Change For The Better

“I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?” – Romans 7:24 (MSG).

What do you think when you read Romans 7:24? If you are like most of us, we understand exactly what Paul is telling us. “Amen, yes, that’s right, that’s true, that’s me. I can see myself in that verse.”  Why, because when it comes to change we are often our own worst enemies.

There are things we would like to change about ourselves. But the reality is, we often can’t change them, not in our own power. We need an outside power source. You are probably thinking to yourself, “wait a second Marty, I can change.” But can you?  Certainly we have the best intentions. And very often we put in the effort. But at the end of the day, real change requires real power, the power of God.

We need a Savior – someone who can make the changes we can’t make ourselves. The apostle Paul felt that way. Paul says he tried everything and nothing helps. He adds that when you find yourself at the end of the rope, you wonder if there is anyone that can truly help. Fortunately, Paul gives the answer in Romans 7:25: “The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.”

Paul gives us the key to change in Romans 12:1: “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”  In other words, give your life to Jesus and He will change you. When we first become Christians, our priority is not to change ourselves. Our priority is to love Jesus and learn about Him through Bible study, by attending church, by serving, joining a small group and having a quiet time to talk with our Savior. Doing those things creates a beneficial byproduct; Jesus changes you. He changes your attitude, your thoughts, your motivations and desires. 

Change is always difficult. But, it becomes almost impossible without the involvement of God.

Discussion Questions:

1. What area(s) of your life would you most like to change? What are the barriers to making those change(s)?
2. What can we do this week to involve God in the changes we wish to make?