God Holds The Key

Introduction

What is there that is out of control in your life? Temper? Eating? Drinking?

What do you do to get your life back under control? Self help, or maybe just live in Denial?

No, the answer is not in either of these. Actually, God holds the key. Look at Isaiah 61:1. Jesus used this same passage to refer to himself in Luke 4:18-21.

You need to know that you don't have to continue the cycle of failure in your life. God holds the key to overcoming those things that are out of control in your life. What must you do? Several things.

I. Quit Playing God

You don't hold the key to victory, God does! The secret to personal change is not willpower. Have you ever made a promise to quit something, or to make a lifestyle change only to fail? You made a commitment to turn over a new leaf, but the wind blew and scattered the leaves. Any attempt to overcome the things that control you apart from God only leads to defeat. Think of what personal will-power, without God, lead too.

A.Confusion

Why do I keep making the same mistakes over and over?

B. Frustration

You have the desire, but you don't have the power - "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

II. Exchange a Lie for the Truth

Behind all self-defeating behaviors is a lie that I am believing. I accept something that isn't true - something that isn't true about myself, others, God, or my past.

A. Believe that Bad Belief Leads to Bad Behavior

Many people just do not believe that bad belief leads to bad behavior. Jesus said, "the truth will set you free." Jesus is the truth that brings you freedom.

B. Believe God wants to Set you Free

Because of God's love you are forgivable. Because of God's love you are capable. Many people continue a cycle of failure because of insecurity. Real security is possible only when you have something that's #1 in your life that cannot be taken away from you. Anything other than God that is first in your life will lead to insecurity.

C. Believe Christ can Set you Free.

You don't have the power to change, but God does. You have to believe Christ can change you. There are people in this church who are struggling with getting your life under control. Some of you are struggling with addictions in your life. The drug problem is now a suburban problem. There was a special on television about wives from suburban America who are addicted to crystal meth. Just trying to get through the life as a young moms. Victory over such addictions is only found in God - through Christ.

III. Commit all You are to Christ

You have tried everything else and nothing worked. Plug into God's power and you will discover the only way to break free - for only God holds the key to release you and set you free!