Transformative Faith: Living Beyond Belief in Christ
Summary
In my recent sermon, I emphasized the importance of not just believing in Jesus, but experiencing the transformative power of His presence in our lives. I stressed that the pursuit of spiritual transformation should be our primary focus, rather than simply attending church services or participating in small groups without change. I called for a deeper engagement with God, one that goes beyond mere attendance and information gathering, to a place where we are passionate about being transformed by His Spirit.
I reminded us of the Lord's Prayer, highlighting the phrase "your will be done," and how it encapsulates God's desire for our lives. God's will is not about the specifics of our decisions but about who we are becoming—our character, our responses, and our actions when no one else is watching. True worship is living a life surrendered to God, not just singing songs. It involves a transformation that renews our minds, enabling us to discern and live out God's will.
I shared my personal journey of spiritual transformation, which began when I was a young pastor. I realized that I could not lead others to a place I had not been myself, and that God needed to do a significant work in my life. This led me to focus on how we can partner with God in transforming our lives, which I believe is the church's most important mission.
Reflecting on the early church, I noted that their growth was not due to aggressive evangelism but to the way they lived their faith. Their habitus, or way of life, attracted others. They focused on living faithfully, believing that as they did so, others would be drawn to join them. The early church grew because they raised their children as Christians and lived in such a way that convinced their neighbors of the worth of their faith.
I introduced the concept of "formus," a made-up word that represents our commitment to creating space in our lives for God to form us. This involves formus groups, formus foundations, and sharing life together—initiatives focused on experiencing God's transformative work rather than just learning about Him.
In conclusion, I challenged the congregation to consider what will bring us together as a church. Will it be politics, theology, or a shared passion to know Jesus and be conformed to His image? I urged us to live out our faith authentically, embodying the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Spiritual transformation is not a passive process; it requires an active pursuit and a willingness to allow God full access to every area of our lives. Just as a mirror reflects our physical appearance, the Word of God reflects our spiritual state. We must be willing to look honestly at that reflection and embrace the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. [44:24]
- The early church thrived not because of their knowledge or resources but because of their habitus—their way of life. They lived out their faith in such a compelling way that it drew others to Christ. This challenges us to consider whether our lives are a testament to the gospel we profess. [34:40]
- The concept of "formus" is about making intentional space for God to shape us. It's about moving beyond a consumer mindset to one of active discipleship, where we are not just informed about God but formed by Him. This requires a community that prioritizes transformation over information. [49:03]
- Our church's vision for spiritual transformation is not about accumulating more knowledge but about embodying the love of Christ in our relationships. The true measure of our discipleship is not found in our biblical literacy but in the love we demonstrate to those closest to us. [43:00]
- The growth of the early church serves as a model for us today. They raised their children in the faith and lived in such a way that one neighbor at a time was convinced of the truth of Christianity. This slow, relational evangelism is a powerful reminder of the impact of a life lived authentically for Christ. [36:40]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
> "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"
2. Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
> "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. Ephesians 4:21-24 (NIV)
> "When you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the phrase "your will be done" in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:10) signify about God's desires for our lives? ([26:06])
2. According to Romans 12:1-2, what is the relationship between true worship and the transformation of our minds? ([28:03])
3. In Ephesians 4:21-24, what are believers instructed to do with their old and new selves? ([29:17])
4. How did the early church's way of life, or "habitus," contribute to its growth according to the sermon? ([33:45])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "your will be done" challenge our understanding of God's will in our daily decisions and character? ([26:06])
2. What does it mean to offer our bodies as a "living sacrifice" in the context of Romans 12:1-2, and how does this relate to spiritual transformation? ([28:03])
3. How can the process of renewing our minds help us discern God's will, as mentioned in Romans 12:2? ([28:46])
4. Reflecting on the early church's growth, what can we learn about the importance of living out our faith authentically in today's context? ([33:45])
#### Application Questions
1. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to surrender to God's will? How can you actively seek His guidance in those areas this week? ([26:06])
2. Romans 12:1-2 talks about not conforming to the pattern of this world. Identify one worldly pattern you struggle with and discuss practical steps to renew your mind in that area. ([28:03])
3. Ephesians 4:21-24 encourages us to put off our old selves and put on the new self. What specific old habits or attitudes do you need to discard, and what new ones will you adopt? ([29:17])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of spiritual transformation over mere attendance. How can you shift your focus from just attending church to actively pursuing transformation? ([49:03])
5. The early church grew through authentic living and relational evangelism. Think of one person in your life who might be drawn to Christ through your authentic living. How can you intentionally build that relationship? ([33:45])
6. The concept of "formus" involves creating space for God to shape us. What practical steps can you take this week to make more space for God in your daily routine? ([49:03])
7. Reflect on the pastor's personal journey of transformation. How can you ensure that your spiritual growth is not just about gaining knowledge but about genuine life change? ([30:11])
Devotional
Day 1: Active Pursuit of Spiritual Reflection
Transformation is an active journey that requires one's full commitment and openness to the Holy Spirit's work. It is not enough to passively absorb teachings or attend church services; one must actively engage with God's Word and allow it to serve as a mirror, reflecting the true state of one's heart and soul. This reflection should lead to a willingness to confront and embrace change, to be molded and shaped by the divine hand. The process is akin to spiritual refinement, where the impurities of character and intention are brought to light and addressed, not in condemnation, but in the hope of becoming more like Christ.
