Embrace a New Perspective

Isaiah 43:16–19 NIV84

16 This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17 who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

Introduction

Welcome, beloved. Today we'll explore how God calls us to transform our minds and embrace new perspectives that align with His truth.

1. God’s Power to Make a Way

A. The God of the Impossible

Exodus 14:21–22 “21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, 22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.”

B. Put on the Mind of Christ

Philippians 2:5–8 “5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

C. Break Old Thought Patterns

2 Corinthians 10:5 “5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

2. Let Go of the Past

A. Release of Former Things

Luke 5:36–38 “36 He told them this parable: “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.”

"No one pours new wine into old wineskins."

B. Freedom from Past Bondage

Galatians 5:1 “1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

C. Embrace New Identity

2 Corinthians 5:17 “17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

3. Recognize the New Thing

A. Grow in Understanding and Discernment

Proverbs 4:7 “7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

1 Corinthians 2:9–10 “9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— 10 but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”

B. Learn from Others

Proverbs 27:17 “17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

C. Accept New Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:”

4. Participate in God’s New Work

A. Put Knowledge into Action

James 1:22 “22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

B. Be Courageous in Obedience

Joshua 1:9 “9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””

C. Kingdom Partnership

1 Corinthians 3:9 “9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Conclusion

As we close, remember that embracing new perspectives isn't just about changing our minds—it's about allowing God to transform us from the inside out. Let's commit to seeing ourselves, others, and our circumstances through His eyes.

Prayer Focus: Lord, help us to see as You see, think as You think, and embrace the new perspectives You want to give us. Transform our minds and hearts to align with Your truth. Amen.