The Transforming Power of Christ

Rom. 7:15, 18-19, 21-24

Last week - the Christian struggle, how to reconcile the high calling with, many times, low conduct? My position and my practice??

BUT..... we stopped 1 verse short - Rom. 7:25 (a)
The point is: in, through, by Christ there is hope of personal transformation - in this life and the next.

It is a fundamental belief that Jesus Christ can and does transform lives.

On one hand, not all who encounter Christ claim Christianity or are transformed. But, many are!!

So...... The transforming power of Christ. (for you, for individuals)

A definition or description is difficult because there are so many applications or scenarios.
BUT, generally speaking, Christian transformation includes:

#1. Change - no change, no transformation

#2. Change for the better (which we know when we see)

#3. Change beyond the surface. It's more than moral conduct. It equals character! - Head, heart, hands.

#4. Change that affects others. We're to be salt and light to: spouse, family, neighbors, community, culture

#5. Change attributed to Christ. Christian transformation.

More specifically, transformation toward:
1. what I ought to be.
2. what I was created to be.
3. as modeled by Christ, and,
4. as defined in Scripture

OBSERVATIONS:
#1. Transformation is part of God's will for us. Rom. 12:2

#2. Transformation (in Scripture) is a process, not an event. 2 Cor. 3:18 - the new birth equals a new beginning, NOT a new product.

#3. Transformation (in Scripture) is synonymous with growth. 1 Pet. 2:2 - if you want to change - GROW!!! If you change with out growing, will go right back.

#4. Transformation is never complete in this life. Example: Phil. 3:12 - question is not have you arrived? But, have you grown???

Key Ingredients in transformation - to be addressed next week.

Some transformation is available apart from Christ, but true transformation is a result of:
A. Christ within your heart, and
B. Christ upon the throne of your heart.