The Transforming Power of Grace
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The Nature of deep, lasting, radical and permanent change:
1. Gradual
2. Inevitable
3. Internal
4. Change is symmetrical, interdependent, and proportionate
1 John 4:20 (NIV)
If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.
So How Does Grace Change Our Hearts by the Power of the Holy Spirit?
Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV)
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. [17] For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
[19] The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; [20] idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. [25] Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
1. Start by choosing to deepen our relationship with Jesus
John 15:5 (NLT)
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5-8 (Msg)
I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
To remain and abide with Jesus is to choose to:
dwell and stay as long as possible in His presence
be present and to consciously bring our hearts to be with Jesus
trust Him not based on our understanding but on faith
endure seasons of dryness and spiritual distance by persevering until we breakthrough into His presence
Luke 11:9 (NLT)
"And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…
2. Humbly ask God to give more grace in specific areas of our lives because His grace is sufficient in supply
James 4:6 (NIV)
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
3. Cooperate with the Spirit’s leadership in my life to produce an authentic, unforced change of lifestyle that comes out of a changed heart
Galatians 5:25 (NLT)
If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
The Holy Spirit will lead us to ask for grace in the areas that need transformation…
Additionally, the Holy Spirit will prompt us to acts of commitment.
Galatians 5:22-23 (Msg)
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.