I. Why do we Do what we Do? Because We Want To.

Js 1:14 each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin…death.

A. Why do we want what we want?  Because we value it more than the cost of getting/keeping it.

B. Why do we value it? Because we believe that the benefits (happiness, self-worth/love, how it makes us feel, and how it meets our needs (for Power {security/significance}. Pleasure/ease, Possessions) outweigh the negatives/cost.

II. How do we Change?

Rom 12:1… present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God…2 and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove/experience what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

A. Obstacles to Objectives

Knowledge of Objective;  Effective Methodology;  MOTIVATION

Reprogramming your Robot  (Subconscious: Filters/Perception…Values…Feelings…Habits…Self-Image) Phil 2:13

Neural Damage;  Evil peers 1Cor 15:33;  Demonic Enslavement Js 4:7-10 Submit & Resist

B. It’s All in your Head (we do what we think about)

Col 3:1…seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth

Phl 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, if any virtue, praiseworthy, meditate on these things.

Rmo 6:11  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 8:18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

C. Link “massive amounts of pain” with the wrong value/behavior, and “massive amounts of pleasure” with the correct value/behavior

Proverbs gives wisdom by repeatedly demonstrating consequences 1:7; 22:4  A toddler is trained by consistent consequences 23:13-14

D. Sanctification: It Ain’t Gonna Reign No More

Decide to believe (by faith) the truth that you are dead to sin and alive to God  Ro 6:11-12 2Pe I.-5; I Thess 4:1-7)

Extinguish desire through envisioning consequences and examining motives & the sin process then EXIT at the first sign.Ro 6:19-21; 8:13 3.-5

Admit sin, Name it (sin) and Claim it (forgiveness) in your journey  lJo I.-8-9 If we confess our sins, he isfaithful andjust toforgive & cleanse usfrom all

Don't slip back but do the new thing ... to the point of shedding blood Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin.  Ro 8:18

Align your thinking/values/feelings/actions with the Word of God and Will of the Spirit then ACT AS IF John 17:17; Ro 6:17,- 8:14

Live soundmindedly (purposefully & objectively) as you pursue holiness with others who call upon the Lord 2Ti 2:21-22

Imagine & ingrain the correct attitudes & behavior by thinking & prayer Jos 1:8 ... thou shalt meditate ... for the purpose of obeying Php 4:8

Value holiness and the blessing (reward) of God above all else Ro 6:18,22 Col 3:1-2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Expect God to work through others and trials to produce in you the character and actions of His Son Ro 8:28-29, 32 conformed to the image

III. TOYL Values to Support your Purpose and Objectives

PURPOSE

Eternal/Temporal PowerPleasurePosses

Proactive/Reactive

Process/Product

Purposeful sacrifice/Self-preservation

Commitment/Consideration

WORK

Service/Status

Godliness/Gold

Quality/Quantity

Results/Activity

Team-building/Task-mastering

RELATIONSHIPS

Fearing & Pleasing God/People

Love/Like

Interdependence/Independence

Edification/Entertainment

Listening/Talking

PERSONAL GROWTH

Smarter/Harder

Purposeful Planning/Passion

Self-discipline/Self-indulgence

Evaluation/Escapism

Stewardship/Squandering

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Roots/Leaves

Christlike Character/Couchlike Comfort

Change/Security

Wisdom/Wealth

Holiness/Happiness

MINISTRY

Depth/Breadth

Discipleship/Evangelism

Identity/Performance

Accountability/Acceptance

Compassion/Correction

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. How does someone develop motivation for something? Why are some folks “unmotivated” spiritually?

2. Why do we sometimes have difficulty changing or doing something that’s good and we repeatedly say we want to do?

3. Have you ever changed the way you felt or thought about something? What caused that change to happen?

4. Which value of each pair (above) is a higher value and why? How does this value guide you and help achieve your purpose and goals?

5. What steps can you take this week to acquire Christ’s values and actions? What would hinder you? What help do you need?