to be a true change of conduct. By its definition, repentance requires that one think differently than before. Therefore, some revelation must bring about that change of mind. It is the revelation of truth.
2) An Alignment with Truth: If I recognize I am driving in the wrong direction but continue to drive that path, there can be no change. If I see spend more than I make each month but do not recognize the pattern cannot continue forever, there will be no change. Spiritually speaking, nothing will change if we do not begin to align with the truth of Christ and His Word.
3) A Commitment to Remain in Truth: By its definition, change is to “make or become different.” If there’s no difference, there’s no change. Therefore, only a commitment to remain in truth will speak of true change.
Change is possible through Jesus Christ! Let’s embrace an eternal change that has earthly manifestations.
Application:
When have you desired changed, realized the need for change, but eventually returned to your previous ways?
In what areas of your life do you desire change today? (Spiritually, Physically, Habits, etc.)
Have you asked Christ to help you with the needed changes in your life?
Prayer:
Father,
I recognize that there is a need of change in my life. I am so often tempted to live in ignorance of the truth. Your word is truth (Jn. 17:17). Please remove the blinders that prevent me from confronting truth in my life. Empower me to align with truth and to commit to remaining in it. I desire change, but only You can bring change in my life. Confront me with truth and the grace to change today.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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