Memory verse
“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.” Isaiah 43:18
Lesson Text
LESSON INTRODUCTION
The only permanent thing in life is change. Becoming a child of God involves a change process (2 Cor. 5:17). We were transformed from the kingdom of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pt. 2:9). We entered into a world of new creatures where we have to learn and live a new kind of life that He gave us. To live this new life effectively, we will need to have a mindset that embraces change and that is not moved by the effect of the changes.
A reconciliation of man back to God, thus qualifying men to become coworkers with God.
LESSON OUTLINES
A. WHY CHANGE IS NEEDED
B. AREAS OF CHANGE
A. WHY CHANGE IS NEEDED
They say old habits are hard to die but as children of God, letting go of old habits are very much needed. Here are some reasons why they are needed:
- God has promised to do something new for us, but a major problem is that we want God to do something new for us, while we keep doing the same old things. Isa. 43:18-19
- One of God’s ways of changing our situations is to first change us so we must be willing to yield to His pruning. Remember that a new wine should be in a new wineskin. Lk. 5:37-39, Mk. 2:22
- God needs to change our ideology so that He can put His ideology in us. In Gen. 21:10-13, we see that even the best of our ideas are really foolish when we put them side by side with God’s idea. Although it sounded like a good idea not to cast out Ishmael since he was Abraham’s son, God wanted him to do the exact opposite.
- Therefore, our “good idea” might not be “God’s idea.”
- That we may become like Him – Praying in the night for somebody who enjoys sleep is not interesting but to become like God, it will require some molding process. God is molding us ino the image of His dear Son. 2 Cor. 4: 16-18
- To radiate His glory and cause others to come to Him (2 Cor. 3:18; Matt.5:16)
B. AREAS OF CHANGE
- We have to change the way we live daily. We have to live in holiness
(1 Pt. 1:15-16; Heb. 12:14). You have to resist those urges to sin (Heb.12:4). It must include body, soul and Spirit. 1 Thess. 5:23 - We have to increase the time we spend in the study of the Word -2Tim. 2:15; Col. 3:16
- Also, our prayer life needs to change for the better. The amount of time we spend now seeking God in prayer isn’t the best we can do. We have to strive for more. Ps. 55:17; Eph. 6:18; Philippians. 4:6
- Fasting is another area we need to change (Matt. 6:16). There have been several arguments about whether or not there’s a need for the believer to fast. The answer is yes because scripture says so. The final authority is the word of God so we ought to fast. Let go of the excuses and decide to set up fasting days for you and your family.
- The great commission centers around soul winning (Mk. 16:15-16).As true friends of Jesus, we have to take soul-winning seriously. Jn.15:14-16
- Another area which God wants us to change is in the fulfillment of vows. When we make a pledge unto God, we have to fulfill it. Ps. 50:
14-15 - Lastly, God wants us to be better in our interpersonal relationship with Christ. He wants our fellowship with Him to be better daily. It is our responsibility to seek Him (Ps. 63:1), and He will draw near to us. Jam. 4:8
CONCLUSION
One key aspect of change is letting go of the past. They may look good or precious, but they all must go. If they are not in God’s plan for your life, let them go. Let go of whatever the flesh is asking for, regardless of how painful it is. Until we let go and fully embrace the change God requires for each and everyone of us, we might never fully manifest God’s plan for our lives.
QUESTIONS
- In what other areas of our lives does God expect changes?
- Who benefits when we embrace change and live our lives as God
expects?