Message Notes

YAG RETREAT II
Session #2
Tuesday, 1 November 2005
First Morning Session
Theme: The Great Makeover
CONTEXT OF CHANGE
Key Texts- For Reference and Meditation

A. Children

1. 1 Peter 2:2
2. 1 John 2:12

B. Young Men

1. 1 John 2:13b
2. 1 Timothy 4:12

C. Mature Age

1. 1 John 2:13a
2. 1 Timothy 3:1-13

THE DOCTRINE OF CHANGE
INTRODUCTION

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…

Hosea 4:6a

1. The Problem of Ignorance of Biblical/Spiritual truths

a) Through lack of teaching

b) Through lack of learning

2. The Consequence of the Lack of Knowledge

a) Destruction- from without

b) Destruction- from within

Understanding the Concept of “Context of Change”

1. Contexts:

a) Natural Growth

i) Childhood – Assistance needed from parents/teachers

ii) Youth- Peers/Mentors/Role Models

iii) Adulthood- Selective Personal choices

b) Personal Maturity (Spiritual, chronological, intellectual, emotional)

i) Awareness

ii) Goal-setting

iii) Wisdom

iv) Focus

v) Strength of commitment

c) Special Divine Interaction

i) Special indications from the Lord

ii) Comprehension of the Involvement/leading of the Spirit of God

iii) Tremendous potential growth

iv) Personal growth/change

2. Significance of “Context of Change”

a) Change takes place normally within its specific context

b) Wrong expectations can lead to great frustration

c) Changes do not usually take place out of their “normal contexts”

3. Importance of knowing where we are in our spiritual growth journey

a) Stage One (Initial- Babes in Christ)

i) Knowledge is vital

ii) Establishing a relationship with God

iii) Comprehension of God’s plan of Redemption

iv) Knowledge and Faith usually untested at this stage

b) Stage Two (Youth)

i) Application of faith in life

ii) Testing of faith

iii) Many conflicts to be sorted out

iv) Possible changes… but these need to be tested

c) Stage 3 (Adult)

i) Insight

ii) Exercise of Will

iii) Steady growth possible

iv) Changes take place

4. Complications that may Arise

a) Where we have not grown up well – In the different stages of life (Reference to physical includes the emotional, psychological etc)

b) Many areas need to be repaired emotional and spiritual areas in particular

c) Changes must take place in both the spiritual and other realms

RETREAT CHALLENGES

1. Understanding of “Context of Changes”

a) Have you comprehended this concept?

b) What are some of the implications?

2. Evaluation of Spiritual Level

a) Are you a very young Christian?

b) Are you a mature Christian?

3. How would you apply this concept of “Context of Changes” into your life?