A short time ago I was at my son’s baseball game. In between innings I would pick up my book and continue reading. People would walk by and I caught them looking at my book. I usually really like this as it has been a convienent opportunity to talk about the gospel. In this case however, I was embarrassed. As I sat there reading “You Can Change” I was certain that the people thought I was reading some sort of self-help book. “No!” I thought. “I’m reading about the power of the gospel in the life of a believer.”
After about a inning or so of this type of false thinking and fear of man I realized this is the type of thing that needs to change. I cannot be so concerned about other people’s thoughts. Since I have God’s approval through Christ I do not need to be so concerned with these types of things. Instead, I should be thankful for the opportunity to talk to people.
This was my first experience with Tim Chester’s writings. I must say, I am greatly encouraged. He writes with a very clear, succinct, gospel-dripping style. He seems to simultaneously attack legalism and promote grace. The book is sneaky good.
As the title indicates the premise of the book is a statement of fact: You Can Change. That is, because of the work of Christ and the continued work of the Holy Spirit, people can truly change. This is good and refreshing to hear.
The author does a terrific job teaching and reminding about who God is and what he has done. This puts sin in perspective. It has that ‘how to’ type feel but without neglecting what God has done in Christ and continues to do through the Holy Spirit. In other words, the book connects doctrine to life in a refreshing way.
The chapters then, pivoting out of this fact, are as follows:
(1) What would you like to change?
(2) Why would you like to change?
(3) How are you going to change?
(4) When do you struggle?
(5) What truths do you need to turn to?
(6) What desires do you need to turn from?
(7) What stops you from changing?
(8) What strategies will reinforce your faith and repentance?
(9) How can we support one another in changing?
(10) Are you ready for a lifetime of daily change?
Each chapter ends with application questions and review. This, in addition to the simple and straightforward writing style, makes the book ideal of a discipleship study for a small group of new or mature Christians. As a pastor I am always looking for resources that are clear and gospel-saturated. There are many books that advocate change but there are a precious few that advocate change because of the work of the Holy Spirit as a consequence to the work of Christ. I am thankful that You Can Change by Tim Chester answers the bell.
Discounted copies are available at Amazon or Westminster.
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Below is a video that explains the book a bit more.
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