In Part 1, we discussed what it means to truly know Jesus, not just from a distance. Today, we’ll explore what it means to live as a fully transformed follower of Christ. Once you’re enlisted in the spiritual battle, there’s no going back. You are forever changed.
1. Transformed for Battle
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” —2 Corinthians 5:17
The resurrection life of Jesus gives us new life. When we come to Christ by faith, we aren’t just forgiven—we are completely transformed. Like a soldier training for battle, this new creation prepares us for the spiritual war ahead.
Fill-in-the-Blank: When we are in Christ, we become a new
2. Fully Equipped for War
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” —Ephesians 6:10-18
Imagine a soldier preparing for battle. They wouldn’t step onto the battlefield without the right gear. In the same way, Paul describes the spiritual armor that we need to wear every day.
Belt of Truth
The belt holds everything together and keeps us grounded in God’s Word.
Fill-in-the-Blank: The belt of
Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate protects our hearts from sin’s damaging effects.
Fill-in-the-Blank: The breastplate guards our
Shoes of the Gospel of Peace
The shoes of peace give us stability and confidence in the good news of Christ.
Fill-in-the-Blank: The shoes of peace give us
Shield of Faith
The shield of faith extinguishes the fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation.
Fill-in-the-Blank: The shield of
Helmet of Salvation
The helmet protects our minds, reminding us of our identity in Christ.
Fill-in-the-Blank: The helmet guards our
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God)
The sword is our primary weapon to fight back against the enemy’s lies.
Fill-in-the-Blank: The sword of the Spirit is the Word of
Are you putting on the full armor of God every day?
3. Enduring the Battle of Faith
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” —Hebrews 12:1-2
The Christian life is a long race, and we must endure through the battles of faith. We are called to persevere, just as athletes press forward toward the finish line.
Are you enduring the spiritual battle, or are you ready to give up when it gets tough?
Fill-in-the-Blank: Let us run with
4. No Going Back – You Are Forever Changed
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” —Galatians 2:20
When we give our lives to Christ, we are crucified with Him. The old self is dead, and now it is Christ who lives in us. This new life isn’t about us anymore—it’s about living by faith in the one who loved us and gave Himself for us.
Fill-in-the-Blank: It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives
Are you still trying to live in both your old life and your new life in Christ?
Peter’s Transformation (Luke 22:54-62; John 21:15-19)
Peter denied Jesus three times, but after the resurrection, Jesus restored him. Peter was forever changed and went on to lead the early church.
Peter’s transformation shows how we can’t go back to our old selves after encountering Christ. Are you living as the transformed person Christ has made you to be?