Transforming Lives: The Journey to Christlikeness

 

Summary

In our journey of practicing the way of Jesus, we are invited to follow Him closely, not just as part of the crowd but as true disciples. Jesus called ordinary people to follow Him, emphasizing that the invitation is open to all, regardless of background or status. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded that our ultimate goal is to become like Jesus, to embody His love and grace. This transformation is a lifelong process, requiring patience and perseverance, as it goes against the fast-paced, instant gratification culture we live in.

The journey of becoming like Jesus involves several key elements. First, it is a slow and gradual process, requiring a long obedience in the same direction. We must embrace the truth of Jesus, allowing it to reshape our perspectives and understanding. This involves unlearning old patterns and relearning the truths found in Christ. Practicing the teachings of Jesus is essential, as head knowledge alone is insufficient. We must actively apply His words in our daily lives, much like how athletes or professionals practice their skills.

Community plays a vital role in our transformation. We cannot grow in isolation; we need the support, encouragement, and accountability of fellow believers. A community of diverse individuals, united in their pursuit of Christlikeness, helps us grow and mature in our faith. Additionally, suffering, though difficult, can be a powerful catalyst for transformation. It presents us with a choice: to turn away from God or to lean into Him, allowing Him to work through our pain and refine our character.

Finally, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of our transformation. We are encouraged to continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to become more like Jesus and to expand His kingdom. As we embrace these elements, we move closer to the image of Christ, recognizing that while we may not be where we want to be, we are not where we used to be.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Invitation to Follow Jesus: Jesus calls ordinary people to follow Him, emphasizing that the invitation is open to all, regardless of background or status. This call is not just to be part of the crowd but to become true disciples, taking up His yoke and walking in His ways. [01:33]

2. Transformation is a Lifelong Process: Becoming like Jesus is a slow and gradual journey, requiring patience and perseverance. It goes against our culture of instant gratification, reminding us that true transformation takes time and commitment. [10:01]

3. Embracing Truth and Unlearning: Our journey involves unlearning old patterns and embracing the truth of Jesus. This reshapes our perspectives, helping us view God, ourselves, and others through the lens of grace and truth. [13:28]

4. The Importance of Community: Growth in Christ cannot happen in isolation. We need the support, encouragement, and accountability of a community of believers, united in their pursuit of Christlikeness. [20:51]

5. Suffering as a Catalyst for Growth: While suffering is challenging, it can be a powerful catalyst for transformation. It presents us with a choice to lean into God, allowing Him to work through our pain and refine our character. [24:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:33] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
- [02:19] - Reflecting on New Year Goals
- [04:45] - Sharing Personal Goals
- [06:25] - The Desire to Become
- [08:26] - Becoming Love
- [10:01] - The Slow Process of Transformation
- [11:45] - Embracing Truth
- [13:28] - Unlearning and Relearning
- [14:47] - Practicing Jesus' Teachings
- [17:51] - The Role of Practice
- [19:26] - Dealing with Worry
- [20:51] - The Importance of Community
- [22:43] - Community in Action
- [24:37] - Suffering as a Catalyst
- [26:06] - God in Our Suffering
- [27:17] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [29:54] - Recap and Encouragement

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:17 - "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
3. Matthew 7:24-27 - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.

