When Stubbornness Has You Stuck - Change Church Podcast

Summary

Change Church Podcast Episode Title: When Stubbornness Has You Stuck
Host: Pastor Dharius Daniels
Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction

In the episode "When Stubbornness Has You Stuck," Pastor Dharius Daniels delves deep into the biblical narrative of the two thieves crucified alongside Jesus, drawing lessons on stubbornness and self-sabotage. As the concluding sermon of the "Goaded All Year" series, this episode focuses on overcoming personal resistance to fully embrace God's intentions.

Biblical Foundation: Luke 23:39-43

Pastor Daniels begins by reading from Luke 23:39-43, highlighting the interaction between Jesus and the two criminals crucified beside Him:

"Don't you fear God since you're under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we're getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." (00:03:51)
"Jesus answered him, truly, I say to you today you will be with me in paradise." (00:04:11)

He emphasizes the often-overlooked response of the second thief, using it to explore the theme of stubbornness that can hinder one's spiritual progress.

Stubbornness vs. Sinfulness

A key principle Pastor Daniels introduces is:

"Some of our self-sabotage is not always a result of our sinfulness. Sometimes it's a consequence of our stubbornness." (00:03:51)

He argues that obstacles in fulfilling God's purpose are not solely due to sin but often stem from a "stiff neck," an Old Testament term describing resistance and unwillingness to change.

Scriptural Insights on Stubbornness

Pastor Daniels references Exodus 32:9, where God describes the Israelites as a "stiff-necked people," emphasizing their resistance despite witnessing God's miracles. This metaphor underscores the recurring biblical theme that stubbornness impedes divine intentions.

Modern Application: Overcoming Resistance

The discussion transitions to contemporary life, urging listeners to identify areas where stubbornness holds them back. Pastor Daniels posits that:

"The obstacle to God accomplishing His intention in your life isn't always sin. Sometimes it's stubbornness disguised as independence." (00:04:24)

He challenges believers to shift their mindset from self-reliance to surrendering control, allowing God to guide necessary adjustments for growth.

The Cross as a Symbol of Struggle and Purpose

Pastor Daniels elaborates on the crucifixion context, noting that Jesus was crucified alongside two other men. He uses this trio to illustrate different responses to suffering and divine purpose:

"Three men on three crosses. Jesus is in the middle." (00:07:55)

By comparing the two thieves' reactions, he highlights how stubbornness can lead to self-sabotage, while surrender opens the door to redemption.

Shame and Redemption

Addressing the weaponization of shame, Pastor Daniels warns:

"Shame is a weapon of warfare. It is insane." (00:13:06)

He encourages believers to embrace God's redemptive nature, which transforms embarrassment and shame into tools for liberation from societal opinions and personal insecurities.

Purpose in Suffering

A significant portion of the sermon focuses on finding purpose in personal suffering. Pastor Daniels suggests that:

"Maybe the cross is actually a symbol of inconvenience." (00:20:38)

He posits that suffering positions individuals to minister to others in similar pain, fostering a sense of community and mutual support rooted in shared experiences.

Five Practical Takeaways

Towards the end of the episode, Pastor Daniels outlines five actionable points to combat stubbornness and prevent self-sabotage:

Stubbornness Contributes to Self-Sabotage:
Refusal to adapt or change strategies leads to missed opportunities.

"Some people's open mouths are what keep closing doors." (00:24:25)
Recognize Personal Faults:
Ownership of one's actions is crucial for personal growth and avoiding stagnation.

"Because there's no ownership, there can be no adjustment." (00:25:51)
Rethink Your Strategy:
Aligning methods with missions ensures flexibility and effectiveness.

"Stubbornness won't let you rethink your strategy." (00:27:02)
Release Grudges:
Unforgiveness stems from stubbornness and blocks entry into paradise.

"Paradise is a grudge you refuse to bury." (00:25:51)
Repurpose Suffering:
Transforming suffering into purposeful action prevents stagnation.

