Daily Transformation
TOPIC: DAILY TRANSFORMATION
TEXT:Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Luke 9:28-36.
INTRODUCTION:
As a charismatic, dynamic and living ministerial Church in the body of Christ, we’ve declare YEAR 2011 as a crown year of “Brightening Your Life” with God’s Goodness – Psalm 65:11-13; Proverbs 4:18; John 8:12; John 1:1-5, 9 etc. The Word Transformation is a noun and it means a marked changed in nature, form, or appearance i.e. to change completely into another state, place and beyond – Being transformed into a state which is more beautiful or spiritual. It thus means if by this time tomorrow you are not better than what you are now, it means you are not experiencing a daily transformation. Every person grows older daily in terms of calendar age, so there is a possibility of daily transformation into Christ likeness, a daily upwards perfection (maturity) in our faith with God in doing life – Hebrews 5:11-14; 1 Peter 2:1-5; 2 Peter 3:18. We are in this study discussing a state of Christian living in which you are not stagnant, rather everyday you become more peaceful, more loving, more beautiful , more gentle, more bold, more God-conscious and yielding, more wiser etc – Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15. Daily transformation provides the cure for backsliding and coldness. It is also the medicine that brings joy and excitement into your life. And it is easy to experience and this study is to show us the how.
DISCUSSION (Study Analysis):
1. Daily Transformation – What is it:
a) It is a daily renewal of mind and spirit – Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23; 2 Corinthians 4:16; 7:1.
Question:
(i) What does it mean not to conform? – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 John 2:15-17; Luke 4:1-13; Genesis 3:6.
(ii) To understand this process of daily mind renewal, compare it to daily physical development of a child. Is it continuous process? or Is it automatic?
b) It is a daily upward trend towards perfection (maturation): Matthew 5:48, Hebrews 5:11-14; Deuteronomy 28:13 (RSV); Ephesians 4:12-14; 1 Peter 2:1-5; Philippians 3:10-14.
Question:
(i) Comment on these verses and contrast their provisions with the state of backsliding
c) It is a day by day development of character and favour in the sight of God and man – 1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:40, 52; Proverbs 9:10; Acts 24:16.
Question:
(i) What are wisdom and favour? What is a beautiful character? – See 1 Peter 3:4; Titus 2:1-15; Proverbs 9:10; Ecclesiastes 7:11-12; 9:18a; 8:1, 5.
d) It is a growth in Hope, Faith and Love – 1 Corinthians 13:13; Romans 5:1-8; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Ephesians 4:15; 3:17; Hebrews 10:38; Galatians 5:6; Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4.
Question:
(i) It is written that the just shall live by faith and that he who loves, is of God and that hope makes not ashamed. What effect does growing in these three things have on life?
e) It is being increasing filled with God’s fullness and presence in the knowledge of Christ Jesus – Ephesians 3:19; 1:17-22; Philippians 3:10; John 17:3; Colossians 1:9.
Question:
(i) Knowing God will lead to discovery and the release of our potentials. Explain this with reference to Genesis 1:26; (Proverbs 24:5; Isaiah 5:13-15; Hosea 4:6; Daniel 11:32; John 8:32; Matthew 22:29)
(ii) Discuss Ephesians 1:17-23.
2. Daily Transformation – The Prerequisite:
a) Make a decisive dedication of your body to God – Romans 12:1-2; 1 Timothy 4:7-15; Job 31:1; Galatians 2:20; I Corinthians 6:20.
Question:
(i) What does it mean to dedicate (present) oneself to God and to give ones wholly (fully/totally) to these things?
(ii) From 1 Timothy 4:15 what is the result of such a step?
b) Develop an intense desire for righteousness – Matthew 5:6; 6:33; Nehemiah 4:6; Daniel 1:8.
Question:
(i) David transform steadily from keeper of flock to king-elect, to king and then king and prophet. He left behind as the greatest king in Israel. What was his secret? See Psalm 42:1; 27:4.
(ii) Comment on the referred verses – Matthew 5:6; 6:33. What’s the role of desire in success and growth.
(iii) Distinguish between sincere desire and mere wish in terms of the actions that follows them.
3. Daily Transformation – How To Enjoy It:
a) Stay in God’s presence – 2 Corinthians 3:18; Psalm 16:11.
(i) The effect of staying in God’s presence on Moses – Exodus 34:29.
(ii) The effect of staying in God’s presence on our Lord Jesus Christ in humanity – Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28-29.
(iii) The effect of staying together (cleaving) on husband and wife – Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:16.
Question: With reference to the above passages, discuss the tremendous ability of staying in God’s presence to transform lives and appearances.
b) Develop a very lovely praise and worship life style. In other words imitate Paul and David in the profitable and exciting business of praise and worship – Acts 13:1-2; 16;25-26; Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 105:1-4; 103:1-5; 100:1-5.
Question:
(i) It is written that God inhabits the praises of His people. What does this mean to you? Under what condition should you worship God? Why should you worship God?
c) Start each day right with full preparation and equipment. Use the first hours of your morning to prepare in cultivating your day fully – Psalm 5:1-3; Mark 1:35; Ecclesiastes 10:16 (RSV). Question:
(i) Why did Jesus not go praying for the sick in the morning? See Matthew 8:16; Mark 1:32-34.
(ii) What is the significance of – Ecclesiastes 10:16?
d) Aim at clearing the cobwebs from thinking, sweeping out bad treasures from your heart, filling yourself with daily fresh supply of God’s word – Matthew 12:33-35; Joshua 1:8; James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Philippians 4:8; Psalm 19:14.
Question:
(i) Describe the process of transformation with reference to Matthew 12:33-35.
(ii) To understand meditation, compare it with digestion.
(iii) What is the difference between engrafting The Word and merely hearing The Word?
e) Watch your thoughts and affections – Proverbs 23:7 (RSV), Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-2; Galatians 5:24; Romans 1:32; Job 31:1.
NOTE: Your thoughts and your words life are the vehicle that design and determines your future. Information as a result of words gives imagination, then action and mind registration and reaction – Psalm 19:14.
Question:
(i) What are the effects of thoughts on life and destiny?
(ii) How can you have the affections?
CONCLUSION: The life of God flows in your veins. Just like the branch shares exactly the same sap with the vine and grows daily as result of staying united (abiding) with the vine so also are we expected to be. It is written that God had blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places – Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3-4. This means that you have been supplied with the divine sap and potentials, and that you have being given grace, and daily energized by God to do life sweat less. The ball is in your court. Whether you become better day by day in every way depends on what you do with what you have at your disposal. You have learnt great things today, use them. Study the Bible for the purpose of making progress, nor just for reading or studying record. God Bless.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Who hath DELIVERED us from the power of darkness, and hath TRANSLATED us into the kingdom of his dear son” Colossians 1:13.
Compiled by Revd Chukie MORSI
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