Becoming, Part 4: Formation vs. Transformation

Angel Finsrud, Connection Pastor

is not optional
but is.

If we want to live transformed lives,
we have to with the work of God in our lives.

Start by asking yourself: do I transformed?

Ephesians 4:17–24
¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.
      ²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Transformation takes .

If we want to experience transformation, we must be willing to .

Matthew 13:44–46
⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy, went and sold all he had and bought that field.
      ⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Mark 10:17–22
¹⁷ As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
      ¹⁸ “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
      ²⁰ “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
      ²¹ Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
      ²² At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Three questions to answer today:

1. Do I want to be transformed by Christ, or would I rather hang on to control over my life?
2. Will I make time for transformation to happen in my life?
3. Am I willing to surrender everything to experience the transformation that allows me to be an heir to God’s kingdom, not just someday, but today?

Small Group Questions

1. What’s your dream vacation?
2. Of the three barriers to transformation above (desire to be transformed, making time for transformation, or accepting the cost of transformation), which is most challenging for you?
3. What aspect of life (time, money, identity, body, words, opinions, etc.) do you find difficult to surrender to God’s rule and reign?
4. What is one way you currently make time or would like to start making time for transformation in your life?
5. Is there an aspect of God’s kingdom you deeply desire to experience in your life today? What is it?
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?