Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#36]
THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM BEING TRANSFORMED
2 Corinthians 3:16
Introduction:
How many times have you said this week, “I wish I could change who I am and how I do things”? As Paul said, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.”
This morning we are going to look at how your life can be transformed.
2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV)
“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”
You know that you are being transformed when…
1. You are bold.
I have to tell you that I have had about all of the politically correct garbage that I can handle. If God’s Word says it, then it’s settled. Christians, we should be bold about Who we follow. We need to stop being shy about our faith- Be bold.
2 Corinthians 3:13-17 (NIV)
“We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
You know that you are being transformed when…
2. You are free.
Christians, why do we worry about what everyone else thinks? Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. If you are a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, the Spirit of the Lord resides in you. People should be able to see the glory of the Lord inside of you. The things of this world should no longer hold you hostage. Christians, you have been set free of the things of this world- Live it.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
You know that you are being transformed when…
3. You are more like Jesus.
What are you supposed to be transforming into? You are supposed to look like Jesus. Although Tyler hates to hear this, the older he gets, the more he looks like me. I look like my dad. There is a resemblance there. We should resemble God our Father.
Conclusion:
Each Christian should be transforming daily to be more like Jesus. Don’t forget, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Are you free today?
