Journey of Transformation: Embracing Change Through Faith

 

Summary

In our journey of transformation, we are called to examine seven key areas of our lives: spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, relational, financial, and vocational health. God's ultimate goal is to transform us in these areas, making us more like Jesus. This transformation is not instantaneous but a continuous process, as described in 2 Corinthians 3. It is a gradual journey where our lives become brighter and brighter, reflecting the glory of God.

Ephesians chapter 4 provides a blueprint for this transformation, highlighting six elements that God uses to shape us into the people He desires us to be. The first step is to "get rid of" our old selves, which involves discarding habits and desires that hinder our growth. This requires a conscious effort to clean house, whether it's removing junk food for physical health or unsubscribing from negative influences for mental health.

Transformation is challenging because our habits are deeply ingrained, often formed in childhood as survival mechanisms. We identify with these habits, and they provide a sense of familiarity and payoff, even if they are self-defeating. Additionally, spiritual opposition from Satan can make change difficult, as he seeks to keep us from becoming who God wants us to be.

To overcome these challenges, we need honest community. Ephesians 4 emphasizes the importance of being part of a supportive group where we can be vulnerable and receive unconditional love. In such communities, we can confess our struggles and find encouragement to change.

Finally, transformation requires faith. We must believe that change is possible through God's power at work within us. Ephesians reminds us that God is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine. With a "can do" attitude, we can trust God to bring about transformation in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Continuous Transformation: Transformation is a gradual process, not an instant event. As God's Spirit works within us, we are being transformed from one degree of glory to another, becoming more like Christ each day. This ongoing journey requires patience and perseverance. [01:11]

- Cleaning House: To experience transformation, we must get rid of old habits and desires that hinder our growth. This involves a conscious effort to remove negative influences and make room for positive change in our lives. [02:48]

- The Power of Community: Honest community is essential for transformation. Being part of a supportive group allows us to be vulnerable, receive unconditional love, and find encouragement to change. In such communities, we can confess our struggles and grow together. [10:10]

- Faith in God's Power: Transformation requires faith in God's power to change us. We must believe that God can do far more than we can ask or imagine, and trust Him to bring about transformation in our lives. With a "can do" attitude, we can overcome obstacles and grow in faith. [15:01]

- Gratitude and Joy: Practicing gratitude leads to greater happiness and contentment. By developing the habit of gratitude, we can stay in God's will, defeat discouragement, and experience His blessings. Gratitude transforms our perspective and brings joy to our lives. [11:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Transformation
- [00:38] - God's Goal for Our Lives
- [01:11] - Continuous Process of Change
- [01:58] - Ephesians 4: The Blueprint for Growth
- [02:48] - Getting Rid of the Old Self
- [04:29] - Overcoming Bad Habits
- [05:16] - Challenges in Transformation
- [09:56] - Importance of Honest Community
- [12:05] - The Power of Gratitude
- [15:01] - Faith and Transformation
- [17:42] - Dreaming Big with God
- [19:55] - Cleaning House for Change
- [20:25] - Prayer for Transformation
- [22:51] - Closing and Gratitude

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
- Ephesians 4:22-25
- Hebrews 12:1

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, how does the process of transformation occur in a believer's life?
2. In Ephesians 4:22, what does it mean to "get rid of your old self"? How is this related to transformation? [02:48]
3. Hebrews 12:1 mentions getting rid of things that slow us down. What are some examples of these things mentioned in the sermon? [04:29]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community in the process of transformation? [10:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What might be some reasons why transformation is described as a gradual process rather than an instantaneous event? [01:11]
2. How can the concept of "cleaning house" be applied to different areas of life, such as mental or physical health? [19:55]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual opposition can hinder personal transformation? [09:14]
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of faith in God's power for transformation? [15:01]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the seven key areas of life mentioned in the sermon. Which area do you feel needs the most transformation in your life, and what steps can you take to address it? [00:24]
2. Identify a habit or influence in your life that you need to "get rid of" to make room for positive change. What practical steps can you take this week to begin this process? [02:48]
3. Consider your current community or support system. How can you engage more deeply with them to foster honest and supportive relationships that encourage transformation? [10:10]
4. The sermon emphasizes the power of gratitude. What is one way you can practice gratitude daily to transform your perspective and bring more joy into your life? [11:50]
5. Think about a time when you doubted your ability to change. How can you cultivate a "can do" attitude and trust in God's power to overcome obstacles in your life? [15:01]
6. What specific action can you take this week to "clean house" in your mind, home, or relationships to prepare for transformation? [19:55]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of gratitude into your daily routine to help defeat discouragement and experience God's blessings? [12:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Gradual Transformation Reflects God's Glory
Transformation in the Christian life is a continuous journey, not an instantaneous event. As believers, we are called to grow in seven key areas: spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, relational, financial, and vocational health. This growth is a gradual process, as described in 2 Corinthians 3, where we are transformed from one degree of glory to another. Each day, as we allow God's Spirit to work within us, we become more like Christ, reflecting His glory in our lives. This ongoing journey requires patience and perseverance, trusting that God is at work even when change seems slow. [01:11]

"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." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: In which area of your life do you feel God is calling you to be more patient as He works His transformation? How can you actively participate in this process today?


