Transforming Lives: The Power of Intentional Consumption
Summary
In today's gathering at Crossroads, we concluded our series "Unplugged," which has been a journey of exploring the impact of technology on our lives and how we can reclaim our time and focus by stepping back from digital consumption. This series is not about rejecting technology but about using it wisely to enhance our lives rather than diminish them. We have embarked on a 40-day digital fast, aligning with the tradition of Lent, to help us become more like Christ by consuming less of what distracts us and more of what transforms us.
The core message is that what we consume shapes who we become. This is not just about technology but about all aspects of life. Jesus' primary focus is not on our behavior but on our transformation into His likeness. Romans 8:29 reminds us that our destiny is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This transformation is not passive; it requires active participation and intentional choices. The world often tells us to look inward to find our true selves, but God calls us to conform to Christ, which involves consuming His Word and allowing it to shape our lives.
We are called to be world changers, not by conforming to the world but by being transformed through Christ. The world is waiting for us to step into our roles as children of God, as Romans 8:19 suggests. This transformation is not just for our benefit but for the liberation and glory of creation. Our mission at Crossroads is to connect seekers to a community of growing Christ followers who are actively changing the world.
The digital fast is a tool to help us focus on consuming what will conform us to Christ. It's a call to redeem our time, exchanging lesser pursuits for those of greater value. Spending time in God's Word is the most powerful catalyst for transformation. As we engage in this fast, we are encouraged to endure the small daily discomforts that lead to significant change. This journey is not easy, but it is essential for becoming the people God has called us to be.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformation Through Consumption: What we consume shapes who we become. By intentionally choosing to consume God's Word and His teachings, we align ourselves with His purpose and are transformed into His likeness. This transformation is not about behavior modification but about becoming more like Christ. [06:03]
- The Call to Be World Changers: Our destiny is to be conformed to the image of Christ, which empowers us to be world changers. The world is waiting for us to step into our roles as children of God, bringing liberation and glory to creation. This is not a passive call but an active mission to transform the world through Christ. [11:48]
- Redeeming Our Time: We are encouraged to redeem our time by exchanging lesser pursuits for those of greater value. This involves spending time in God's Word, which is the most powerful catalyst for transformation. By doing so, we align our lives with God's purpose and become more effective in our mission. [20:38]
- Enduring Daily Discomforts: Transformation requires enduring small daily discomforts, such as spending time with God, praying, and practicing gratitude. These practices lead to significant change over time, helping us become world-changing followers of Jesus. [25:02]
- The Power of Community and Commitment: Our commitment to being conformed to Christ is not just personal but communal. As a church, we are committed to addressing global issues, such as human trafficking, by being God's plan A. This requires us to be faithful in our commitments and to support one another in our journey of transformation. [35:45]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:30] - Introduction to the Series "Unplugged"
- [03:45] - The Purpose of the Digital Fast
- [06:03] - Consuming and Becoming
- [08:20] - The Goal of Transformation
- [11:48] - The Call to Be World Changers
- [14:30] - Redeeming Our Time
- [17:00] - The Power of God's Word
- [20:38] - Enduring Daily Discomforts
- [23:15] - The Role of Community
- [25:02] - Addressing Global Issues
- [28:45] - Commitment to the 10x Push
- [31:30] - Stories of Transformation
- [35:45] - Tools for the Digital Fast
- [38:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Unplugged" Series Conclusion
Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:29 - "For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."
2. Romans 8:19 - "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed."
3. Ephesians 5:14-16 - "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 8:29, what is the ultimate destiny God has for us? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on transformation? [06:03]
2. In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe the impact of digital consumption on our lives? How does this relate to the concept of consuming and becoming? [11:48]
3. What does Ephesians 5:14-16 suggest about how we should approach our daily lives, and how does this connect to the idea of redeeming our time? [20:38]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community in our transformation process? What specific example was given to illustrate this? [35:45]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "conformed to the image of Christ" challenge the common notion of self-discovery and personal identity? [06:03]
2. What does it mean to be a "world changer" according to the sermon, and how does this align with Romans 8:19? [11:48]
3. How can the practice of enduring small daily discomforts lead to significant transformation in our lives, as illustrated by the pastor’s personal story? [25:02]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our commitment to transformation is both a personal and communal responsibility? [35:45]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current digital consumption habits. What specific changes can you make to ensure that what you consume aligns with becoming more like Christ? [11:48]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of redeeming our time. Identify one activity in your daily routine that you can replace with time spent in God's Word. How will you implement this change? [20:38]
3. Consider a specific area in your life where you feel stuck or beyond change. What small daily discomforts can you endure to begin the process of transformation in that area? [25:02]
4. How can you actively participate in your community to support others in their journey of transformation? What role can you play in addressing global issues, as mentioned in the sermon? [35:45]
5. The sermon discusses the power of community and commitment. How can you strengthen your commitment to your church community and its mission? What steps will you take to be more involved? [35:45]
6. Think about a time when you felt called to make a difference but hesitated. What steps can you take to respond to God's call to be a world changer in your current context? [25:02]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of gratitude into your daily routine to aid in your transformation process? What specific actions will you take this week to express gratitude? [25:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Intentional Consumption
By intentionally choosing to consume God's Word and His teachings, we align ourselves with His purpose and are transformed into His likeness. This transformation is not about behavior modification but about becoming more like Christ. The sermon emphasizes that what we consume shapes who we become, and this is not limited to technology but extends to all aspects of life. The world often encourages us to look inward to find our true selves, but God calls us to conform to Christ, which involves consuming His Word and allowing it to shape our lives. This transformation requires active participation and intentional choices, as Romans 8:29 reminds us that our destiny is to be conformed to the image of Christ. [06:03]
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 specific habit or form of media you can replace with time spent in God's Word this week to help shape your character more like Christ?
