Image of Christ

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:7

Good Morning Everyone and Welcome to Bolton Community Church.  I hope that you are feeling the presence of the holy spirit today and that you enjoy your morning with us.  I know that you have made a choice to be here and I want to make sure you feel welcomed and loved.  If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me.  Here are some digital notes that you can use to help follow along with the Sermon this morning.  

Thank you and have a blessed morning,
Pastor Scotty

This sermon looks at three catalysts that God uses to transform us. I. God Uses PEOPLE To Transform Us. II. God Uses CIRCUMSTANCES To Transform Us. III. God Uses SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES To Transform Us.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NASV)

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” I John 3:2-3 (NASV)

If it is God’s purpose for me to be made into the image of Christ I can do three things. I can fight against it. I can sit back and just hope it will happen. Or I can work with God in the process of my transformation. In other words I can be involved in my Christian growth process. I can “grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ.” I can clothe myself in “Christ-likeness”. I can “put on the full armor of God.” I can study to “show myself approved”. I can “work out my salvation with fear and trembling”. I can “submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit”. I can work with God to help Him – help me – become more like Jesus. Isn’t that an amazing thought? God is changing me – and He has asked me to be involved in the process. He has asked you – to be involved in your transformation as well.

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” 1Timothy 4:7 (NASV)

1. God Uses PEOPLE To Help Transform Us

2. God Uses CIRCUMSTANCES To Help Transform Us.

3. God Uses SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES To Help Transform Us.

“work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you.” Phil. 2:12-13

“Be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NASV)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave…” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NASV)

FINAL THOUGHTS: