1. We need God and his truth to live as we were meant to live (Gen 1:26; 2 Tim 3:16-17).
2. Each of us has been called by God to be his instrument of change in the lives of others, beginning with our families and the church (Eph 4:11-16; Col 3:15-17)
3. Our behavior is rooted in the thoughts and motives of our hearts.
4. Christ has called us to be his ambassadors, following his message, methods, and character (2 Cor 5:14-21).
5. Being an instrument of change involves incarnating the love of Christ by sharing in people’s struggles, identifying with their suffering, and extending God’s grace as we call them to change.
6. Being an instrument of change means seeking to know people by guarding against false assumptions, asking good questions, and interpreting information in a distinctly biblical way (Prov 20:5; Heb 4:14-16).
7. Being an instrument of change means speaking the truth in love.
8. Being an instrument of change means helping people do what God calls them to do by clarifying responsibility, offering loving accountability, and reminding them of their identity in Christ (Phil 2:1-14; 2 Peter 1:3-9; 1 John 3:1-3; Gal 6:2).

 

 Tripp, Paul.  Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands.  P&R, Phillipsburg. 2002. Page 274