Day 2: The Call to Be World Changers
Our destiny is to be conformed to the image of Christ, which empowers us to be world changers. The world is waiting for us to step into our roles as children of God, bringing liberation and glory to creation. This is not a passive call but an active mission to transform the world through Christ. The sermon highlights that our transformation is not just for our benefit but for the liberation and glory of creation. Romans 8:19 suggests that the world is eagerly waiting for the revealing of the children of God. As we become more like Christ, we are empowered to change the world, not by conforming to it but by being transformed through Him. [11:48]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Identify one area in your community where you can actively participate in bringing about positive change as an ambassador for Christ.
Day 3: Redeeming Our Time
We are encouraged to redeem our time by exchanging lesser pursuits for those of greater value. This involves spending time in God's Word, which is the most powerful catalyst for transformation. By doing so, we align our lives with God's purpose and become more effective in our mission. The sermon calls us to redeem our time, exchanging lesser pursuits for those of greater value. The digital fast is a tool to help us focus on consuming what will conform us to Christ. Spending time in God's Word is emphasized as the most powerful catalyst for transformation, helping us align our lives with God's purpose and become more effective in our mission. [20:38]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: What is one time-consuming activity you can reduce or eliminate this week to make more room for spiritual growth and service?
Day 4: Enduring Daily Discomforts
Transformation requires enduring small daily discomforts, such as spending time with God, praying, and practicing gratitude. These practices lead to significant change over time, helping us become world-changing followers of Jesus. The sermon encourages us to endure the small daily discomforts that lead to significant change. This journey is not easy, but it is essential for becoming the people God has called us to be. By engaging in practices like spending time with God, praying, and practicing gratitude, we can experience transformation and become world-changing followers of Jesus. [25:02]
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: What is one small discomfort you can embrace today that will help you grow in your faith and character?
Day 5: The Power of Community and Commitment
Our commitment to being conformed to Christ is not just personal but communal. As a church, we are committed to addressing global issues, such as human trafficking, by being God's plan A. This requires us to be faithful in our commitments and to support one another in our journey of transformation. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and commitment in our journey of transformation. Our commitment to being conformed to Christ is not just personal but communal. As a church, we are called to address global issues, such as human trafficking, by being God's plan A. This requires us to be faithful in our commitments and to support one another in our journey of transformation. [35:45]
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 support and encourage someone in your church community this week in their journey of faith and transformation?
Quotes
Said simply, what you consume is who you become. Now, I don't know what you think the primary focus of Jesus is. I know a lot of us come from different church backgrounds and different experiences. You might think that the goal of the Bible, the goal of Jesus, is to make you into a moral person, to get you to conform your behavior. Turns out that's not actually what he's about. See, his primary focus is not how you behave, it's who you become. [00:04:34] (28 seconds)
It's who you become that matters. God's goal is not to get you to stop doing the bad stuff and start doing the good stuff and become more moral. That's all good. Let's do that stuff. But it's not the ultimate destiny, aka your destiny in your life, that he has for you. It's not the destination. He has a different destination for you that he makes very, very clear. It's to be conformed to the image of Jesus. [00:05:14] (25 seconds)
In fact, not just him. He says the entire world is waiting for you to start conforming to Christ and become a transformer. He says the entire world waits. Listen to this, Romans 8, 19. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed, that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage of decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. [00:07:15] (27 seconds)
But becoming is the process of consuming what will over time conform you to Christ. I know there's a couple moves there. I'm going to read that again for you. Becoming is the process of consuming what will over time conform you to Christ. See, this fast, this whole digital series, it's a complete waste of time if you don't replace consuming crap on your phone with time spent consuming what will conform you to Christ. [00:08:27] (29 seconds)
Turns out that you don't automatically get conformed to Christ. Wish it worked that way. It doesn't work that way. I've never woken up and been like, oh my gosh, I'm just more loving. I'm just more courageous. This doesn't happen. There's no such thing as accidental growth. This is where the world and God have very different ideas of how you become who you're meant to be. Very different ideas. [00:08:57] (21 seconds)
What in your life do you think is beyond the boundary of conforming to Christ? What have you just accepted as it's been this way for so long? It's just the way it is. Is it your physical health? Is it your flatline marriage? Is it your broken relationship with your kids? Is it the distance you feel between you and God? What is it? [00:18:42] (20 seconds)
You can become a world-changing, including your world-changing, follower of Jesus if you're willing to endure the difficulty and the discomfort. Unfortunately, many people aren't. Many people aren't. There's a great Catholic theologian named G.K. Chesterton. And he said this, the Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. Rather, it has been found difficult and left untried. [00:19:29] (30 seconds)
As a church, if you want to understand crossroads, maybe you're new since Christmas or since Super Bowl or preaching and you're just trying to figure out what is this place and what are they about, this is us. We assume that when there's problems in the world, whether it's the world far away or the world in our own house, we assume that we are God's plan A and there is no plan B. [00:23:44] (21 seconds)
And do you know there are many more people like her on the other side of the world waiting for you to be conformed so they can be transformed? Many of them. Now, the partner who Anjali went and lived in an aftercare home with who facilitated her being conformed to Christ is a longtime partner of ours in Nepal. They're called Apple of God's Eyes. Phenomenal organization. [00:29:49] (30 seconds)
Pray towards what God cares about. Pray towards things like the Paul. Pray towards the things that break his heart. Pray towards the things that he wants to transform and ask him to transform you. That's what we'll be doing every single Monday. I promise you, if you'll engage, if you'll endure the daily discomfort of being conformed to Christ, you will change. [00:40:29] (19 seconds)
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