#### Observation Questions
1. What does John 1:17 suggest about the difference between the law given through Moses and the grace and truth that came through Jesus? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on embracing truth and unlearning old patterns? [13:28]
2. In Romans 12:2, what does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and how does this connect to the sermon’s discussion on unlearning and relearning? [13:28]
3. According to Matthew 7:24-27, what is the significance of putting Jesus' words into practice, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the importance of practice in our spiritual journey? [17:51]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community in our transformation, and what examples were given to illustrate this point? [20:51]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "grace and truth" in John 1:17 challenge or affirm your current understanding of Jesus' teachings? [13:28]
2. What are some practical ways believers can renew their minds according to Romans 12:2, and how does this renewal contribute to becoming more like Jesus? [13:28]
3. In what ways does the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27 illustrate the importance of applying Jesus' teachings in daily life? [17:51]
4. How does the sermon suggest that suffering can be a catalyst for growth, and what biblical examples support this idea? [24:37]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there any old patterns or beliefs you need to unlearn to embrace the truth of Jesus more fully? How can you start this process? [13:28]
2. Consider the role of community in your spiritual growth. How can you actively contribute to and benefit from your church community to support your transformation into Christlikeness? [20:51]
3. Think about a recent challenge or suffering you have faced. How did you respond, and how might you choose to lean into God in future difficulties to allow Him to refine your character? [24:37]
4. Identify one area of your life where you struggle to practice Jesus' teachings consistently. What steps can you take this week to put His words into practice more effectively? [17:51]
5. How can you seek the filling of the Holy Spirit daily to empower your journey of becoming more like Jesus? What specific prayer or practice can you incorporate into your routine? [27:17]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the slow process of transformation. How can you cultivate patience and perseverance in your spiritual journey, especially in a culture that values instant results? [10:01]
7. Choose one aspect of Jesus' character (e.g., love, grace, truth) that you want to embody more in your life. What practical steps can you take to develop this characteristic in your interactions with others? [08:26]

Devotional

Day 1: The Universal Call to Discipleship
Jesus extends His invitation to follow Him to everyone, regardless of their background or status. This call is not merely to be part of the crowd but to become true disciples, taking up His yoke and walking in His ways. The journey of discipleship is about moving beyond superficial engagement and committing to a life of transformation. Jesus chose ordinary people, demonstrating that His call is inclusive and accessible to all who are willing to follow. As disciples, we are invited to learn from Him, embody His teachings, and reflect His love and grace in our lives. This invitation is a profound opportunity to align our lives with His purpose and mission. [01:33]

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection: Who in your life might feel excluded or unworthy of Jesus' invitation? How can you extend His love and invitation to them today?


Day 2: Embracing the Slow Journey of Transformation
Transformation into Christlikeness is a lifelong process that requires patience and perseverance. In a culture that values instant gratification, this journey challenges us to embrace a slow and gradual change. True transformation takes time and commitment, as it involves unlearning old patterns and embracing the truth of Jesus. This process reshapes our perspectives, helping us view God, ourselves, and others through the lens of grace and truth. As we practice the teachings of Jesus, we move closer to His image, recognizing that while we may not be where we want to be, we are not where we used to be. [10:01]

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 area of your life where you struggle with impatience in your spiritual growth? How can you practice patience and perseverance in this area today?


Day 3: Unlearning and Relearning in Christ
Our journey with Jesus involves unlearning old patterns and embracing His truth. This process reshapes our perspectives and understanding, allowing us to see God, ourselves, and others through the lens of grace and truth. As we unlearn the ways of the world and relearn the truths found in Christ, we are transformed into His likeness. This transformation requires us to actively apply His teachings in our daily lives, much like how athletes or professionals practice their skills. By embracing the truth of Jesus, we allow it to reshape our lives and guide us in our journey of faith. [13:28]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one belief or habit you need to unlearn to align more closely with the truth of Jesus? How can you begin this process today?


Day 4: The Power of Community in Spiritual Growth
Growth in Christ cannot happen in isolation. We need the support, encouragement, and accountability of a community of believers, united in their pursuit of Christlikeness. A diverse community helps us grow and mature in our faith, providing a space where we can learn from one another and support each other in our journey. This community is vital for our transformation, as it challenges us to live out our faith in practical ways and holds us accountable to the teachings of Jesus. By engaging in community, we are strengthened and encouraged to continue our journey of becoming like Christ. [20:51]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your community of believers this week? What specific action can you take to support and encourage someone in their faith journey?


