Embracing Spiritual Transformation: Overcoming Carnality Together

Summary

Continuing our series, "The Sweet Place," we delve into the concept of living in a state of spiritual communion with Jesus, where His presence and voice become more real than the challenges we face. Inspired by a conversation with my counselor, who described his relationship with Jesus as a "sweet place," I was moved to pursue this state of spiritual intimacy. This journey is not just for personal growth but a vision for our church to experience this profound communion with God.

Today's focus is on "The Reality of Carnality," exploring Romans 7 and 8. The Apostle Paul articulates the struggle between our spiritual desires and our carnal nature. Despite our intentions to do good, we often find ourselves succumbing to sin. This internal conflict is a universal experience, highlighting the need for spiritual transformation. Paul’s writings remind us that while our flesh is inherently sinful, through Jesus Christ, we can overcome this nature.

We face three primary adversaries: Satan, the world, and our flesh. While Satan and worldly systems are external, our flesh is an internal enemy that requires daily crucifixion. Carnal thinking leads to carnal living, and to overcome this, we must renew our minds and align our thoughts with the Spirit. Romans 8 emphasizes that to be spiritually minded is to experience life and peace, contrasting the death that comes from a carnal mindset.

Transformation is a process, akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Salvation is an event, but sanctification and renewing our minds are ongoing processes. This year, I challenge you to a six-month spiritual commitment, immersing yourself in God's Word, prayer, and community. This commitment is not just for new believers but for anyone seeking deeper communion with God. By aligning our spirit and soul, we can overcome the flesh and live a life pleasing to God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Sweet Place with Jesus: Striving for a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus is a lifelong journey. It’s about making His presence more real than our problems and hearing His voice clearly. This sweet place is where we find peace and purpose, living at a spiritual high. [00:00]

- The Reality of Carnality: Every believer faces the struggle between their spiritual desires and carnal nature. Romans 7 illustrates this conflict, but through Christ, we can overcome our sinful nature. Recognizing this battle is the first step towards spiritual growth. [06:16]

- Three Adversaries: Our spiritual journey involves overcoming Satan, the world, and our flesh. While external forces are significant, our flesh is a constant internal challenge. Daily crucifixion of the flesh is essential for spiritual victory. [07:57]

- Transformation Process: Spiritual transformation is a gradual process, requiring the renewal of our minds. Salvation is an event, but sanctification is ongoing. By immersing ourselves in spiritual disciplines, we align our thoughts with God’s will. [14:55]

- Six-Month Challenge: Committing to a six-month spiritual journey can transform your life. Engage in daily prayer, Bible study, and community involvement. This commitment fosters spiritual growth, leading to a deeper relationship with God and overcoming the flesh. [31:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:42] - Introduction to Romans 7
- [03:53] - Apostle Paul's Struggle
- [06:16] - The Reality of Carnality
- [07:57] - Three Spiritual Adversaries
- [08:56] - Carnal Mind vs. Spiritual Mind
- [09:57] - Spirit, Soul, and Body
- [10:42] - Born Again Transformation
- [13:15] - Renewing the Mind
- [14:55] - Transformation Process
- [16:14] - Six-Month Spiritual Challenge
- [18:58] - Avoiding Spiritual Decline
- [19:46] - The Flesh Unchecked
- [22:44] - Evidence of Walking in the Flesh
- [31:23] - Six-Month Challenge Commitment
- [35:02] - Spiritual Decision and Renouncement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Sweet Place

Bible Reading:
- Romans 7:14-25
- Romans 8:5-13

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Observation Questions:

1. In Romans 7, what internal conflict does Paul describe, and how does he express his struggle with sin? [02:42]

2. According to the sermon, what are the three primary adversaries believers face in their spiritual journey? [06:16]

3. How does Romans 8:6 contrast the outcomes of being carnally minded versus spiritually minded? [08:56]

4. What metaphor does the pastor use to describe the process of spiritual transformation, and how does it relate to the concept of sanctification? [14:55]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the pastor's story about his counselor's "sweet place" with Jesus illustrate the goal of spiritual intimacy? [00:00]

