Transforming Character Through Identity in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we are diving into the topic of building godly character in our lives. Many Christians struggle with fear, depression, and fruitlessness because they lack a solid foundation of their identity in Christ. Your beliefs about your identity can either make you or break you. At Radiant Seminar, we will explore how to build your identity on the truth of God's Word, understanding your spiritual position in Christ, the glory of God within you, and the great potential you have in Him. This revelation will help you see yourself as God sees you and live a life of victory and fruitfulness.
We began by revisiting Isaiah 64:8, which describes God as the potter and us as the clay. No matter how out of shape a lump of clay is, the potter can transform it into something beautiful. Similarly, God wants to shape our lives and character. Our life should be a testimony of God's handiwork, not our own efforts. We are not transformed by acknowledging our weaknesses but by knowing Christ. Romans 12:2 emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds to be transformed, highlighting the stark difference between the world and the church.
God's will is to build godly character in us, but the world often shapes our character in the wrong way. This can hinder us from seeing and walking in God's good plan for our lives. However, this is not a hopeless situation because God, the expert potter, can reshape our lives into something beautiful. The greatest enemy in our lives is often our own character, but God can transform it through Christ-centered doctrine. Doctrine forms beliefs, and beliefs shape character. Therefore, we must constantly expose ourselves to Christ-centered teachings.
Faith is not about blind belief; it works through the understanding of truth. God wants us to understand His Word, and the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Many Christians seek emotional experiences but neglect doctrine. However, understanding Christ-centered doctrine is crucial for forming right character. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which involves engaging with Christ-centered doctrine.
God builds character in us through three main ways: doctrine, tests, and godly influences. Doctrine brings understanding, which forms beliefs and shapes character. Tests are not problems created by God but opportunities to act on what we claim to believe. They help us see where our heart is and train us to apply the truth. Godly influences also play a significant role in shaping our character. Surrounding ourselves with godly people helps us grow and align our lives with God's plan.
In conclusion, God has a good plan for each of us, and He wants us to experience His good plan by allowing the Holy Spirit to develop godly character in us. This transformation will lead to a life of victory, fruitfulness, and undemanded honor. Let's put our lives in the hands of the potter and cooperate with the Holy Spirit to become who God wants us to be.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity in Christ: Many Christians struggle because they lack a solid foundation of their identity in Christ. Understanding your spiritual position, the glory of God within you, and your potential in Christ is crucial for living a victorious and fruitful life. This revelation helps you see yourself as God sees you and transforms your life. [[02:07]]([02:07])
2. Transformation through Christ: We are not transformed by acknowledging our weaknesses but by knowing Christ. Romans 12:2 emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds to be transformed. This involves engaging with Christ-centered doctrine, which forms our beliefs and shapes our character. [[30:32]]([30:32])
3. God's Will and Character: God's will is to build godly character in us, but the world often shapes our character in the wrong way. However, God, the expert potter, can reshape our lives into something beautiful. The greatest enemy in our lives is often our own character, but God can transform it through Christ-centered doctrine. [[06:13]]([06:13])
4. Faith and Understanding: Faith is not about blind belief; it works through the understanding of truth. God wants us to understand His Word, and the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Understanding Christ-centered doctrine is crucial for forming right character. [[25:53]]([25:53])
5. Three Ways God Builds Character: God builds character in us through doctrine, tests, and godly influences. Doctrine brings understanding, which forms beliefs and shapes character. Tests are opportunities to act on what we claim to believe and help us see where our heart is. Surrounding ourselves with godly people also plays a significant role in shaping our character. [[19:56]]([19:56])
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [02:07] - Identity in Christ
3. [03:30] - God's Will to Build Character
4. [06:13] - The Potter and the Clay
5. [19:56] - Three Ways God Builds Character
6. [25:53] - Faith and Understanding
7. [30:32] - Transformation through Christ
8. [47:21] - Tests and Trials
9. [57:33] - Godly Influences
10. [59:48] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 64:8 - "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand."
