Transformative Power of God's Love in Our Lives

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the transformative power of God's love and the call to live a life set apart for Him. We began by acknowledging the importance of our past, not to dwell on it, but to use it as a testimony to help others who may be struggling with similar issues. Our personal stories, filled with conviction and emotion, can be powerful tools in reaching those around us. Paul’s teachings in Romans and Philippians remind us of the necessity to renew our minds and focus on what is true, honorable, and pure. This renewal is essential for living a transformed life, moving from the old self to the new, as we strive to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.

We discussed the metaphor of the seed, illustrating how the Gospel must transform the soil of our lives before it can bear fruit. This transformation requires us to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The mind, often referred to as the devil's playground, must be guarded and filled with thoughts that are worthy of praise. By focusing on the beauty of God's creation and His presence in our lives, we can find joy even in struggles.

We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, clothed in His righteousness, and to stand out in a world that often opposes the values of the Gospel. This means living a life that reflects the character of Christ, showing grace, mercy, and love to those around us. As we put on the new self, we must replace old habits with godly ones, ensuring that our lives are a testament to the transformative power of Christ.

Finally, we are reminded of the Great Commission, to make disciples and teach them to follow Christ. This requires us to stand out, to be different, and to live in a way that draws others to the love and grace of God. As we continue to grow in our faith, let us be encouraged to live boldly for Christ, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Testimony: Our past experiences, when shared as testimonies, can be powerful tools to help others who are struggling. By being open about our journey, we can offer hope and encouragement to those around us. [55:48]

2. Renewing the Mind: Transformation begins with the renewal of our minds. By focusing on what is true, honorable, and pure, we align our thoughts with God's will, allowing us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. [59:00]

3. Living as a New Creation: Embracing our identity in Christ means letting go of the old self and adopting new, godly habits. This daily surrender allows us to walk in the power and truth of Christ. [01:05:20]

4. Standing Out for Christ: As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to stand out in the world, reflecting His love and grace. Our actions and words should draw others to the transformative power of the Gospel. [01:12:01]

5. The Great Commission: We are tasked with making disciples and teaching them to follow Christ. This requires us to live boldly and authentically, ensuring that our lives are a testament to God's love and grace. [01:13:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [55:32] - The Power of Testimony
- [56:20] - Renewing the Mind
- [57:27] - Transformation and the Gospel Seed
- [58:16] - Loving God and Neighbor
- [59:00] - Guarding the Mind
- [01:00:21] - Finding Joy in Creation
- [01:01:28] - God Knows and Cares
- [01:02:23] - Expressing Emotions to God
- [01:03:19] - Laying Aside the Old Self
- [01:04:39] - Replacing Old Habits
- [01:05:57] - Daily Surrender
- [01:07:25] - Clothed in Christ
- [01:08:57] - The Enemy's Deception
- [01:10:32] - Called to Holiness
- [01:13:33] - The Great Commission
- [01:15:49] - Standing Out in the Crowd
- [01:17:15] - Bringing Jesus to Others
- [01:20:07] - Beginning Again with Enthusiasm
- [01:22:28] - Prayer and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 12:1-2
2. Philippians 4:8
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 12:1-2, what does Paul urge believers to do with their bodies and minds? How does this relate to the concept of living a transformed life? [56:35]

2. In Philippians 4:8, Paul lists several qualities that believers should focus on. What are these qualities, and why might they be important for renewing the mind? [59:00]

3. How does the metaphor of the seed in the sermon illustrate the process of transformation in a believer's life? [57:27]

4. What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say about the identity of someone who is in Christ, and how does this relate to the idea of living as a new creation? [01:04:59]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the renewal of the mind, as described in Romans 12:1-2, contribute to a believer's ability to discern God's will? What might this look like in everyday life? [56:35]

2. The sermon mentions the mind as the "devil's playground." How does focusing on the qualities listed in Philippians 4:8 help guard against negative thoughts? [58:31]

3. In what ways does the concept of being a "living sacrifice" challenge or encourage believers in their daily walk with God? [56:52]

4. How does the idea of being an ambassador for Christ, as mentioned in the sermon, influence the way believers interact with the world around them? [01:08:57]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a past experience that could serve as a testimony to help others. How can you share this story to offer hope and encouragement to someone in need? [55:48]

2. Identify a specific thought pattern that you struggle with. How can you apply Philippians 4:8 to transform this pattern into one that aligns with God's will? [59:00]

3. What old habits or behaviors do you need to let go of to embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ? What new, godly habits can you adopt in their place? [01:05:20]

4. Consider a situation where you can stand out for Christ in your community. What practical steps can you take to reflect His love and grace in that context? [01:12:01]

5. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples. Who in your life can you intentionally invest in to help them grow in their faith? What is one step you can take this week to begin that process? [01:13:33]

6. Think about a time when you felt overlooked or on the fringe. How can you reach out to someone who might be feeling the same way and show them the love of Christ? [01:19:08]

7. What is one specific way you can renew your commitment to live boldly for Christ this week, knowing that He is with you every step of the way? [01:20:07]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Testimony
Our past experiences, when shared as testimonies, can be powerful tools to help others who are struggling. By being open about our journey, we can offer hope and encouragement to those around us. Sharing our stories with conviction and emotion allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, showing them that they are not alone in their struggles. This act of vulnerability can be a source of strength, both for the storyteller and the listener, as it highlights the transformative power of God's love in our lives. [55:48]

"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul." (Psalm 66:16, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a personal experience where you saw God's hand at work. How can you share this story with someone who might need encouragement today?


Day 2: Renewing the Mind
Transformation begins with the renewal of our minds. By focusing on what is true, honorable, and pure, we align our thoughts with God's will, allowing us to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This renewal is not a one-time event but a continuous process of aligning our thoughts with the truth of God's Word. As we fill our minds with thoughts that are worthy of praise, we guard against the negative influences that seek to distract us from our purpose. This mental transformation is essential for living a life set apart for God, as it enables us to discern His will and walk in His ways. [59:00]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one thought pattern that does not align with God's truth. What steps can you take today to replace it with thoughts that are true, honorable, and pure?


Day 3: Living as a New Creation
Embracing our identity in Christ means letting go of the old self and adopting new, godly habits. This daily surrender allows us to walk in the power and truth of Christ. As we put on the new self, we are called to replace old habits with those that reflect the character of Christ. This transformation is not just about behavior modification but about a heart change that leads to a life that is holy and acceptable to God. By surrendering our old ways and embracing the new, we become living testimonies of the transformative power of Christ in our lives. [01:05:20]

"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 old habit you need to let go of to fully embrace your identity in Christ? How can you begin to replace it with a godly habit today?


Day 4: Standing Out for Christ
As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to stand out in the world, reflecting His love and grace. Our actions and words should draw others to the transformative power of the Gospel. This means living a life that is distinct from the world, one that is marked by grace, mercy, and love. By embodying the values of the Gospel, we become beacons of hope in a world that often opposes these values. Our lives should be a testament to the power of Christ, drawing others to the love and grace that He offers. [01:12:01]

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you stand out for Christ in your daily interactions? How can your actions and words reflect His love and grace to those around you?


Day 5: The Great Commission
We are tasked with making disciples and teaching them to follow Christ. This requires us to live boldly and authentically, ensuring that our lives are a testament to God's love and grace. The Great Commission is not just a call to evangelism but a call to live a life that draws others to Christ. By living out our faith in tangible ways, we become witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel. As we grow in our faith, we are encouraged to live boldly for Christ, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [01:13:33]

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can disciple or encourage in their faith journey? What steps can you take today to begin this process?

