The Road To Recovery Part 5

As we approach the end of the year, I find myself busier then ever. I am trying to finish strong and prepare for the up and coming year. God has given me an awesome vision for 2009 and I am exited about it!

God has really used this current Recovery series to produce fruit in the lives of His people. Saints are already on the Road to Recovery from issues that have had them in bondage for many years. God be praised!

Here is the outline for last Sunday’s sermon:

MAKING CHANGES
The Road to Recovery - Part 5
DeAntwan Fitts
Outline provided by Rick Warren (used with permission)
December 7th, 2008

R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y

V oluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask him to remove my Character Defects.

"Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him...and let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind." Rom 12:1-2 (GN)

I. WHERE DO MY CHARACTER DEFECTS COME FROM?

a. Ultimatly My Defects are a result of my fallen sinful nature but My Genetics have contributed to my character defects.

Genetics explain predisposition but don't excuse sin!

b. My Circumstances

Character defects are often attempts to fill unmet needs.

c. My Choices

Character defects are often positive qualities being misused.

II. WHY IS IT SO HARD TO CHANGE THEM?

1. Because I've had them so long

2. Because I identify with them

3. Because they have a payoff

4. Because Satan discourages me

III. HOW DO I COOPERATE WITH GOD'S CHANGE PROCESS?

"..Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Rom 12:2

1. Focus on changing one defect at a time.

An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions." Prov. 17:24

2. Focus on victory one day at a time.

"Give us this day our daily bread" Matt. 6:11

"Don't worry about tomorrow, each day has enough troubles of its own." Matt. 6:34

3. Focus on God's power not willpower.

"Can a leopard take away his spots? Nor can you who are used to doing evil now start being good." Jer. 12:23 (LB)

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

4. Focus on what I want, not what I don't want.

"Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure...Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about..." Phil. 4:8 (LB)

5. Focus on doing good, not feeling good.

"If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence." Gal. 5:16 (JB)

6. Focus on people who help me, not hinder me.

"As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other." Prov. 27:1 (NCV)

7. Focus on progress not perfection.

"God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task with you is finally finished..." Phil 1:6