Steps To A
Radically Changed Life

by Omaudi Reid

 

  Leave a Comment or Question >>
Go to Sermon Archive >>
Submit your Sermon >>

 

Introduction: II Timothy 3:6- The scripture prophesies that the last days would be a time of formalism without power. One of the strongest things that hinder radical change in the lives of people within the church is formalism. When people become a part of a church organization, they are injected into what looks like godliness, but they do not experience the life changing power of God. Emphasis is placed on fitting into the 'church form' than real change. So many Christians, do Christian things, go to church, sing gospel music, have a Jesus-bumper sticker on their car, speak the Christian language-church talk, attend all the great Christian functions, but experience little change in their lives.

Sometimes, Christians start out with real changes taking place in their life by the power of God. But at some point in their Christian life, they place a ruler or measurement on their Christian life, and figure this is what the Christian life is; I need to change no more. Therefore, they become stagnant, complacent, having no growth, and a large part of their life is formalism without the real power of God.

Every Christian must keep growing, and changing to become more like Jesus. Unless, we become stale bread, old and deteriorating, and like lukewarm tea. II Peter 3:18- But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

How Can Change Occur? It is the gospel of Christ that has the Power to change our lives. ICorinthian 1:18- The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God that: Brings salvation: Rom 1: 16- power of God unto salvation *from the punishment of sin *from the wrath of God Delivers- makes you free from the control of a sinful lifestyle, and free from the control of the devil. Luke 4:18-preach deliverance to the captives.

Freedom from the things that controls your life addictions, sinful habits, depressions. Makes new-I peter 1:23 *makes us into brand new people Transform-changes us into the image of Christ. Produces Life- John 20:31- That ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. When the power of God touches your life, you begin to change from the inside out: he gives you a new heart and spirit-Ezekiel 36:26-A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. Your attitude changes; your heart toward others changes; the things you want changes; the things you think about changes. Your behavior and action changes. For God to make these changes, you must Co- operate with him. He will not force the changes on you. You have free-will and must make a decision.

The Following Are Steps You Must Take To Change:

OBEDIENCE: I peter 1:14- As obedient children it start with obedient, without this, you cannot move forward at all in your Christian. True faith is expressed in obedience. -Obedience to the word of God -To the spirit of God - It is not enough to say you believe in Jesus, your faith is expressed in obedience. It is not enough for you to come to church, and listen to the preacher, and read your bible. You must obey the word of God. James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Lay Aside Evil Works: I Peter 2:1- Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisy and envies, and all evil speaking... Lay Aside means to stop practicing; stop doing these things; don't continue these habits; change your habits. The things that must be laid aside are the following: All inward sins: such as jealousy, envy, hatred, grudges, unforgiveness, bitterness All sinful actions/Behaviors: such as stealing, sexual sins, participating in ungodly entertainment (night clubs, immoral parties, etc.). All sinful words: such as profanity, cursing, gossiping, hateful words, lying, swearing, backbiting, nasty/immoral jokes Desire the Word: I Peter 2:2-3 - ..as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby. The word of God is like food, without it you cannot live and grow as a believer. And by it, change will occur in your life: Psalm 119:9 - wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed there to according to thy word. Eat the word of God by reading it daily, studying the word of God, and meditating on the word of God. In studying the word of God, do not be afraid to highlight impacting scriptures; try using a concordance to help you in your studies.

Also, try to memorize scriptures that will be a source of strength to your life. Renew Your Mind - this is done by replacing the way you use to think with the truth of God's Word. It means to forsake you thoughts, and learn God's thoughts. In renewing the mind the following must occur: Pulling down of strongholds. Strongholds are wrong patterns of thinking that developed over the period of your life when you thought according to the world, and had sinful habits. Casting down imaginations.

Imaginations are preconceived sinful actions, fantasies and plans of the heart. By meditating on, and learning the Word of God, you'll begin to develop godly thinking. Casting down high things. High things are arguments, excuses and justifications for wrong behavior or actions. They include wrong beliefs, wrong reasoning and logic. You must reject these arguments, and excuses and explain them with the truth of God's Word. Subject every thought to Christ. Exercise rejecting and rebuking thoughts that are contrary to God's Word; do not entertain any unwholesome thought. Instead, practice thinking on the things that are pure, true and godly. Add on Righteousness. Take some time to read II Peter 1:5-7, it gives a list of things to add on to your christian faith once you have believed. It tells you to add on virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Associate with Godly People Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider one another to provoke with love and to good works. Godly people will encourage you and provoke you to continue growing in your christian faith. Find believers that will do the above scripture: provoke you to love and good works. The Hope of Heaven Keeping in mind that one day you will see God face to face should motivate every christian to keep on getting closer to God. I John 3:3 - And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Steadfastness I Corinthians 15:58 - ..Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding. Just keep on moving on; applying the word of God continually, never giving up or looking back. Radical change does not happen in the lives of people that are quick to give up. But in those who discipline themselves to obey God's word, and focus on growing in him.