Quotes


"removed the old me can no longer be associated with where God has placed me now now it doesn't say ignore what you used to do because if you start to ignore it and pretend it didn't happen it might start trying to creep back in or you might miss out on helping someone going through the same thing we can't be so high and mighty with the Lord that we forget that other people are going through our same struggle and that's the power of Our Testimony Our Testimony if you can't say anything other than Jesus loves you your testimony is another effective way to reach the people around you because it's a personal story there's conviction behind it there's the emotion that experience things that people yearn for in this life where everything is replaced by screen they yearn for that physical interaction" [00:55:20]

"but Paul doesn't just tell us to lay aside our former life and walk in a new life he tells us to renew our mind we have to be renewed in the spirit of our mind and so in Romans 12: 1 and two I feel like I come back to this one a lot but it's so powerful Paul again is writing to the church in Rome he says therefore I urge you Brethren by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God which is your your spiritual service of worship and do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you may prove what the will of God is that which is good and acceptable and perfect God is in the transformation business because we have to live a transformed life to go from old to new" [00:56:20]

"because as I mentioned last week you know there's the seed of the Gospel that is planted in everyone that we speak to well if it stays a seed there's there's no real power to it if a seed just stays a seed you don't get any crops from it it has to transform it has to become greater than it once was in order for you to see you know the flower or the tree or whatever but the seed of the Gospel transforms the soil before it Bears the fruit now our lives are the soil so we have to present ourselves as living and holy which is a sacrifice we have to set ourselves apart for the Lord for him to allow us to be that Holy and Living Sacrifice" [00:57:27]

"this goes back to loving the Lord with all our heart mind soul and strength part one of the greatest commandment part two was to love your neighbor as yourself our mind is part of the key to ensuring that we're set apart and now another thing because I like to say the mind is the Devil's Playground you get that one stinking thinking thought in there and it just explodes in your brain and then you're like man how can I even calm this down or slow this down or get in front of it well you know uh Paul has this really good verse in the church to the Philippians about how to stay in front of those things in Philippians 4:8 he says finally Brethren whatever is true whatever is Honorable whatever is right whatever is pure whatever is lovely whatever is of good repute if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of Praise dwell on these things" [00:58:16]

"so you're saying in order to get out of my Loop of stinking thinking I need to start dwelling on the things that are good right you I saw some bumblebees out now I'm not a huge fan of bumblebees but I know that means flowers are coming so I was excited I was like cool bees y'all stay over there I'll stay over here but I know what you're doing you're about to bring a flowers to the area now I don't know about you but I know Blue Bonnet season's coming up and I know people like to take those pictures I too like to take those pictures because my wife says at least once and I say yes ma'am but there's just a beautifulness about God's creation that if you start getting in that Loop man just look outside find something awesome that you say man God made that just for me in this moment I needed that I call those for my kids God winks" [00:59:00]

"now as Emma Joe has been out on this trip you know she's been having girl time unfortunately uh Danny's father is there so it's not a true girl time but he's enjoying it nonetheless well you know that makes me a little sad that's my girl well I saw the most beautiful sun like sunset with you know it had like the Rays coming out of the clouds I didn't have my color blind glasses on so I couldn't actually tell you what colors it was but it's beautiful you have to take my word it was beautiful and just made me just a little bit happy I was like man this is awesome because I was starting to think man I really miss Emma Joe right now so I took a picture of it and we're going to show Emma Joe when she gets back because I know she too appreciates those sunsets it's just reminds me of like you know a crown just blazing across the sky it was it was awesome but God knows when you're sad" [01:00:21]

"I know we all sing during Christmas you know he sees sees you when you're sleeping he knows when you're awake we're talking about Santa good thing we serve a God that knows those things all the time not just when it's beneficial to get presents or not and he cares about it not only does he care about how you're feeling but he wants you to be able to express it to him as a parent I know my kid upset but I want them to tell me they're upset and I can handle their emotions God can handle our emotions he treats us with such tender and care and he understands you're having a bad day tell me about it don't hold back because he wants to give you the true Comfort after you spill everything that you're going through to him he'll give you that comfort and help you find the joy in the struggle" [01:01:28]

"and when we dwell on the things of God the things of this world will go grow strangely dim if I'm not mistaken beautiful song it's because when the thoughts are focused on God we become closer to the image of Christ and we will become further and further away from our old life because we want to be set apart for the Lord because we love him he loved us first and if this is just a simple Act of obedience to him sign me up I will be the first one to to volunteer for that mission we're all on Mission we're all called to lay aside the old self this is where we begin I don't know where you're at in your spiritual walk well I know where most of you are at in your spiritual walk but I want us to reflect on where we were at the beginning think about those people that really poured into your life thank the Lord for them but more importantly thank the Lord for the opportunity to have that relationship with those people" [01:02:23]

