Transformative Change: Living as Agents of Christ

Change is a constant part of the Christian journey, and it is both a gift and a calling from God. Each of us is like a living letter, read by those around us, reflecting the work of Christ in our lives. Our transformation is not just for our own benefit, but so that we can be used by God to help bring change to others. This is not about outward religion or simply following rules, but about a living relationship with Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The law, as good as it is, only points out our need for a Savior; it cannot give us the power to change. True change comes from the Spirit of the living God working in our hearts.

We are all ministers, not just those with a title or a pulpit. Whether you are a coach, a nurse, a teacher, or in any other role, God has placed you where you are to be an agent of change. Ministry is not confined to the church building; it happens wherever God has placed us. The process of change is ongoing—none of us have arrived. We all have areas in our lives that need to be transformed, and we must be honest about our weaknesses and open to the Spirit’s leading.

Trying to change ourselves or others in our own strength leads to frustration. We must trust God to do the work, both in us and through us. Sometimes, we want to see immediate results, but change often happens gradually, just as a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. We must be patient with ourselves and with others, recognizing that God is at work even when we cannot see it. Our responsibility is to be available, to reflect Christ, and to boldly share the hope we have in Him.

There are those who cannot see the truth because a veil remains over their hearts. Only when someone turns to the Lord is that veil removed, and true transformation begins. As we continue to behold Christ, we are changed from glory to glory by the Spirit. Our goal is not perfection, but progress—moving from where we are to where God wants us to be. And as we allow God to change us, He will use us to change the world around us, one life at a time.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Every believer is a living letter, read by the world, reflecting the reality of Christ’s work in their life. Our testimony is not just in what we say, but in how we live, and people are watching to see if our faith is genuine and transformative. We must be mindful that our lives are the clearest recommendation of the gospel to those around us. [42:41]
• 2. True and lasting change is not achieved by our own effort or by strict adherence to rules, but by the Spirit of the living God working in our hearts. The law reveals our need, but only the Spirit gives life and the power to change. We must continually surrender our weaknesses to God and trust Him to do what we cannot. [55:38]
• 3. Ministry is not limited to pastors or church leaders; every Christian is called to be a minister in their sphere of influence. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in the community, God uses ordinary people in ordinary places to bring about extraordinary change. Recognizing our calling as ministers transforms how we see our daily lives and interactions. [52:28]
• 4. The veil that blinds people from seeing Christ is only removed when they turn to the Lord. We cannot force change or spiritual sight on anyone; our role is to faithfully reflect Christ and share the gospel, trusting the Holy Spirit to open hearts. Patience and prayer are essential as we wait for God to do what only He can do in the lives of others. [65:59]
• 5. Change is a lifelong process, and none of us have arrived at perfection. We must be honest about our need for growth and be willing to let the Spirit point out areas that need transformation. Progress, not perfection, is the goal, and as we allow God to change us, He will use us to help change others—sometimes in ways we may never fully see this side of heaven. [67:56]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [09:57] - Announcements and Introductions
• [29:49] - Offering and Object Lesson Introduction
• [42:41] - We Are Living Letters
• [52:28] - Every Believer Is a Minister
• [55:38] - The Power and Limits of the Law
• [57:48] - Religion vs. Relationship
• [59:24] - The Spirit Gives Life
• [61:32] - Boldness in Sharing Christ
• [64:11] - The Veil and Spiritual Blindness
• [65:59] - Removing the Veil: Only Christ
• [67:56] - Freedom and Ongoing Change
• [75:58] - The Simplicity of Helping Others Change
• [78:33] - Using Your Platform for God’s Glory
• [80:28] - Invitation and Prayer
• [83:17] - Closing Remarks

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 3:1-18 (ESV) — > Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
> ...
> Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 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.

Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in 2 Corinthians 3, what does it mean that believers are “letters” from Christ, and how are these letters written?
2. What is the difference between the “letter” (the law) and the “Spirit” as described in this passage?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given of ordinary people being used by God as ministers in their everyday roles? ([52:28])
4. What does Paul say happens when someone “turns to the Lord” regarding the veil over their heart? ([01:05:59])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “We literally are the letter that people read that we are Christians.” What does it mean for your life to be a “letter” that others read, and how might this impact your daily choices? ([42:41])
2. The pastor emphasized that “true and lasting change is not achieved by our own effort or by strict adherence to rules, but by the Spirit of the living God working in our hearts.” Why do you think trying to change ourselves or others in our own strength leads to frustration? ([55:38])
3. The message said, “Every single believer in this room is a minister.” How does this idea challenge the way we usually think about ministry and who is called to it? ([52:28])
4. The sermon used the illustration of a veil covering someone’s eyes. What does the “veil” represent, and how is it removed? ([01:05:59])

Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “People are watching you, and we need to be a little bit more bolder in our faith, right?” Think of a place where you spend time each week (work, school, home, etc.). What is one way you can reflect Christ more boldly in that setting this week? ([01:01:32])
2. The sermon talked about being honest about our weaknesses and letting the Spirit point out areas that need change. Is there an area in your life where you sense God wants to bring change? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him instead of trying to fix it yourself? ([42:41])
3. The message said, “Ministry is not limited to pastors or church leaders; every Christian is called to be a minister in their sphere of influence.” What is your current “platform” (job, family, friendships, etc.), and how could you use it to help bring about change in someone else’s life? ([52:28])
4. The pastor shared that sometimes change is slow, like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. Can you think of a time when God changed you gradually? How can remembering that process help you be more patient with yourself or others who are still in progress? ([42:41])
5. The sermon said, “We cannot force change or spiritual sight on anyone; our role is to faithfully reflect Christ and share the gospel, trusting the Holy Spirit to open hearts.” Is there someone in your life you’ve been trying to change or “fix”? What would it look like to trust God with that person and focus on your own faithfulness instead? ([01:05:59])
6. The pastor asked, “Have I changed in the last year for the better?” Take a moment to reflect: In what ways have you seen God change you recently? Is there a next step you sense God is inviting you to take? ([01:07:56])
7. The message said, “Our goal is not perfection, but progress.” What is one small, practical step you can take this week to move forward in your walk with Christ? ([01:07:56])