Don't Go Back The Way You Came

Introduction:

Today, I want to share a sermon titled "Don't Go Back the Same Way You Came." Our focus will be on the story of the wise men and their encounter with Jesus. We will explore how their journey and subsequent warning can teach us valuable lessons about change and transformation in our own lives. Let us begin by reading Matthew 2:12:

Key Verse: Matthew 2:12 (NASB1995)

"And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way."

Point 1: The Journey of Seeking

a) The wise men set off on a transformational journey

- They left their homeland in search of Jesus.

Matthew 2:1–2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.””

- Their pursuit was driven by a desire for truth and revelation.

When you come to Jesus your pursuit should be to seek truth and revelation. Truth and revelation about who Jesus is?

b) Coming to Jesus requires leaving our comfort zones

- The biggest hurdle to your faith is comfort.

- We must be willing to step out in faith.

You cannot encounter truth and revelation about Jesus until you are willing to step out in faith.

That step of faith starts with...

- Transformation begins when we surrender our old ways.

Ephesians 4:22–24 (NLT)

22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

c) Seeking Christ leads us on a path of discovery

- The closer we draw near to Him, the more He reveals himself to us.

Jeremiah 29:13 “‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

- Our journey becomes an opportunity for personal growth and change

Imagine embarking on a road trip without any GPS or maps. Along the way, you encounter detours, unexpected turns, and unfamiliar landscapes. In this same way, seeking Christ often takes us through uncharted territories where we must rely solely on His guidance.

Point 2: The Warning of Transformation

a) God warned the wise men not to return the way they came.

- He protected them from Herod's evil intentions.

- Their encounter with Jesus demanded a change in direction

They could have returned to Herod and they could have reported all they had seen. But God warned them to not go back the same direction.

Go back the same way you came means that you are going back to who you were.

Repeated behaviors. Repeated sin.

b) Coming to Jesus necessitates leaving behind our old selves.

- We are called to repent and turn away from sin.

Acts 3:19 “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;”

If you are tired and weary repent and return to God. You cannot expect to come to Jesus and continue living the same OLD life.

CHANGE…requires leaving the old and embracing the new.

- Transformation occurs when we let go of the old ways.

Ephesians 4:22–24 (AMP)

22 Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion;

23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],

24 And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.

c) The warning signifies the permanence of true transformation.

- When God works in us, it is lasting and life-altering.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

- We cannot remain the same after encountering Christ's love and grace

Consider a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. Once the metamorphosis is complete, there is no going back to its previous state. In the same way, encountering Jesus brings about a radical change that cannot be reversed.

Point 3: The Call to Continued Transformation

a) Leaving Jesus' presence should propel us forward.

- We are called to carry His message of transformation.

Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

IF you have experienced true transformation you want to share it with as many people as possible. You want them to experience the same transformation.

- Our lives should reflect His love and character in all we do.

1 John 2:6 “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”

WHen you come to God (church) and you receive of God you should carry that same light to the darkest parts of the world.

b) True transformation leads to an ongoing journey of growth

- We must continually seek God's guidance through prayer and study.

- The Holy Spirit empowers us for continual change.

Philippians 1:6 “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

c) Our transformed lives become a testimony for others

- Through our changed lives, others can witness God's power at work.

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

- Our actions can inspire others on their own transformative journeys

Imagine being on an escalator that only goes up. As you step off at each level, you find yourself higher than before. Similarly, as we continue on our journey with Christ, each step forward brings us closer to becoming more like Him.

Conclusion: