Transformative Discipleship: Exchanging the Old for the New
Summary
In 2 Corinthians chapter 6, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's Word and the importance of discipleship in our Christian journey. Jesus is the builder of His church, and we are called to participate in this process by making disciples. This involves a series of decisions that lead to a new kind of life, contrasting our past decisions that often led to negative consequences. As believers, we are called to make decisions that align with God's will, planting seeds of righteousness that will bear fruit over time.
Discipleship is not merely about giving up our old ways but involves an exchange of our old life for a new one in Christ. This exchange is akin to a currency exchange, where we trade something of lesser value for something far greater. We lay down our old, broken lives and receive eternal life in return. This transformation requires us to separate ourselves from the world and its influences, as Paul instructs in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. We are to be distinct, living as temples of the living God, and embracing the changes that come with following Jesus.
Change is a constant in the Christian life, and it is often challenging. From the moment we are saved, God calls us to a continuous process of transformation. This change is not just about external behaviors but involves deep-rooted issues of the heart. As we mature in Christ, the changes God calls us to make become more profound and challenging. Yet, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to make these changes, just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God.
Ultimately, the call to discipleship is a call to exchange our old life for a new one, to trade our lawlessness for righteousness, darkness for light, and idols for the temple of God. This exchange is not without cost, but the value of what we receive in return far surpasses what we give up. We are invited into a personal relationship with God, becoming His sons and daughters, and experiencing the fullness of life in His presence.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship involves a series of decisions that lead to a transformed life in Christ. These decisions are like seeds planted in the ground, which will eventually bear fruit. Even as we deal with the remnants of our old life, we are called to make choices that align with God's will and purpose. [00:45]
- The process of change in the Christian life is ongoing and often challenging. As we mature in Christ, God calls us to address deeper issues of the heart, requiring us to rely on His power to transform us. This change is not just about external behaviors but involves a profound transformation of our character. [12:46]
- The exchange of our old life for a new one in Christ is a central theme of discipleship. We are called to lay down our old, broken lives and receive eternal life in return. This exchange is not without cost, but the value of what we receive far surpasses what we give up. [27:58]
- Our identity as believers is rooted in our relationship with God. We are called to be separate from the world and its influences, living as temples of the living God. This identity shapes our actions and decisions, as we seek to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character. [43:30]
- The ultimate reward of discipleship is a personal relationship with God. As we embrace the changes God calls us to make, we experience the fullness of life in His presence, becoming His sons and daughters. This relationship is the foundation of our identity and the source of our strength and hope. [49:33]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - The Power of Decisions
[04:30] - The Exchange of Lives
[08:15] - The Call to Discipleship
[12:46] - The Challenge of Change
[16:20] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[20:05] - The Value of Righteousness
[23:50] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[27:58] - Trading the Old for the New
[31:40] - Our Identity in Christ
[35:25] - The Reward of Relationship
[39:10] - The Call to Holiness
[43:30] - The Promise of Transformation
[47:15] - The Invitation to Change
[49:33] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
- 2 Corinthians 7:1
- Matthew 4:19
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Observation Questions:
1. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, what are the five comparisons Paul uses to illustrate the separation between believers and unbelievers? How do these comparisons help us understand the call to be distinct as followers of Christ? [43:30]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "exchange" metaphor used to describe the process of discipleship? How does this metaphor relate to the concept of trading our old life for a new one in Christ? [27:58]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of transformation and change in a believer's life, as discussed in the sermon? [16:20]
4. How does the sermon describe the ongoing nature of change in the Christian life, and what are some of the deeper issues of the heart that God calls us to address as we mature in Christ? [12:46]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the call to "come out from among them and be separate" in 2 Corinthians 6:17 challenge the way believers interact with the world around them? What might this look like in practical terms? [43:30]
2. The sermon mentions that change is not just about external behaviors but involves deep-rooted issues of the heart. How can believers discern which areas of their heart God is calling them to change? [12:46]