2. Romans 12:2 - "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."
3. John 8:31-32 - "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to Isaiah 64:8, how does the relationship between the potter and the clay illustrate God's role in shaping our lives? ([04:16])
2. What does Romans 12:2 say about the process of transformation and the role of the mind in this process? ([31:14])
3. In John 8:31-32, what is the connection between abiding in Jesus' word and knowing the truth? How does this truth impact our freedom? ([37:33])
4. What are the three main ways God builds character in us as mentioned in the sermon? ([19:56])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our identity in Christ help us overcome struggles like fear, depression, and fruitlessness? ([02:07])
2. Why is it important to renew our minds with Christ-centered doctrine, and how does this differ from simply acknowledging our weaknesses? ([30:32])
3. How do tests and trials serve as opportunities to practice the doctrine we claim to believe, according to the sermon? ([45:55])
4. What role do godly influences play in shaping our character, and how can we actively seek out these influences in our lives? ([55:41])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of your identity in Christ. How does this understanding influence your daily life and decisions? ([02:07])
2. Think about a recent situation where you faced a challenge or trial. How did you respond, and what did it reveal about your character and beliefs? ([45:55])
3. Identify one area of your life where you need to renew your mind with Christ-centered doctrine. What practical steps can you take this week to engage with this doctrine? ([30:32])
4. Who are the godly influences in your life right now? How can you spend more time with them or seek their guidance to help shape your character? ([55:41])
5. Consider a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding you into truth. How did this experience impact your faith and understanding of God's Word? ([27:04])
6. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your life is a testimony of God's handiwork rather than your own efforts? ([05:17])
7. How can you create an environment in your home or community that encourages the development of godly character through doctrine, tests, and godly influences? ([19:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Your Identity in Christ
Many Christians struggle because they lack a solid foundation of their identity in Christ. Understanding your spiritual position, the glory of God within you, and your potential in Christ is crucial for living a victorious and fruitful life. This revelation helps you see yourself as God sees you and transforms your life. When you grasp the truth of your identity in Christ, you begin to live out the purpose and potential God has placed within you. This understanding is not just intellectual but transformative, affecting every aspect of your life.
Isaiah 64:8 describes God as the potter and us as the clay, emphasizing that no matter how out of shape we may feel, God can transform us into something beautiful. This transformation is not about our efforts but about knowing Christ and allowing Him to shape our lives. By renewing our minds with the truth of God's Word, we can see ourselves as God sees us and live a life of victory and fruitfulness. [02:07]
Ephesians 1:18-19 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might."
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view your daily challenges and opportunities?
Day 2: Transformation through Christ
We are not transformed by acknowledging our weaknesses but by knowing Christ. Romans 12:2 emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds to be transformed. This involves engaging with Christ-centered doctrine, which forms our beliefs and shapes our character. Transformation is a process that requires us to continually expose ourselves to the truth of God's Word and allow it to renew our minds. This renewal leads to a transformation that aligns our character with God's will.
The world often shapes our character in the wrong way, but God, the expert potter, can reshape our lives into something beautiful. The greatest enemy in our lives is often our own character, but God can transform it through Christ-centered doctrine. By focusing on Christ and His teachings, we can experience true transformation that leads to a life of victory and fruitfulness. [30:32]
Colossians 3:10 (ESV): "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
Reflection: What specific areas of your life need transformation through the renewing of your mind with Christ-centered doctrine?
Day 3: God's Will and Character
God's will is to build godly character in us, but the world often shapes our character in the wrong way. However, God, the expert potter, can reshape our lives into something beautiful. The greatest enemy in our lives is often our own character, but God can transform it through Christ-centered doctrine. Doctrine forms beliefs, and beliefs shape character. Therefore, we must constantly expose ourselves to Christ-centered teachings to align our character with God's will.
Faith is not about blind belief; it works through the understanding of truth. God wants us to understand His Word, and the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Understanding Christ-centered doctrine is crucial for forming right character. By engaging with Christ-centered teachings, we can allow God to shape our character and align our lives with His good plan. [06:13]
2 Peter 1:5-7 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love."
Reflection: In what ways has the world shaped your character, and how can you allow God to reshape it through Christ-centered doctrine?
Day 4: Faith and Understanding
Faith is not about blind belief; it works through the understanding of truth. God wants us to understand His Word, and the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. Many Christians seek emotional experiences but neglect doctrine. However, understanding Christ-centered doctrine is crucial for forming right character. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which involves engaging with Christ-centered doctrine.
By understanding the truth of God's Word, we can develop a faith that is grounded in knowledge and understanding. This understanding helps us to live out our faith in practical ways and align our lives with God's will. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us into all truth and helping us to understand and apply God's Word in our lives. [25:53]
James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: How can you seek a deeper understanding of God's Word to strengthen your faith and character?
Day 5: Three Ways God Builds Character
God builds character in us through doctrine, tests, and godly influences. Doctrine brings understanding, which forms beliefs and shapes character. Tests are not problems created by God but opportunities to act on what we claim to believe. They help us see where our heart is and train us to apply the truth. Godly influences also play a significant role in shaping our character. Surrounding ourselves with godly people helps us grow and align our lives with God's plan.
