Change Church Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: This Is Where I Draw The Line
Host/Author: Change Church | Pastor Dharius Daniels
Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "This Is Where I Draw The Line," Pastor Dharius Daniels delves into the profound relationship between salvation and personal standards. As part of the Self Sabotage Volume 2 series, Pastor Daniels aims to illuminate how the revelation of our identity in Christ should inherently elevate the standards we uphold in our daily lives. The sermon intertwines biblical scripture with practical life applications, encouraging listeners to recognize and resist spiritual warfare that undermines their God-given potential.

Salvation and Elevated Standards

Pastor Daniels initiates his message with a bold statement:
"Salvation not only saves your soul, it should shift your standards." [02:15]

He emphasizes that salvation is more than deliverance from sin; it is a revelation of our true selves in Christ. This newfound understanding should naturally lead to higher personal standards, reflecting God's truth about our identity. He elaborates that these standards are not mere rules but are rooted in our belief in God's promises, such as:

• "You are the head, not the tail." [04:30]
• "You are above only, not beneath." [04:45]
• "You are chosen and beloved." [05:00]
• "I will supply all of your needs." [05:15]

These affirmations should serve as the foundation for our standards, ensuring they align with our spiritual identity rather than societal expectations.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare

A significant portion of the sermon is dedicated to unpacking the concept of spiritual warfare. Pastor Daniels introduces the principle of first mention in biblical interpretation, asserting that understanding the initial biblical context of a term is crucial for accurate comprehension. He states:
"Any teaching about spiritual warfare that is not consistent with the first instance of spiritual warfare we see in the Bible is in danger of being in error." [06:20]

Referencing Genesis 3, he explains that spiritual warfare begins with Satanic suggestion rather than outright demonic possession. He breaks down the sequence of spiritual attacks as follows:

1. Human Desire
2. Satanic Disguise – "Don’t show up looking like the devil," as Satan often appears in benign forms. [08:00]
3. Satanic Deception
4. Satanic Distortion
5. Human Decision
6. Life Destruction

By understanding this progression, believers can better recognize and resist attempts to undermine their spiritual integrity.

The Fall of Adam and Eve: A Case Study

Pastor Daniels revisits the story of Adam and Eve to illustrate how Satan weaponizes relationships to foster self-sabotage.
"Satan will weaponize a relationship to orchestrate self-sabotage." [10:45]

He highlights that the temptation began with a seemingly innocent suggestion: "Why does loving you have to kill me? That's not love, that's toxic." [12:00]

The deception involved convincing Adam and Eve that eating the fruit would elevate them to a god-like status, thereby distorting the truth and leading to their downfall. This example serves as a cautionary tale on how relational tactics can be manipulated to break spiritual standards.

Jesus' Rebuke of Peter: Standing Firm in Standards

Drawing parallels to the biblical account in Matthew 16:21-23, Pastor Daniels explores Jesus' interaction with Peter: "Get behind me, Satan." [16:05]

He interprets this as Jesus recognizing Satan's attempt to use Peter's intentions to derail His divine mission. Pastor Daniels underscores the importance of maintaining biblical relational standards, emphasizing that:

• Biblical Love vs. Toxic Loyalty:
  "Jesus didn't confuse biblical love with toxic loyalty. When loyalty requires you to compromise truth, it's not biblical; it's toxic." [18:30]

• Cultural Niceness vs. Kingdom Kindness:
  "Cultural niceness prioritizes keeping the peace over truth, while Kingdom kindness is compassionate yet truthful." [20:50]

• Care Without Compromise:
  "Jesus cared for Peter but did not let that care become a cage that hindered His purpose." [22:15]

These principles guide believers in fostering healthy, truth-based relationships that honor God without falling into complacency or manipulation.

Practical Applications: Shifting Standards

Pastor Daniels offers actionable insights on how listeners can apply these teachings to their lives:

1. Refuse Toxic Loyalty:
   Recognize when loyalty to others compromises your commitment to God’s truth.

2. Embrace Kingdom Kindness:
   Choose authentic kindness rooted in love and truth over superficial niceness.

3. Set Boundaries for Generosity:
   Avoid becoming a "cage" due to excessive care, ensuring that generosity is wise and sustainable.

He encourages the congregation to shift their standards to match the season they are in, asserting that low standards lead to high self-sabotage: "When standards are low, self-sabotage will always be high because your standards are the object of spiritual warfare." [13:30]

Healing and Moving Forward

Concluding his sermon, Pastor Daniels addresses the need for healing past wounds to fully embrace elevated standards: "You can't shift your standards until you heal." [25:00]

He emphasizes that unresolved pain can trap individuals in seasons that hinder their spiritual and personal growth. By confronting and healing these wounds, believers can open themselves to higher standards and greater generosity, aligning more closely with God's calling.

Benediction and Final Prayer

As a final note, Pastor Daniels offers a prayer for those ready to make a decisive move towards healing and elevated standards, reinforcing the message that God will reciprocate acts of kindness and generosity: "What you make happen for another man or woman, God will make happen for you." [27:45]

He assures the congregation that God is faithful to bless their generosity and commitment to living out their elevated standards in alignment with His purpose.

Conclusion

"This Is Where I Draw The Line" serves as a compelling exploration of how salvation influences personal standards and equips believers to navigate spiritual warfare. Pastor Dharius Daniels masterfully interweaves scripture with practical wisdom, urging listeners to elevate their standards in accordance with their identity in Christ. By understanding and applying these principles, individuals can resist self-sabotage, foster healthier relationships, and fully embrace the abundant life God intends for them.

Notable Quotes:

• "Salvation not only saves your soul, it should shift your standards." — Pastor Dharius Daniels [02:15]
• "Any teaching about spiritual warfare that is not consistent with the first instance of spiritual warfare we see in the Bible is in danger of being in error." — Pastor Dharius Daniels [06:20]
• "When standards are low, self-sabotage will always be high because your standards are the object of spiritual warfare." — Pastor Dharius Daniels [13:30]
• "Jesus didn't confuse biblical love with toxic loyalty. When loyalty requires you to compromise truth, it's not biblical; it's toxic." — Pastor Dharius Daniels [18:30]
• "Kingdom kindness is compassionate but not compromising. It's tender, but it's truthful." — Pastor Dharius Daniels [20:50]

For more messages and insights from Pastor Dharius Daniels, visit www.lifechange.org.