Ephesians 4:11-16
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
The Goal of Salvation is Transformation!
God desires to change us so that every aspect of our life reflects the character of Christ in every circumstance.
The Big Idea: God always receives us just as we are but, He never leaves us just as we are.
Romans 12:1-2
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. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
God always receives us just as we are.
How can we be certain that is true?
1. We are certain because our God is a God of mercy.
Romans 12:1-2
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. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2. We are certain because a fully surrendered life is always holy and acceptable to Him.
God never leaves us just as we are.
How does change happen?
1. We change as God transforms the way we think, giving us a new understanding of life, the world we live in, and the richness of His Kingdom.
2. We change over time through practice. As we follow God’s leading we learn what pleases Him and the sort of life He blesses. Then, our transformed lives prove God’s goodness to the world.
Pastor’s Challenge:
Have you fully surrendered yourself to God, asking Him to do whatever it takes to change your life so that it is pleasing to Him?
If not, why not? What is holding you back?
Where do you need a new way of thinking? Ask God to renew your mind in that area and to allow you to experience His blessing; the promise of His pleasure.