Transformative Journey: Becoming Like Jesus Through Discipleship
Summary
In our journey through the series on rediscovering the Gospel of Jesus, we delve into the profound theme of transformation, a metamorphosis that mirrors the natural wonder of a caterpillar's change into a butterfly. This transformation is not merely an external alteration but a deep, internal reformation of our very being, aligning us with the image of God, which was marred by our rebellion against the King. The heart of the Gospel is the promise of this transformation, accompanied by the gift of the Holy Spirit, leading us to a restored kingdom where destructive forces are expelled, and all creation is healed.
We are created in God's image, and it is in union with Him, in allegiance to King Jesus, that we find our true selves. Jesus, the long-awaited King, did not come to gather card-carrying converts but to call apprentices into the Kingdom of God. He invites us to leave our old lives behind, to follow Him, and to become like Him. This is not about securing a place in heaven but about heaven infiltrating our beings, transforming us from the inside out.
The Gospel is not a narrow call to individual salvation but a call to participate in the Kingdom of God and to recognize Jesus' kingship. Discipleship is not optional; it is central to our faith. It is about allegiance to King Jesus, a journey from spiritual birth to spiritual maturity, from being milk-fed to feasting on solid food. It is about becoming more like Jesus, reflecting His love, His mercy, His justice, and His goodness.
Our transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us with the capacities of Christ. We are not left to our own devices but are given the Spirit to grow the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control within us. The disciples, once cowering in fear, were emboldened by the Spirit to change the world.
How, then, do we participate in this transformation? It requires intentional design of our lives to give Jesus the space to form us. This involves slowing down, creating space for spiritual disciplines that open us to the Spirit's power. These practices are not about earning salvation but about accessing the life God offers. They are the trellis upon which we grow towards the light.
We are shaped by what we behold. The images we view disciple us, teaching us how to think and feel. As we fix our eyes on Jesus habitually, we express our love through obedience to His teachings. We immerse ourselves in His word and act on it, moving from hearing to doing. This is the long obedience in the same direction, a journey marked by daily cross-bearing and the liberating way of the cross.
In closing, we must ask ourselves what images are discipling us, what small practices can we incorporate to grow in love, and how we are reflecting Jesus in community. We are all being formed, and if not intentionally by Jesus, we will be shaped by other forces. Transformation is possible, but it requires our participation in the Spirit's work within us.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformation in Christ is not a superficial change but a deep, internal reformation that restores us to the image of God. This process is a journey of becoming more like Jesus, reflecting His love and righteousness in every aspect of our lives. It is the heart of the Gospel, promising not just individual salvation but participation in the Kingdom of God. [05:39]
- Discipleship is an act of allegiance to King Jesus. It is not a transaction but a transformation, a holistic view of the Gospel with practical implications. As disciples, we are accountable to Jesus, who teaches us how to live, pray, forgive, and fight for justice, infusing His values into our being. [14:51]
- The Holy Spirit is the catalyst for our transformation. It is by His power that we grow in the fruits of the Spirit and become more like Jesus. The Spirit empowers us to do the works of Jesus, not in our own strength but through His. This divine synergy is the essence of our spiritual metamorphosis. [18:56]
- Spiritual disciplines are essential for transformation. They are not about earning salvation but about creating space for the Spirit to work within us. Like a trellis, these practices help us grow towards the light, surrendering to the mastery of the King and allowing us to be shaped by His hand. [21:19]
- We become what we behold. Our transformation is influenced by the images and practices we habitually engage with. By intentionally fixing our eyes on Jesus and immersing ourselves in His word, we grow in love and obedience, reflecting His image more clearly in our lives and communities. [33:19]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:2 (NIV) - "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."
2. John 14:12 (NIV) - "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
3. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:2, what is the result of being transformed by the renewing of your mind?
2. In John 14:12, what promise does Jesus give to those who believe in Him?
3. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, and how do they relate to the sermon’s theme of transformation? [19:42]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in our transformation? [18:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and how does this process align with the sermon’s message about internal reformation? [12:32]
2. How can believers do "even greater things" than Jesus, as mentioned in John 14:12, and what does this imply about the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? [18:56]
3. How do the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 reflect the character of Jesus, and why are they essential for our spiritual growth and transformation? [19:42]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual disciplines. How do these practices create space for the Holy Spirit to work within us? [21:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Romans 12:2 talks about the renewal of the mind. What specific steps can you take this week to renew your mind and align it more closely with God’s will? [12:32]
2. Reflect on John 14:12. What "greater things" do you feel called to do in your life, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit to accomplish them? [18:56]
3. Choose one fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 that you feel you need to grow in. What practical actions can you take this week to cultivate this fruit in your daily interactions? [19:42]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of slowing down and creating space for spiritual disciplines. What is one specific practice you can incorporate into your daily routine to allow more room for the Holy Spirit to work in your life? [21:19]
5. The sermon asks us to consider what images are discipling us. What are some of the primary influences in your life, and how can you shift your focus to more Christ-centered influences? [33:19]
6. Reflect on the idea of "long obedience in the same direction." What is one area of your life where you need to practice more consistent and patient obedience to God’s teachings? [34:07]
7. The sermon challenges us to think about how we are reflecting Jesus in our community. What is one way you can better reflect Jesus’ love, mercy, and justice in your interactions with others this week? [40:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing True Transformation
Transformation in Christ is a journey that goes beyond surface-level changes, touching the deepest parts of our being. It is about becoming more like Jesus, not just in our actions but in our very nature. This transformation is the essence of the Gospel, which calls us not only to individual salvation but to active participation in the Kingdom of God. As we embark on this path, we are called to reflect Jesus' love, mercy, justice, and goodness in every aspect of our lives. It is a process that reshapes us into the image of God, an image that was tarnished by sin but is being restored through the work of the Holy Spirit. This journey is marked by a series of incremental changes, where each step brings us closer to the fullness of life that God intends for us. [05:39]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: What is one aspect of your character that you feel God is currently transforming to be more like Jesus, and what practical steps can you take to cooperate with this transformation?
