Monday, January 30, 2006 · no responses · comments closed

Yesterday, Chris taught one of the best lessons I’ve heard from him. As a conclusion to a series on changing our thinking, he explained the power of words. This is a topic that is deeply important to me, in large part because I’ve experienced the power of both wrong and right words to bring about change.

He finished with what he called “the good news”: that God will change us from the inside out. One of the things I appreciate about Chris’s teaching is that he balances practicality — “do this and you’ll see better results” — with the core truth of Christianity: “apart from Me you can do nothing.” In the epistles, Paul presents the theology of Christ in us first, then gives the practical application. Chris tends to work the other way around: “here are some things to do to improve your relationships. And by the way, you’ll only get so far on your own. The real power is God in you.”

Chris used Ezekiel 33:25 — 27:

Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command. (NLT)

The first point Chris made — and this is something I have never heard — was that Calvary brought not just forgiveness but cleansing. It occurs to me that forgiveness is about relationship: it removes the barrier of sin between me and God or me and another person. Cleansing is about me alone.

I say something stupid to injure my relationship with my wife. When she extends forgiveness, she’s saying, “This thing you said is no longer between us. We have a free, unhindered relationship.” But what about what’s inside me? My stupidity may not be on her mind anymore, but it may well continue to plague me, whether I’m prone to guilt or the enemy simply takes advantage of the situation. Cleansing deals with the guilt, shame, hopelessness (“I can’t believe I said that again — how can I change?”) that can weigh me down. Only God can bring cleansing, and the amazing thing is that He promises to do so.

God also promises us a new heart and a new spirit. I like the way the New Living Translation says it: “a new heart with new and right desires.” That’s what we need, right? If my words and actions reveal my heart, and my words and actions are wrong, then I need new and right desires. He also promises that this heart will be obedient — soft, pliable, of flesh rather than stone.

Finally, God promises us that His Spirit will be put in us so we will obey. Other translations say He will “cause” us to obey. Whatever the word, the point is clear: the Holy Spirit within results in obedience. Chris finished by saying, “You’ll delight in doing what God desires.” And I said I never hear anyone use that word! I think the Holy Spirit prompted that just for me.