Grace Brethren Church of Clinton MD
Growing Devoted Disciples
Church Purpose
Part 3
Our Purpose
Growing Devoted Disciples who are Touching People and Being Transformed
God’s purpose and desire is for every believer is to become like Christ
Romans 8:29
1 John 3:2-3
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
Transform:
To change, transfigure, to change into another form; What is on the inside showing forth on the outside
Vines:
Of believers, Rom 12:2, "be ye transformed," the obligation being to undergo a complete change which, under the power of God, will find expression in character and conduct
Two words
1.morphe
2.schema
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed (schema) to this world, but be transformed (morphe) by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Morphe – Lays stress on the inward change
Schema - Lays stress on the outward;
to fashion or shape one thing like another;
to be shaped by outside forces
Matthew 17:2-4
He was transfigured (morphe) before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming (mataschematizo) themselves into apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
This Transformation is accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit
2 Cor 3:18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed (morphe) into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Phil 1:6
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
How does He make us more like Christ?
1. Time in His presence
2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2. The Renewing of our mind
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Philippians 2:5
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
3. The Process of Discipleship
Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
2 Timothy 2:2 (Matthew 28:19,20)
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also
4. The Word of God
2 Timothy 3:16-17
John 17:17
Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
1 Peter 2:2
as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
5. Trials
James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Romans 5:3-5
The Holy Spirit produces the character of Christ in us.
Gal 5:22-23
Evidence that we are becoming more like Christ
1. The fruit of the Spirit is evident Galatians 5:22-23
2. Christ is living His life through me, by grace Galatians 2:20-21
3. A greater sensitivity to personal sin.
1 John 1:9-10 (Psalms 51:2-3, 9-10)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
4. It is less about me and more about Him
John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease
Our part in the process of Transformation
To cooperate and surrender to the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:16
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Ephesians 5:18
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
Will you make a commitment to transformation?
I commit to daily surrender and corporate with the Holy Spirit; allowing Him to transform me by the power of God, into the image of Jesus Christ.
Our Purpose is to Grow Devoted Disciples who are intentionally Touching People with the love and gospel of Christ and committed to Being Transformed by the power of God into the image of Christ.
Growing Devoted Disciples who are Touching People and Being Transformed