As I read through the material for this book, I was struck with the naggingquestion, “Why did I not know this before?”Rick hits both the heart and thehead as he presents a mixture of basic and profound material every Believerneedstoknowandimplementintheirlife.HadIreadthisbookatthebeginningofmywalkwithGod,Iwouldhaveavoidedpitfallsandboundedaheadratherthanmeandering along as I did.Thanks,Rick.Once again I have learned andgrownfromwhatyouhaveshared.—Dr.TomBlackaby,LeadPastor,Author,Speaker

AtWorkWithinisathoughtfullywrittenvolumethatcontainsthecontent,depth,and weight of writers in the tradition of Peterson and Guinness, yet with areadability thatmakes itaccessible toabroaderaudience.RickOsbornedrawsfrom his years of writing experience to clearly and succinctly convey theessential truth of God’s eternal desire to mold us into the image of His Son,JesusChrist.Rickplaces theemphasis for thisprocessclearlyon theonewhostartsitandfinishesit,GodHimself.ThisisnotanotherbookaboutdiscipleshiporgrowinginChristthatwillleaveyoufeelingguiltyandunworthy.Thisisanaccountof theGoodNewsofGodatwork inour lives.Rickcompassionatelyillustratesthebiblicalnarrativeofhopeandencouragementfromtheperspectiveofa fellowsojourner.Thisbookwill leaveyou ingreater aweofGod’sgraceandgreaterappreciationforHissovereigntyandHisworkinyourlife.—ToddMartin,Ph.D.Sociologist,Author,Speaker,andformerPastor

I found this book immensely helpful, because it has a powerful grace-filledmessage from beginning to end. It relentlessly urges you to trust yourselfcompletely to God’s love and to believe that your heavenly Father longs totransformyoufromtheinside-out—allHisdoing,bypure,undeservedmercy.Ihad a powerful epiphany while meditating on what Rick said, and thereforeeagerlylookforwardtohisnextbook.—EdStrauss,Author/co-authorof54devotionalandapologeticsbooks

“Go and make disciples.” It seems simple, but are we doing what Jesusintended?Rickmasterfullyremindsusofthecall,showsusbiblicallywhatwasmeant,andencouragesustoaction.LetRickremindyouofhowJesusdisciplesandhelpsusmakedisciples,byHisSpirit,power,andgrace“atworkwithin”us.—RobScottLeadPastorKinnairdParkCommunityChurch

IfyouwantastrongbridgetowhereGodwantsyoutobe,readthisbook!—RhondaVanZuylekom

Wemay be the most informed yet least transformed generation of Christianshistory has seen, struggling to love and serve JesusChristwhile disconnectedfromfullcommunionwithHim.Weknowabouthim,butscarcelyknowHim.At Work Within connects our branches securely to the Vine so thetransformativepowerofJesusChristcanflowdynamically intoour lives.Thisbook is amust-read for everybelieverwhowants toknowandexperience theSonofGodintimatelyandconsistentlyforthemselves.—MichaelQ.PinkAuthor

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TheHolyBible,EnglishStandardVersion®(ESV®)Copyright©2001byCrossway,apublishingministryofGoodNewsPublishers.Allrightsreserved.ScripturequotationsmarkedNLTaretakenfromtheHolyBible.NewLivingTranslationcopyright©1996,2004,2007byTyndaleHouseFoundation.UsedbypermissionofTyndaleHousePublishers,Inc.CarolStream,Illinois60188.Allrightsreserved.ScripturetakenfromTheMessage.Copyright©1993,1994,1995,1996,2000,2001,2002.UsedbypermissionofNavPressPublishingGroup.ScripturequotationstakenfromtheAmplified®Bible,Copyright©2015byTheLockmanFoundation.Usedbypermission.ScripturequotationsmarkedNKJVaretakenfromtheNewKingJamesVersion®.Copyright©1982byThomasNelson,Inc.Usedbypermission.Allrightsreserved.NewRevisedStandardVersionBible,copyright©1989,DivisionofChristianEducationoftheNationalCounciloftheChurchesofChristintheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Usedbypermission.Allrightsreserved.

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TableofContents

AWordfromtheAuthorandDedication

ToThoseWhoHelped

Preface:AWordAboutDreams

Introduction:GettingStartedBecome the youGod created you to be and live thewonderful life thatHeintended.

TheSevenTruthsofTransformation:

Number1—InHisImageThegoalofyoursalvationistransformationintoHisimage.

Number2—HisDisciplesJesuswantstotransformyoupersonallybydisciplingyoufromwithin.

Number3—RighteousnessandGraceYou can be transformed from within because Jesus gave you Hisrighteousness,andHeempowersyou.

Number4—FromFaithtoFaithEverythingyouneedtobetransformedfromwithinhasbeensupplied,butitwon’thappenbyitself;youneedtoreceiveitandwalkinit,byfaith.

Number5—AllThingsNewJesus redeemed everything about you, so that your transformation could besuccessfulandcomplete.

