In this message, we explore the transformative power of beholding the glory of Jesus Christ. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, we understand that transformation into Christ's likeness occurs as we focus on Him. The summer season, with its vibrant display of God's creation, serves as a reminder to see and show Christ in our lives. The natural world around us, from the rising sun to the blooming flowers, declares the glory of God and invites us to reflect His love to others.
The key to transformation lies in our gaze upon Jesus. As we behold Him, we are changed from one degree of glory to another by the Spirit. This transformation is not instantaneous but gradual, requiring us to continually look to Jesus. The analogy of becoming like a mentor through constant exposure illustrates how spending time with Jesus shapes us into His image. Just as the disciples were recognized by their resemblance to Jesus, we too are called to reflect His character.
The passage also addresses the concept of liberty in the Spirit. True freedom is found not in legalistic adherence to the law but in the Spirit's work within us, aligning our desires with God's commands. This liberty comes as we turn to the Lord, allowing the Spirit to remove the veil that distorts our understanding of God's law. By focusing on Jesus, the Spirit empowers us to live in harmony with God's will, transforming our "have to" into a "want to."
As we navigate the distractions of modern life, we are reminded to prioritize our focus on Jesus. The Spirit's power is activated when we direct our attention to what He seeks to glorify—Jesus Christ. This summer, let us not waste the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness. Instead, let us engage with the world around us, seeing and showing Christ in all we do, and allowing the Spirit to transform us into His image.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Transformation into Christ's likeness occurs as we behold His glory. This process is gradual, requiring us to continually focus on Jesus, allowing the Spirit to change us from one degree of glory to another. [08:35]
- 2. The natural world, especially in summer, is a vivid display of God's glory, inviting us to see and show Christ. As we engage with creation, we are reminded of God's handiwork and our call to reflect His love. [03:54]
- 3. True freedom is found in the Spirit's work within us, aligning our desires with God's commands. This liberty comes as we turn to the Lord, allowing the Spirit to remove the veil that distorts our understanding of God's law. [15:02]
- 4. The Spirit's power is activated when we focus on Jesus, whom He seeks to glorify. By directing our attention to Christ, we invite the Spirit to transform our desires and actions, leading to true freedom. [18:22]
- 5. Our daily choices impact our spiritual growth. By prioritizing time with Jesus and seeking His presence in all aspects of life, we open ourselves to the Spirit's transformative work, becoming more like Christ. [19:45]
** [19:45]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Beholding the Glory of Jesus
- [00:59] - Summer: A Season for Seeing and Showing Christ
- [02:17] - God's Creation Declares His Glory
- [03:54] - Transformation Through Beholding Christ
- [05:11] - Seeing Christ to Show Christ
- [06:21] - The Process of Transformation
- [07:35] - Gradual Change into Christ's Image
- [09:12] - Influence of Mentors and Christ
- [11:09] - The Burden of Legalism
- [13:25] - Liberty in the Spirit
- [15:02] - Turning to the Lord for Freedom
- [16:36] - The New Covenant and New Birth
- [18:22] - The Spirit's Role in Glorifying Jesus
- [19:45] - Choices and Spiritual Growth
- [21:04] - A Call to Transformation