By engaging with Christ-centered doctrine, we can develop a strong foundation of beliefs that shape our character. Tests and trials provide opportunities for us to apply what we have learned and grow in our faith. Surrounding ourselves with godly influences helps us to stay on the right path and continue to grow in our relationship with God. [19:56]
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: What tests or trials are you currently facing, and how can you see them as opportunities to grow in your character and faith?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do you know why so many Christians struggle with fear, depression, and fruitlessness? It's because a lot of Christians lack the right foundation of their identity. Your beliefs about your identity can make you or break you. At Radiant Seminar, we will show you how to build your identity on the truth of God's Word. You will learn about your spiritual position in Christ. You will learn about the glory of God that lives in you. You will learn about the great potential you have in Christ. So come ready to receive the revelation of God's Word. To see yourself as God sees you. And to possess the life of victory and fruitfulness." [02:07]
2. "When we allow the Holy Spirit to develop godly character in us, we will not waste time. These are very important assets in our lives. When we develop godly character, we will have a life of undemanded honor and followership. Not just because of our giftedness, but because of a solid character. Amen. Please share this message with politicians. If you know anybody, please share it with them. Can you say amen to that? Praise God." [17:06]
3. "God doesn't use suffering to build character. Then we don't need the word. I'll pray that you will suffer every day. Let them suffer. And build character in them. How many of you want this prayer right now? The word of God. The work of the spirit. Is what builds character in our lives. The tests of God. Does not produce our identity. But it is to live out our identity. God doesn't love you no matter how many times you fail the test. But please pass the test. Because it is good for us." [51:30]
4. "The problems you're going through, the horrible situations you're going through right now, are not created by God. God to test you. But those situations can prove our trust in God. Amen. Sufferings don't produce faith. The word of God produces faith. Otherwise, all those who suffer a lot will have great faith. And if you're suffering right now, I'm not playing down your suffering." [48:37]
5. "Tests are not problems created by God. Bottom line, God never creates problems. You can say, thank you, pastor. Tests are God-given opportunities to seek what He wants us to seek to act in line with His word. Again, tests are not problems God brings into your life. No, tests are God-given opportunity to act in line with the teaching of His Word. Tests are opportunities to practice the doctrine we claim to believe." [44:10]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are not transformed by the knowledge of our weaknesses. We are transformed by the knowledge of Christ. Now, that doesn't mean we deny our weaknesses and our failures. But what I'm saying here is this. We're not transformed by the knowledge of our own weaknesses and failures. If you don't have the knowledge of Christ, and you only have the knowledge of your weaknesses and failures, you will drown in guilt. You will live in condemnation. We are transformed by the knowledge of Christ." [30:32]
2. "When we allow the Holy Spirit to develop godly character in us, we will become who we are supposed to be to the people God brings into our lives. We will be able to release our gifts in a powerful way that glorifies God. Character hinders our gifts. When the Holy Spirit transforms our character, we can release our gifts in a powerful way. And guess what? We need your gift. The gospel needs your gift. The world needs the gift God has put on the inside of you. And we want to release that in a powerful way." [13:11]
3. "God wants to shape our lives. God wants to shape our character. Our life should not be about what we can make ourselves into. It should be a testimony of the work of God's hands." [05:17]
4. "The understanding of Christ-centered doctrine forms right character. When our hearts get rooted in biblical doctrines, it transforms our character. In Romans 12.2, it says, 'Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' There should be a stark difference between the world and the church. There should be this clear contrast between believers and the world. It says by the renewal of your mind. So this is the system of transformation." [29:50]
5. "God builds character in us through godly influences around us. If you want to walk in the plan of God, hang out with godly people. Hang out with godly influences. 1 Corinthians 11.1 says this. Godly influences in your lives. 1 Corinthians 15.33. Now, all the adults saying, 'Actually, it's for all of us.' Amen. And so godly influences is one way God builds character in our lives." [57:33]
6. "Doctrine brings understanding. And understanding forms beliefs. In John 8.32, very famous scripture, the very words of Jesus, 'And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' We all know this verse. But what we forget is we don't connect it to the previous verse, verse 31. Now I want you to see verse 31, 'If you abide in my word, you are my disciples. If you abide in my word, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' So what Jesus is saying here is the truth you need to know. You need to know knowledge. You need to understand the truth. And you need to engage your heart with the truth. Your heart needs to have intercourse. Know the truth will make you free. The power to transform us is in the doctrine of Christ. The truth of God's word." [37:33]
7. "God tests us so that we can know where our heart is at. Amen. It's diagnosis. And then it's for training to help us grow. How many of you know learning the truth and training to apply the truth? How many of you sit in a plane? And the pilot starts the engine. And he announces, 'Well, this is a pilot. This is my first time flying. I've never been tested, but I went to class. I passed the class with flying colors. But I've never been tested on flying.' Jump out of the plane. Walk if you need to. Ride an elephant. And then it is for certification. He certifies us. That's so good. Praise God." [54:53]
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