Number6—TheRenewingofYourMindHaving your mind renewed with God’s Word is an essential part of yourtransformation.

Number7—TransformingPrayerKnowingwhat theSpirit taughtaboutprayer throughJames, John,andPaulwillhelpyoupraythroughyourtransformation.

Conclusion—MakingDisciplesGettingbackontrackwiththeGreatCommission

EndNotes—BrainstormingwithChurchLeadersBrainstormingandideastohelpyouimplementadisciple-makingprograminyourchurch.

AWordfromtheAuthorandDedication

Themost fun I’veeverhad readingamenuboardwas inaquaint littlecoffeeshopwhereIbegantoliterallylaughoutloudwhenIreadonemenuitem.Eachlinestartedwithadescriptionofthecoffeeandthengaveitsuniquenamesoyoucouldorderit.Here’stheonethatgotmyattention:

Small,decaf,non-fat,no-whiplatte…………………..“What’sthePoint?”

IspentmorethanthirtyyearsofmyChristianlifeseekingandrunningafterGodwithallmyheartandstrength,alwayswonderingwhyIcouldn’tquiteseemtogettowhereIwantedtobewithGod.IthoughtIwasdoingeverythingthatgoodChristiansweresupposedtodo,butIsomehowknewthatIwasmissingakeyingredient.Thensomethingincrediblehappened:JesusshowedupandtoldmethatHewasgoingtostartteachingmepersonallyfromHisWord.HebegantorevealthingstomedailyandguidemethroughtheBiblelikeHewassittingnexttome.InoneshortyearIgrewmoreinmyunderstandingandclosertoGodthanIhadinthethreedecadesprior;andithasn’tstopped.In the process, I realized that I had never been taught clearly how to be a

discipleofJesusor taught theGospel in itsfullness,andconsequently,InevertrulyandfullyunderstoodhowtoknowGodandgrowinHisgrace.Metaphorically speaking, the Gospel is like an extra-large, four shot, fully

caffeinated, full-fat, extra-whip, extra-syrup mocha and I’d been surviving,ministering, and even thriving on a “What’s the Point” latte for most of myChristianlife.This book is dedicated tomy family, friends, and themanyChristians I’ve

met and/or attended church with along the way who have struggled in theirrelationshipwithGod;who have—likeme—wantedmore ofGod, but alwaysfeltthatsomethingwasmissing.WhenJesuscametome,atfirstIthoughtIwasbeing treated inaspecialway.However, thefirst thingJesus taughtmeis thatHewantstoteachallofuspersonallyinthesameway.If you read this book with a seeking heart, in prayer, and with your Bible

opened, ready to learn and grow, you and consequently your life, will betransformedfar,farbeyond“What’sthePoint.”

GodlovesyoumorethanyoucanimagineandHe’sreadytohelpyouseeandwonderfullylive“ThePoint.”EnjoyyournewlifeinChrist!

RickOsborne

ToThoseWhoHelped

Firstly,IwanttothankmyamazingwifeLubafornotonlytakingthistransformation-by-gracejourneywithme,

butforalsohelpingmewiththisbookinsomanyways,fromcontenttodeliveryandeverythinginbetween.

She’samazing!

I’dalsoliketothankthosewhoreadthroughthedraftsofthisbookandgavemeencouragement,suggestions,corrections,andhelp:

Dr.TomBlackabyDr.ToddMartinGeorgeBertnessPastorRobScott

RyanandValerieJohnsonJohnandRhondaVanzuylekomandalsoallthosewhoweremyguineapigsin

thefirsttwoAtWorkWithincourseswhogavehelpfulcommentsonthefirstdrafts.

AndmywonderfuleditorsRomanaOsborneandEdStrauss,whohelpedmegetthedetailsright.ToMarkHerronforhis

coverdesign,andJillRonsleyforherinteriordesign.

Preface:AWordAboutDreams

MyDreamI was holding a leather folder, packed full of correspondence and importantpapers, and I was standing near the bottom of a very large andmajestic oldstonestaircase.Ipausedonthestepslookingthroughthefolder, fumblingandtryingtofindacertainpieceofpaperamongstthemany.AsIsearchedthroughtheoverstuffedandsomewhatunorganizedbinder, Idrewattention from thosearoundmewhocrowded theancient stairway.At first Iwasnonchalantaboutanswering their questions and sharing that this was a folder full ofcorrespondence and records between the King and myself. As more peoplegathered, I realized thatmy folder andmy relationshipwith theKing seemedquiteacuriosity,and,tosome,possiblyscandalousormade-up.Ibegantofeelnervous about the gathering crowd and became unwilling to reveal anymoreinformation. I closedmy folder, looking to get away.One very calmonlookerstoodafewstepsawayjustsmilingreassuringlyatme;thesmiletoldmeitwasokay.WhenIawokeIknewthatGodhadspokentomeinadream.OvertheyearsGodhasuseddreamstogetmyattention.It’sonlyfairtowarn

you that you’re going to be reading about some of those dreams. And inpreparation, I want to briefly clarify a few things: first of all, I share themreluctantly. I don’t often share publicly what God shows me in private.However,ifyouhaven’tseentheconnectionyet,GodusedthedreamabovetoshowmethatIwasnolongertobenervousaboutsharingwithotherswhatHeisdoing in my life. In fact, I believe that God wants me to fill this book—thebinderinthedream—withwhatandhowHe’staughtmesothatHecanuseittoencourageandhelpyou.Next, althoughGod sometimesuses dreams to illustrate things,Heuses the

