Transformative Power of Christ's Spirit Within Us
Summary
In this sermon, I was reminded of the transformative power of Christ's spirit living within us. As Christians, we are changed from the inside out, and this change often makes us uncomfortable with our past selves and the things we used to do. This discomfort arises because it is no longer our old selves living, but Christ living within us. This transformation is not temporary or fleeting, but eternal. However, if we keep going back to our old ways, we will continue to feel lost and unfulfilled. The garbage we take in from the world will inevitably come out in our lives.
The sermon also delved into the concept of the Holy Trinity, explaining that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are distinct persons, yet all three are one. This is a mystery that cannot be fully comprehended by our logical minds. The speaker emphasized that if Jesus was only created by God and not God himself, then he would be just a created being like us. But as God, he became a man and died in our place. When we believe in Jesus and receive him, it is God's spirit that comes to dwell in our lives, changing us and making us new creations.
Key Takeaways:
- The transformation that occurs when we become Christians is not temporary but eternal, and it changes us from the inside out. This transformation often makes us uncomfortable with our past selves and the things we used to do ([53:39]).
- The Holy Trinity consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are distinct persons, yet all three are one. This is a mystery that cannot be fully comprehended by our logical minds ([55:30]).
- If Jesus was only created by God and not God himself, then he would be just a created being like us. But as God, he became a man and died in our place ([01:01:01]).
- When we believe in Jesus and receive him, it is God's spirit that comes to dwell in our lives, changing us and making us new creations ([01:01:48]).
- The change that occurs when we become Christians has already occurred on the inside. It's no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us by his spirit ([01:03:08]).
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The Bible and Jesus are the ultimate authorities, and if they say something, it is to be accepted as truth. Jesus is the way to the Father, and His death and resurrection have made it possible for us to know God as Father. #!!32:54!!#
2. The concept of the Trinity, or the Godhead, is a known mystery. While we know about it, we don't fully understand it. The Trinity includes God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. #!!36:30!!#
3. The love a parent has for their child can give a glimpse into the heart of God for His children. However, God's love is perfect and far surpasses human love. #!!28:04!!#
4. God sent His son Jesus to die for our sins so that we might know Him personally. This act of love and sacrifice is the foundation of our faith. #!!01:04:34!!#
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. John 14:1-31
2. 1 John 4:7-21
3. Romans 5:1-21
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." How does this verse align with the first main point from the sermon?
2. How does 1 John 4:7-21 illustrate the concept of God's perfect love mentioned in the third main point?
3. How does Romans 5:1-21 explain the concept of Jesus dying for our sins as mentioned in the fourth main point?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding Jesus as the way to the Father impact our relationship with God?
2. What does the concept of the Trinity teach us about the nature of God?
3. How does understanding God's perfect love influence our view of Him and our relationship with others?
Application Questions:
1. How can we apply the truth of Jesus being the way to the Father in our daily lives?
2. In what ways can we strive to better understand and appreciate the mystery of the Trinity?
3. How can we respond to God's perfect love and the sacrifice of Jesus in our personal lives and in our interactions with others?
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Christ
The transformative power of Christ is a profound and life-altering experience. When we accept Christ into our lives, we are not just accepting a new belief system, but a new way of life. This transformation is not just about changing our actions, but also our attitudes, our perspectives, and our hearts.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Reflection: Reflect on a specific moment when you felt a significant change in your attitude or actions after accepting Christ. How did this transformation affect your relationship with God and others?
Day 2: The Mystery of the Trinity
The concept of the Trinity - God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is a mystery that has puzzled theologians for centuries. Yet, it is a fundamental aspect of our faith. Each person of the Trinity has distinct roles, yet they are all one God.
Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How do you personally understand the concept of the Trinity? Can you think of a time when the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit became evident in your life?
Day 3: The Need for Repentance
Repentance is a crucial part of our spiritual journey. It is the act of acknowledging our sins, asking for God's forgiveness, and turning away from our sinful ways. It is a necessary step towards reconciliation with God.
Acts 3:19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt a strong need for repentance? How did you respond to this conviction and what changes did you make in your life as a result?
Day 4: The Authority of the Bible
The Bible is the authoritative Word of God. It is our guide for faith and life, and it has the power to challenge our personal beliefs and cultural norms. It is through the Bible that we come to know God and His will for our lives.
2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."
Reflection: Have you ever encountered a Bible passage that challenged your personal beliefs or cultural norms? How did you reconcile this conflict and what did you learn from this experience?
Quotes
1. "It's no longer I who lives but Christ who lives in Me by his spirit. Those things we used to lust after, they just rip you off because they are temporary, they do not last and they are not eternal. Every time we go back to those things we're like dogs going back to our vomit." - 53:39
2. "The Holy Spirit is a distinct person as a member of the Trinity, the son is a distinct person as a member of the Trinity, the father is a distinct person of the trinity and yet all three are one. It's a mystery, not something you can work out with your logical brain but it makes sense." - 55:30
3. "If the Bible says it, the Bible is a much greater Authority than I am and if Jesus said well he's a much greater Authority than I am. Jesus is the way to the father, his death and Resurrection made a way for us, he's made it possible to know God as father." - 32:54
4. "The love you have for your children is hard to describe actually and at times I think this love I feel and experience probably gives me a little bit of a glimpse into the heart of God for his children. The difference is that God is perfect and I'm becoming more like him." - 28:04
5. "God wants us to be in his family, to be part of his kingdom, to be his children. That's the father heart of God at the very core. Jesus pointed this out very clearly about the father heart of God when he said in John 14 6 I am the way and the truth and the life no one comes to the father except through me." - 32:15
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