"Stubbornness self-sabotages because it won't let us repurpose our suffering." (00:30:06)

Personal Testimony and Legacy

In a heartfelt conclusion, Pastor Daniels shares his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of legacy over inheritance. He recounts the values instilled by his father, highlighting dedication, excellence, and prioritizing family. This testimony serves as a testament to overcoming personal crosses through faith and surrender.

Closing Prayer and Call to Action

The episode concludes with a fervent prayer, urging listeners to embrace God's plan over personal desires. Pastor Daniels encourages everyone to:

"My answer is yes. Before you ask the question. My answer is yes." (00:35:25)

He calls for a collective commitment to prioritize divine calling over convenience, fostering a community dedicated to growth and mutual support.

Key Quotes

Pastor Daniels:

"Some of our self-sabotage is not always a result of our sinfulness. Sometimes it's a consequence of our stubbornness." (00:03:51)
Pastor Daniels:

"Shame is a weapon of warfare. It is insane." (00:13:06)
Pastor Daniels:

"Stubbornness won't let you rethink your strategy." (00:27:02)
Pastor Daniels:

"My answer is yes. Before you ask the question. My answer is yes." (00:35:25)

Conclusion

In "When Stubbornness Has You Stuck," Pastor Dharius Daniels offers a profound exploration of how resistance and stubbornness can impede spiritual and personal growth. By examining biblical narratives and applying them to modern life, he provides listeners with actionable insights to overcome self-sabotage and fully embrace God's intended path. This episode serves as both a spiritual guide and a motivational call to surrender personal control, fostering a deeper connection with divine purpose.

For more messages and resources, visit www.lifechange.org.

Transcript

A (0:00)

Something significant there. All right, well, I'm in this series called Goaded All Year and where I am arguing that Jesus is more than a redeemer who simply wants to get you to heaven. He's a rabbi who teaches you how to live on earth. And so because he's the greatest of all time, we're saying the goat Jesus is a lamb. And the lamb is teaching us, has been teaching us all month how to circumvent self sabotage. So I'm not done with goaded. But this sermon will be the concluding sermon in this volume two, focusing on self sabotage. And so I want to read a few verses in Luke chapter number 23, beginning at verse number 39. You got time for a word today? I say, you got time for a word today, right? Luke 23:39 says, One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him. Aren't you the Messiah? Save yourself and us. But the other criminal rebuked him. Don't you fear God since you're under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we're getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong. Then he said, jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, truly, I say to you today you will be with me in paradise. I want to stop the reading of scripture there. Typically, when this text is taught, the focus is on the thief on the cross that acts to be with Jesus in paradise. Today I want us to pay attention to the other thief on the cross because he's got something to teach us as well. And so I want to use him to teach us something today that's captured in this subject. When stubbornness has you stuck. I got that response at the other two services. When stubbornness has you stuck, clap your hands if you're ready for a word from God. This passage in Luke 23 introduces a powerful principle that can be captured in the following phrase. I'm going to see if I can get three Amens right here. Some of our self sabotage is not always a result of our sinfulness. Sometimes it's a consequence of our stubbornness. In other words, we can end up stuck in seasons we don't have to be in, not because of recklessness, but because of resistance. The issue that contributes to immobility and under optimization for many individuals isn't just that they are evil, it is they are uncultureable. I'm simply using this introduction as an opportunity to suggest, family, that the obstacle to God accomplishing His intention in your life isn't always sin. Sometimes it's stubbornness disguised as independence. And we see examples of this all throughout Scripture. As a matter of fact, it is God who who regularly and repeatedly attributes this issue to being the Achilles heel for his people in the Old Testament. His people that he wanted to bring out of Egypt into Canaan, out of a land of not enough, into a land that was agriculturally rich, flowing with milk and honey. A metaphor for the life that God has designed for us to live in in Christ. And God very often said to this people, your issue that keeps you stuck in a season you don't have to be in is that are. Here's the word stiff necked. He says it here in Exodus, chapter 32, verse number nine. He's speaking to Moses and says, I.