In Paul's letter to the church at Galatia he makes an interesting statement, "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you." (Galatians 4:19) Paul's desire was to see believers come to a place in their Christianity to where they were "Imitators of God." (Ephesians
5:1) His desire was not his own, but the very desire that God has for
all of His children. In Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth he
says the same thing in a different way, "But we all, with unveiled
face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being
transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the
Spirit of the Lord." (I Corinthians 3:18) Again, we see the Lords desire for His children. But what does it mean for the believer to have
Christ formed in them or to be transformed into the Lord's image?
The word transformed is the same as the word metamorphosis which means a
complete change of physical form, character and or appearance.When most
think of metamorphosis, they think of the transformation of a caterpillar
into a beautiful butterfly. That is exactly what happens to a person
who is born again. The transformation of a child of the devil into a
child of God. It is being "delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love." (Colossians 1:13) The moment a person is born again they are immediately in Christ. Paul tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Although all of this does take place the moment one is born again, the
work of transformation is a continuous process in every believer. This
work is called, sanctification.
In short, sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer
that progressively transforms them into the image of Christ. The more
the believer gives himself to the influence of the Holy Spirit, the more
the glory of Christ is reflected in their life, moving them from one
degree of glory to another. It’s also a work of grace. Our part in this
marvelous work is our cooperation and response to the Holy Spirit.
According to Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, it says, "Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit."
(Ephesians 5:18) Believers should experience a continuous filling of
the Holy Spirit, that is, being transformed from glory to glory.
To be like Jesus should be the goal of every believer, but we must
remember it is not about us working hard in our own strength trying to
stop the old nature from having place, it simply comes down to what
Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work" (John 4:34) and "Jesus said, I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." (John 5:30) and also "Jesus said, For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me."
John 6:38) As we see, to be like Jesus is to always seek to do the will
of the Father not because it is an obligation, but as the Psalmist
said, "I delight to do Your will, O my God...” (Psalm 40:8) as well as "Jesus said, I always do those things the please the Father." (John 8:29) Our attitude towards doing the Fathers will should be one of delight desiring to please the Him. Simply put, it is, “…Faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6)
According to 2 Corinthians 3:18, who is responsible for the transformation process? "...The Spirit of the Lord." The verb being transformed is passive which means that something is being done in us, not by us. Again, we come to the place of faith,
depending upon and yielding to the Holy Spirit working in us
transforming us. In his letter to the church at Thessalonica he tells
us, "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and
may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also
will do it." (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) In other words not only is
God Himself doing the work from the time we are born again, but He wants
to complete the process of sanctification in our whole spirit, soul,
and body, so it is up to the believer to let Him do the work.
In Paul's letter to the Philippians he tells us, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
(Philippians 1:6 ) If we give ourselves to this good work of the Holy
Spirit in us, He will continue do the work until we either leave this
life for the next or Jesus returns, which ever comes first. The
transformation process of the Holy Spirit in each believer comes down to
the value that one places on their relationship with God and His Word.
It also takes faith to believe that God wants to reproduce Himself in every believer. Paul tells us that the believer is to, "…work out your own salvation…”
(Philippians 2:12 ) To “work out” is an imperative mood, which means it
is a command. It is in the present tense, which means that the action
is continuous. It is also in the passive voice, meaning that we have
something to do, but the main action is done by the one sending the
message, that is, God Himself. Being transformed into the image of
Christ from glory to glory is simply letting God reproduce Himself in
us. So, let go of all the things that prevent you from experiencing more
of God's glory and let Him complete the good work that He has started in you.
Showing posts with label Transformation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Transformation. Show all posts
Monday, August 9, 2021
Transformed
Monday, July 23, 2018
What a Character
The exact etymology of the word character is uncertain. However, leading linguists consider the word to be most probably from Greek. The Latin "ch" spelling of the word was added in the 1500s. Character is defined as, the sum of qualities or habits that define a person or thing and distinguish it from another; the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. A habit is defined as, a settled or regular tendency or practice that influences one decisions. Therefore, we can say that a persons character, is the sum total of their habits, and their habits are produced by the sum total of their decisions.
