Summer Reading Week 2
Sharable notes for the July 24, 2022 message. You can post these notes on your social platform!
Scriptures used: Romans 12:1-2; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Colossians 1:6; John 15:1-4; Galatians 5:16-26
Passages referenced: Genesis 37-50
“The development of character is at the heart of our development, not just as leaders, but as human beings…Unaddressed cracks in character only get deeper and more destructive with time.” John Maxwell
Any change in us that lasts has to be change that happens on the desire level, so that we begin not to just do the right things but to love the right things.
The gospel brings transformation. The gospel changes you in a totally different way, it gives you life within. The gospel changes your desires.
It’s not a list of things that I should be doing for God that changes me; it’s when I stand in awe at what God has done for me that I will be changed.
The only way to really overcome sin is for what your heart most worships, longs for and delights in to be changed.
Religion changes your behavior, the gospel changes your desires which goes to the root of the issue.
If we aren’t growing and allowing the gospel to transform us, how can it work through us to bring transformation?
The Gardner takes out of our lives those things that would be a loss to keep but a gain to lose.
“If I don’t remain in the vine I’ll drift into vice.” Kevin Myers
“There are two types of pain in this world, the short term pain of discipline and the long term pain of regret. One weighs ounces, the other tons. Choose your pain.” Jim Rohn
The process of transformation and developing your character may be a painful process because there are things you’ll have to give up, conversations you have to have, disciplines you have to commit to, but you have to choose your pain - discipline or regret.
Reflect or meet with someone to discuss:
How hard has it been for you to change things in your life that you needed to change?
What have you found that helps you most to embrace change?
How hard is it for you to change your desires?
What steps do you need to begin to take towards character changes that need to happen in your life?
Click the image to start a new 5 day devotion in YouVersion:
Many of us were taught that integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching. This is true, but integrity at its core is all about character. As Christians, we know the secret of how to live with integrity: the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. In this study, we are going to examine the life of David.