Assumption #10 If I make the right choices,
I will grow spiritually.
1. We do have choices and we must make them. Joshua 24:15
& Deuteronomy 30:19
2. Choice is necessary but not sufficient for growth. Mere willpower
fails. Romans 7:15
3. Willpower fails because it is not independent from the rest of the
person. Matthew 22:37
4. If we have problems in our heart, no amount of trying to make right
choices will produce good fruit in us. We must deal with that which drives
our choices. Matthew 7:18 & Matthew 12:33-35
5. If we do not change on the inside, we do not change at all. Matthew
23:26
6. Spiritual growth is both cultivating the good and weeding out the
bad. Leaving the places you cleaned by mere willpower empty, is dangerous.
Matthew 12:43-45
7. Right versus Pure Intentions.
a. A right intention is the choice to do the right thing. 1 Corinthians
13:3
b. A pure intention is wanting what we choose. Psalms 1:1-2
8. Acquiring pure intentions is a process involving working out our
inner conflicts (deep personal involvement and painful surgery) with the
healing power and love of God. Philippians 2:12-13
9. As we struggle towards pure intentions we find ourselves actually
hungering and thirsting for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) with our entire
being, not just because we ought-to. (Will alone)
10. Making right choices is the result of spiritual growth not the
cause of it. Galatians 5:22
11. We need to admit our spiritual poverty (Matthew 5:3,) recognized
that we cannot save ourselves (Matthew 16:25,) nor be perfected through
the power of our wills. (Galatians 3:3)
12. We can choose to…
a. Confess our sins and give up the notion that we can save ourselves.
b. Submit our inability to God and ask help in searching ourselves.
Psalm 139:23-24
c. Repent, make amends and forgive.
d. Take account of our needs and allow others to meet them.
e. Invest in and practice talents and gifts.
f. Seek God and truth.
g. Love one another.