"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." (2 Chron. 16:9)
“I’ve found a reason for me to change who I used to be, a reason to start over new. And that reason is you”
(Hoobastank, The Reason)
Why should we start over new?
I. Wrong reasons to change:
A. Trend: Joining the crowd.
– Mt. 3:5-9, it’s not about joining the crowd
– Ac. 4:32…5:11, regret!
I. Wrong reasons to change:
B. Thrill: Pleasing family or friends.
– Ge. 25:28, a family committed to family
– Ge. 27:5-14…41, Jacob kept mama happy, but… Jacob lied Jacob destroyed Jacob regretted
I. Wrong reasons to change:
B. Thrill: (cont.)
– Ge. 34:2…31, family commitments caused unnecessary suffering
– Ge. 50:15, 19, commitment to God led to peace
Godly parents want their children to commit to GOD, not to them.
I. Wrong reasons to change:
C. Worldly Treasures: 1 Tm. 6:3…10
– 3-5, God knows who you really are
– 5, the rich aren't here, Mt. 19:24; 1 Co. 1:18-20
– 6, "When accompanied by contentment"
– 9-10, spare yourself the trouble
II. Right reasons to change:
A. Position: God's Creatures, Occupants, and Children
1. Ownership demands obedience:"No more we’ll have to hear, ‘How late will you be dear?’ We go where we please. And do what we please. We’re in the Army now." (Abe Lyman,
1940)
– Hospitality demands obedience, Ezra 4:14, lit., "We eat the salt of his table."
II. Right reasons to change:
B. Purpose: Vv. 26-27
– "seek…grope…find…though He is not far…" It's easy to do what God wants, 2 Kg. 5:…14 It's harder to run from God than to Him, Jonah
"If you don't make it to heaven, it's because you didn't want to be there!"
II. Right reasons to change:
C. Punishment: Vv. 30-31
– 2 Co. 5:10-11, "fear" - be scared of hell! Mk. 9:43-48, make sure you don't go here Lk. 16:23-28, if the dead could speak!
II. Right reasons to change:
D. Pain: V. 27, "seek" implies separation
– Adam: Ge. …3:24, Suffering!
– Athenians: Suffering! 23, "Worship" Desire 16, "City full of idols" Degree 27, "Grope" Despondency
– David: Ps. 32:3-4, Suffering!
I lost my way today.I wrapped myself in despair today.I found the strength to break through today.And for tomorrow, I prayI still have the strength I found today.
(J. Mulligan)
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