When I enlisted in the Army in 1985, I was a naïve, country boy from WV. After their offer and my oath of commitment, the Army upheld their responsibilities and I upheld mine. Over time, by their influence and training, I was transformed into a soldier.
If the military can accomplish that in me, how much greater are the results with God doing the transforming?!
The word transformed is used 4 times in the New Testament. Twice describing Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration and twice describing God’s affect on Christians.
The word metamorphoo means to change the essential form or nature of something. It describes a change on the outside that originates from a change on the inside. In each instance the word is used, it is in the passive tense which tells us it is NOT something WE do, but something that is done to us.
As we study God’s word, we understand a Christian has been regenerated. In other words, a Christian has been made spiritually alive (John 3:3), having become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) as a result of faith in Jesus Christ. We also understand that those who submit to the authority of God will be changed.
Have you ever changed your behavior hoping your heart and desire will change as well? For example: I know it does me no spiritual good to drink alcohol. I understand it influences my mind, which circumvents the influence of the Holy Spirit. So, I don’t go to bars and I do not drink with the hope my desire for alcohol goes away.
Another example: I know pornography is a perversion of God’s creation. I understand it wrongly influences my thoughts and desires. So, I set up guards - I will not be alone on the internet and I will use software to block pornography. Hoping, over time, my desire will change.
Both of these examples describe me doing something externally in an attempt to change something internally.
Namely MY desire. This is behavior modification, NOT spiritual transformation. For the most part, it is a temporary change until my circumstances change or I am influenced negatively. Sadly, this is the way most Christians attempt to live a victorious life. (They do what they think they are supposed to do, hoping they will no longer want to do what they are not supposed to do.)
This brings up some questions. Since I am passive in the transformation described in Scripture, how am I transformed? How do my desires and appetites change?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us WE (Christians) ARE the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 3:16-17 tells us Christ Himself dwells within us through the Holy Spirit. Why does God dwell within us? Is it for peace knowing that God is with us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death? Is it so the demons cannot possess us? Is it a guarantee, so God will receive us when our time is finished? That is part of it, but certainly not all of it!
Why would God place His Spirit within His people?
Jerry Bridges said, “All that God has for us and all that He has purposed for us is in Christ. But it is the role of the Holy Spirit to apply the life and power of Christ to us.”
Therefore, we cannot access the life and the power of Christ in our lives unless we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us. My responsibility is not to change the exterior, but to learn Him, know Him and follow Him.
My responsibility is to depend on the Holy Spirit to affect the change within me. In submission to His influence and authority, my desires begin to align with His desires, and my essential nature is changed. (transformed)
2 Corinthians 3:12-18
The context of this passage is a comparison of the Old Testament Law to the New Covenant of grace.
1. The Law.
Moses was in the presence of God when he received the Law on Mount Sinai. The glory of God was so great, that when he returned to the Israelites, his face reflected the glory of God. (Exodus 34:29)
After speaking with the Israelites, Moses covered his face with a veil, so they would not see God's glory fading.
At the time of his writing, Paul said this same veil darkens their minds when the Law is read. Further, the veil covers their hearts! They are bound to the faded glory of the Law that brings about condemnation.
When we are legalistic, depending on our efforts to achieve righteousness, we intentionally block our hearts and minds from the glory of grace. Literally choosing defeat over victory!
The Law brought death. The reflection of God's glory faded. There was a veil.
2. The Covenant of Grace.
Paul declared the glory of God is even more glorious in the covenant of grace. In fact, it does not fade away – it is everlasting! The veil that darkens minds and covers hearts is removed by Christ when anyone turns to the Lord.
Grace brings righteousness. Paul said, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." The only way to receive the Spirit of God is through the Son of God (Galatians 3:14).
Once you have submitted to Jesus as Lord, you have freedom. What is this freedom?
It is freedom from the bondage of the Law because Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17) and we are counted righteous because of HIS obedience (Romans 3:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Grace brought life. The reflection of God's glory never fades. There veil was removed.
3. The Work of Grace in us.
Because Christ has removed our veil, we can receive and reflect the glory of God. Moses had to climb a mountain to be in God's presence and the reflection of God's glory was only temporary. But we, who have surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ, are the dwelling place of God and are reflecting His everlasting glory in different degrees.
As we live in submission to the authority of God, depending on the power of God to live obediently, our lives will reflect Him. As our lives reflect His presence and power, we have the assurance of knowing God is at work changing us from the inside out! Together, we are being transformed into the image of Christ.
As we intentionally allow the Spirit of God to do His work within us, we become more like Jesus. As we become more like Jesus, we reflect His glory to a greater degree. The purpose isn't for others to know we have been in the presence of God. It is so they can see Christ through us.
If I asked, “What is God doing in your life?” What is your answer? If you cannot answer, "He is presently changing me from the inside out!” you need to honestly establish who is Lord in your life.
We can no longer be content with our spiritual walk and our meager efforts to follow Him. Paul said, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)
God has given us everything we need to be who He calls us to be, He is waiting for us. No more excuses.
God does not dwell within you to play church; He dwells within you to transform your life for His glory!
