I CAN NOT CONTINUE LIKE THIS

Title: I CAN NOT CONTINUE LIKE THIS 

Main Text: Luke 15:17-19 - "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants."

By Rev Samuel Arimoro 

INTRODUCTION 

Life often presents us with situations that challenge our faith, strength, and endurance. Sometimes, we reach a point where continuing in the same path is no longer an option. The prodigal son in Luke 15 came to such a realization. After wasting his inheritance and living in misery, he had a moment of clarity—he could no longer continue living the way he was. "I Cannot Continue Like This" is a bold declaration that something must change, and it starts with us. This sermon will delve into recognizing the need for change, taking decisive action, and experiencing transformation through God’s grace. 

1. COMING TO THE POINT OF REALIZATION 

a) Acknowledging Your Current Condition
   The prodigal son "came to himself" (Luke 15:17). Before any meaningful change can occur, there must be an honest assessment of where we are. This realization is often sparked by dissatisfaction with our current state, whether it be spiritual, emotional, financial, or relational. 

b) The Danger of Continuing as Before
   Continuing in a path that leads to destruction is dangerous. Proverbs 14:12 warns, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Ignoring the signs and symptoms of a declining situation can lead to ruin. 

c) A Heart Cry for Change
   There must be a heartfelt cry that says, "I cannot continue like this." It is a cry for a new beginning, for something different. The prodigal son cried out for a return to his father's house, where there was abundance. In the same way, we must cry out to God, our Father, for a change of story. 

2. DECIDING TO MAKE A CHANGE 

a) Making a Decision to Arise
   The prodigal son said, "I will arise and go to my father" (Luke 15:18). Change begins with a decision. Until a conscious decision is made, change remains a distant possibility. Deciding to arise from a place of lack, failure, or stagnation is the first step toward transformation. 

b) Breaking Free from the Past 
   To move forward, we must break free from what holds us back. The prodigal son left the pigpen behind; he left his shame and past mistakes to embrace a new future. Philippians 3:13-14 encourages us to forget what is behind us and press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

c) Taking a Step of Faith
   The journey back to the father’s house required faith. Similarly, our decision to change must be followed by actions of faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Stepping out in faith attracts divine attention and intervention. 

3. THE ROLE OF REPENTANCE AND HUMILITY 

a) Repentance as a Catalyst for Change
   Repentance is a heartfelt turning away from sin and a turning toward God. The prodigal son confessed his wrongdoing and sought reconciliation with his father (Luke 15:18-19). In our journey of change, repentance is crucial. 1 John 1:9 assures us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

b) Humility Opens the Door to Restoration 
   The prodigal son humbled himself, willing to become a servant in his father's house. James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." Humility attracts God's favour and sets the stage for restoration. 

4. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO REFUSED TO CONTINUE AS THEY WERE 

a) Hannah’s Prayer for a Child (1 Samuel 1:9-20) 
   Hannah was tired of being barren and mocked by her rival. She reached a point where she could not continue in her barrenness and cried out to God in fervent prayer. God heard her and blessed her with Samuel. 

b) Jacob’s Wrestling with God (Genesis 32:24-28) 
   Jacob knew he could not continue living in fear and deceit. He wrestled with an angel all night, refusing to let go until he was blessed. His persistence resulted in a new name and destiny. 

c) Bartimaeus’ Cry for Healing (Mark 10:46-52)
   Bartimaeus was a blind beggar, but he refused to continue in that state. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out for mercy, despite the crowd's attempts to silence him. His faith led to his healing. 

d) The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)
   After suffering for twelve years and spending all she had on physicians, the woman with the issue of blood decided she could not continue like that. She pushed through the crowd to touch Jesus' garment and was instantly healed. 

5. THE OUTCOME OF DECIDING TO CHANGE 

a) Restoration and Reconciliation
   The prodigal son's decision to return home led to his restoration. The father welcomed him back with open arms, restoring his sonship and dignity. When we decide to return to God, He restores us and reconciles us to Himself. 

b) New Opportunities and Blessings
   Jacob’s encounter with God opened the door to a new future as Israel. Similarly, when we refuse to continue in the same way and seek God’s face, He opens new doors and opportunities for us. 

c) Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness 
   Bartimaeus and the woman with the issue of blood both received their testimonies because they decided not to continue in their previous state. When we choose to step out in faith, God turns our mess into a message and our tests into testimonies. 

6. HOW TO ENSURE YOU DO NOT CONTINUE IN THE SAME WAY 

a) Develop a Strong Prayer Life 
   Prayer is essential for change. It is in the place of prayer that we gain strength to move forward (James 5:16). 

b) Stay Rooted in the Word of God 
   The Word of God is our guide to a changed life. Meditating on it renews our minds and transforms our lives (Psalm 119:105). 

c) Seek Accountability and Fellowship 
   Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to grow and not allow you to remain the same (Hebrews 10:24-25). 

d) Embrace a Heart of Worship and Praise 
   Worship invites God’s presence, and in His presence, there is fullness of joy and the power to break every chain (Psalm 22:3). 

e) Maintain a Spirit of Expectation and Faith
   Believe that God is able to change your story and act in faith (Hebrews 11:6). 

CONCLUSION 

It is never too late to make a change. The prodigal son’s story is a reminder that regardless of how far we have gone, we can always return to the Father. By deciding that we cannot continue as we are, we open ourselves to God’s transformative power. Declare today, "I Cannot Continue Like This," and take the bold steps needed to walk into your new season of breakthrough and restoration. 

PRAYER POINTS 

1. Prayer for Divine Revelation: "Lord, open my eyes to see the areas in my life where I need change." 

2. Prayer for Strength to Arise: "Father, grant me the strength and courage to arise from my present state." 

3. Prayer for Repentance and Restoration: "O God, I repent of every sin and ask for Your restoration." 

4. Prayer for Boldness: "Give me the boldness to step out in faith, trusting in Your promises." 

5. Prayer for Divine Guidance: "Holy Spirit, guide me in the path of righteousness and transformation." 

6. Prayer Against Fear: "I bind every spirit of fear that is holding me back from moving forward." 

7. Prayer for Open Doors: "Father, open new doors of opportunity and breakthrough for me." 

8. Prayer for Divine Connections: "Connect me with people who will help me fulfil my destiny." 

9. Prayer for Faith and Expectation: "Increase my faith, O Lord, and help me to expect great things from You." 

10. Prayer for a Fresh Anointing: "Pour out a fresh anointing upon me, Lord, for this new season." 

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 

1. I declare that I am breaking free from every form of stagnation and delay. 

2. I declare that I am moving forward by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

3. I declare that my past will not define my future; I am a new creation in Christ. 

4. I declare that every closed door in my life is opening now by divine intervention. 

5. I declare that I am walking into my season of restoration and favour.