A Means To Change Series

M&M’S of Integrity

a means to change

October 5, 2008

Titus 2:11-15

INTRODUCTION

Behavior modification is the use of behavior change techniques to change behavior and reactions to stimuli through positive and negative reinforcement or the reduction of bad behavior through positive and negative punishment.

We use behavior modification techniques all the time.

- It’s the basis of Dog training. Positive and negative reinforcement to change behavior.

- Parents use them. Time outs, groundings, spankings

- Teachers have used them for years. Write Tasks; stand in the corner, dunce caps, detention.

- In counseling I have encouraged people who are obsessing over an issue or an incident, to wear a rubber band on their wrist and when they catch themselves obsessing to firmly but not abusively snap their wrist, training their brain that the obsessive thoughts are bad.

We’ve been discovering Paul’s plan for producing transformed lives in Crete. To some mentoring, discipleship sounds just like another behavior modification technique. The apostle Paul saw it more than just a self help buddy system. He saw and as an avenue of the grace with is ours in Jesus Christ.

T.S. At NAC one of our values is focusing on a right relationship with Jesus Christ, so this morning let’s turn to Titus and let’s discover mentoring’s connection to the what Jesus has already done for us.

T.S. Let’s discover the means to change

Titus 2:11-15

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

GRACE -- Favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that same person deserves.

It’s All God producing change

GRACE IS CENTRAL IN MENTORING TO PRODUCE LIVES OF INTEGRITY.

Why will mentoring work?

GRACE IS NOW AVAILABLE.

One event forever changed our fate.

On April 12 1955, Dr. Jonas E. Salk, "Safe, effective, and potent", were the words used to announce to the world that an effective vaccine had been found against a disease that once paralyzed 13,000--20,000 people each year in the United States alone. Vaccine would be inexpensive enough that it would be available to everyone. Today in the United States the only cases of paralytic poliomyelitis, occur in the patients that refuse the vaccine.

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

Appl: Why will mentoring work, because the grace of God is available to all who do not refuse it. Are you tired of trying to just changes yourself? Isn’t time that you learned the secrets of the transforming power of grace? What does it look like? Mentors help us discover it and model it for us.

OUR PAST IS DEALT WITH.

Hidalgo is the story of a man named Frank Hopkins who is seeking to find redemption from his painful past as the mixed-race son of a cavalry scout and an Indian chief’s daughter.

At the beginning of the movie, Hopkins learns the government is rounding up wild horses used by the Native Americans and is planning to shoot them. The price for purchasing the horses is too great for the Indians. Hopkins enters a 3,000-mile race across the Arabian Desert, competing against great arabian horses with his mustang, Hidalgo. After winning the race, he returns to the United States with $100,000 in prize money.

The final scene pictures men preparing to shoot the captured horses. As they take rifles from a wagon and head toward the corral, they suddenly notice a lone rider on horseback approaching from a distance.

"What’s this bloke doing," the sergeant wonders aloud, "bringing them in one at a time?"

Hopkins rides up and asks, "Lieutenant McNalty?"

"Who are you?" demands the sergeant.

"Hopkins. Frank Hopkins."

The lieutenant says, "Hopkins? You bring a dispatch?"

"Yes, sir."

Hopkins hands them the dispatch. The two men read it and look up in disbelief.

"Paid in full?" McNalty asks.

Hopkins turns away as the men are ordered back from the corral and return their rifles to the wagon. The gate to the corral is opened, and the wild horses are released. From a hilltop, Hopkins watches as the redeemed animals race to freedom.

11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.