Day 2: Allegiance to King Jesus
Discipleship is an act of allegiance to King Jesus, requiring a holistic approach to our faith that goes beyond mere belief to encompass every aspect of our lives. It is about living out the teachings of Jesus, learning to pray, forgive, and seek justice as He did. This allegiance is transformative, infusing Jesus' values into our being and shaping us into His likeness. As disciples, we are accountable to Jesus, and our transformation is a testament to His lordship over our lives. The call to discipleship is a call to a lifelong journey of growth and maturity, where we move from spiritual infancy to a robust, fruit-bearing faith. [14:51]
Luke 6:46-49 (ESV)
"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built."
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect your allegiance to Jesus, and what is one area where you can more fully embody His teachings?
Day 3: Empowered by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the catalyst for our transformation, empowering us to embody the character and capacities of Christ. It is through the Spirit that we bear the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This divine empowerment enables us to do the works of Jesus, not by our own strength but through the strength He provides. The Spirit's work within us is the essence of our spiritual metamorphosis, transforming us into agents of change in the world, just as the disciples were emboldened to turn the world upside down. [18:56]
Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you desire to see more evident in your life, and what steps will you take to cultivate it through the Spirit's power?
Day 4: The Trellis of Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are not about earning salvation but about creating the conditions for the Holy Spirit to work within us. Like a trellis that supports a growing plant, these practices provide structure and support for our spiritual growth. They help us to slow down, to create space for God, and to surrender to the mastery of the King. Through disciplines such as prayer, meditation on Scripture, fasting, and fellowship, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the Spirit, allowing us to grow towards the light of Christ. [21:19]
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV)
"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Reflection: What spiritual discipline will you commit to this week to create more space for the Holy Spirit to work in your life?
Day 5: Beholding and Becoming
We are profoundly shaped by what we focus on. The images and practices we engage with habitually disciple us, teaching us how to think, feel, and act. By intentionally fixing our eyes on Jesus and immersing ourselves in His word, we grow in love and obedience. This intentional focus leads to a transformation that allows us to reflect Jesus' image more clearly in our lives and communities. It is a long journey of obedience, marked by daily decisions to bear the cross and walk in the liberating way of Jesus. [33:19]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one way you can more intentionally 'behold' Jesus in your daily routine, and how can this practice shape your actions and attitudes?
Quotes
1) "We are being formed; we're not forming ourselves, but we do have a role to play. Transformation is God's work; our role is to make deeper layers of our inner being available to God for him to come and transform and heal us." [39:10] (Download | )
2) "The good news is that we have a choice. We can choose our Master... we can choose the way of the crucified and risen King who offers Abundant Life." [27:28] (Download | )
3) "Jesus simply said come follow me... It takes beholding, it takes contemplating the crucified and risen Christ... when we spend time in his presence beholding him that we are slowly changed into his image." [29:15] (Download | )
4) "A disciple is someone whose ultimate goal is to live their life the way Jesus would live it if he were me... As we Behold Him we discover what he loves and doing so we have our own desires transformed." [30:08] (Download | )
5) "We are shaped by the images that we view; images disciple us... We become what we behold. What we behold often, so what do you give Worth to worship? What do you behold often?" [33:19] (Download | )
6) "Discipleship is not optional, it is Central... our conversion experience... is not the end but the beginning of an entire New Life, a journey of becoming more and more like him, a new creation." [15:38] (Download | )
7) "The Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of our transformation... he plants tiny seeds in our hearts and slowly over time grows them into Delicious Fruit, the fruit of the spirit." [19:42] (Download | )
8) "Spiritual disciplines are simply a means of growing toward the life that God offers... they create a space to access the presence and the power of the spirit and so we can be transformed from the inside out." [21:19] (Download | )
9) "We intentionally design Our Lives to give Jesus space to form us... This involves first of all slowing down... creating space for spiritual disciplines that open us to the Spirit's power." [22:07] (Download | )
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