Message Notes

YAG RETREAT II
Session #7
Wednesday, 2 November 2005
Evening Session
Theme: The Great Makeover
CONVICTION STRONG AND POWERFUL
KEY TEXTS

A. VITAL PENITENTIAL PRAYERS

1. Sins of Youth          Psalm 25
2. Confession of Sin          Psalm 32
3. A New Spirit          Psalm 51

B. A NECESSARY SET OF GUIDELINES

1. Diligence          2 Corinthians 7:11
2. Clearing of yourself          2 Corinthians 7:11
3. Indignation          2 Corinthians 7:11
4. Fear          2 Corinthians 7:11
5. Vehement desire          2 Corinthians 7:11
6. Zeal          2 Corinthians 7:11
7. Vindication          2 Corinthians 7:11

INTRODUCTION

WHY ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE FAIL SO MISERABLY

1. When we ignore the need to change
2. When we make superficial attempts to change
3. “Sorrow of the world produces death”          2 Corinthians 7:10
4. When we just not ready or willing to deal seriously with the areas that need change

SUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE (A Study of Psalm 51)

1. Dealing with sin firmly

a) Recognise its deadliness

b) Record the aftermath of sin

i) People are hurt

ii) The soul is estranged from God

iii) Deep and intense personal suffering

2. Confession of sin

a) No glossing over sins

b) Full confession

c) Shedding of bitter tears

3. Desire for Distinct and Permanent changes

a) A clean heart

b) A steadfast spirit

c) A broken spirit

d) A contrite heart

4. Definite Changes

a) The old is no more

Old things have passed away

2 Corinthians 5:17a

b) Changes in every aspect of life

Behold, all things have become new

2 Corinthians 5:17b

c) Changes will take place internally and externally          2 Corinthians 7:11

d) Changes will take place slowly

e) Changes will take time

f) Changes have to be monitored

g) Changes have to be understood

h) Changes lead to a new plane of thought, feelings, lifestyle

RETREAT CHALLENGES

1. Conviction of the need to change will be impressed upon us by the Spirit of God Himself          (John 16:8)
2. Confession from the depths of the heart must take place
3. Changes will take place slowly but steadily
4. Only then will a new person emerge…          1 John 3:2-3