The Goal of the Christian Life [Part 2 of 2] Matthew 23:25-28 2

RECAP: WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE? It is NOT changes on the outside [= pseudo transformation].

RECAP: WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE? It is NOT changes on the outside [= pseudo transformation]. It IS changes from the inside out [= real transformation].

PSEUDO TRANSFORMATION Changes on the Outside Sin in Our Behavior visible level invisible level (Sin in Our Heart)

Changes from the Inside Out REAL TRANSFORMATION Sin in Our Behavior visible level invisible level Changes from the Inside Out (Sin in Our Heart)

RECAP: WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE? It is NOT changes on the outside [= pseudo transformation]. It IS changes from the inside out [= real transformation]. Ultimately, the goal of the Christian life is to become more like Christ. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION? It is easy to get sidetracked from this goal of the true Christian life. Misconceptions/confusions about the goal. Substitutions/quick-fixes for the goal. Impatience/distractions from the goal.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION? It is easy to get sidetracked from this goal of the true Christian life. We are responsible for our own real transformation. THE BIG PICTURE: by grace, through faith, unto good works, for the glory of God (Ephesians 2:8-10). THE MEANS OF GRACE: the bodily practices for spiritual transformation. THE PROPER APPROACH: Training (not merely “trying”) for godliness—i.e., Christlikeness (1 Tim 4:7).

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION? It is easy to get sidetracked from this goal of the true Christian life. We are responsible for our own real transformation. It brings the glory to God who purposed us to become more like Christ. INDIVIDUALLY: “Am I becoming more like Christ?” CORPORATELY: “Are CrossWay people becoming more like Christ?”

THE PROCESS OF REAL TRANSFORMATION IN HEART (Cycle of Spiritual Transformation) Rationalization [Jer. 17:9] visible level invisible level Brokenness [Ps.139:23,24 ] Repentance [1 Jn. 1:9] Abandonment [Rom. 12:1] Freedom [Rom. 6:16,18]

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? Stop RATIONALIZING your sins on the visible level. 9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 10 "I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds. Jeremiah 17:9-10

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 1) Stop RATIONALIZING your sins on the visible level. When we focus on the VISIBLE level, we end up rationalizing our sins. Our heart often deceives us in the rationalization process. The only cure from rationalization is to look to God’s discerning eyes and grace.

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 2) Face WHAT’S BROKEN inside of you honestly and humbly. 23Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24   Blessed are those who are poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 2) Face WHAT’S BROKEN inside of you honestly and humbly. Until we are truly broken, we don’t realize the gravity of our sin. We are to ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and show us what’s broken [sinful] in us. True brokenness leads us to cling to God, turning away from sin.

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 3) REPENT of your sin in heart as the Spirit convicts you. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Psalm 32:5    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 3) REPENT of your sin in heart as the Spirit convicts you. To “repent” means to have a genuine change of mind toward sin. It leads us [1] to acknowledge our responsibility, [2] to be thankful for the Cross, and [3] to trust in God’s power to overcome the sin. It restores us and points us to God’s power.

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 4) ABANDON yourself to God’s control and power. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. Romans 6:13   I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 4) ABANDON yourself to God’s control and power. True repentance brings us to the poverty in spirit. This leads us to recklessly abandon ourselves to God. In abandonment, we entrust ourselves to God’s power and control.

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 5) Walk in FREEDOM FROM YOUR SIN through the power of the Spirit. 17 But thanks be to God, that you . . . 18 having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18   17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And 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. 1 Corinthians 3:17-18

HOW CAN WE PURSUE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT? 5) Walk in FREEDOM FROM YOUR SIN through the power of the Spirit. It is the Spirit of God who frees us from the power of sin. We experience freedom from sin when we are under the control of the Spirit To be free from sin means to be a slave of righteousness (God’s way).

THE PROCESS OF REAL TRANSFORMATION IN HEART (Cycle of Spiritual Transformation) Rationalization [Jer. 17:9] visible level invisible level Brokenness [Ps.139:23,24 ] Repentance [1 Jn. 1:9] Abandonment [Rom. 12:1] Freedom [Rom. 6:16,18]

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR EVERYDAY LIFE Turn FROM RATIONALIZATION TO BROKENNESS as a way of life (Psalm 139:23-24). Begin with EXAMINING your heart daily with God and in community. This requires HUMILITY & HONESTY. 2. TRAIN YOURSELF for your own real transformation (1 Tim 4:7). Begin with ARRANGING your life around God. This requires OBEDIENCE & FAITH. 3. Participate in GOD’S TRANSFORMING WORK in the world (Matt 28:18-20; Eph 2:10). By being passionate about bringing Christlikeness in others. By seeking and obeying the Spirit’s leading and power.