Honey From The Rock

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Honey From The Rock
Psalm 81:16

"Sweet Stuff From God's Word"

A daily Bible study with Victor Knowles
Copyright 2007

SPIRITUAL (TRANS)FORMATION

This entry was posted on 07-15-2009 and is filed under SPIRITUAL FORMATION.

The more I think about spiritual formation the more I am inclined to believe that it really is all about spiritual transformation. Paul said that the way to present ourselves to God as living, holy and acceptable sacrifices) was by first being transformed. "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" (Rom. 12:2 NKJV).

Transformation must precede any additional formation. Oswald Chambers said, "The expression of Christian character is not doing good, but God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life. God's life in us expresses itself as God's life, not as human life trying to be godly." The Holy Spirit was given to us at our baptism in order to produce this godly live. He produces a cluster of divine fruit in our daily living. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, even self-control are all the fruit of the Spirit whom God has given us to transform us from people who manifest the works of the flesh to those who exhibit the fruit of the Spirit.

The Greek word for "transformed" is metamorphoo. Our English word "metamorphosis" comes from that word. It means "a change by supernatural means." We can actually have a part in this when we obey God and cooperate with Him in the "renewing of our mind." Goodspeed translates this "by your new attitude of mind be transformed." Beck says, "let yourselves be transformed by a renewing of your minds." One way we can do this is to follow God's 8-point thinking program found in Philippians 4:8. Think on these things!

Prayer/Hymn: "Take my life, and let it be consecrated it, Lord, to Thee...Take my intellect, and use every power as Thou shalt choose...Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine...Take my self, and I will be ever, only all for Thee." (Frances R. Havergal)