2. What does the pastor mean by "carnal thinking leads to carnal living," and how does this concept relate to the renewal of the mind? [07:57]

3. In the sermon, the pastor challenges the congregation to a six-month spiritual commitment. What are the intended outcomes of this challenge, and how does it relate to overcoming the flesh? [31:23]

4. How does the pastor describe the role of the Holy Spirit in helping believers overcome the flesh and live a life pleasing to God? [17:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are you living in a "sweet place" with Jesus, where His presence is more real than your problems? If not, what steps can you take to move towards this state? [00:00]

2. Identify one area in your life where you experience the struggle between spiritual desires and carnal nature. How can you apply Romans 8:6 to find life and peace in that area? [08:56]

3. The pastor mentions the importance of renewing the mind. What specific thoughts or beliefs do you need to align with the Spirit to overcome carnal thinking? [14:09]

4. Consider the three adversaries mentioned in the sermon: Satan, the world, and the flesh. Which of these do you find most challenging, and what practical steps can you take to overcome it? [06:16]

5. The pastor encourages a six-month spiritual commitment. What specific actions will you commit to in the next six months to deepen your relationship with God and overcome the flesh? [31:23]

6. How can you incorporate daily spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and Bible study, into your routine to support your spiritual transformation? [16:14]

7. Reflect on the concept of "holy intersections and divine connections." How can you be more open to these opportunities in your life, and what might they look like for you? [39:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing the Sweet Place with Jesus
In the journey of faith, believers are invited to cultivate a profound and intimate relationship with Jesus, where His presence becomes more tangible than the challenges they face. This "sweet place" is not merely a momentary experience but a continuous state of spiritual communion. It is where believers find peace, purpose, and a sense of spiritual elevation, allowing them to navigate life's difficulties with a sense of divine assurance. By prioritizing this relationship, individuals can hear His voice more clearly and live in a way that reflects His love and guidance. [00:00]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to make Jesus' presence more real in your life than your current challenges?

Day 2: Confronting the Reality of Carnality
Every believer experiences the internal struggle between spiritual desires and carnal nature, as articulated by the Apostle Paul in Romans 7. This conflict is a universal aspect of the Christian journey, highlighting the need for spiritual transformation. Despite the inherent sinfulness of the flesh, believers are reminded that through Jesus Christ, they can overcome this nature. Recognizing and acknowledging this battle is the first step towards spiritual growth, as it opens the door to seeking divine help and strength to live a life aligned with God's will. [06:16]

Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel the tension between your spiritual desires and carnal nature. How can you invite Jesus into this struggle today?

Day 3: Overcoming Spiritual Adversaries
In the spiritual journey, believers face three primary adversaries: Satan, the world, and their own flesh. While Satan and worldly systems are external challenges, the flesh is an internal enemy that requires daily crucifixion. Carnal thinking leads to carnal living, and overcoming this requires a conscious effort to renew the mind and align thoughts with the Spirit. Romans 8 emphasizes that being spiritually minded leads to life and peace, contrasting the death that comes from a carnal mindset. [07:57]

Ephesians 6:11-12 (ESV): "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can "crucify the flesh" today to overcome your internal adversary?

Day 4: Embracing the Transformation Process
Spiritual transformation is a gradual process, akin to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. While salvation is an event, sanctification and the renewal of the mind are ongoing processes. By immersing oneself in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and community involvement, believers can align their thoughts with God's will and experience a deeper communion with Him. This transformation is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and overcoming the flesh. [14:55]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What specific spiritual discipline can you commit to this week to aid in your transformation process?

Day 5: Committing to a Six-Month Spiritual Challenge
A six-month spiritual commitment can be a transformative journey for believers, fostering spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. This challenge involves engaging in daily prayer, Bible study, and community involvement, which are essential for overcoming the flesh and aligning one's spirit and soul with God's will. This commitment is not just for new believers but for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual walk and experience the fullness of life in Christ. [31:23]

Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: What specific goals will you set for your six-month spiritual journey, and how will you hold yourself accountable to them?

