Transforming Through Faith: Embracing God's Unchanging Nature
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasize the unchanging nature of God and the necessity for us as believers to change and grow to become more like Jesus. While God remains constant, we are called to transform and fulfill our part in His promises and plans. This transformation requires perseverance in faith, hope, and the Word of God. Reflecting on the past, we recognize that many of us once lived far from God, but through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled and called to live holy and blameless lives.
The pandemic has been a time of reflection, reminding us of the proximity of death and the importance of seeking God. It has also brought families together and prompted many to turn back to God, realizing our limitations. Despite the challenges, we are encouraged to see the positive outcomes and to strengthen not just our immune systems but our faith as well.
Living a holy life is challenging and requires effort, unlike living in sin, which often comes naturally. To overcome sinful tendencies, we must actively seek God, engage in spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance. The story of a woman who transformed her marriage through patience and kindness illustrates the power of living out God's Word and overcoming evil with good.
We are reminded that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. By staying close to God and His Word, we can discern His voice and make wise decisions. As we face trials and temptations, we must stand firm in our faith, refusing to be moved by external pressures. Our ultimate goal is not just to survive this life but to reach eternal life with God.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Unchanging Nature and Our Call to Change: While God remains constant, we are called to transform and become more like Jesus. This requires us to actively participate in His plans and promises by changing our hearts and actions. [01:04]
2. The Pandemic as a Catalyst for Reflection: The pandemic has highlighted the fragility of life and the need to seek God. It has brought families together and prompted many to turn back to God, recognizing our limitations and the importance of spiritual growth. [04:12]
3. The Challenge of Living a Holy Life: Living a holy life requires effort and spiritual discipline, unlike living in sin, which often comes naturally. We must actively seek God and rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome sinful tendencies and grow in holiness. [08:33]
4. Overcoming Evil with Good: The story of a woman who transformed her marriage through patience and kindness illustrates the power of living out God's Word. By choosing to respond with love and forgiveness, we can overcome evil and bring about positive change. [17:22]
5. Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Trials: As believers, we must stand firm in our faith, refusing to be moved by external pressures. Our ultimate goal is to reach eternal life with God, and we must persevere in faith, hope, and the Word of God to achieve this. [26:49]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - The Call to Change
[04:12] - Reflections from the Pandemic
[05:15] - Strengthening Faith Over Fear
[08:33] - The Challenge of Holiness
[09:14] - Personal Testimony of Change
[10:05] - The Role of Spiritual Discipline
[11:50] - The Power of Patience
[12:39] - The Holy Spirit's Guidance
[15:54] - Overcoming Evil with Good
[16:37] - The Transformative Power of Kindness
[17:22] - A Story of Marital Transformation
[18:26] - The Importance of Spiritual Practice
[20:22] - The Battle Against Spiritual Forces
[21:05] - Becoming Friends with God
[22:12] - Hearing God's Voice
[23:44] - Discernment in Prophecy
[26:03] - Standing Firm in Faith
[26:49] - Perseverance in Trials
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 1:21-23
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 1:21-23, what transformation has occurred in the lives of believers? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on change? [01:04]
2. What are some positive outcomes of the pandemic mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to spiritual growth? [04:12]
3. How does the sermon describe the natural tendency towards sin compared to the effort required to live a holy life? [08:33]
4. What story was shared in the sermon to illustrate overcoming evil with good, and what was the outcome? [17:22]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the unchanging nature of God provide a foundation for our call to change and grow in faith? [01:04]
2. In what ways has the pandemic served as a catalyst for reflection and spiritual growth, according to the sermon? [04:12]
3. Why is living a holy life described as challenging, and what role do spiritual disciplines play in this process? [08:33]
4. How does the story of the woman transforming her marriage through kindness illustrate the power of living out God’s Word? [17:22]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you resisted change in your spiritual life. What steps can you take to embrace transformation and become more like Jesus? [01:04]
2. How has the pandemic affected your spiritual journey? Identify one positive change you can make to continue growing in your faith. [04:12]
3. What spiritual discipline (e.g., prayer, fasting) can you commit to this week to help overcome a specific sinful tendency? [08:33]
4. Think of a relationship in your life that could benefit from patience and kindness. What specific action can you take to improve it this week? [17:22]
5. How can you stand firm in your faith amidst current trials or temptations? Identify one scripture or promise of God that you can meditate on to strengthen your resolve. [26:49]
6. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not moved by external pressures but remain focused on your ultimate goal of eternal life with God? [26:49]
7. Consider a recent decision you made. How did you discern God’s voice in that situation, and what can you do to improve your ability to hear Him in the future? [22:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Transformation in a Constant God
In a world where change is inevitable, God remains the same. His unchanging nature is a foundation upon which believers can rely. However, this constancy calls us to transform and align ourselves with His will. As we strive to become more like Jesus, we must actively participate in God's plans and promises. This transformation is not passive; it requires a conscious effort to change our hearts and actions. Reflecting on our past, we recognize that many of us once lived far from God, but through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled and called to live holy and blameless lives. This journey of transformation is a testament to our faith and commitment to God's unchanging love. [01:04]
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your life is God calling you to transform today, and how can you take a step towards that change?
