The Process of Spiritual Transformation Part 1

We have been studying justification, the fact that we are declared righteous by God by faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  But upon our salvation what is God’s goal for us?  According to Romans 8:29 God’s goal for us is “to be conformed to the image of his Son.”  Ephesians 5 puts it this way, “that He might sanctify and cleanse her (his church) with the washing of the water by the Word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (vs. 25-27)

I remember Tony Evans saying, “spiritual growth is guaranteed, but it is not automatic.”   God’s desire is indeed that we would be transformed spiritually in fact he commands it in Ephesians 4:17 we are told to “no longer walk as the rest of the gentiles walk in the futility of their mind.”  Romans 12:2 challenges us to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.”  This word transformation has the same root word as our word “metamorphosis”. 

We should understand that the term heart and mind are often used interchangeably in Scripture.  In this transformation our mind, our heart, and our knowledge is changed.  Paul challenged the Ephesians in 4:23 to be “renewed in the spirit of their mind.”  The Colossians he told to be “renewed in the knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” (Col. 3:10)

This change is not just us.  This change takes place through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.   II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God might be complete, equipped for every good work.   As we submit to the teaching of the word of God we learn what is right, what is not right, how to get right, and how to stay right.  We then with the help of the Holy Spirit can live in obedience to God’s Word as we apply his principles in our life through our renewed mind.

Ephesians illustrates it with a “put-off  and put-on” principle.  These actions though are affected by our renewed mind, a change in our thinking.  It is a cognitive response.  As we begin to think according to Biblical principles we will put off ungodly actions and begin to replace them with godly actions.  We will be better representing the image of God in which we were created.

In the next edition of “First Word” we will take a look at some of these principles in the book of Ephesians.  We will see then how we must be specific in our life as we deal with sin and we will have to make a choice of who we are going to serve in our life.

“Process of Spiritual Transformation”

Goal:  “To be conformed to the image of His Son” (cf. Rom. 8:29; Eph. 5:25-27)

	Change takes place through the Holy Spirit Word of God II Timothy 3:16,17 (Teaching, conviction, correction, and training)

 

Change is commanded (“transformed” – metamorphasis) Eph. 4:17; Rom. 12:2

Mind (heart, knowledge is changed) Romans 12:2; Eph. 4:23; Col. 3:10

Put Off	Change thinking (cognitive)	Put On
Lying  (Eph. 4:25)	“members one of another” – your neighbor is part of yourself – don’t lie to yourself	Truth Telling
Anger (Eph. 4:26)	When I wake up angry I set myself up to give the devil the opportunity the next day.	Settled relationship
Stealing (Eph. 4:28)	How can I minister to another in need?	Working and giving
Improper speech (Eph. 4:29, 31)	What edifies the other person?	Sharing and caring

Be specific

Choose  (Who will you serve?) Joshua 24:14; Hebrews 11:24-26