3. In what ways does the metaphor of a currency exchange help believers understand the value of trading their old life for a new one in Christ? How does this perspective impact their daily decisions? [27:58]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of identity as believers being rooted in a relationship with God. How does this identity influence the choices and actions of a believer? [43:30]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did it align with God's will and purpose for your life? What steps can you take to ensure your future decisions are more aligned with His will? [00:45]
2. Identify an area of your life where you feel God is calling you to change. What practical steps can you take this week to begin addressing this area? [12:46]
3. Consider the metaphor of exchanging your old life for a new one in Christ. What is one specific aspect of your old life that you are still holding onto, and how can you begin to let it go? [27:58]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of your identity as a temple of the living God in your daily life? What changes might this require in your habits or relationships? [43:30]
5. Think of a person in your life who is not a believer. How can you demonstrate the distinctiveness of your life in Christ to them in a way that is loving and inviting? [43:30]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you remain open to the Spirit's work in your ongoing journey of discipleship? [16:20]
7. What is one specific way you can embrace the fullness of life in God's presence this week? How can this relationship with God become the foundation of your strength and hope? [49:33]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Decisions
Discipleship involves a series of decisions that lead to a transformed life in Christ. These decisions are like seeds planted in the ground, which will eventually bear fruit. Even as we deal with the remnants of our old life, we are called to make choices that align with God's will and purpose. Each decision we make is an opportunity to grow closer to God and reflect His character in our lives. The transformative power of God's Word guides us in making these decisions, helping us to discern His will and purpose for our lives. [00:45]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that aligns with God's will and purpose for your life? How can you ensure that this decision is rooted in faith and trust in Him?
Day 2: The Challenge of Change
The process of change in the Christian life is ongoing and often challenging. As we mature in Christ, God calls us to address deeper issues of the heart, requiring us to rely on His power to transform us. This change is not just about external behaviors but involves a profound transformation of our character. The Holy Spirit empowers us to make these changes, guiding us through the challenges and helping us to grow in our faith. Embracing change is essential to our spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. [12:46]
"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: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to change? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you make this change?
Day 3: Trading the Old for the New
The exchange of our old life for a new one in Christ is a central theme of discipleship. We are called to lay down our old, broken lives and receive eternal life in return. This exchange is not without cost, but the value of what we receive far surpasses what we give up. As we embrace this new life, we experience the fullness of God's love and grace, becoming His sons and daughters. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's love and the promise of eternal life in Christ. [27:58]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one aspect of your old life that you need to lay down today? How can you embrace the new life that Christ offers you?
Day 4: Our Identity in Christ
Our identity as believers is rooted in our relationship with God. We are called to be separate from the world and its influences, living as temples of the living God. This identity shapes our actions and decisions, as we seek to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character. Understanding our identity in Christ empowers us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing that we are loved and valued by God. [43:30]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How does your identity in Christ influence your daily actions and decisions? What is one way you can live out this identity today?
Day 5: The Reward of Relationship
The ultimate reward of discipleship is a personal relationship with God. As we embrace the changes God calls us to make, we experience the fullness of life in His presence, becoming His sons and daughters. This relationship is the foundation of our identity and the source of our strength and hope. Through this relationship, we find peace, joy, and purpose, knowing that we are loved and cherished by our Heavenly Father. [49:33]
"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your personal relationship with God today? What is one step you can take to experience the fullness of life in His presence?
Quotes
He doesn't promise us in this life security and safety. He promises plenty of eternal safety, right? But in this life, serving Jesus can mean danger, can mean difficulty, can mean pain and suffering following Jesus. And listen, here's the point, they had to exchange, they had to walk away from their previous life so that they could follow Jesus. [00:28:41] (27 seconds)
We are trading darkness for light. What does that mean? The darkness of our sin is confusion and unbelief, but we are trading that confusion of the world for clarity of His word. We gain supernatural wisdom, insight, revelation. We're trading Belial for Christ. The Belial, the word means worthlessness, vanity, speaking of the devil. [00:35:58] (34 seconds)
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