Transformed by Truth: Holding Fast to Faith and Living New Lives
Introduction
Today, I want to share a message that is both challenging and deeply encouraging—one that calls us to hold fast to our faith and live transformed lives in Christ. We will be diving into two key passages: Hebrews 10:19-25 and Ephesians 4:22-24. These Scriptures give us powerful insights into how we are to approach our relationship with God and how we are to live out our faith in the world.
The title of today's sermon is "Transformed by Truth: Holding Fast to Faith and Living New Lives."
Let’s begin by reading our first passage, Hebrews 10:19-25 from the New Living Translation:
Hebrews 10:19-25 (NLT): "And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
This passage speaks about bold access to God, the call to hold tightly to hope, and the importance of encouraging each other in love and good works. As we unpack this passage today, I want us to consider three important points:
Boldly Entering God’s Presence
Holding Fast to Hope and Faith
Living Transformed Lives in Christ
I. Boldly Entering God’s Presence
Hebrews 10:19-22 (NLT) tells us that because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can "boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place." The Greek word for "boldly" is parrhesia, which means to approach with confidence and openness. Under the Old Covenant, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and that only once a year. But Jesus, our Great High Priest, has torn the veil, granting us direct access to the Father.
This is not just a theological concept; it’s a life-changing reality. We don’t have to approach God with fear and trembling; we can come boldly into His presence because of what Jesus has done for us. He has made the way for us to have an intimate, personal relationship with God.
Tim Keller once said, “The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 a.m. for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access.”
This kind of access to God should radically change our prayer lives and our worship. We should come to God confidently, knowing that He hears us and welcomes us. This access should also give us peace and assurance in times of trouble.
Ephesians 3:12 (NLT): "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence."
Paul affirms that our boldness in approaching God is grounded in our faith in Christ. This access is not based on our own merit but on the finished work of Jesus.
II. Holding Fast to Hope and Faith
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) encourages us to "hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise." The Greek word for “hold tightly” is katechomen, which means to cling to or grasp firmly. This is not a passive act but an active one—holding onto our faith requires intention and effort.
In a world full of uncertainties, disappointments, and challenges, it’s easy to waver in our hope and faith. But this verse reminds us that our hope is anchored in God’s unchanging promises. God can be trusted to keep His word. We are called to remain steadfast, even when life gets tough.
Corrie Ten Boom, who survived the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp, once said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Holding fast to faith means trusting God even when we don’t know what the future holds.
Romans 4:20-21 (NLT): “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”
Abraham serves as an example of unwavering faith. Even when faced with impossible circumstances, he held fast to God’s promise. This should encourage us to cling to our faith, knowing that God is faithful.
III. Living Transformed Lives in Christ
Now let’s turn to our second key passage, Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT): "Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."
This passage calls us to live transformed lives. The Greek word for "throw off" is apotithemi, which means to lay aside or cast off. Paul is urging believers to leave behind their old way of life and embrace their new identity in Christ. This is not just a change of behaviour; it’s a transformation of our entire being.
When we come to Christ, we are made new. But this transformation is not a one-time event—it’s a daily process of renewing our minds and hearts through the Holy Spirit. We are called to live lives that reflect the righteousness and holiness of God.
John Piper once said, “The Christian life is not a playground; it’s a battlefield.” Living as new creations in Christ requires daily surrender and dependence on the Holy Spirit. It means actively choosing to reject sin and pursue righteousness.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
Paul reinforces the idea that in Christ, we are made new. Our old identity is gone, and we are given a new life in Him. This transformation is the foundation of our Christian walk.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on these passages, we see that God is calling us to a life of boldness, faith, and transformation. We are invited to enter His presence with confidence, to hold tightly to our faith, and to live as new creations in Christ.
Call to Action:
This week, I challenge you to approach God boldly in prayer, holding fast to your faith no matter what challenges you face, and intentionally living out your new life in Christ. Let the Holy Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes as you seek to follow Jesus more closely each day.
Amen.
