Positioning For Change

9 September 07

1. Introduction:

· Series “Under Cover” surfaces out attitudes to those in positions of authority everywhere.

· As we become aware of negative attitudes and reactions we can choose to change.

· Genesis 45:4-8  -  “It was not you who sent me here but God”.

· Joseph resolved all the injustices:  unfair treatment by trust in God.

· He saw that God turned the evil into opportunity and destiny.

2. The House of Mercy:

John 5:1-5

a) Great Multitude of Sick People – verse 3:

· God is a God of mercy and compassion – willing to heal and restore.

· Great multitudes of people suffer from sickness, abuse, broken relationships.

· Blind – no sense of vision, purpose or direction.

· Lame – unable to walk in the power and purpose of God.

· Withered – unable to function properly – withdraw, turn inward.

b) Abusive Relationships Destroy Lives:

· News paper article:  “Patterns formed in first relationships (parents) determine all other relationships”.

· Pattern     = an original model for copy or imitation.

                        = a plan to be followed in making other relationships.

· Patterns formed in relating to parents – 1^st authority figures become the plan that is followed in every other relationship.

· Abuse      = wrongful use of something.

                        = to change the inherit purpose or function of something.

· If we don’t know the purpose or the design of something  - will mistreat or damage.

· E.G:           *  Alcoholic parent              * Over protective

*  Sexual abuse                    *  Angry

*  Absent parent                  *  Verbal abuse

*  Silent                                   *  Divorce

*  Manipulative                     *  Blended families

· Children are impacted deeply by the emotional /  spiritual environment they are raised in – forms patterns for relating to others.

· Pastor Mike’s personal example.

c) How Patterns Form:

· Experience = beliefs = patters and behavior.

· Painful experiences       =  anger, distrust, fear, bitterness

=  wrong beliefs

= control people and circumstances to ‘feel 

    safe’.

3.  Freedom is a Choice:

· John 5:5-7  -  “Do you want to be made whole?”.

· Key issues that Jesus raised with this man!

a) Freedom is a Choice:

· John5: 6  -  “want” = to purpose, be resolved, determine in your mind.

· Cannot change what others did – can change how we read.

· Self pity keeps people locked into patterns of reaction.

b) Excuses must be laid aside:

· John 5:7  -  “I have no man”.

· To be free is to stop blaming others, making excuses.

· Excuses prolong victim mentality.

· Must take responsibility for reactions to injustice.

c) Put away Sinful Reaction:

· John5:14  -  sign no more – the problem he had was covered by sin.

· Psalm 18:30  -  “As for God, His way is perfect”.

· Psalm 18: 32  -   “He makes my way perfect”.

· Must decide whether to hold onto pain / reactions or to let go.

· Revenge is sweet but destructive.

· Romans 12:17,21  -  “Be not overcome by evil – overcome evil with good”.

· Key:  Acknowledge pain, hurt and reaction.

· Key:  Release forgiveness to offender.

· Let go bitterness / resentment / judgment.

d) Respond to God’s Word with Faith:

· John 5:8  -  “Rise, take up your bed and walk”

· Every word from God has power to transform us if we receive, believe and respond to it.

· Bring the situation to God to empower you:

-  1 Thessalonians 5:18  -  “Everybody give thanks”

-  1 Timothy 4:14-15  -  “Thanksgiving allows God to use the situation for

your good”.

· Do what God say to do:

Matthew 5:44

Ephesians 6:2