Thinking about it from this perspective, every time you make a right decision, you are strengthening a right habit. Every time you strengthen a right habit, you are building a right character. However, on the other hand, every time you make a wrong decision, you are building a wrong habit, and out of that wrong habit, you are building a wrong character. Therefore, in order to build good habits you must make good decision. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:12-13)
So, every time you make a decision to do the wrong thing, you become more and more a debtor, a slave, to the flesh, but every time you make a decision to do the right thing, you become more and more the slave of righteousness. "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18) Paul goes on in Romans 8, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 8:14) In order to become a child of God, you must be born again. (John 1:12) To receive the power to be an effective witness, you must be baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) But to live as a son (child) of God, you must be daily led by the Holy Spirit.
Some teach that you have to be super-spiritual first, or reach a level of sinless perfection and then you will emerge as a son of God. But this idea is in direct conflict with what we saw in Romans 8:14, which says all who are led (regularly) by the Holy Spirit are the sons of God. A level of maturity is implied. Oft times many people have the attitude, "When I'm perfect, the Holy Spirit will come in." That essentially used to be a teaching in certain Christian circles. That would be like attending a university and the professors coming in and saying, "When you graduate, we will start to teach you." The fact is, when you graduate, you do not need the professors, but you do need them to graduate. So, when do you need the Holy Spirit? Right now, in order to become mature. The Holy Spirit does not come to you because you are perfect. He comes to you because you have confessed Christ, He is a gift from God and the reality is, we need Him.
Jesus said it this way, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you...I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He [c]will take of Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:7, 12-15) In other words, Jesus is saying, "As long as I am here, the Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Comforter will not come. But if I leave, I will be free to send Him to you. You will be better off with Me in heaven and the Holy Spirit on earth. I have completed all I can do. When the Holy Spirit comes, He will finish the job that I have started and will do it through you and all who believe."
Not only does the Holy Spirit work through believers to continue the supernatural ministry of Jesus on earth (see Mark 16:17-18; John 14:12), but He is also the One who builds the character of Christ in us. "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) The Father's desire is to build the very likeness of Jesus in us, which transforms our character.
The transforming work of the Holy Spirit naturally begins in the inner person, "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16) Some of the things the Holy Spirit does in us are; He enables us to grow in our knowledge of God. (Ephesians 1:17-18) He brings about changes in our wills, emotions, attitudes and perspectives, which also builds Godly character. (Matthew 5 - 7) He develops within us the fruit of the Spirit.
(Galatians 5:22-23) He empowers us to live through faith being bold witnesses for Him. (Acts 1:8) He also provides both the ability and desire to successfully do what the Lord calls us to do (Philippians 2:13).
If you are struggling with your walk with Christ in the area of your character being transformed into the image of Christ, Jesus gives us a beautiful invitation, followed by a tremendous challenge, in regard to yielding to Him, the Holy Spirit and being transformed, "Come to Me, all you 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.” (Matthew 11:28-30) This passage suggests a process by which we yield to the Lord and learn His ways. First, we lay down our heavy burdens and have rest. We must become disciples by taking Christ's yoke and learning from Him. Next, we follow Jesus' example of being gentle and lowly in heart, because God teaches the gentle and lowly but resists the proud. (James 4:6) Simply put, let go of you, take hold of Jesus and live in the fullness of the redemption that He has freely provided. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...