Day 2: Removing Hindrances to Embrace New Growth
To experience true transformation, we must consciously remove old habits and desires that hinder our growth. This involves a deliberate effort to "clean house," whether it's eliminating junk food for better physical health or unsubscribing from negative influences for mental clarity. Ephesians 4 provides a blueprint for this transformation, urging us to discard our old selves and embrace the new. This process can be challenging, as our habits are often deeply ingrained, but it is essential for making room for positive change in our lives. [02:48]

"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific habit or influence you need to remove from your life to make room for God's transformation? What steps can you take today to begin this process?


Day 3: The Strength of Honest Community
Honest community is vital for transformation. Being part of a supportive group allows us to be vulnerable, receive unconditional love, and find encouragement to change. In such communities, we can confess our struggles and grow together, knowing that we are not alone in our journey. Ephesians 4 emphasizes the importance of being part of a community where we can be honest about our challenges and receive the support we need to overcome them. This shared journey fosters growth and transformation as we learn from one another and hold each other accountable. [10:10]

"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:25, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you be honest with about your struggles? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of community and accountability with them this week?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Power for Change
Transformation requires faith in God's power to change us. We must believe that God can do far more than we can ask or imagine and trust Him to bring about transformation in our lives. With a "can do" attitude, we can overcome obstacles and grow in faith, knowing that God's power is at work within us. Ephesians reminds us of the incredible potential for change when we place our trust in God and His ability to transform us beyond our expectations. [15:01]

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more for transformation? How can you actively express this trust in your daily actions and prayers?


Day 5: Cultivating Gratitude for Joyful Living
Practicing gratitude leads to greater happiness and contentment. By developing the habit of gratitude, we can stay in God's will, defeat discouragement, and experience His blessings. Gratitude transforms our perspective and brings joy to our lives, allowing us to see God's hand at work even in challenging circumstances. As we cultivate gratitude, we align ourselves with God's purposes and open our hearts to His transformative power. [11:50]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: What are three things you are grateful for today? How can you make gratitude a daily practice to enhance your joy and contentment in life?

Quotes


As God's spirit Works within us we are being transformed now circle the word being that's a continuous process it is incremental it is not instance it is a process it's ongoing as God's spirit Works within us we are being transformed it's not a one-time event to become more like Christ this change from one one degree of Glory to another one level of maturity to the next comes from the Lord. [00:01:07]

Look at this verse Ephesians 4:22 so get rid of your old self which made you live as you used to that old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires now Circle the phrase get rid of I want to study on how many times God says to get rid of something it's all through the Bible things we're supposed to get rid of. [00:02:37]

We must get rid there it is again that's house cleaning we must get rid of everything that slows us down especially any sin that distracts us so we can run the race that lies ahead of us God has a new exciting race for you this next year but you got to get rid of the stuff that's holding you back that's slowing you down. [00:04:25]

The first reason why it's hard to get rid of a bad habit is because I've had them a long time you didn't collect your habits and your hurts and your hang UPS overnight it took years to get as messed up as you are many of the patterns you established in childhood uh and by the way they may have helped you when you were a child. [00:05:20]

Transformation requires honest Community that's the next thing Ephesians chapter 4 teaches us and Ephesians chapter 4 uh tells us that that there's some things you're never going to be able to change on your own you need people in your life you need support you need a small group that's why we insist on everybody getting in a small group. [00:09:52]

I love this in the message paraphrase no more pretense tell your neighbor the truth in Christ's body we're all connected to each other so if you lie to each other you end up lying yourself what's he saying here he's saying you know what everybody for change needs a community where they're accepted unconditionally a place where when you blow it people don't rub it in they rub it out. [00:10:30]

One of the things that God wants us to do and he says it over and over in scripture is to practice gratitude I don't know if you've ever noticed that the more grateful a person is the happier they are That's The Power of gratitude now I've put together a brand new Bible study called The Power of gratitude and in it you'll find scriptures and teaching and exercises that'll help you develop the habit of gratitude. [00:11:47]

Transformation requires Faith you must believe you can be different with God self you must believe that this next year can be different than all the other years in the past the person who says I can and the person says I can't they're both right God says you've got to believe the Bible says whatsoever is not a faith is sin. [00:14:54]

Now by his that's God's Mighty power at work within us it's God working in us we talked about that at Christmas God is able circle the word able that's the new ability we talked about on Christmas Eve Now by his mighty power at work within us God is able notice none of those three sentences three phrases have anything to do with willpower not you forcing yourself to change. [00:15:26]

God is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of even dream of he says infinitely beyond our highest prayers and desires and thoughts or hopes so let's stop just stop here for just I'm a pretty big dreamer you figured that out by now God says Rick you think of the biggest thing I could do in your life when I can top that. [00:16:03]

I can do all things through Christ who empowers me I'm ready for anything through him who infuses Inner Strength into me I love that the Amplified translation now Circle the words can do you got to have a can do attitude not a canot attitude but a can do attitude according to your faith Jesus said it will be done unto you you get to choose how much God blesses your life. [00:17:58]

Father I pray that if there's anybody here who's not in a small group yet that today they'll make that decision I'm going to get in a group and I'll start a group and may they just find a friend help us to be kind to each other help us to be loving with each other help us to be forgiving each other help us to be supporting of each other to say things that build each other up that encourage each other that benefit those who listen. [00:21:57]

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Transcript
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