"and then at the end Paul asks us to put on a new self and so when we have old habits you know people who think a lot deeper about things than I do they say if you get rid of an old habit you have to replace it with a new healthy habit okay that makes sense I know that in the Bible you know speaking on like if the house is empty you got to to have someone in your house essentially otherwise the people you just kicked out are going to come back Sevenfold and really make a mess of the place so if we are kicking out old habits we have to replace them with new Godly habits because if we don't we backslide we allow that old self to creep up through and it starts to take control of us" [01:03:19]

"but I want us to give us this encouragement in second Corinth Ians 5:17 Paul again writes therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creature the old things passed away behold new things have come when you accept Jesus that old life there's again that old life there's there's those habits that you got to get rid of but God doesn't count that against you he there's a I believe it's Casting Crowns you know he separates the sin as far as the East is from the West he doesn't hold that against you anymore you don't hold it against you either but that's a hard battle to fight personally but we are a new creation which means we are a new self which means we have to die to something that old self that old physical creature that was just based around whatever I wanted to do whatever I needed I thought I knew best that person has to be dead so you can be made alive in Christ this has to happen every single day this is a daily surrender of you wake up in the morning you say Lord I know I gave you my life yesterday and it was amazing I want to give you my life again today and make it amazing again for me" [01:04:39]

"because if I become in control of my own life I'm going to make some dumb mistakes I'm going to say something really dumb to somebody and I'm going to have to live with that but if I give my life to you you're going to grant me the wisdom and the understanding and the words that I need in any given situation and you're going to make things happen that I my brain my small human brain can even comprehend but we have to allow our Focus to be on the desires of God rather than desires of oursel and this means when we are a new self we begin to Bear the likeness of of God means we get to clothe ourselves in New Life we've Cast Away the old life we get to clothe ourselves in new life but it's not what we are clothing ourselves in but who we're clothing ourselves in in Galatians 3 26 and 27 it says for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus for all of you who are baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ so not only have we disregarded our old life and we are accepting a new life but we are walking as an ambassador for Jesus himself into a world what a huge blessing and opportunity that is for each of us to be able to say man my old life that's so far gone and I get to walk in a dark world and be the light of Jesus to those who need it" [01:05:20]

"I get to be that hug for someone who's yearning for it I get to speak hope and hopelessness get to show grace and mercy to those who others feel like they're not deserving of it but with putting on Christ that puts a huge Target on our back because when we're doing work for the kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ the enemy doesn't want that the enemy wants us to bear false witness to the kingdom building of Jesus Christ because that's the same trick he likes to play on us he wants us to forget whose image we bear and focus on our own image he wants us to focus on what I want not what God wants he wants us to go against the character of Christ the image of Christ the actions of Christ and we do anything he can to taint that image to just twist enough of it to where you think H you've got a good point that's what happened in the garden am I right he said you will know both Good and Evil and you will be like God well I mean they were already like God they just didn't know what evil was he will take and twist ever so slightly just so there's just a shadow of a doubt and if there's doubt he's got you this is why we have to always be armored up you know that's coming too but if if we walk in Holiness Holiness of Truth there should be no doubt so we are called to be holy this is the entire purpose is to be made holy because God is Holy so we must begin our walks from different parts on the path some started earlier than others maybe you just hopped on the path we all have have a beginning spot but the ending destination is Holiness I don't I don't care where any of us are as long as we're all poting in the same direction and that is Jesus and we're all being made holy each and every day for his use so we are called to stand out from the world we're called to Stand Up For What the gospel is and to call out what it isn't because when we stand with Holiness that means there's no lie Among Us there's no evil intent of the heart among us we get to be his Ambassador and meet people where they are but here's a warning if we don't stand apart from the world if we were all to go out to Walmart right now and just scatter ourselves inside of Walmart would people be able to pick us out or would we just fit in with the crowd if we fit in with the crowd we have tainted the gospel because he called us to stand out in the crowd" [01:07:25]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?