Thinking about it from this perspective, every time you make a right decision, you are strengthening a right habit. Every time you strengthen a right habit, you are building a right character. However, on the other hand, every time you make a wrong decision, you are building a wrong habit, and out of that wrong habit, you are building a wrong character. Therefore, in order to build good habits you must make good decision. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:12-13)
So, every time you make a decision to do the wrong thing, you become more and more a debtor, a slave, to the flesh, but every time you make a decision to do the right thing, you become more and more the slave of righteousness. "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18) Paul goes on in Romans 8, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." (Romans 8:14) In order to become a child of God, you must be born again. (John 1:12) To receive the power to be an effective witness, you must be baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8) But to live as a son (child) of God, you must be daily led by the Holy Spirit.
Some teach that you have to be super-spiritual first, or reach a level of sinless perfection and then you will emerge as a son of God. But this idea is in direct conflict with what we saw in Romans 8:14, which says all who are led (regularly) by the Holy Spirit are the sons of God. A level of maturity is implied. Oft times many people have the attitude, "When I'm perfect, the Holy Spirit will come in." That essentially used to be a teaching in certain Christian circles. That would be like attending a university and the professors coming in and saying, "When you graduate, we will start to teach you." The fact is, when you graduate, you do not need the professors, but you do need them to graduate. So, when do you need the Holy Spirit? Right now, in order to become mature. The Holy Spirit does not come to you because you are perfect. He comes to you because you have confessed Christ, He is a gift from God and the reality is, we need Him.
Jesus said it this way, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you...I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He [c]will take of Mine and declare it to you." (John 16:7, 12-15) In other words, Jesus is saying, "As long as I am here, the Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Comforter will not come. But if I leave, I will be free to send Him to you. You will be better off with Me in heaven and the Holy Spirit on earth. I have completed all I can do. When the Holy Spirit comes, He will finish the job that I have started and will do it through you and all who believe."
Not only does the Holy Spirit work through believers to continue the supernatural ministry of Jesus on earth (see Mark 16:17-18; John 14:12), but He is also the One who builds the character of Christ in us. "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) The Father's desire is to build the very likeness of Jesus in us, which transforms our character.
The transforming work of the Holy Spirit naturally begins in the inner person, "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16) Some of the things the Holy Spirit does in us are; He enables us to grow in our knowledge of God. (Ephesians 1:17-18) He brings about changes in our wills, emotions, attitudes and perspectives, which also builds Godly character. (Matthew 5 - 7) He develops within us the fruit of the Spirit.
(Galatians 5:22-23) He empowers us to live through faith being bold witnesses for Him. (Acts 1:8) He also provides both the ability and desire to successfully do what the Lord calls us to do (Philippians 2:13).
If you are struggling with your walk with Christ in the area of your character being transformed into the image of Christ, Jesus gives us a beautiful invitation, followed by a tremendous challenge, in regard to yielding to Him, the Holy Spirit and being transformed, "Come to Me, all you 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.” (Matthew 11:28-30) This passage suggests a process by which we yield to the Lord and learn His ways. First, we lay down our heavy burdens and have rest. We must become disciples by taking Christ's yoke and learning from Him. Next, we follow Jesus' example of being gentle and lowly in heart, because God teaches the gentle and lowly but resists the proud. (James 4:6) Simply put, let go of you, take hold of Jesus and live in the fullness of the redemption that He has freely provided. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all...
Monday, July 9, 2018
How is the Atmosphere
For our uses of the word, the word "atmosphere" is define as, the pervading tone or mood of a place or situation; the dominant mood or emotional tone.What is the atmosphere of your time in the worship of the Lord? Let's look at some things to challenge us in creating and atmosphere in our services for the Lords presence to be in our midst. True worship reveals the existence of God, that is, no one can know or experience genuine worship apart from the one true God because He alone can reveal it to us. True worship is beyond the realm of natural knowledge. Whenever true worship occurs, God will manifest Himself to us. Therefore, true worship reveals the living God; it testifies of
His existence. The Psalmist says it this way, "The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory." (Psalm 97:6)
Another aspect is, true worship focuses on God, not self. Sadly, in many Christian circles today, genuine worship has been replaced with songs with lyrics such as, touch me; bless me; heal me; deliver me, which do not exalt the Lord and His majesty. Songs like these are out of purpose and focus. Some people create these songs so their music can be commercialized, but they don't realize that, in doing so, they are setting God aside and turning the needs of people into an idol. Now I know this may offend some, but true worship is about God alone, what He has done; who He is. If we truly know God's Word and exercised faith, believers would know that He already has and continues to, touch us, bless us, heal us, delivers us. We simply appropriate these things by grace through faith, that is, believing that what God said was, is and will be, period!
