TEMPTATION & CHANGE
The Romans 8 sermon series has revealed the glorious truths that in Christ we have no condemnation, we now have life by the Spirit, and a new relationship with sin and with God. Below are 3 short resources that help put legs on how we can live being transformed. C.S Lewis in Prince Caspian explained it like this:
“Aslan,” said Lucy, “you’re bigger.”
“That is because you are older, little one,” answered he.
“Not because you are?”
“I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”
Below are some resources that might help you with the topic of temptation and change:
1 - “Temptation” by Timothy Lane
Temptation is common to everyone. This mini-book provides a biblical understanding of the source and misconceptions around temptations of all kinds. There are several helpful ‘strategies for change’, that call us to see the path forward isn’t mere willpower, but worship.
2 - “How does God Change Us?” by Dane C. Ortlund
Part of the ‘Union’ series that distils the high points of a longer book into an almost pocket-size one! Taken from his book, “Deeper” Dane Ortlund helps our eyes be lifted beyond the goal of ‘being better’, to growing deeper in our affection for Christ who changes us from the inside.
3 - “The Expulsive Power of a New Affection” by Thomas Chalmers
This is part of Crossways ‘short classic’ series and has brought Chalmers's classic into easy-to-read language with a short encouragement from John Piper included. As Pastor Andrew mentioned, this is a book of encouragement – lifting our eyes not to self-effort, but to have our fleshly desires expelled by the force of a surpassingly greater affection for Christ.
Crossway has also provided it as a free audiobook through their podcast: Listen on Spotify or YouTube.