Partners in Transformation
Introduction: It is important to understand the transformation of a person’s life is a work of cooperation. It is not all God, nor it all left up the individual, or is it just the task of others to make transformation happen. Transformation happens when all needed participants (God, the individual, other believers) work together.
Scriptures: Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 10:24-25
I. God’s Part in Our Transformation
A. God’s part is the most important
1. He is the one who makes it possible
2. He is the one who provides the power or enablement for change (2 Peter 1:3)
B. The manner in which God will work with us
1. God will work patiently with us
He does not force us against our will
He will show a great amount of mercy and forgiveness
2. God will work persistently with us
He will not give up on us
Transformation is a life-long process, He will be with every step of the way
He will complete His work in us (Philippians 1:6)
C. God gives us His Spirit to work in us
1. God is not only working with us but in us
2. The Holy Spirit works with us to bring us to Christ
3. After we receive Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in us
4. The Holy Spirit will be our agent of change
Agent defined: 1) one that acts or exerts power, 2) something that produces or is
capable of producing an effect
The Holy Spirit will be the agent for transforming our head (thoughts), our desire, values and character (heart), and hands (actions)
II. Our Part in Our Transformation
A. God cannot work in us without our cooperation
1. God does not violate our will
2. God allows us to choose the way we respond to Him
B. Wrong ways to respond
1. Be prideful, think you do not need to change
2. Be stubborn, not cooperating with what the Spirit wants you to do
2. Be rebellious, reject, turn away from the prompting of the Spirit
C. Right ways to respond
1. We need to humble ourselves before God
2. Learn to trust God, cooperate, obey what He is asking you to do
3. Surrender fully to God’s work in you, present yourself as a living sacrifice
(Romans 12:1)
III. The Part of Other Believers
A. We need the strengths other believers
1. We must work together as a team, a body.
2. We have personal weaknesses that will defeat us if we go it alone
B. We need the support of other believers
1. We need encouragement, correction, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Are You Allowing God to Work in You?