Day 2: The Pandemic's Spiritual Awakening
The pandemic has been a profound period of reflection, highlighting the fragility of life and the urgency of seeking God. It has served as a catalyst for many to turn back to God, recognizing our limitations and the need for spiritual growth. Families have been brought together, and individuals have been reminded of the proximity of death, prompting a reevaluation of priorities. Despite the challenges, this time has also been an opportunity to strengthen not just our immune systems but our faith as well. By focusing on the positive outcomes, we can see how God has used this time to draw us closer to Him and to each other. [04:12]
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." (James 4:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: How has the pandemic changed your perspective on life and faith, and what steps can you take to continue growing spiritually?
Day 3: The Pursuit of Holiness
Living a holy life is a challenging endeavor that requires effort and spiritual discipline. Unlike living in sin, which often comes naturally, holiness demands intentionality and perseverance. To overcome sinful tendencies, believers must actively seek God, engage in spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance. This pursuit of holiness is a lifelong journey that involves daily choices to align with God's will. By committing to this path, we can grow in holiness and reflect God's character in our lives. [08:33]
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14, ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual discipline can you incorporate into your daily routine to help you pursue holiness more intentionally?
Day 4: The Power of Goodness in Overcoming Evil
The story of a woman who transformed her marriage through patience and kindness illustrates the power of living out God's Word. By choosing to respond with love and forgiveness, we can overcome evil and bring about positive change. This principle is not limited to marriage but applies to all areas of life. When faced with adversity, responding with goodness can disarm negativity and create an environment for healing and transformation. This approach requires strength and reliance on God's grace, but it is a powerful testimony of His love at work in our lives. [17:22]
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a challenging relationship in your life. How can you respond with patience and kindness to bring about positive change?
Day 5: Standing Firm in Faith
As believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith, refusing to be moved by external pressures. Our ultimate goal is not just to survive this life but to reach eternal life with God. This requires perseverance in faith, hope, and the Word of God. By staying close to God and His Word, we can discern His voice and make wise decisions. As we face trials and temptations, we must remain steadfast, trusting in God's promises and His unchanging nature. This steadfastness is a testament to our faith and a witness to the world of God's enduring love and faithfulness. [26:49]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What external pressures are challenging your faith today, and how can you stand firm in God's promises amidst these challenges?
Quotes
Kita tidak perlu ragu, kita tidak perlu takut. Kenapa? Karena Tuhan tidak pernah berubah. Tetapi kita harus berubah. Jadi jangan ada seorang Kristen pun yang berkata kan Tuhan tidak berubah Bu. Jadi saya juga tidak. Tidak, kan kita harus jadi sama seperti Yesus katanya. [00:11:37] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Karena ada banyak yang positif dari corona Bukan yang positif terjangkit Tapi yang nilai positif dari pandemi ini banyak Yang pertama Ya karena adanya virus dan pandemi ini Manusia kita harusnya menyadari bahwa ternyata Kematian itu berada sangat dekat dengan hidup kita Yang kedua Apa yang harus kita sadari Dengan pandemi ini Membuat banyak orang akhirnya berbalik untuk mencari Tuhan Karena kita menyadari bahwa kita ternyata tidak bisa apa -apa. [02:48:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Saya mulai berdoa di situ, Tuhan ini saya nih orangnya Tuhan, saya ini pemarah Tuhan, saya mau berubah Tuhan, ubah saya Tuhan. Lalu ketika kita berdoa begitu, apakah kita langsung ting dapat cahaya putih gitu, langsung ting, langsung jadi orang yang sabar, halo, halo, begitu. Begitu, makanya kalau sepasal yang ketiga berkata, karena itu matikanlah dalam dirimu segala sesuatu yang duniawi, yaitu apa? Marah, geram, kejahatan, kalau firman Tuhan suruh matikan, berarti siapa yang harus bertindak? Kita, bukan Tuhan, ada bagian yang harus kita lakukan. [09:52:51] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Saya bilang pakai bahasa roh jangan cuma di gereja. Waktu berantem di rumah itu pakai bahasa roh. Marah sama suaminya. Memang kamu dasar syukur. Itu setan lari tuh. Itu waktu yang tepat untuk pakai bahasa roh. Karena banyak orang hebat bahasa roh di gereja, di rumah bahasanya kebun binatang. Maaf. Maaf. Banyak Kristen yang begitu. [20:05:80] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Sahabatnya Tuhan. Makanya hari ini bertobat. Ayat 22. Sekarang kita telah diperdamaikan dalam tubuh jasmani Kristus oleh kematiannya. Untuk menempatkan kita kudus dan tak bercacat dan tak bercelah dihadapannya. Karena itu ayat 23 ini yang harus kita lakukan. [21:14:71] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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