Relying on God's Power Over Human Willpower
Every individual grapples with the challenge of change at various points in their life. Consider the innocent confession of a child named Lily, who candidly admits she can't obey all the time. This heartfelt admission mirrors the struggles many face in their spiritual journey.
The Apostle Paul, in Romans 7, poignantly captures this internal battle. He writes:
"For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." - Romans 7:19
This struggle isn't unique to a select few; it's a universal human experience.
At the core of this challenge is a common misconception: relying on one's willpower instead of God's power. While human willpower, regardless of its strength, is finite and flawed, God's power is infinite and perfect.
John 15 offers a compelling metaphor of the vine and branches to elucidate this concept. Jesus says:
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [...] Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." - John 15:1, 4
A branch, when separated from the vine, cannot bear fruit on its own. Similarly, godly character cannot emerge solely from human willpower. It's by remaining connected to Jesus, the true vine, that one can bear abundant fruit.
While human willpower may falter in producing lasting change, God's unwavering power is capable of profound transformation. This divine strength can turn harshness into gentleness, discontentment into gratitude, and defiance into obedience.
However, the true challenge lies in harnessing this divine power. The secret is to "abide" in Jesus. This abiding isn't a mere ritual but involves a deep, intimate relationship with Christ, continually seeking Him and relying on Him for strength and guidance.
In essence, for genuine and enduring change to manifest in one's life, there must be a shift from the limited reservoir of human willpower to the boundless power of God. Only then can one witness the fruit of a transformed character and confidently proclaim, "I am changed through His grace."
From Now On: Week 4
October 1, 2023 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
Embarking on a Journey of Consistency: A Path to Purposeful Living
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to lose sight of the essence of our existence and the path God has laid out for us. The journey of faith is one of consistent growth, unwavering patience, and purposeful living. As you navigate through the waves of life, it’s crucial to anchor your soul in the teachings of Christ and the wisdom of the Bible, being reminded by scriptures like Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Today, let’s delve into the profound insights from a recent sermon, “From Now On: Week 4,” and explore how you can cultivate a life of abundance and purpose through consistent and intentional living.
Consistency and Persistence:
You are called to be a beacon of light in this world, reflecting the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not merely about the knowledge you accumulate but about the actions you perform consistently. The Bible is filled with tales of individuals like Saul, Samson, and Solomon, whose lives exemplify the repercussions of inconsistency and deviation from God’s path. Your journey is one of steadfastness and commitment, allowing the light of Christ to shine through your every action and decision.
Embrace Small Beginnings:
In your walk with Christ, remember that every giant oak tree starts as a small acorn. The power of small, consistent actions cannot be overstated. It’s in the seemingly insignificant experiences that God prepares you for greater things. Look at David and Joseph; their faithfulness in small things paved the way for their divine destinies. Embrace patience and allow God’s timing to bring forth the increase and the harvest in your life.
Live Purposefully and Abundantly:
God has called you to live a life of abundance, a life that is a testament to His endless love and grace. This abundance is not just material but is deeply rooted in the scriptures and the spiritual richness that comes from a close relationship with God. Align your struggles and pain with Kingdom purpose. Remember, training is pain with a purpose. It’s through this alignment that you can experience transformation and witness the manifestation of God’s promises in your life.
Practical Application:
Embark on a journey of transformation by immersing yourself in daily practices like prayer and reading the Bible. It’s through these consistent practices that you can experience a profound change in your life and become a catalyst for transformation in your community and city. Let your life be a living testimony to the power of God’s word, and let your actions be a reflection of your faith in Him.
Trust in God’s Provision:
While you are responsible for sowing seeds and remaining steadfast in your faith, it is God who provides the increase and brings about the harvest. Trust in His divine timing and provision. Let your heart be filled with gratitude and your mind with the assurance that God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating everything for your good. Hold fast to the promise in Galatians 6:9, and do not grow weary in doing good, for the harvest is sure to come.
Beloved, the journey of faith is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of consistency, patience, and purposeful living. As you walk this path, anchor your soul in the teachings of Christ and let your life be a reflection of His love and grace. Embrace the small beginnings, live abundantly, and trust in God’s timing and provision. Remember, it’s the consistent and purposeful living that paves the way for a life of abundance and fulfillment in Christ.
From Now On: Week 3
September 24, 2023 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
Philippians 3:14 calls us to a higher purpose, declaring, "I press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." This divine reminder encourages you to delve deeper into your faith, to embrace the transformative essence of God’s love, and to align your heart with His divine purpose.
1. Define Your Wins
1 Corinthians 9:24 instructs us, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." You must run your spiritual race with purpose and clarity, ensuring that each step is aligned with the divine aspirations you wish to achieve.
2. Run with Purpose
"So, I do not run aimlessly… I do not box as one beating the air" (1 Corinthians 9:26). Your journey of faith is not an aimless one; it requires focus and determination. Run because you have a divine goal; be purposeful in your journey, seeking the true fulfillment found in Christ.
3. Discipline and Control
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27). The essence of discipline is crucial in maintaining control and ensuring your actions and words genuinely reflect the teachings of Christ.
4. Choosing the Eternal Over the Immediate
In a world filled with immediate gratifications, maintaining an eternal perspective is crucial. Opt for what you desire most in your spiritual journey, focusing on the everlasting and moving beyond the transient.
5. The Fruit of Discipline
"For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11). Though discipline may seem harsh, it is the pathway to a life filled with righteousness and peace in Christ.
Embarking on this transformative journey is challenging, but with God’s grace and your steadfast faith, the metamorphosis of your soul is within reach. Define your wins, run with purpose, maintain discipline, and opt for what you want most in Christ. Remember, the discipline you embrace today will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness tomorrow.