Bible as the foundation forwhatHe teachesme,not dreams.Any dream thatcontradictsHisWord,nomatterhowconvincingorspectacular,shouldbegivennomoretimethanittakesyoutoshakeitfromyourmind(Jeremiah23:25–32;1Thessalonians 5:19–21). Although the Bible clearly tells you that God still

speaks to His people in dreams (Acts 2:17), most dreams are just dreams(Ecclesiastes5:3;Job20:8;Isaiah29:8).WhenIprayerfullyoutlinedthisbookIfeltledtoreviewthedreamsGodhad

givenmeandpromptedmetowritedown.IwaspleasantlysurprisedtoseethatGod had givenme a dream thatwould help illustrate each one of the biblicaltruthsinthisbook;that’swhenIknewthatthedreamshadalargerpurpose.Eachsectionofthisbookbeginswithoneofthosedreams.Attheendofeach

section I use the dream’s interpretation to helpwrap up the section. I believeGod did this more to enhance the book’s creativity (and satisfy my need forillustrations)thantopunctuateorenhancedoctrine.Soplease,focusontheBibleversesthatIteachfrom;readandstudythem.Theexperiencessharedfrommybindershouldmerelyinspireyoutoheaduptheancientstonestairsforavisitofyourown.

Introduction:GettingStarted

BecometheyouGodcreatedyoutobeandlivethewonderfullifethatHeintended.

It’soften said that agood teacher tellsyouwhathe/she isgoing to teachyou,thenteachesyou,andfinallytellsyouwhatyou’vejustbeentaught.SoIwanttostartbyclearlytellingyouwhereI’mplanningontakingyouwiththisbook.In the Great Commission Jesus told you to “make disciples” for Him

(Matthew 28:19). The Apostle Paul obeyed and taught converts how to bedisciplesofJesus.TheBibletellsyouwhatandhowhetaughtthemandthat’sthebasicfoundationofthisbook.“TheSevenTruthsofTransformation”arethehow-to of becoming a disciple of Jesus, and the conclusion of this book,“MakingDisciples,”looksathowtheearlychurchtaughtthesetruthsandmadedisciples.Theconcludingsectionalsodiscusseshowwecandothesameinourchurchestoday.Herearethebook’seightsectionsexpandedintoabriefexplanationofwhat

you’llbelearning.

InHisImageTruthNumber1:ThegoalofyoursalvationistransformationintoHisimage.

Somewhere along the way we’ve gotten the idea that salvation is just aboutsayingaprayerandgettingapassporttoheaven.It’ssomuchmore.GodstatedHisoriginalplanforeachoneofyouwhenHesaid,“LetUsmakemaninourimage, according to our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). In this section (Truth #1), IexplainhowGodhasnevermovedfromthisplanforyou(evenafterAdamandEveweresentfromtheGarden),andhowJesusmadeitpossibleforyoutogetbackontrackwithbeingtransformedintoHis imageandlikeness.Ialsoteachhow understanding what all this means—and how it works—can change youintothebestyouthatyoucanbe,theyouGodoriginallycreatedyoutobe.

HisDisciplesTruthNumber2:Jesuswantstotransformyoupersonallybydisciplingyoufromwithin.

InthissectionIshowyouwhatGod’sWordsaysaboutJesus’personalAtWorkWithindisciplingprogram. I tellyouhowitworksandhowyoucanbe loved,taught,led,andtransformedbytheLordinaveryrealdailyrelationship.Jesusdiedforyouso thatyoucouldbewithHim,not just in thehereafter,but rightnow. I’ll explain how what Jesus has provided for you, in the way of arelationshipwithHim,isevenbetterthanwhattheTwelveDiscipleshadwhentheywalkedwithHimduringHisministryhere.

RighteousnessandGraceTruthNumber3:Youcanbe transformedfromwithinbecauseJesusgaveyouHisrighteousnessandHeempowersyoubyHisgrace.

BecauseofwhatJesusdid,whenyoureceivedHimyouweregiventhegiftofHisrighteousness.Godcleansedyou,madeyounew,anddeclaredyourighteousbyHisgracewhenyou received Jesus.However,God’spurpose forgracedidnot change to “covering and/or excusing sin” once you were inside HisKingdom.Thepurposeofgrace remains thesame—itempowerschange.Yoursalvation is complete but your transformation is ongoing and it’s all by gracethroughfaith.InthissectionIshowyouhowthegiftofrighteousnessandGod’sgrace provide you with the foundation and the power to become all Godintendedyoutobe.

