If you could change a private struggle in your life what would it be? Where does God need to step in and transform your life? All honest Christians know their need for change and transformation. But how do we get there? How do we move forward? Is it just a matter of will power and determination? Is it even possible?
We know that God wants to make us more like Jesus and Paul tells us that real life change is possible because of God’s transforming grace. Fortunately there is no need for despair. Men and women from all walks of life and circumstance can live changed lives in Christ.
God Will Save us and Change us
Grace makes Christianity different from all other religions. To live consistently changed lives we need to remember that God’s grace saves and in Him we have a new identity. God’s grace addresses a problem – our sin; and gives us a promise – a Saviour; through God’s provision of Jesus – who lived amongst us in human flesh 2000+ years ago. God makes us good because he loves us. Yet still we persist in thinking we need to change and be good in order to be saved and loved! In his grace God compels us to live changed lives by training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.
Keep Trying – God is Working
Trying to live a changed life is hard, sometimes it feels impossible. You may feel like you are putting in effort but not seeing any progress. Don’t fake your success or give in to sin and despair. Stop trying to live a transformed life in your own strength!
We need divine grace to consistently lead a changed life. Only God’s grace enables us to turn away from sin and say “yes” to God. The grace that saves us trains us to be able to live for God and wait for his glorious appearing at the end of time! Listen to Reggie Lamityi as he unpacks what this looks like in our lives.
Preacher: Reggie Lamityi
Text: Titus 2:11-16
Preached: 16 June 2019
Location: Christ Church Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
