Message Action Plan
Talk It Over
Diving DeeperWHY ARE SOME THINGS IN ME SO HARD TO CHANGE?
Why do I hold on to self-defeating habits?
- Because I've had them so long
- Because I identify with them
- Because my patterns have a payoff
Action Plan: Identify what payoff you receive from a persistent habit that you'd like to stop. Think about what unmet needs you may be trying to fulfill. How does Jesus meet that need in your life? Study the verses in this week's message and seek ways for God to change your thinking about those payoffs.
- Because Satan discourages me
"Since you have heard all about Jesus and have learned thetruth that is in him, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must put on your new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness —righteous, holy, and true. So put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because we belong to each other. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil." Ephesians 4:21-27 (NLT)
4 REQUIREMENTS FOR LASTING, PERSONAL CHANGE
1. Change requires learning & facing the truth
"Learn the truth and never reject it!" Proverbs 23:23 (NCV)
"Jesus said, 'I'm telling you the truth'… Yet instead of facing the evidence and accepting it, you procrastinate with questions." John 3:11 (MSG)
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
2. Lasting change requires new thinking
"There must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes."Ephesians 4:23 (NLT)
Think > Feel > Act
"Let the same mind and attitude be in you which was in Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 (AMPC)
My so-called "defects" are often …
...Strengths being misused
… _ Attempts to meet my unmet needs
3. Lasting change requires community & coaching
"Put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because webelong to each other." Ephesians 4:25 (NCV)
"By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law ofChrist." Galatians 6:2 (NCV)
Many Examples of One-on-One Coaching in the Bible
5 kinds of Group coaches in Christ's church
"Christ gifted some of us to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, so that his people would learn to serve and his Body would grow strong. This will continue until we're united by our faith and understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him." Ephesians 4:11–13 (CEV)
Action Plan: Who is already a coach in your life, maybe unofficially? Who can you enlist as a coach? Talk to a few possible people asking God to direct the conversation so you'll know who is a few steps ahead who can offer advice and encouragement.
4. Lasting change requires the Holy Spirit
"This is the word of the Lord: 'You will not succeed by your own strengthor power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord." Zechariah 4:6 (NCV)
"As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and morelike Him." 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TLB)
Action Plan: Start or restart your daily quiet time. Ask The Holy Spirit to be your companion while reading God's word for insight and direction in each day's trials. If you have stopped doing this daily, don't let guilt stop you from starting afresh.