FromFaithtoFaithTruthNumber4:Everythingyouneedtobe transformedfromwithinhasbeensuppliedbut itwon’thappenbyitself;youneedtoreceiveitandwalkin itbyfaith.

TheBible teaches that the justshall livebyfaith, that it’s impossible topleaseGodwithoutfaithandthatyoushouldnotexpecttoreceiveanyanswerstoyourprayers without faith. Everything you receive from God is given to you by“gracethroughfaith”(Ephesians2:8)and,therefore,mustbereceivedbyfaith.So it’s imperative that you understandwhat faith is and how itworks. In this

sectionIshowyouhowtowalkandgrowinfaithandhowtouseyourfaithtowalkoutyourtransformation.

AllThingsNewTruth Number 5: Jesus redeemed everything about you so that yourtransformationcouldbesuccessfulandcomplete.

The price Jesus paid for you is eternal; if itwasn’t, eventually your salvationwould end. In the sameway, the priceHepaid for youwas complete and foreverypartofyou. If itwasn’t, thenonlypartofyouwouldbewelcomed intoeternity and the parts of you that weren’t saved would keep dragging youbackwards. In thissectionIshowyouhowyourcompleteredemptionsetsyouup to succeed inyour relationshipwithGod,your transformation, and inyourlife.

TheRenewingofYourMindTruthNumber6:Havingyourmind renewedwithGod’sWord is an essentialpartofyourtransformation.

The Bible teaches that God’s people perish for lack of knowledge. God hasgivenyouthetruth,promisedtorevealittoyou,teachittoyou,writeitonyourheart,renewyourmindwithit,andcauseyourtransformation—allbygrace.It’sanamazing,simple,and relationalsystemthatwillhaveyourunning toGod’sWordexcitedaboutwhat Jesuswill teachyounext. In this section I’ll explainhow this works and get you started on the road to walking in the “mind ofChrist”(1Corinthians2:16).

TransformingPrayerTruthNumber7:Knowingwhat theSpirit taught aboutprayer through James,John,andPaulwillhelpyoupraythroughyourtransformation.

Jesus didn’t dowhatHe did just so your sins could be forgiven. Sinwas theobstacle that needed to be obliterated so that God’s purpose for you and Hisintended relationship with you could be realized. Jesus did all of what wasnecessarytodemolisheveryobstacleandtotransformyouintoHisimage—intomature sons and daughters ofGodwho truly knowHim,walkwithHim, andbecome all He created you to be. All of that centers on an intimate and real

relationshipwith the Father, the Son, and theHoly Spirit. Since the core andpurpose of your redemption revolves around relationship, it’s a given thatunderstandingprayer isessential toyour transformation. In thissectionIshowyouhowyourprayerlifecanbeempoweredbygraceandfacilitateyourgrowthin relationshipwithGod, the renewingof yourmind, and your transformationintoallGodcreatedyoutobe.WhenyoudiscoverprayerthewayGodintendedityouwon’twanttostop.

Conclusion—MakingDisciplesGettingbackontrackwiththeGreatCommission

In this finalsectionIshowyouhowtheearlychurch turned theworldupside-downbyconsistentlyturningnewconvertsintorealdisciplesofJesus—discipleswho knew how to fellowship with Him, receive His love, knowHim, followHim, learn fromHim, carryonHiswork, andbe transformedbyHim. In thissectionI’lldemonstratehowthe“SevenTruthsofTransformation”inthisbookwere the foundationofwhat theearlychurch taught toeachnewconvert.Theimportant question isn’t, “Howdo revivals/renewals start?” it’s “Whydo theystop?Ishowyouinthissectionthattheystopbecausewestopmakingdisciples.So why is this book called At Work Within? Because that’s how Jesus

disciples you today and it’s the key to your transformation. The from-the-outside-indiscipleshipprogramthattheJewsinJesus’daypracticedwasmerelyametaphororashadowoftheamazingfrom-the-inside-outdiscipleshipprogramthat Jesus, throughHis redemptiveworkandHolySpirit,provided foreachofyou.JesustoldtheTwelvethatitwouldbebetterafterHeleftphysically,anditis. NowHe canwalkwith you 24/7, teaching, leading, and transforming youfromwithin.Enjoythejourney!

InHisImage

TruthNumber1

ThegoalofyoursalvationistransformationintoHisimage.

