Why People Do Change and How to Achieve Biblical Change Through Christ

Change is an inherent part of the human experience. We see it in the seasons, in the growth of children, and in the evolution of societies. But personal change, particularly in the realm of spiritual and moral transformation, can often seem elusive or difficult to attain. Yet, the Bible offers a clear path for meaningful and lasting change through Jesus Christ.

Why People Do Change

1. Divine Transformation:
• New Creation in Christ: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). When we accept Christ, we are fundamentally transformed from within.
• Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit works in believers to convict, guide, and empower them for godly living (John 16:8, Galatians 5:22-23).
2. Renewed Mind:
• Renewal through the Word: Romans 12:2 exhorts believers to "be transformed by the renewal of your mind." Immersing ourselves in Scripture reshapes our thoughts and aligns them with God's truth.
• Mind of Christ: Philippians 2:5 encourages us to adopt the mindset of Christ, which promotes humility, selflessness, and obedience to God.
3. Community Influence:
• Fellowship and Accountability: "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). Being part of a supportive Christian community encourages growth and accountability.
• Encouragement and Support: Hebrews 10:24-25 highlights the importance of encouraging one another in love and good deeds, spurring each other toward positive change.

Steps to Biblical Change Through Christ

1. Recognize the Need for Change:
• Self-Examination: Psalm 139:23-24 invites God to search our hearts and reveal any offensive ways, leading us in the way everlasting. Honest self-assessment is crucial.
• Acknowledgment of Sin: 1 John 1:9 assures us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.
2. Repentance:
• Turn Away from Sin: Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God. Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out."
• Godly Sorrow: 2 Corinthians 7:10 states that "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret."
3. Renew Your Mind:
• Meditate on Scripture: Psalm 1:2-3 describes the blessedness of meditating on God's law day and night, leading to a fruitful and prosperous life.
• Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, which He gives generously to all without finding fault.
4. Depend on the Holy Spirit:
• Seek His Guidance: Galatians 5:16 instructs us to "walk by the Spirit," which involves seeking His guidance and strength daily.
• Fruit of the Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in your life (Galatians 5:22-23).
5. Engage in Christian Community:
• Join a Fellowship Group: Hebrews 10:25 emphasizes the importance of meeting together and encouraging one another.
• Accountability Partners: Find someone who can hold you accountable, pray with you, and encourage you in your walk with Christ (James 5:16).
6. Practice Spiritual Disciplines:
• Prayer: Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our requests to God through prayer, which brings peace that transcends understanding.
• Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18 teaches about the spiritual discipline of fasting, which draws us closer to God.
• Service: Mark 10:45 highlights Jesus' example of serving others, which we are called to emulate.
7. Persevere in Faith:
• Endure Hardships: James 1:2-4 teaches that trials produce perseverance, which leads to maturity and completeness.
• Hope in Christ: Romans 5:3-5 reminds us that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, which does not put us to shame because of God's love poured into our hearts.

Conclusion

Biblical change is not about striving to be better in our own strength but about surrendering to the transformative power of Jesus Christ. It involves recognizing our need for change, repenting of our sins, renewing our minds through Scripture, depending on the Holy Spirit, engaging in Christian community, practicing spiritual disciplines, and persevering in faith. Through these steps, we can experience the profound and lasting change that God desires for us, becoming more like Christ in every aspect of our lives.