Embracing Transformation: Living a God-Pleasing Life
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. The speaker emphasized the need to throw off our old sinful nature and embrace a new way of life that is guided by the Holy Spirit. This new life is characterized by righteousness, holiness, truthfulness, and forgiveness. The speaker also highlighted the need for transformation, which is a central theme in the Bible. This transformation involves being born again and becoming spiritually alive.
The speaker also addressed the issue of cultural influence and the need to resist values that are contrary to the teachings of the Bible. While it is important to love and interact with the world, it is equally important to uphold our Christian values and not compromise them for the sake of fitting in. The speaker also touched on the issue of homosexuality, emphasizing that the problem is not with homosexuality per se, but with unbiblical relationships, which also occur within the church.
Key takeaways:
- The importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. This involves throwing off our old sinful nature and embracing a new way of life that is guided by the Holy Spirit ([01:12:56]).
- The need for transformation, which involves being born again and becoming spiritually alive ([01:20:45]).
- The need to resist cultural influence and uphold our Christian values, even when they are contrary to the values of the world ([01:01:27]).
- The problem is not with homosexuality per se, but with unbiblical relationships, which also occur within the church ([01:00:27]).
- The importance of taking responsibility for our own lives and recognizing the need for change ([01:08:54]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 4:17-24 [01:12:19] - [01:14:50]
2. John 3:3 [01:19:57] - [01:20:45]
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 [01:23:16]
Observation Questions:
1. In Ephesians 4:17-24, what does it mean to "throw off your old sin nature and your former way of life"?
2. In John 3:3, what does Jesus mean when he says "unless you are born again you cannot see the kingdom of God"?
3. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, what does it mean to become a "new person" in Christ?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ephesians 4:17-24 describe the transformation process of a believer?
2. What does being "born again" entail according to John 3:3?
3. How does 2 Corinthians 5:17 describe the change that occurs in a person when they belong to Christ?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Can you identify a time when you "threw off your old sin nature" as described in Ephesians 4:17-24? What did that look like?
2. How has the concept of being "born again" influenced your understanding of your faith and relationship with God?
3. In what ways have you experienced becoming a "new person" in Christ as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17? How has this transformation impacted your daily life?
4. Can you identify any areas in your life where you are resisting the transformation process? How can you surrender these areas to God?
5. How can you encourage and support others in your small group who are in the process of transformation?
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the New Life in Christ
When we accept Christ, we become new creations. The old life, characterized by sin and confusion, is gone and a new life, marked by righteousness and clarity, begins. This transformation is not a mere change of habits or attitudes, but a profound spiritual rebirth that alters our very nature. [01:23:16]
Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on your life before and after accepting Christ. How has the new life in Christ transformed you?
Day 2: The Power of Righteous Judgement
As believers, we are called to judge with righteous judgement, especially within the church. This does not mean we condemn others, but rather discern right from wrong according to God's standards. [01:08:05]
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 5:12 - "For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?"
Reflection: How can you exercise righteous judgement in your daily interactions without falling into the trap of self-righteousness?
Day 3: The Call to Change
The Bible is a call to change - from darkness to light, from death to life. This change is not optional, but a necessary part of our journey with Christ. [01:09:37]
Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What areas of your life is God calling you to change? How can you cooperate with Him in this process?
Day 4: The Importance of Truthful Living
As Christians, we are called to live truthfully, not just in our words but also in our actions. This includes being honest with ourselves, with others, and most importantly, with God. [01:17:05]
Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:25 - "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice truthful living in your daily life?
Day 5: The Experience of Being Born Again
Being born again is a profound, life-altering experience that is often misunderstood by those around us. Despite the challenges, it is a journey worth embarking on as it leads us to a deeper relationship with God. [01:24:12]
Bible Passage: John 3:3 - "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your experience of being born again. How has this experience deepened your relationship with God?
Quotes
1. "Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And don't bring sorrow to God's holy spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption." - 01:17:48
2. "The greatest change is being born again. The whole axis of the Bible speaks actually about change - changing from darkness to light, from death to life." - 01:09:37
3. "We want the end result of change, we don't want to go through change. I am not going to compromise my values so that they will like me." - 58:23
4. "God did not condemn the world but he so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son Jesus Christ to die on the cross so that whosoever would believe in him would not perish but have everlasting life. So if God doesn't condemn them, we should not condemn them." - 59:35
5. "We are in this world, we are in this society, and we should love society. We should not love the system. And if they are trying to put values that are wrong on us, we should say no thank you, not interested. I know something better." - 01:01:27
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