MyDreamInmydream, I sawaneaselandon it laya largeblankcanvas ready for theartist’svision.God’shandheldabrushandwithonesureandprecisestrokeHewas finished. It was an arching stroke—wide where the brush first touched,archingup,and thennarrowingas thebrush turneddownwardandwas liftedfromthecanvas.Iwaspuzzled.WhywouldGodpaintapaintingwithonlyonestroke? I walked closer to get a better look at God’s handiwork. As I drewnearer,Ibegantoseedetailinsidethestroke,thenmoredetail,thenevenmore.When Iwasnext to thecanvas,bentover slightly so thatmy facewas lookingdowninsidethestroke,Icouldseeacityscape,people,andmanymoredetailsthatwenton forever. Iwasamazed.Withone strokeandgreat ease,Godhadpaintedanimpossiblybeautiful,detailed,andperfectmasterpiece.WhenIwokeupstillmarvelingattheamazingpainting—itsimageetchedin

mymind—theFatherlovinglyspoke,“That’syourlife,son.”Foryearsmydesireanddailyprayerwas,“Lord,IwanttoknowYou.Iwant

tobeallthatYoucreatedmetobeandaccomplishallthatYou’vecalledmetoaccomplish.”Inolongerpraythatprayerandyou’llunderstandwhybytheendofthissection.MyheartwasrightbutIwasmissingtheheartoftheGospel.

Tobecontinued…

THEGOSPELFORCHRISTIANS

IbelievethatmanyChristiansmissmuchofwhattheirlovingHeavenlyFatherhas for them because somewhere along theway they started thinking that theGospelisaboutreceivingafreepassporttoheaven.It’sso,so,somuchmore.

SoIameagertopreachthegoodnewstoyoualsowhoareinRome.For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power forsalvationtoeveryonewhobelieves…(Romans1:15).

The verses in this chapter haven’t changed since theywerewritten close to2,000yearsagobut, likeme formanyyears,youmayhavemissedsomethingeach time you read them. Remember, Paul wrote this letter to the church inRome (Romans 1:7) yet in verse 15 he said, “I am eager to preach the goodnewstoyoualsowhoareinRome.”Pauldidn’tsay“tothosewhoareinRome”meaningtheunsavedofRome,hesaid“toyou”meaningtothosewhomhewaswritingto,Christians.FormanyyearsIthoughtthattheonlyoneswhoneededtoheartheGospelwerepeoplewhohadnotyetreceivedJesusandperhapsthosewhoneededtobetterunderstandwhathappenedwhentheydid.Intheseverses,PaulexplainsthattheGospelis“God’spowerforsalvationto

everyonewhobelieves”;notjustwhentheyfirstbelievebutalsoastheycontinuetobelieve.AccordingtoPaul,youarenotjusttoenterGod’sKingdomthroughtheGospelmessage,butyouare tocontinue in theGospel, livingby thesamefaithinJesusChristthatgotyouin.Paul didn’t have two messages; he preached the Gospel to the lost and

continued to explain it to thosewho entered into it (Romans 16:25;Galatians1:6–7; Philippians 1:27;Colossians 1:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:8). TheGospel istheGoodNewsofGod’sKingdom,notjusttheGoodNewsaboutitsentrance.Let’slookatwhatelsePaulwroteaboutthis.

Forthewordofthecrossisfollytothosewhoareperishing,buttouswhoarebeingsaveditisthepowerofGod(1Corinthians1:18ESV).

In theseversesPaulsays that themessageof thecross isforChristianswhoare“beingsaved.”Hesaysthesamethingalittlefurtheroninthissameletter.

Now Iwould remindyou, brothers, of thegospel I preached toyou,whichyoureceived,inwhichyoustand,andbywhichyouarebeingsaved…(1Corinthians15:1–2ESV).

Althoughthethoughtmightseemsurprisingatfirst,theBibleisclearthatyouare “being saved” by the Gospel. Now, just to be abundantly clear, the NewTestamentteachesthatwhenyoumakeadecisionforChrist,youaresaved.

One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and oneconfesseswith themouth, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:10; seealsoEphesians1:13;2:4–5).

You are saved and you are being saved both by the Gospel, which is thepowerofGod.Thefirstisinstantaneousandcomplete;thesecondisaprocessinwhich you progressively grow into what was already accomplished for you.PeterandJamesalsowroteabout“beingsaved.”

…because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation ofyoursouls(1Peter1:9).

Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humblyreceivetheimplantedword,whichisabletosaveyou(James1:21).

Paulalsowroteaboutafutureaspectofyoursalvation.

Muchmore then, sincewehavenowbeendeclared righteousbyHisblood, wewill be saved throughHim fromwrath (Romans 5:9; seealso1Corinthians3:15).

Youaresaved,youarebeingsaved,andyouwillbesaved.TheGospelistheGoodNewsofGod’s loveandwhat Jesusdid foryou, and it encompassesallthreeaspectsofyour salvation:past, present, and future.Paulwanted togo toRome and preach the Gospel to the Christians there because he knew howimportantitwasforthemtounderstand,notjusthowtogetintotheKingdom,buthowtoliveandgrowintheKingdom.You probably knowwhat “getting saved” looks like and you can probably

imaginethatfuturemomentwhenyou’llenterthefullnessofyoursalvation,butwhatdoes“beingsaved”looklike?You’llneedtobackuptoGenesis1tobegintoanswerthatquestion.