Quotes

"About a year and a half ago, I went to my Christian counselor like I normally do, and we usually start off our sessions. He says, Ken, how are you? But for whatever reason on this day, I flipped a question. I said, how is everything with you? And my counselor, who was 73 years old at the time and has been through a lot in his life, he looked at me with tears in his eyes, and he said, I'm in a sweet place with Jesus. Jesus, I'm in a sweet place with Jesus. And for whatever reason, that phrase stuck in my spirit. And I went home that day, and I said, man, when I'm 73 years old, after I've been through a lot in my life, I don't want to be broken, and I don't want to be bitter, and I don't want to be deconstructing my faith. I want to be tender and humble and able to say, I'm in a sweet place with Jesus." [00:06:46]

"For the good that I will to do, I don't do, but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it's no longer I who do it, but the sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good, for I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members. This word members means my flesh or my body. Remember that. And it's warring against the law of God. And bringing me into captivity to the law of sin and death, which in my flesh." [00:02:47]

"Now, I'm going to be truthful in here. For me, for 10 years of my life, I lived as a Christian atheist. I defined that as a person who believes in God but lives like he doesn't exist. I was just like Paul. I knew what was right to do, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't do it. Matter of fact, I was the kind of person, I would make up excuses for my sin so I can continue in it. I would say things like, well, God is a forgiving God. And so I say he forgave me. So I would make deals with myself, not holy deals, but you know how you, instead of just putting something in your mouth, you're going to make a deal with yourself. And so I would make deals with sin on the altar. I would negotiate with me. I would say things like, I'm going to go out tonight, but not drink." [00:04:45]

"Some of you all have that kind of relationship with Jesus, where you take him off when it's uncomfortable and you put him back on when it is comfortable. You take them off so you can do what you wanted to do. And that's, that's the, that's the foundation of just religion. That's not relationship at all. That's not Christianity at all. Christianity is not you making an excuse to continue in sin. It's the power to get you set free from sin. It is not the excuses that we make. Oh, I'm just a man and so forth and so on. No, the real message of the gospel is that Jesus came to set you free from sin. And so I would make deals with myself, not holy deals, but I would make deals with myself to get you set free from sin and death." [00:05:45]

"You got three major enemies that we all have to overcome as believers. Number one, it's Satan. Number two, it's the world. Number three, it's your flesh. And many times we blame everything in our life on the Satan, and he's not the only enemy. You have Satan, I know, he's a bad guy. He's the author of confusion. He's the thief. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Then he has demons that do his bidding. The demonic realm is real, but that's not your only enemy. Then you have the world. Everybody say the world. The world is the social systems that are not godly. It's not the earth. The earth is the planet, but the world are the social systems that are secular inside of the planet. It is what is politically correct, but it's not biblically correct. It is that which people say it's not a big deal, but the Word of God says that it is a big deal. It's the things that people say, oh, you only live once, go ahead and do whatever you want to do, but the Word of God tells us not to do what we want, but to do what he wants. It is the social systems that are against Christ. It is an anti-Christ culture." [00:07:17]

"Salvation is an event, say it with me. Salvation is an event. At the end of service today, I can say, hey, do you wanna surrender your life to Jesus? You'll lift your hand, you'll confess Christ as Lord. What happens? All of a sudden, you're born again. Your name is found in the Lamb's Book of Life. You are a child of God. You go from being a child of the devil to a child of God just like that. But here's the problem. Your spirit wants to do what's right, but your soul and body is still stuck on the world. And this is where too many believers, you stop in your Christianity praying something that you don't live out. You say, Jesus, I surrender my life to you, but because your soul and also your flesh still wants to go the wrong way, let's go, you end up bringing Jesus to the world." [00:12:05]

