Encourage believers to move beyond the rituals and regulations of religion and embrace a transformative relationship with God that aligns with His divine design for our lives.
Good morning, church family! Today we're diving into Hebrews 9:10, a scripture that speaks to God's desire for reformation, the image and likeness of sonship, and living above our original design. This passage is a powerful reminder of God's transforming power and His divine plan for each one of us.
In the words of A.W. Tozer, "God wants the whole person and He will not rest till He gets us in entirety. No part of the man will do".
So let's explore this together. Hebrews 9:10 says,
"They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order."
This verse is a call to us to move beyond the rituals and regulations of religion and to embrace a relationship with God that transforms us from the inside out.
Let's bow our heads for a moment in prayer.
Lord, we thank you for your Word. We ask that as we delve into this scripture today, you open our hearts and minds to understand and receive what you have for us. Help us, Lord, to see beyond our human limitations and embrace your divine design for our lives. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Now, let's get started.
God's desire for reformation is not merely about changing our behaviors or our outward appearances, but about a deep, transformative change that begins in our hearts and permeates every aspect of our lives.
Reformation definition: In the biblical sense, it’s not a human effort but a divine work. It is God's initiative, His work, and His accomplishment. We are not the reformers; God is the Reformer. We are the clay in the Potter's hands, and He is shaping us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. This is a process that involves surrender, trust, and obedience on our part. We surrender our will to His, trust in His goodness and wisdom, and obey His commands.
Restoring us to our original design: When God created man, He made him in His own image and likeness. However, sin marred that image and caused a separation between man and God. Through Christ, God is working to restore that image in us and reconcile us to Himself. This reformation is not about becoming something we were not meant to be, but about returning to what we were originally designed to be: image-bearers of God, reflecting His glory and goodness in the world.
Not limited to individuals: It extends to communities, societies, and the entire world. God's plan of salvation is comprehensive, encompassing every area of life and every corner of creation. He is not only interested in saving souls but also in transforming societies, redeeming cultures, and renewing creation. His Kingdom is not of this world, but it is for this world. As His followers, we are called to be agents of this reformation, bringing His Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.
Fueled by His love for us: He does not want to reform us because He is displeased with us or because He wants to make us into something we are not. He wants to reform us because He loves us and wants the best for us. He knows that our ultimate fulfillment, joy, and peace lie in being conformed to the image of His Son, and that is why He is committed to this process of reformation.
The image and likeness of sonship speaks to our identity and destiny in Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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