THEHOPEOFGLORY

I was out for lunch with my pastor Rob. He had been preparing his sermonearlierandwasponderingaquestion.Afterweorderedourlunchhesprangitonme.“HowwouldyousumuptheGospelinsevenwordsorless?”HestillteasesmeabouthowIcountedonmy fingersas Iquietlyprayedand thenspoke theanswer,“Letusmakemaninourimage.”

ThenGod said, “LetUsmakeman inOur image, according toOurlikeness”(Genesis1:26).

Priortothispointinthecreationstory,theemphasisseemedtobeonGodtheFather.Inthisverse,however,it’srevealedthattheplantomakehumankindissomethingGodtheFather,GodtheSon,andGodtheHolySpiritallagreedtodotogether.AccordingtoGod’sWordthedecisiontosendJesustodieforyouwasmadebeforeGodsaid,“Lettherebelight”(1Peter1:20;Revelation13:8).ThatmeansthatGod’s“LetUs”conversationwasnotjusttalkingaboutAdambeingcreatedwithGod-like attributes, butwasprophetically looking forward toyoubeingcreatednewinChristJesus.

For those He foreknewHe also predestined to be conformed to theimageofHisSon…(Romans8:29).

God foreknew and predestined you to be conformed to the “image of HisSon.”WhendidHeforeknowandpredestinethis?WhenHesaid“LetUsmakemaninOurimage,accordingtoOurlikeness.”Furthermore,theBibletellsyouthatJesusistheimageoftheinvisibleGod.

He is the image of the invisibleGod, the firstborn over all creation(Colossians1:15).

SowhenGodsaid“LetUsmakemaninOurImage”HewastalkingaboutHisplantocreateyouinChristwhoistheimageofGod.Thisisakeythought!GodknewthathumankindwouldloseHisimageinthefallandHealreadyplannedforyoutoregainitandtofullyrealizeitinChrist.ButwhydoesGenesis1:26useboththewordsimageandlikeness?Theword

“image”seemstodescribeGod’sintentforyoutohaveHisnatureandbecomeChristlike,butwhatabouttheotherword,“likeness”?IfGodmeant“likeness”toshowthatHisintentwasforyoutolooklikeHim—twoarms,twolegsetc—thatcreates a problem; God the Father doesn’t literally have a physical body and

looklikeaman.ButJesusdoes!

He(Jesus)emptiedHimselfbyassumingtheformofaslave,takingonthelikenessofmen.AndwhenHehadcomeasamaninHisexternalform,HehumbledHimselfbybecomingobedienttothepointofdeath—eventodeathonacross(Philippians2:7–8).

JesuswasGod’s plan from the start andGenesis 1:26 prophetically lookedforward to Jesus coming, being born as aman and taking on human likeness(“takingonthelikenessofmen…asamaninHisexternalform”).GodtheSon,JesusChrist, has two arms and two legs andHe’ll haveHis resurrected bodyforever. Jesus became like you so that you could be like Him (image andlikeness).Attheendofthisageyouwillreceiveyourglorifiedbodywhichwillbe like Jesus’ current heavenly body—and God’s original and full intent for“likeness”willbecompletelyrealized.

Hewill transformthebodyofourhumbleconditionintothelikenessof His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subjecteverythingtoHimself(Philippians3:21;seealso1John3:2).

God intended to fulfill His desire to make you in both His “image andlikeness”bysendingHisSon.TheGospelwasproclaimedinGenesis1:26.Therealimportantthing,however,ishowthataffectsyoutodayasyouliveyourlifeasaChristian.Yourbodyisn’tjunkthatissomehowmadespecialbecauseGoddecided to live in you. Jesus designed your body (John 1:1–3) knowingHe’dhave one forever and that you’d be the temple ofGod’s Spirit (1Corinthians6:19,20):builtbyGod,forGod.Inrealizingthis,youneedtotreatyourbodyasmuchmorethanadisposableearthsuit(1Corinthians3:16–17).However,forthemomentI’dliketofocusontheimagepart,howthataffects

your everyday Christian life and what it shows you about the goal of “beingsaved.”Solet’slookatsomemoreNewTestamentpassages.PaulcalledtheGospel“thegospelofthegloryofChrist.”

In their case, the god of this age has blinded the minds of theunbelieversso theycannot see the lightof thegospelof thegloryofChrist,whoistheimageofGod(2Corinthians4:4).

If the Gospel is “the gospel of the glory of Christ” what is “the glory ofChrist”? Paul just said, “the glory ofChrist,who is the image ofGod”; JesuscarriedanddisplayedtheimageofGodandthatwasHisglory.SowhatdidPaulmeanthenwhenhetaughtthatthegloriousmysteryofthe

Gospelis“Christinyou,thehopeofglory”?