True worship brings the presence of God. The primary purpose of worship is to bring the presence of
God in the midst of His people. If the worship leader and or worship team or band (whatever term you use to describe the singers and musicians) loses this objective, we can expect nice songs, nice music and a switch of focus from God, to self. This type of situation will prevent believers from experiencing God's presence, which should be the only thing that we should desire in our corporate worship times. This is why I firmly believe that our purpose in worship is to create an atmosphere that invites God's presence to descend. Only in His presence will we be transformed so that we can take the same power of transformation to others.
True worship exalts the name of Jesus and the Word of God. Today, many worship songs used in churches or played in various Christian circles lack power because they are not based on the Word of God. We must write scriptural songs that exalt and magnify the Lord. Songs that truly minister as to what God has done and who God is. Many of David's psalms are such. Therefore, true worship is also based on the Word of God and flows from an understanding, a revelation, of His Word.
True worship transforms the believer. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Although this does not specifically refer to worship, nevertheless, the Lord wants to transform us into His image. Pressing into His presence in worship is one of the ways He can do this. As believers, we do not just worship at a church service. Worship is a lifestyle. As we die to self and offer God love, reverence, and honor, we will experience transformation.
True worship creates intimacy with God. This leads us to our final and perhaps greatest revelation
of worship. Jesus tells us, "I am the vine, you are the branches...." (John 15:5) In this perfect oneness with the Lord we become one with His heart, His plans, His sufferings, His vision, His struggle, and His victory. This is why worship cannot be quick or mechanical. When God's presence does not manifest, it is usually because we have not created an atmosphere where He is welcomed, honored, adored and exalted. The Psalmist tells us, "But You are holy, enthroned (Inhabits) in the praises of Israel" (His people). (Psalm 22:3) Inhabits is defined as, to dwell; to remain; to sit; to abide. The word enthroned is define as, to exalt to an elevated place or seat.
When we enter into true worship, the Lord touches us, He will dwell with us; He remains with us; as we worship and exalt Him to an elevated place or seat. Through true worship, His presence will
manifest among us, but how can we expect His presence to manifest when we offer Him something mechanical, that is, simply going through the motions of worship or singing self focused songs? I believe the day is coming and in some places is here when worship will not be merely a service
starter in our churches but the most important part of the service because it is what brings God's presence. If we want to live in His presence, we will always have a new song in the spirit playing inside of us. Corporate worship in churches will also become the longest part of the service because the people will enter into His presence and stay there. God will speak to His people, to each person, as a son or daughter. Then the transformations of the heart will accelerate, and, among other things, it will not take years for believers to develop spiritual maturity.
I believe we will see unusual miracles, signs, wonders, and transformations that have never before been seen as the presence of God, in an atmosphere created by praise and worship, through believers who will not settle for less than His presence in their midst. God is ready and anxious to manifest Himself, and all He needs is for us to build the throne. We must give God and His worship top priority. We must take all the time we need to worship Him until His presence manifests, regardless of how long it takes. For many today, it will take the putting away of our agenda's; the turning away from religion; putting a stop to church as usual; and mostly, the dying of self. So, let us pull out the stops, the inhibitions, the limitations, and church as usual mindset and let us create an atmosphere of true worship where God can arise in the midst of His people.
