Into a changed life

Transformation – Part 1

April 15, 2007

Pastor Brad Dyrness
Sparks Nazarene Church

Extreme Makeover is nothing new.

God is delighted by seeing what was broken and watching it be changed.

The Bible has a word for this drastic change – “Transformed.” 

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.   English Standard Version

2 Corinthians 3:18 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. English Standard Version

Transformation is one of the words the Bible uses to describe the Christian spiritual journey. 

Transformation draws our attention to the much more radical intended effects of Christ-following, being formed into the character of Christ.

There is another word that is often translated change.

Colossians 1:6 ~2 Timothy 2:25-26 ~ Romans 2:29

In fact this is one of the last things Jesus spoke about before He went into heaven!

Luke 24:46-47  He said to them, “It is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that a change of hearts and lives and forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all nations, …” New Century Version

The word for change in this and more than 30 other places in the New Testament is REPENT.  180 degree change of direction.

When a baby is born we celebrate! 

We know that if they are not growing then they are not healthy!

Receiving Christ - Being a believer or a God Follower, is not an event, rather it is a happening.

1.     God is committed to help you in this process. 

Romans 8:29 ~ Romans 12:1 ~ 2 Corinthians 17-18

The Holy Spirit has a variety of ministries to believers. He Leads, Empowers them for holy living and… Transforms

2.     This happens and happens and happens 
2 Corinthians 3:18 “are being transformed”

The present passive tense expresses that the change is not only being brought about by an outside force but also that it is in progress.

So...

It is biblical that our salvation is a happening rather than an event

God is committed to help us grow

We never get to the point where we have learned enough to be full of Christ’s character

Because the real goal is … to be a mirror of the Glory of God.