Courage to Change
Pastor Tan Thai · Sep 20, 2020
This sermon, based on the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, emphasizes that every person needs the courage to acknowledge their sin, invite Jesus into their life, and allow Him to bring genuine change from within. The pastor calls the congregation not to let pride or social pressure prevent them from coming to Christ and living according to His Word.
The sermon opens with a vivid social backdrop: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, daily protests and violence in major American cities, and a pervasive atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The pastor points out that in such a climate, anxiety can paralyze people into inaction. Yet the central message is that believers need courage — not worldly bravery, but the courage God gives according to 2 Timothy 1:7-8, accompanied by love and self-discipline.
The first major section focuses on the courage to acknowledge one's own sinfulness. The pastor examines Zacchaeus — a chief tax collector despised by the public — who threw aside dignity and braved public ridicule by climbing a sycamore tree just to see Jesus (Luke 19:1-4). His awareness of sin was precisely what drove him to seek Christ. The pastor also quotes C.S. Lewis to underscore that pride and self-righteousness — not outward sinfulness — are the greatest barriers keeping people from coming to God.
The second section addresses the courage to invite Christ into one's home (life). When Jesus called Zacchaeus down and announced He would stay at his house, Zacchaeus quickly came down and welcomed Him joyfully (Luke 19:5-7). The pastor emphasizes that when Jesus entered Zacchaeus's house, salvation came with Him (verse 9), because Jesus Himself is salvation. Receiving Christ into one's life means allowing Him to be Lord of every area — work, time, finances, and even the hidden corners no one else sees.
The third section deals with the courage to let Christ bring change, demonstrated through confession and restitution. Zacchaeus declared he would give half his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold anyone he had cheated (Luke 19:8). Drawing on 1 John 1:6 and 1 John 2:3-6, the pastor affirms that genuine faith must be evidenced by real-life transformation, not merely words. The story of Billy — a homeless alcoholic who, after coming to faith, became a powerful witness in New York's Bowery district — powerfully illustrates the gospel's transforming power in a life surrendered to Christ.
The sermon closes with a practical call to action: every person must have the resolve to take the first step — receiving Christ, making commitments to give and serve, asking forgiveness, reconciling relationships, and changing habits of life — because without a first step there can be no further steps. The pastor also issues a timely civic call for believers to exercise their vote in the upcoming election as a bold expression of their faith.