Guiding Question: What’s the one real change you need to make this year—and how can becoming different help you make a difference?

Summary

Description: To kick off the new year, Robert Lewis addresses the universal desire for personal transformation and the difficulty many face in making lasting change. Using Ephesians 4 and 5, he contrasts the world's futile patterns of living with the “new self” available through Christ. Rather than calling for sweeping resolutions, Lewis challenges listeners to identify and commit to just one change that would dramatically improve their lives. He emphasizes that real change is not only possible but deeply impactful—both for the individual and for those around them. Through scripture, storytelling, and practical insight, he invites each listener to break free from old patterns and embrace a new life marked by spiritual growth and integrity.

Outline:

1. The Challenge of Change

   • Why most New Year’s resolutions fail: too much, too fast, or giving up.

   • The importance of aiming for one meaningful, realistic change.

2. Cultural Resistance and Personal Resignation

   • The dangers of either trying too much or believing we can’t change at all.

   • Covey’s metaphor of launch: most effort is needed at the beginning.

3. A Story of Transformation

   • Governor Mike Huckabee’s physical transformation as a metaphor for spiritual change.

   • Key motivators: faith, fitness, family.

4. The Christian Life as Real Change

   • Paul’s vision in Ephesians 4–5: living differently from the world.

   • Putting off the “old self” and putting on the “new self” through practical, moral change.

5. Examples of the New Self

   • Telling the truth, controlling anger, giving generously, speaking life, pursuing sexual purity.

   • Not just religious behaviors, but real lifestyle changes.

6. The Power of One Change

   • A single, authentic change can set the course for a life of transformation.

   • Offers hope to others and confirms the reality of our faith.

7. Testimony and Challenge

   • A moving story of reconciliation after 11 years of estrangement.

   • Encouragement to identify your “one thing” and ask God to help you change it.

8. The Rewards of Change

   • Richer life, deeper faith, influence on others, and the pleasure of God.

Key Takeaways

• Real, lasting change requires focus, humility, and the help of God—not just willpower.

• Trying to change too much at once often backfires; instead, aim for one significant change.

• Spiritual growth is shown in real-life actions, not just religious routines.

• Becoming different is how we make a difference in the world.

• God partners with us when we sincerely commit to growth and transformation.

• Even one real change can lead to freedom, new options, and a renewed walk with God.

Scriptural References

• Ephesians 4:17–24 – Put off the old self, be renewed, and put on the new self.

• Ephesians 5:3–14 – A call to walk in light and purity, reflecting Christ.

• Romans 12:2 – Transformation by renewing the mind (implied concept).

• John 8:32 The truth will set you free (referenced in testimony).

• Psalm 23, Joel 2:25, Jeremiah 30:17 – Restoration and healing (echoed from prior messages).

• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Eternal hope (part of larger biblical context).

Recorded 1/9/05