Proclaimer Blog
You can change. No really. Even porn problems.
It's a beautiful morning in Leicestershire and we're sitting under the ministry of Tim Chester, author of You can change. He's talking about…change. Here are some highlights:
- do/don't doesn't work – Colossians 20-23. Rules lack any value, but we need to recognise that legalism is appealing. It makes change something we can claim the credit for. One of the primary reasons we don't live more holy lives is because we desire to be known as holy people. Legalists don't wear horns.
- 1 Thess 5.23. Change is God's work. Other therapies may help. But only God can bring lasting change because only God can change our hearts.
Tim explains how we should be encouraged that the Father is involved in our lives; the Son has broken the power of sin and the Spirit is working to make us more like Christ. "The combined efforts of the Trinity are at work to make us holy. Be encouraged!"
Tim has just outlined four "liberating truths"
- God is great – so we don't have to be in control
- God is glorious – so we don't have to fear others
- God is good – so we don't have to look elsewhere
- God is gracious – so we don't have to prove ourselves
Tim is then applying this directly to the issue of pornography.
- While porn promises refuge, the gospel says: God is great, he is sovereign over our lives.
- While porn promises respect, the gospel says: God is glorious, he is the one whose opinion matters
- While porn promises reward, the gospel says: God is good, he is our ultimate and lasting joy.
- While porn promises revenge, the gospel says: God is gracious, he gives us more than we deserve.
And for those really struggling in this area, Tim presents five practical stages:
- abhorrence of porn: a hatred of porn itself (not just the shame it brings) and a longing for change
- adoration of God: a desire for God arising from a confidence that he offers more than porn
- assurance of grace: an assurance that you are loved by God and right with God through faith in the work of Jesus
- avoidance of temptation: a commitment to do all in your power to avoid temptation, starting with controls on your computer
- accountability to others: a community of Christians who are holding you accountable and supporting you in your struggle
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