GodwantedtomakeknownamongtheGentilesthegloriouswealthofthismystery,which isChrist inyou, thehopeofglory.WeproclaimHim,warningandteachingeveryonewithallwisdom,sothatwemaypresenteveryonematureinChrist(Colossians1:27–28).

InyournewbirthyouwerecreatedinHis imageandlikeness.“Thehopeofglory” is thehope that youwould carry anddisplayChrist’s image just asHecarriedanddisplayedtheFather’simage.TheGospelis“thegospelofthegloryofChrist”becausetheGospelproclaimsthatinChristyourealizeGod’soriginalintentionforyou:“LetUsmakemaninourimageandlikeness.”Let’slookatwhatPaulsaidtotheCorinthians.

Weall,withunveiledface,beholdingthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromonedegreeofglorytoanother(2Corinthians3:18ESV).

Paulsaysthatasyoubehold“thegloryoftheLord”youarebeingtransformedinto “the same image.” “The glory of the Lord” is the image ofGod.We arebeingtransformedintowhatwearebeholding:Jesus,whoistheimageofGod,whichisthegloryoftheLord.ChristisinyoubyHisSpirittogiveyouHislifeand transformyou intoHis image—that’s theGospelof thegloryofGod,andGod’soriginalintentformankind.Jesus’workonthecrossdidnotjustprovideyou with a passport to heaven. Jesus’ work on the cross provided everythingnecessarytoputyouonthefast-tracktoHisoriginalintentionforyou.

Hisdivinepowerhasgranted tous all things that pertain to life andgodliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his owngloryandexcellence,bywhichhehasgrantedtoushispreciousandverygreatpromises,sothat throughthemyoumaybecomepartakersofthedivinenature,havingescapedfromthecorruptionthatisintheworldbecauseofsinfuldesire(2Peter1:3–4ESV).

Hehas“calledus toHisowngloryandexcellence”and tobe“partakersofthedivinenature.”That’stheimageofGod.Believersare“predestinedtobeconformedtotheimageofHisSon”(Romans

8:29). If you’re a Christian, then that’s been God’s plan for you from thebeginningofcreation.Andit’sallprovidedforyouinwhatJesusdid—youcan’tearn it orproduce it inyour strength. “Hisdivinepowerhasgranted tousallthings that pertain to life and godliness … ” and “he has granted to us hisprecious and very great promises, so that through them you may becomepartakersof thedivinenature… ”Everythingyouneed tobe transformed intoHisimagehasbeengrantedtoyouthroughGod’spromiseandbyHispower.Ofcourse, thatdoesn’tmean thatyou losewhoyouareandwalkaround in

robesandsandals.No,inChristyoutrulyfindwhoyouare.It’smind-bogglingto think thatwhenGod had that “LetUs”meeting,He looked ahead and saweachoneofyoulivinginChrist;uniquesonsanddaughtersofHis,witheternalpurpose, tobe lovedbyHimandtransformedintoHis image.TobeChristlikemeans to become the individual son or daughter of God that He originallycreatedyoutobe.Jesusisthefirstbornandyourexample.GodwantsyoutobelikeJesus,followinginHisfootsteps.IfyoucouldgetaglimpseofGod’svisionforyou,whoHe’screatedyouto

beinChrist, itwouldabsolutelyoverwhelmyou.AndyourtransformationintoChrist’s image and all God created you to be starts now, not when you’re inheaven.YouwerebornagainwiththepurposeofgrowingupintoChrist.

THEHOPEOFYOURCALLINGSo why aren’t more Christians being radically transformed into the image ofChrist?Mostlybecause theyhaven’tbeen taught thispartof theGospel.Readthesewell-knownversesinEphesians:

ThereisonebodyandoneSpirit—justasyouwerecalledtoonehopeatyourcalling—oneLord,onefaith,onebaptism…(Ephesians4:4–5).

MostofthebasicChristiandoctrineslistedintheseversesareunderstoodbyChristians. However, if you had asked me a few years ago what is the “onehope”thatI’mcalledto,Iprobablywouldhavesaid“heaven.”That’snotit.You

don’tneedtobecalledtoheaven.Paulexplainselsewhere:

… God has chosen you for salvation through sanctification by theSpiritandthroughbeliefinthetruth.Hecalledyoutothisthroughourgospel,sothatyoumightobtainthegloryofourLordJesusChrist(2Thessalonians2:13–14).

Youarecalled tosanctification(beingsaved)and thehopeof thatcalling isthatyou“mightobtainthegloryofourLordJesusChrist”orbetransformedintoHisimage.Peteralsotalkedaboutthis:

Hisdivinepowerhasgranted tous all things that pertain to life andgodliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his owngloryandexcellence…(2Peter1:3ESV).

