2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! BIG IDEA Real transformation happens when the Holy Spirit generates a new heart and reorders affection for Jesus. Matthew 13:44 (NLT) The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. WHY WE STRUGGLE TO CHANGE Our problem is than our surface behavior. Romans 7:18–19 (NLT) 18 …I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Def) sin: “Sinning is any feeling or thought or speech or action that comes from a heart that does not treasure God over all things. Sinning, sins — actions called sins — are any thought, feeling, speech, action that come like fruit, a branch or shoot out of the root of the heart, that prefers anything to God.” ~ John Piper POWERLESS CHANGE: Guilt-Based Change – “I failed, so I’ll try harder.” Fear-Based Change – “If I don’t change, people will reject me.” Image-Based Change – “I want people to think I’m spiritual.” Rule-Based Change – External compliance without inward delight. Our solution is a affection. Philippians 3:8 – “…the infinite value of knowing…Jesus my Lord.” Matthew 13:44 (NLT) The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. CAUTION Transformation Is Not Trying Harder Romans 12:2b (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. What Now? Renew Your Mind with Scripture Continuing the Conversation 1. Which type of powerless change do you most relate to right now: guilt, fear, image, or rules? 2. What competing affection most distracts your heart from Jesus? 3. Which habits or voices are shaping who you are becoming? 4. What is one area where you can already see evidence of God transforming you?