How Can I Change? Radical Measures

Part of the “How Can I Change?” series. See parts onetwo, three, and four

Radical Measures (Matt 5:27-30)

27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.“

What is the passage saying?

1. Sin is more pervasive than we believe

2. Sin is more dangerous than we think (cf Jas 1:14-15)

3. Sanctification is more painful than we want (cf Eph 4:17-32)

4. Salvation is more valuable than we realize (cf Phil 3:11)

Cancer is an excellent picture of radical measures. Nearly everyone has experienced cancer, or watched someone close to them battle it. It can be pervasive without us even realizing it. It can be killing without much more than a hint of problems. To deal with it often takes drastic surgeries, dangerous chemicals, or exhaustive treatments. But physical death is nothing in comparison to eternal death.

How is it connected to grace?

“…outward measures, regardless of how radical they are, can never change your heart” (Lambert, Finally Free, 72).

However:

  • Radical measures are a response to the call of Christ in obedience
  • Radical measure allow you to come to the surface to breathe.
  • Radical measures allow you freedom to pursue righteousness (2 Tim 2:22)

What will it look like in my life? (How does that actually help me change?)

Example: Your friend has a problem. It is a nagging problem. It is a big problem. They can go for a week feeling as though they are growing in Christ like never before, only to turn around and dive into sin. This is followed by guilt, embarrassment, and resolve. But they just can’t shake it. Part of the problem is their access. The computer in their room, the phone in their pocket, the tv in the basement, or that place at the mall are like gateways to spiritual death. How would you help your friend pursue Christ over sin?

Steps:

  • List the times and tools involved in the temptation
  • Eliminate the temptations through amputation, making space to grow
  • Make a plan for pursuing righteousness
  • Follow through

Jay Adams says that there are four factors in achieving this:

  • We must recognize the fact that we will be tempted to repeat our sin.
  • We must prepare ourselves to meet and defeat temptation in the future.
  • If the problem of past patterns surfacing in the future cannot be avoided, then something definitive must be done to prevent us from falling into old sinful ways. We needs to take definitive, concrete, radical action.
  • Nothing must be spared in this process. Improper conduct must be curtailed even at the greatest cost!

What can I Do?

  1. What is there in your life that has been a gateway to spiritual death?
  2. What would radical amputation look like in your scenario?
  3. Talk with your godly mentor about this.

If you keep access to sin close at hand, sooner or later you will dive in. (See Lambert)

 

Resources:

Lambert, Heath. “Pornography, Radical Measures, and the Gospel.” Biblical Counseling Coalition Blogs.

———. “Using Radical Measures to Fight Pornography.” In Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace, 59–74. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2013.