12-4-22 Setlist: Joy To The World Here Again Coming Back Same God Sermon Notes: Why is it so hard to change? 1. Because I have had them so long. 2. Because I identify with them. 3. Because my patterns have a payoff. 4. Because satan discourages me. What does it take to change? 1. Change starts with choosing. Key Passage: Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:21-27 What does it take to change? 2. Change requires learning and facing the truth. Key Verse: Learn the truth and never reject it. Get wisdom, self-control, and understanding. Proverbs 23:23 Key Verse: They tell the seers, “Don’t see any more visions!” They say to the prophets, “Don’t tell us the truth! Say things that will make us feel good; see only good things for us. Isaiah 30:10 Key Passage: Jesus said, “You’re a respected teacher of Israel and you don’t know these basics? Listen carefully. I’m speaking sober truth to you. I speak only of what I know by experience; I give witness only to what I have seen with my own eyes. There is nothing secondhand here, no hearsay. Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions. If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don’t believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can’t see, the things of God? John 3:11-12 (MSG) Key Verse: If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 1 John 1:8 What does it take to change? 3. Lasting change requires new thinking. Key Verse: Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Ephesians 4:23 Key Verse: Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] Philippians 2:5 (AMP) What does it take to change? 4. Lasting change requires community and coaching. Key Verse: So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body. Ephesians 4:25 (NCV) Key Verse: You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you. Proverbs 28:13 (GNT) Key Verse: By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 Discussion Questions: 1. What do you feel like God is saying to you through this message? 2. What blindspots are in your life? 3. What are some changes you want to see this week given what God is saying to you?