Day 5: Suffering as a Catalyst for Transformation
While suffering is challenging, it can be a powerful catalyst for transformation. It presents us with a choice: to turn away from God or to lean into Him, allowing Him to work through our pain and refine our character. Suffering can deepen our faith and draw us closer to God, as we rely on His strength and grace to navigate difficult times. By embracing suffering as an opportunity for growth, we allow God to transform us and shape us into the image of Christ. This perspective helps us find purpose in our pain and trust in God's redemptive work in our lives. [24:37]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or trial you have faced. How can you view this experience as an opportunity for growth and transformation in your spiritual journey?

Quotes

We heard how he picked a bunch of 16 to 18 year olds, ordinary people, not the brightest or the best, people like us. Well, some of you guys are the brightest and the best, right? So you are. But not from those from Oxford and Cambridge, but ordinary people, fishermen, people who did regular jobs, tax collectors, and so on, bankers and so on. And he said to them, follow me. [00:00:56] (25 seconds)


And the invitation to follow Jesus, he said, follow me. Some did, but some chose to follow Jesus at a distance. And those are the people all known as the crowd. And if you're here today and you're in the crowd, there's an invitation to go one step further. There were some that went one step further and they followed Jesus. [00:01:21] (22 seconds)


And they were those who took up the yoke, the demands of the rabbi to follow him, to walk in his ways. And this rabbi says, come follow me. And he showed them and they copied him. He taught them and they became like him. And they taught others. He invested in them so they could become like him. And he commissioned them so that they can go and make disciples. [00:01:49] (30 seconds)


A people who look like Christ is a slow process, and sadly, it's not a one-time event. And that goes against the grain of our culture, our instant gratification culture of let's get it now, the fast culture that we're in. But sadly, there are no shortcuts to this journey. It simply takes time. [00:10:01] (26 seconds)


It's that we don't become like Jesus overnight, but through a long obedience in the same direction. We don't become like Jesus overnight, but through a long obedience in the same direction. As well as character transformation, becoming like Jesus also means taking in the truth. [00:11:36] (31 seconds)


And I recognise on my own journey that, and I'm sure it's the same with the disciples when they said yes to following Jesus, that the way that I view things and my upbringing and my experiences has shifted. It's shaped how I see things, it shapes how I view God, it shapes how I imagine God, it shapes my relationship and what I can call God, it shapes how I view people from the other side, it shapes how I see the other gender, it shapes the way that I see people who don't see things the way that I do, it shapes how I view money, how I view talents and the gifts and the resources. [00:12:20] (46 seconds)


But Jesus came with grace and truth. And so therefore, I believe that in order for us to become like him, there's a journey of unlearning and relearning some truths. That as we capture the truth of what Jesus is saying, we get a better picture of how we can view God, that we can call God Father, and how God views us, that we are loved and treasured and loved by him, that we can get a better view of how we can treat others. [00:13:34] (36 seconds)


In Matthew 7, verses 24 to 27, towards the ending of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus finishes it with the wise and the foolish builder. And it goes like this. It goes, therefore, anyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against the house. Yet it did not fall because it had its foundation. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, the winds blew on it and beat against that house and it fell and crashed. [00:16:41] (57 seconds)


A community where we rejoice with those who rejoice and we mourn with those who mourn. A community where we strengthen and encourage and comfort each other. A community where we recognise that individually and collectively as a church that we are on a journey to becoming like him. So we'll get things wrong. Because we're all on that journey. So we can express something of the mercy and the grace that God's given to us, to others, because we recognise that we're all on a journey. [00:21:44] (33 seconds)


The choice to turn away from God or the choice to turn your pain to God and allow him to do something with you. It's a process that means opening up your pain to him. For me, it was a process of standing at the back and worshipping in tears. But looking back, I have to say that that becomes the pivotal point on my journey. That the biggest shift on the journey came through suffering. [00:25:03] (40 seconds)


James says, consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds, because they generate perseverance. Paul says, perseverance will in turn create character and character will create hope. Peter says, greatly rejoice in our trials because they are like refining fire burning off the dross to reveal the gold suffering sucks but god can use it for good. [00:27:17] (43 seconds)


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Transcript
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