"Transformation comes from a Greek word metamorpho, where we get our English word metamorphosis. The imagery is a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. It doesn't happen overnight, but through the process. So salvation is an event, but transformation is a process. I hope you're with me today. Salvation is an event, but sanctification is a process. Salvation is an event, but renewing your mind is a process. And so why does the devil want you to get saved and go home, get saved and then not have community, get saved and not read your Bible? Because he understands that when you renew your mind through the process, the metamorpho, that you're being changed into spiritual mindedness, that you have the mind of Christ, because when you get the mind of Christ, you'll get the result of Christ. Are y 'all with me? That don't happen overnight." [00:14:57]

"Every day I'm in my word. Every day I'm thinking about the things of God. As much as I can possibly come to church, I'm putting myself in spiritual environments. If you've got a conference, I'm there. If you've got a missions trip, I'm there. If you've got a small group, I'm there. Why? Because I'm making investments into my soul. And there's a principle that when two are in agreement, the third has to follow. Unfortunately, many believers live like this, where they're soul, mind, and soul. And when two are in agreement, the third has to follow. And their flesh is in agreement, and they drag their spirit back into the world. But this is the year of communion where we're going to do some different things. Somebody say amen." [00:16:16]

"Jesus had a flesh, but he didn't sin because he had the power of the spirit to override the dictates of the flesh. If you walk in the spirit, you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. What you watch on TV can feed this guy. The music you listen to can feed this guy. Hang with other fleshy people can feed this guy. You can't feed this guy. You got to starve this guy and feed your spirit. It's with God. It's with God. It's with God. But I've been pastoring now for 17 plus years. And what I've noticed is that many people start off this way and they live this way for a year, five years, 25 years. At midweek, we looked at King Asa who sought the Lord for 35 years." [00:17:30]

"Six months, y 'all. Come on. Six months. Delete some stuff. Come on. Six months. Come on. Take down. We don't need to see all that. That's messing us up. We don't need to see that. Your husband need to see that. Your wife need to see that. We don't need to see that. Just trying to get somewhere. I don't want to see that. What is that? That. That's all it is. You're not the worst person in the world. You're in a fallen world and nobody's ever told you to crucify your flesh and build up your spirit." [00:33:33]

"Maybe it's a decision...and this is what I saw in the Spirit. I saw people making commitments to Jesus today to put vices on the altar and to renounce ungodly behaviors, that the Spirit of God to break chains is here today, that God doesn't want you to go and continue in your life with strong holds and bondage and things that you're carrying that has not come from his kingdom. So can we just take a moment and you get before the Lord? Not about the person you came with, just between you and Jesus. Could you just...kind of close your eyes and maybe put your hands up to the Lord and just, well, let me ask you a question. How many of you all are here today and you know there's something in your life that shouldn't be in your life? Let me see if I show hands. Anybody here? Tons of hands going up everywhere. Can we get it right today?" [00:35:56]

"Since that happened, you feel like your life is broken. You feel like your life is broken. Life is in shambles, but God has a way to take the broken stones of the yesteryear and build a glorious temple for the future. There's something beautiful about mosaics. I feel the spirit of the Lord beginning to put back mosaics today, meaning that he's going to take the things that have been forgotten. He's going to give you beauty for ashes, and he's going to rebuild the things that's been broken down. Who's that for today? There's been some abandonment. Maybe there's a father or a mother that wasn't there like they should have been there. A best friend that you gave everything for, but then they... Betrayed you and lied about you. What about the rejection? I even hear the word labels. Maybe there's a label that the world has put on you, and in your sexuality, they have labeled you this, but God didn't call you that. They labeled you a misfit. They labeled you a mistake. They labeled you that you wasn't good enough. You're too white. You're too black. You're too fat. You're too skinny. You're too tall. You're too ugly. You're too pretty. You're too dumb. You're too silly. You got to send all those labels back to hell where they came from, and you're not labeled by the world system. You've been created by God. You've been created by God. You've been created by God. You've been called out of darkness by God himself, and he calls you beautiful and fearfully and wonderfully made, that you are his beloved, that you are a chosen generation, a holy priesthood." [00:37:24]

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