Hillsong Australia PodcastS3E8: Willpower Won’t Win This War | A Conversation with Dale Simons
If Jesus has already won, why does following him still feel like such a fight?
Nathan McLean sits down with Dale Simons, Campus Pastor at Hillsong Melbourne East, to unpack his message This Means War. Dale shares the personal moment that sparked the message, and why he's convinced the fullness of life Jesus promises isn't taken without a fight. Together they talk honestly about the pull of old habits, the danger of a "half gospel", and why winning the war within has far less to do with trying harder than we think.
✨ Key Themes
- The promise required a battle: what Israel entering the Promised Land teaches us about the promises of God.
- Not trying harder: it's not a gospel of works, it's about feeding your spirit.
- Look at Jesus, not the struggle: why old habits lose their pull in his presence.
- Snacking vs feasting: a verse a day is good, but it isn't a meal.
- Regularity, not religiosity: keeping rhythms with God when you don't feel it.
- Repent, replace, refill: three rhythms for the war within.
- The full gospel: forgiveness is the entry point, not the finish line.
📖 Scripture References
- Galatians 5:16–17: the war between the Spirit and our sinful nature
- John 16:7: Jesus says it's better that he goes, so the Holy Spirit can come
- Romans 8:11: the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us
- James 4:8: draw near to God and he will draw near to you
- John 10:10: the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy; Jesus came to give life to the full
📚 Resources
- Dale's message This Means War, the previous episode of the Hillsong Australia Podcast
🚶 Next Steps
- Trade a snack for a feast: set aside unhurried time in the Word this week, ask God to speak, and dwell on it.
- Pray beyond the wish list: spend part of your prayer time simply waiting on God.
- Shift your focus: instead of fixating on the habit you're fighting, spend that energy looking at Jesus.
- Find your people: read a passage with a friend and talk about what stands out.
- Ask to be refilled: invite the Holy Spirit to fill you, every day.
🔗 Links
🌐 Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/australia
📍 Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
📲 Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast on your favourite platform and follow @hillsongaustralia
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