Sometimes we instantly feel the freedom of Jesus, but other times, we receive our freedom by faith and walk it out, until I am free from the bondage or temptation that I was struggling with.
Question we need to ask ourselves:
How do people change?
Before we can ask “How”, Do you believe that God can cause people to change?
Can Jesus turn it around?
Can He do the impossible?
Can He take out the old and bring new?
Can He break patterns of addiction and write a new story over you?
Myths About change (that keep us from it).
Hebrews 4:16 ESV
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Gods Glory comes to those who draw near to the place that He is!
The Throne OF Grace - Represented the place of a king’s decision.
a. Judgement- Where you get what you deserve.
b. Mercy- Where you are spared from what you deserve.
In light of the finished work of Jesus, we see mercy and judgment reconciled into one throne of Grace.
c. Grace- Where you get what you don’t deserve.
BOLDLY
Constantly.
Without Reservation.
Without fancy words.
With confidence.
With Persistence.
Instead of seeking to see His glory so that we can be changed, we think that we must change in order to see His glory.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 (ESV)
16 But when one[a] turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now the Lord[b] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[c] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.[d]
We do not have to wait to become perfect to enter into His presence, but rather entering into His presence perfects us.
Even in our sin and failures, we must learn to turn to the Lord and seek to behold His Glory. Then we will be changed.
When we behold His Glory, we will begin to reflect His Glory.
How do we let the Holy Spirit Change US?
*1. Let the Holy Spirit reveal. *
Areas of sin.
John 16:8 (ESV)
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
Direction you should go.
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV)
*21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. *
Area of weakness.
2 TIM 1:7 (ESV)
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Proverbs 14:27 (ESV)
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,that one may turn away from the snares of death.
What’s in your heart.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
*2. Let the Holy Spirit refine your life. *
Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.
Refine: To free impurities or unwanted material; To free from moral imperfection; to improve or perfect by pruning or polishing; to reduce in vigor or intensity; to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or untamed.
1 Thessalonians 5:19, (ESV)
*19 Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not put out the Spirit’s fire…(NIV)*
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (ESV)
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
we live in a day when we are more afraid about talking about holiness than we are of sinfulness.”
*3. Let the Holy Spirit redeem. *
TO redeem; To buy back, regardless of it’s condition or past use.
Acts 9:15 (ESV)
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
Discussion Questions:
What is your first response to the statement “People can change”. Where does your response come from?
Describe a time in your life where you received His grace to do the impossible?
How does beholding His Glory cause us to change?
What does it mean to Boldy approach His throne?
What is one thing you are asking God to reveal in your life right now?