Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The speaker insists on real human responsibility—“put off the old man” and “put on the new man”—and even says many people “don’t like to hear… there’s works involved,” then illustrates with Corrie ten Boom choosing to act before she felt love; where does your community subtly teach the opposite (waiting to feel changed before obeying), and what practices would actually train you to choose obedience first while depending on God to “join you” and change your desires?
Another way to ask: Where does your church or group teach, even quietly, “wait until you feel changed before you obey”? What habits could train you to obey first while trusting God to meet you and change what you want?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s teaching, the opposite error is waiting for feelings to change before acting, which avoids the commanded work of “putting off” and “putting on.” The Corrie ten Boom story teaches that obedience can begin as a choice aligned with Jesus’ words, and God then “joins” that choice by changing the heart.
- He states plainly: “There’s work for us to do…we have the responsibility to…tear down things in our life that are not Jesus’ way.”
- “Put off…former conduct…the old man” and “put on the new man”—a two-sided action, like gardening: pull weeds, then plant.
- He warns some “don’t like to hear…there’s works involved in salvation,” but says it is “very clear” we have responsibility.
- Corrie ten Boom: she “didn’t necessarily feel loving,” but “chose to follow Jesus” by extending her hand.
- Result: “God came…because she decided to keep Jesus’ words…God changed her heart.”