Changed by Christ
But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. (2 Timothy 1:10-12)
Whenever we try to make a change in our lives, we typically try to change the outside. We change our appearance, we change our habits, and we change our routines. None of those changes will last unless we first change our heart and mindset. Outward change is often a reflection of adjustments we make on the inside.
When you enter into a relationship with Jesus and begin to walk with Him, it is special and completely different. He doesn’t change you from the outside in; instead, He changes you from the inside out. He gives you new desires and a new outlook on life.
Think about the disciples after Jesus’ death and resurrection. During the crucifixion of Jesus, all but one of the disciples ran away to hide. They were terrified that they would be persecuted and killed for being associated with the Messiah. They were cowards.
After Jesus arose from the dead, the disciples were given a new-found sense of courage and confidence in being Christ’s followers. Many of them died horribly gruesome, humiliating deaths because they refused to turn their backs on Jesus. Nathanael was skinned alive. James was dragged through cobblestone streets to his death. Peter was crucified upside down. Those are just some of the many men who courageously stood up for their faith and their Savior.
The only person who could change these once cowardly and fearful men into brave, fearless martyrs is Jesus Christ. He can institute that same kind of change in you, as well. Paul promises in his letter to the church of Corinth, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17) The Lord can change you from the inside out and make you a new creation. You simply need to humble yourself and ask Him to begin that changing work in your life.
Whenever we try to make a change in our lives, we typically try to change the outside. We change our appearance, we change our habits, and we change our routines. None of those changes will last unless we first change our heart and mindset. Outward change is often a reflection of adjustments we make on the inside.
When you enter into a relationship with Jesus and begin to walk with Him, it is special and completely different. He doesn’t change you from the outside in; instead, He changes you from the inside out. He gives you new desires and a new outlook on life.
Think about the disciples after Jesus’ death and resurrection. During the crucifixion of Jesus, all but one of the disciples ran away to hide. They were terrified that they would be persecuted and killed for being associated with the Messiah. They were cowards.
After Jesus arose from the dead, the disciples were given a new-found sense of courage and confidence in being Christ’s followers. Many of them died horribly gruesome, humiliating deaths because they refused to turn their backs on Jesus. Nathanael was skinned alive. James was dragged through cobblestone streets to his death. Peter was crucified upside down. Those are just some of the many men who courageously stood up for their faith and their Savior.
The only person who could change these once cowardly and fearful men into brave, fearless martyrs is Jesus Christ. He can institute that same kind of change in you, as well. Paul promises in his letter to the church of Corinth, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17) The Lord can change you from the inside out and make you a new creation. You simply need to humble yourself and ask Him to begin that changing work in your life.
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3 Comments
May the help of the Holy Spirit keep changing me from the inside out. To be a better beacon for Christ
Thank you Pastor Dodd, as always, a powerful, insightful, strong and faith-filled message that everyone always feels blessed by - glory to God!!!
🙠Amen, well put Anita.