INTRO – What Is The Issue?

There is often a great disconnect between who you are and want to become in Jesus Christ (Read II Corinthians 5:17) and how you currently live your life. Every person has areas in their lives that they want to change but making simple resolutions usually doesn’t work and you find yourself paralyzed and stuck. Some life changes take place in a rapid and radical way but most often real change is much more progressive and painful. The question is what will it take to go from mere intention to long term commitment?

• Have you made any resolutions for 2009? In what areas of your life would you like to move forward?


• Do you get easily frustrated when you have to work at change? What normally stops you?


• Where do you face the greatest resistance to real change in your life right now?

STEP 1 – Do You Really Want To Get Well? -READ JOHN 5:1-9

In order to truly change your life you must first realize that getting well and whole is much deeper than just recognizing the problem and wanting a quick fix. Sometimes people just want this quick fix to their life problems, like weight lose or finances, but don’t really want to cure the habits that got them into trouble. In fact unholy habits often become the source of comfort and meaning instead of God in which you truly find these things. The first step to real commitment to change is recognizing your own brokenness and asking God for forgiveness and help. When you do that God will meet you there and give you power to begin.

• Being honest, do you really want to be well and whole as God desires or just want to be ‘fixed up’’ but still have things your own way?


• What one habit in your life brings you the most comfort? Does this habit lead you toward growing in your walk with Christ or away?

STEP 2 – Who Is In Your Network?

Read John 5:10. Sometimes it’s not your desire but the people around you that sabotage your commitment to change. People you are with everyday do shape your life pictures, attitudes and vision, and you must do all you can to place yourself with people who will help you see and fulfill all that God has created you to be.

• How would you describe your daily environment or network? Does it help or hinder you from making right decisions in your life?


• Name a close friend or colleague that has been extremely helpful in your walk with God? Do you need to spend more time with this person?

ACTION – What Step Will I Now Take?

Finally, you must be willing to make a total commitment to action if you want to see life change. If you do the same things in 2009 that you did in 2008, you will have the same result and all the same problems.

• First Step - Decide a specific action step you will take.
• Second Step - Lose the excuses: Get rid of everything that continually sabotages your efforts.
• Third Step - Keep Walking: success comes when you continually walk in the same direction.
• Fourth Step - Sin No More: Failure is not an option. (Read Philippians 4:13)

• Name one specific place in your life you are willing to commit to changing?


• What specific action will you commit to doing to start that change?


• Who is one person that will walk this change with you?