Rev. David Holwick E Twelve Step Christianity series
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
February 6, 1994
Ezekiel 36:25-27
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Step 6: "We are entirely ready to have God remove all our defects
of character."
Step 7: "We humbly asked him to remove our shortcomings."
I. How much of us does God want?
A. We are often willing to turn over our worst problems.
1) Alcoholism, gambling...
2) We turn to God during crisis. Foxhole mentality.
B. A dramatic victory in one area can make us smug elsewhere.
1) It is natural to feel superior to others.
2) For religious people, it is being "holier than thou."
C. God wants all of us, not just a part.
1) We may be blind to our greatest hangups.
2) When all society is racist, we don't mind being racist.
a) Lesbian community in south, persecuted with dead dog.
b) We may go along. But God doesn't.
II. Victory over moral defects is a life-long challenge.
A. It's all in the timing.
1) Some victories come instantaneously.
2) Others are drawn-out struggles. Cigarettes...
B. Genuine change involves human / Divine cooperation.
1) We must be "ready." Implies willingness.
2) God does the work, provides the power.
III. The goal is nothing short of perfection.
A. God's heart becomes our heart.
1) Ezekiel prophecy.
a) New Spirit, heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-27
2) Fulfilled by Christians? Romans 2:21-24
a) Like Jews, our lifestyles often lead to rebuke of God.
B. When can it happen?
1) Some Christians feel it is entirely possible in this life.
a) John Wesley.
b) However, few candidates step forward for examination.
2) All Christians feel it is the aim of a spiritual life.
a) "Sanctification" means giving all of our life to God.
b) We strive until we die.
c) In the end, God alone can make us perfect.
C. Make a beginning, keep trying.
1) "The moment we say, 'No, never!' our minds close against the
grace of God."
2) Analyze every thought, action to bring it under control of
Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
IV. Humility is the key.
A. Not a favorite topic in our society.
1) Michael Crichon of "Jurasic Park" and arrogance over others
in Hollywood.
He is about 8 feet tall and stoops to get through doors.
He admits that everyone else in the area is "stupid."
B. Confusing "means" and "ends."
1) Material pleasures are not the goal of life.
2) They can be a means to that end, however.
3) Character-building and spiritual values must be our goal.
C. Humility can be learned.
1) It is not something we are born with.
2) Humility can take a long time to achieve.
Alex Haley, the author of Roots, had a picture in his office.
It showed a turtle sitting on top of a fence.
The picture was there to remind him of a lesson he learned
long ago:
'If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some
help.'
Haley said, "Any time I start thinking, Wow, isn't this
marvelous what I've done!
I look at that picture and remember how this turtle - me -
got up on that post."
#1885
V. Humility changes our attitude about God.
A. Many view God as a pinch-hitter for emergencies.
1) We live our own lives, and God helps a little now and then.
B. Genuine humility submits all of us to God.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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