FEbruary 3, 2008
Change &
Newness IV: Obstacles to Change
First
Presbyterian Church,
Dr.
Will Jones
Luke
18:9-14; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Summary: Christian
change and newness does not come easy because our old, sinful ways are still
within us. Being justified by God’s
grace does not mean the immediate removal of sinful desires, and these desires
remain obstacles that block and thwart change and newness. Three of the biggest obstacles to change are
our pride, environment, and habits, and to overcome them we must live in
complete reliance on Jesus Christ.
Outline:
I. Gladiators & the Eliminator
a. Fury; Stealth; Venom; Mayhem; & Helga
II. New Self vs. Old Self: who’s winning?
a. Justified & forgiven by grace: what a great feeling!
b. Chagrined & shamed by sin: what a wretched feeling!
c. An internal battled acknowledged in Scripture.
III. Obstacles to Change
a. The Pharisee & the Publican (tax collector)
i.
Pride
1. Reluctance to admit need for change
2. Reluctance toward accountability
ii.
Environment
1. People and Places
iii.
Habits and/or Addictions
1. Habit or Rut?
2. Powers of Addiction
IV. Jesus Christ the Rescuer
For a copy of this sermon, click
here …