His existence. The Psalmist says it this way, "The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory." (Psalm 97:6)
Another aspect is, true worship focuses on God, not self. Sadly, in many Christian circles today, genuine worship has been replaced with songs with lyrics such as, touch me; bless me; heal me; deliver me, which do not exalt the Lord and His majesty. Songs like these are out of purpose and focus. Some people create these songs so their music can be commercialized, but they don't realize that, in doing so, they are setting God aside and turning the needs of people into an idol. Now I know this may offend some, but true worship is about God alone, what He has done; who He is. If we truly know God's Word and exercised faith, believers would know that He already has and continues to, touch us, bless us, heal us, delivers us. We simply appropriate these things by grace through faith, that is, believing that what God said was, is and will be, period!
True worship brings the presence of God. The primary purpose of worship is to bring the presence of
God in the midst of His people. If the worship leader and or worship team or band (whatever term you use to describe the singers and musicians) loses this objective, we can expect nice songs, nice music and a switch of focus from God, to self. This type of situation will prevent believers from experiencing God's presence, which should be the only thing that we should desire in our corporate worship times. This is why I firmly believe that our purpose in worship is to create an atmosphere that invites God's presence to descend. Only in His presence will we be transformed so that we can take the same power of transformation to others.
True worship exalts the name of Jesus and the Word of God. Today, many worship songs used in churches or played in various Christian circles lack power because they are not based on the Word of God. We must write scriptural songs that exalt and magnify the Lord. Songs that truly minister as to what God has done and who God is. Many of David's psalms are such. Therefore, true worship is also based on the Word of God and flows from an understanding, a revelation, of His Word.
True worship transforms the believer. The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul tells us, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Although this does not specifically refer to worship, nevertheless, the Lord wants to transform us into His image. Pressing into His presence in worship is one of the ways He can do this. As believers, we do not just worship at a church service. Worship is a lifestyle. As we die to self and offer God love, reverence, and honor, we will experience transformation.
True worship creates intimacy with God. This leads us to our final and perhaps greatest revelation
of worship. Jesus tells us, "I am the vine, you are the branches...." (John 15:5) In this perfect oneness with the Lord we become one with His heart, His plans, His sufferings, His vision, His struggle, and His victory. This is why worship cannot be quick or mechanical. When God's presence does not manifest, it is usually because we have not created an atmosphere where He is welcomed, honored, adored and exalted. The Psalmist tells us, "But You are holy, enthroned (Inhabits) in the praises of Israel" (His people). (Psalm 22:3) Inhabits is defined as, to dwell; to remain; to sit; to abide. The word enthroned is define as, to exalt to an elevated place or seat.
When we enter into true worship, the Lord touches us, He will dwell with us; He remains with us; as we worship and exalt Him to an elevated place or seat. Through true worship, His presence will
manifest among us, but how can we expect His presence to manifest when we offer Him something mechanical, that is, simply going through the motions of worship or singing self focused songs? I believe the day is coming and in some places is here when worship will not be merely a service
starter in our churches but the most important part of the service because it is what brings God's presence. If we want to live in His presence, we will always have a new song in the spirit playing inside of us. Corporate worship in churches will also become the longest part of the service because the people will enter into His presence and stay there. God will speak to His people, to each person, as a son or daughter. Then the transformations of the heart will accelerate, and, among other things, it will not take years for believers to develop spiritual maturity.
I believe we will see unusual miracles, signs, wonders, and transformations that have never before been seen as the presence of God, in an atmosphere created by praise and worship, through believers who will not settle for less than His presence in their midst. God is ready and anxious to manifest Himself, and all He needs is for us to build the throne. We must give God and His worship top priority. We must take all the time we need to worship Him until His presence manifests, regardless of how long it takes. For many today, it will take the putting away of our agenda's; the turning away from religion; putting a stop to church as usual; and mostly, the dying of self. So, let us pull out the stops, the inhibitions, the limitations, and church as usual mindset and let us create an atmosphere of true worship where God can arise in the midst of His people.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)