WHY CAN’T I CHANGE?

1. BECAUSE I’VE HAD THEM SO LONG

2. BECAUSE I IDENTIFY WITH THEM

3. BECAUSE MY DEFECTS HAVE A PAYOFF

4. BECAUSE SATAN DISCOURAGES ME

Ephesians 4:21–27 NLT

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 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. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

“Since you have heard all about Jesus and have learned the truth that is in him, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must put on your new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness—righteous, holy, and true. So put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because we belong to each other. Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.”

Ephesians 4:21-27 (NLT)

PRINCIPLES FOR PERSONAL CHANGE

1. CHANGE REQUIRES LEARNING THE TRUTH

Ephesians 4:21 NLT

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

2. CHANGE REQUIRES MAKING CHOICES

Ephesians 4:22 NLT

22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

Philippians 2:12–13 NIV84

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

3. CHANGE REQUIRES NEW THINKING

Ephesians 4:23 NLT

23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Think Feel Act

Philippians 2:5 AMP

5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]

4. CHANGE REQUIRES THE HOLY SPIRIT

“You must put on your new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness—righteous, holy, and true.” Ephesians 4:24

“As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him.” 1 Corinthians 3:18 (LB)

5. CHANGE REQUIRES HONEST COMMUNITY

“So put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because we belong to each other.” Ephesians 4:25

Galatians 6:2 NCV

2 By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.

6. CHANGE REQUIRES OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

“Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27