Why Can’t I Change? - Greater Reward Part 2

Why Can’t I Change?

Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 9:24
• 1 Timothy 4:7
• Matthew 25

Overview

We keep setting the same goals—eat better, quit porn, pray daily—yet most resolutions collapse by mid-February. Craig Groeschel shows from 1 Corinthians 9 that the reason is not lack of desire but lack of strategy: we’re “trying” instead of “training.” Followers of Christ are called to run to win, moving from half-hearted attempts to purposeful, Spirit-powered discipline that grows out of our God-given identity.

Context

The message opens with New Year frustration: 80 % of resolutions fail early. The question, “Why can’t I change?” sets up a fresh biblical lens for lasting transformation.

Main Points

Trying vs. Training

• Trying = an attempt to change with minimal commitment; it presumes likely failure.
• Training = a wholehearted, strategic, ongoing commitment to reach a clear goal.
• Illustration: a runner who merely “tries” would never show up unprepared for an Olympic-style race; serious athletes undergo strict 10-month regimens.
• Quote from ancient philosopher Epictetus about competitors being whipped if they quit without cause—proof that training mattered in Corinth.

“I’m not trying; I’m in training.”

Run to Win (1 Corinthians 9:24)

• Paul’s audience knew the Olympic and Isthmian Games; the metaphor felt visceral.
• Command: if you run, run to win—don’t settle for participation trophies.
• Jesus’ parable (Matthew 25) likewise praises those who multiply what they’re given and rebukes the servant who plays it safe.
• Winning, for believers, means pursuing an eternal prize and honoring God with our best.

Identity Fuels Discipline

• Paul “disciplines his body like an athlete,” acting from who he is, not who he hopes to be.
• When you know who you are in Christ—righteous, more than a conqueror—you live accordingly.
• Training isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s becoming more of who God already says you are.
• Declaration taught to the church: “With God’s help we will choose what we want most over what we want now.”

Practical Steps into Training

• Define what you can do today that enables more tomorrow (walk a mile, skip Starbucks, read one chapter).
• Use intentional plans, not feelings, to guide actions: “I run with purpose in every step.”
• Story: Craig’s jiu-jitsu lessons—three private sessions a week, study when absent, celebrating small stripe upgrades as wins. Shows progress comes from consistent training, not occasional trying.
• Temporary setbacks are not permanent defeat; training resumes the next day.

Key Truths

• Trying rarely changes anything long-term; training produces consistent results.
• Spiritual success starts with identity—see yourself as God sees you, then act accordingly.
• Believers are called to honor God with excellence, “running to win” an eternal prize.
• Training is doing what you can today so you can do more tomorrow, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• Winning is measured by daily faithfulness, not distant finish lines.

Response

• Rename your effort: stop “trying” and start intentional “training.”
• Write a simple, repeatable plan that you can execute today.
• Anchor every discipline to your in-Christ identity (e.g., “I am a godly parent in training”).
• Choose long-term desires over immediate urges through Holy Spirit dependence.
• Re-enter training promptly after any setback.

Closing

Craig urged listeners to abandon self-powered trying and embrace Spirit-powered training. When you see yourself as a victorious child of God, every small, purposeful step is a win. Success is honoring Jesus today, running with purpose in every step, until He greets you with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Prayer

Craig led a prayer of surrender: admitting sin, asking Jesus for forgiveness, receiving new life, and committing to live not by trying but by training in the Spirit’s power.