by Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan
Manila Episcopal Area
HARRIS MEMORIAL COLLEGE GRADUATION 2015
(Romans 12:1-2)
INTRODUCTION:
Those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are on a spiritual journey. Maybe we are not where we should be, but we are all on this journey together. Our goal on this journey is to ask ourselves the question, “What is the next step? Is there something happening in my Spiritual life? Like John Wesley, am I moving on to perfection? Am I being transformed in the likeness of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit?”
I. TRANSFORMATION is a powerful word!
A. Understanding Transformation
1. Meaning
a. The Greek word is metamorphoo (met-am-or-fo’-o)
1) Literally means “to change into another form”
2) From which comes the word “metamorphosis”
3) Used to describe a change of form (e.g., when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly)
b. In the NT, this word is used to describe:
1) What happened to Jesus during transfiguration – Mt 17:1-2
2) What is to happen to us in our service to God – Romans 12:1-2
B. The Goal Of Transformation
1. To Become Like Christ
a. Part of God’s perfect plan – Romans 8:29
b. The purpose of discipleship (to become like his teacher) – Luke 6:40
c. The goal of Christian living – Colossians 3:9-10
2. To Live Like Christ
a. To present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to God
b. To prove that God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect
C. The Process of Transformation
1. It is a divine act
a. “Transformation” is something we allow to be done to us
1) Not something we do by our own power alone
2) We become a “new creation” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
3) We submit to God’s power working on us
b. Transformation is a passive process (“be transformed”) – Romans 12:2
1) We cannot change ourselves by our own strength or meritorious works
2) As Paul vividly illustrated his dilemma prior to his conversion – Ro 7:14-24
2. It begins when we when we put our trust in Jesus Christ
a. For there we experience the working of God
1) Spiritually circumcised as our sins are removed
2) Buried then raised with Christ
3) Made alive with Christ, forgiven of all trespasses
b. For there we experience the renewal of the Spirit
c. For there we rise to walk in newness of life
1) Having been buried with Christ by baptism into His death
2) Having been crucified with Christ that we might be free from sin
3) Having been raised to live with Christ
II. Young Gratuates, CHRISTLIKENESS then means to walk as Jesus walked. When we walk as Jesus walked we will experience transformational changes in our lives. We will experience: a transformed mind, a transformed heart and a transformed lifestyle.
A. A Disciple Has A Transformed Mind.
Romans 8:6 – The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.
1. Fully devoted disciples of Christ allow God to clean up their minds
2. The garbage that God wants to take away is unforgiveness, guilt, and discontentment with life, fear of the future, and everything else that restricts them in following him wholeheartedly.
3. A disciple of Christ should:
a. take time studying His Word and applying Biblical principles
b. spending quality, uninterrupted time with God through prayer
B. A Disciple Receives A Transformed Heart
Matthew 11:29-30 – Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
1. To follow Jesus, you must have the “heart” to follow
2. A disciple of Christ align his/her life to the standard of Jesus
3. A disciple of Christ align is committed to the teaching, proclamation, and personal application of God’s Word
To maintain spiritual health and grow in our spiritual lives to remain faithful disciples for Christ we must experience radical transformation of the heart
C. A Disciple Lives A Transformed Lifestyle
Ephesians 4:22-24 – You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
1. It means not just talking the talk but rather walking the walk
Not only speech had been transformed but their minds, hearts, and lifestyles are touched by the power and cleansing of the Holy Spirit.
2. Take up the cross and follow Christ
a. Self is the biggest obstacle to serving Christ
b. Most of us will never be asked to die for him, but he does expect us to live for him.
CLOSING:
On a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait with the following inscription: “James Butler Bonham–no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom.”
No literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the Son who makes us free can be seen in the lives of His true followers.
You are the Image of Christ, because you have been transformed
into His likeness! Being Christ-like, go into the world of Service.
-be a beacon of light
-an artisan of peace
-an Ambassador for Reconciliation
Look up to Jesus, Look around and see the challenge, and Look within yourself. Continue to grow in Christ!
CONGRATULATIONS! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!