You Can Change #30 (Chapter 3)

Tim Chester, in You Can Change:

Without Jesus we can never break free from sin's grip. But Jesus came to set us free from sin and destroy Satan's power. he's begun a process in us that will end with our becoming like God: "we are God's children now... we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). That process isn't yet complete, so we still fall into sin. But we're no longer enslaved by sin. We can change.

More than that, John says holiness has now been written into our DNA! "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God (1 John 3:9). That's the negative: not sinning is in our DNA. Later John states the positive: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God" (1 John 4:7). Love is in our DNA. (54)

Chester acknowledges earlier in this section that these verses can make us question whether or not we are a believer. But just as surely as they challenge us to consider whether we really are born again, they should be an encouragement that if we are indeed born again, God's life is in us in a way that will undoubtedly, unfailingly produce change-- growth in godliness.

So, as you examine yourself, do look for sin. But don't be discouraged when you find it, because you will always find some. Just be quick to confess and receive the forgiveness that comes through Jesus Christ. This is how these verses hold together:

1 John 1:7-10
⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸ If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ¹⁰ If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

And when you examine yourself, do also look for love. Look for good deeds. Look for love for Christian brothers and sisters. And when you see these things, be glad and be thankful to God! He has given you life, and he is making you more like himself.

Is there someone you can encourage by telling them how you've seen God changing them?