Last week we talked about how we are powerless to change ourselves. Though we are powerless to change ourselves, we are not without hope for change. When we look at our struggles, we often feel helpless in our sin. But this is right where the heart of the good news meets us: “While we were helpless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). God can and will liberate us from the power of sin.

NOTE: POSTS IN THIS SERIES HAVE BEEN ADAPTED LARGELY FROM A STUDY CALLED “CHRISTIAN RECOVERY” FROM PROVIDENCE CHURCH.

The God who spoke the world into existence, who continues to uphold it by the power of his Word, who loves us more than we love ourselves, and who raised Jesus from the dead can absolutely deliver us from our sin. Not only is God able, he is willing and ready to help us. We are his children, and he is eager to bestow his best gifts on his children (Matthew 7:11). Indeed, God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). We have every reason to hope that God can change us.

DISCOVERING THE PRINCIPLE IN SCRIPTURE

We all want to have hope, but we also wrestle with doubt because of the real struggles continually in front of us. Let’s look at a passage that highlights this struggle and as we read it, I just want you to look for what it says about the tension between doubt and hope. Read Mark 9:14-29

  1. What does this story teach us or illustrate about doubt and hope?
  2. Jesus said, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” What is the only instance of prayer in this story?
  3. What about that prayer do you think Jesus likes? Why is it effective?
  4. How do you identify with that prayer? (A mix of hope and doubt).
  5. What is one area where you believe – consciously or subconsciously – that God cannot or will not liberate you from the power of sin? Why do you feel that way?

This passage shows us the connection between faith and hope. Our hope for change is fueled by faith in Jesus and what He has done for us. There are three aspects of our hope, three things we need to take hold of by faith.

Justification: God has set us free from the penalty of sin. We are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ!

Strength: God has set us free from the power of sin. By the power of God’s Spirit who lives in us, we have all the strength we need to resist temptation.

Renewal: God can and will renew our minds and our desires. We sin because temptation is appealing, but God will change us so that His ways become more delightful to us than sin.

APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE

We want to talk about the concept of hope and connect it to a specific struggle in our lives. Remember, the more specific you can be about your actual life, the better.

We all need help understanding the role that doubt is playing in our struggles to change. Read through the three areas of promise below (justification, strength, and renewal) for greater insight into your own specific struggle, and answer any of the descriptive questions that seem particularly relevant.

Justification: God has set us free from the penalty of sin. We are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ!

  1. How do I let guilt produce doubt in me?
  2. Do I feel like God can’t forgive me?
  3. Do I feel like I need to do better before God will forgive me?
Strength: By the power of God’s Spirit who lives in us, we have all the strength we need to resist temptation.
  1. How do I delude myself into believing I am unable to resist sin?
  2. What the triggers for this struggle? What are the common elements of temptation?
  3. Why do I give in? Why do I feel helpless to resist temptation in the moment?
Renewal: We sin because temptation is appealing, but God changes our desires so that His ways become more delightful to us than sin.
  1. What deceitful promise does sin offer me? Why is the temptation appealing? What am I looking for, hoping sin will give me?
  2. What does sin actually give me … what are the consequences?
  3. How is life with God and obedience to Him better?
  4. Where is doubt creeping into your struggles (be specific)?
  5. What do you need to believe about the hope that God gives you through Jesus (be specific)?

 

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT FOR GOING DEEPER

Below is a chart to help you think through this principle as it relates to your specific struggles. We have given the example of anger. Identify and articulate three more areas where you struggle with doubt and despair, and discuss them with your mentor. Spend time meditating on Romans 8:1 – 11 this week.