"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." - Psalm 51:6-7,10
Reflection: What aspect of your life is the Holy Spirit highlighting for transformation, and what practical step can you take today to cooperate with that change? [44:24]
Day 2: Living Testaments of Faith
The early church's growth was a direct result of their authentic lifestyle, which was a living testament to their faith. They did not rely on aggressive evangelism or extensive knowledge; instead, their habitus—their way of life—naturally drew others to Christ. This way of life was characterized by love, service, and a community that lived out the teachings of Jesus in every aspect. Their example challenges believers today to examine their own lives and consider whether their daily actions, decisions, and interactions truly reflect the gospel they profess.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23
Reflection: How does your daily life bear witness to the fruit of the Spirit, and what changes might you need to make to better reflect Christ to those around you? [34:40]
Day 3: Intentional Space for Formation
The concept of "formus" is about intentionally creating space in one's life for God to shape and mold the individual. This goes beyond acquiring knowledge about God and moves towards a deeper relationship where one is actively formed by Him. It requires a shift from a consumer mindset to one of discipleship and participation in a community that values transformation over information. This space allows for vulnerability, growth, and the shared experience of God's transformative work.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles." - Acts 2:42-43
Reflection: What does creating intentional space for God to work in your life look like, and how can you implement this practice in your daily routine? [49:03]
Day 4: Love as the Measure of Discipleship
The true measure of discipleship is not found in one's knowledge of Scripture but in the love demonstrated to others, particularly those closest to us. This love is a reflection of Christ's love and is the most authentic expression of faith. It calls for believers to embody the teachings of Jesus in their relationships, showing patience, kindness, and compassion in a way that transcends mere words and becomes a tangible experience of God's love for others.
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." - 1 John 3:18
Reflection: Identify one relationship where you can more fully demonstrate Christ's love, and take a specific action today to express that love in a practical way. [43:00]
Day 5: Relational Evangelism Through Authentic Living
The early church's growth was a result of their genuine and relational approach to faith. They raised their children in the faith and lived in such a way that convinced their neighbors of Christianity's worth, one person at a time. This slow, relational evangelism is a powerful reminder of the impact that an authentic life lived for Christ can have on the world around us.
"And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." - Acts 2:47b
Reflection: Consider one way you can live out your faith more authentically in your community, and take a step today to engage with a neighbor or friend in a meaningful, Christ-centered conversation. [36:40]
Quotes
"We say we value following Jesus together and so our vision gives serious thought to that idea. It matters how we live as a church, what we do, and the choices we make." [23:26] ()
"The manner in which you attempt to reconcile who you really are, that the you that no one sees, with the teachings of Jesus will, to a large degree, determine the pain or the joy that you experience in your relationships." [47:42] ()
"I don't want you to just believe in Jesus. I want you to experience the peace and the joy that He alone can give you in the midst of your trials and your difficulties." [01:02:15] ()
"The American church is educated far beyond its level of obedience. Our goal is not that you learn more about God... Instead, our desire is that you experience the transformative work of God in your life." [41:34] ()
"Our church will fulfill its purpose in our community if we pursue spiritual transformation. Where nothing is off limits, we have not segmented God to certain areas of our lives." [58:00] ()
"The joy and contentment and satisfaction that you are seeking is going to be found in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in your life." [58:00] ()
"The purpose of the church is to be a place where we partner with God in the transformation of our lives so that we represent Jesus to this community faithfully." [50:13] ()
"We do not preach great things, we live them. The early church's focus was not on saving people or recruiting them, it was on living faithfully in the belief that when people's lives are re-habituated in the way of Jesus, others will want to join them." [34:40] ()
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