He’s “called us toHis own glory and excellence”which is anotherway ofsaying,“He’scalledyoutobetransformedintoHisimage,”andgettingthereisthehopeofthatcalling.IfyoureadalloftheNewTestamentversesonwhatyou’recalledto,you’ll

find that they all relate to being conformed toHis image, called to be saints,called to liveandsufferasHedid,called intoHismarvelous light, called intoholiness,calledintofellowshipwithJesus,calledbygrace,calledaccordingtoHispurpose,etc.ThehopeofyourcallingisthehopeofbeingtransformedintoHisimageandtrulygrowingupintoallGodcreatedyoutobe.In the above verses both Paul and Peter tell you that a prerequisite to

transformation is knowing and believing the truth. Paul wrote, “throughsanctificationbytheSpiritandthroughbeliefinthetruth”andPeterwrotethatHe“hasgrantedtousall things thatpertain to lifeandgodliness, throughtheknowledgeof him.”Howcanyouhope for somethingyoudon’t knowyou’vebeencalledto?(SeeRomans10:14–17.)Whenyousimplybelievethatthehopeofyourcallingisapassporttoheaven,youliveaccordingly.There are somany believerswho are crying out formore of God but they

don’tknowwhatthey’vebeencalledtoorhowtowalkinit.Whenthosepeoplelearn, this world will change as they’re transformed. If you’re one of thosepeople,orwanttobeoneofthosepeople,keepreading.The next step is to start understanding how God accomplishes your

transformation:whenI first receivedmysalvation, Igotamereglimpseand it

changedmylife.Backthen,IhadnoideathatIhadlearnedthefirstlessoninthemechanicsoftransformation.

ATWORKWITHINIfreakedpeopleoutwhenIgotsaved(justshyofmynineteenthbirthday).Iwassochanged,Ihardlyknewmyself.Peoplewhoknewmethenstilltalkaboutthemiraculouschangethathappenedinme.GodhadradicallychangedmebutnowI had a different problem. I had just been saved, something that I had nounderstandingof,andI’dgivenmywholelifetoGod,somethingIdidn’tevenknowpeopledidandIdidn’tunderstandhowtodo.Myheart,head,emotions,anddesireswerechangedsomuchthatmostofthewaysIthought,spoke,andacted prior to being saved, were now obsolete. I was definitely saved but inregardstomynewlife,Iwasverylost.Sonotknowingwhat todo,wheneverIheardsomethinghelpfulaboutwhat

“Christiansweresupposedtodo,”I justwentanddidit.IreadeveryChristianbook that anyone gave me or loaned to me. I heard that Christians weresupposed to spend an hour a day in prayer so I spent two. I heard that IwassupposedtoreadandunderlinemyBiblesoIspentallthetimeIusedtospendpartyingdoingthat.IheardIwassupposedtogetbaptizedsoIgotbaptized,etc,etc.Afterayearofrunningaround—withwaymorezealthanknowledge—doing

myutmost tolearnandbeeverythingIcouldbeforGod,Iwasexhaustedandinwardly failing. I had at that point either directly or indirectly led about ahundredpeopletotheLord.IspentonetothreehoursadayinprayerandBiblestudy. I had prayed for people and seen them healed. I ran amidweek Biblestudyand Iwas theunofficialyouth leaderofmychurch.However, inaquietmomentwiththeLord,IrealizedthatIwasjoylessandrunningonempty.GodinHisgracemetmewhenIreadtheseBibleverses.

Sothen,mydearfriends,justasyouhavealwaysobeyed…workoutyour own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who isworkinginyou,enablingyoubothtodesireandtoworkoutHisgoodpurpose(Philippians2:12–13).

As I read I heard theLord lovingly speak tome.He said, “It’s notRick atworkwithinRick.”Inasecond,andbyGod’sgrace,IunderstoodwhatGodand

HisWordweresaying.IhadbeenrunningaroundtryingtopleaseGod,earnHisloveandapproval,andmakemyselfintoaperfectchildofGod.Oh, Ihadbeendoinga tonofgreat things forGodbut“I”wasdoing them,

running around Jesus like an overly-zealous but clueless puppy instead oflearning towalkwithHim and letHim transformme. I broke andwept for alongtime.IrealizedthenthatGodhadcommittedtoworkwithinmeandcauseme towant to do, and to do,His good pleasure. Let’s look atwhatGod saidthroughtheprophetEzekielaboutthenewbirth.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I willremoveyourheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartofflesh.IwillplaceMy Spirit within you and cause you to follow My statutes andcarefullyobserveMyordinances(Ezekiel36:26–27).

Readthelastlineagain.Goddidn’tjustpromisetomakeyounewandputHisSpiritinyou;HepromisedthatHe’dcauseyoutofollowandobeyHim.Wow!That’sexactlywhatPaulsaid.“ForGodisworkinginyou,givingyouthedesiretoobeyhim,andthepowertodowhatpleaseshim”(Philippians2:13NLT).TheGospel,whichwasaccomplishedthroughChrist’sworkandgiventoyoufreely,includes both “getting saved” and walking out your salvation, that is, “beingsaved.”InordertogetanevenclearerpictureofwhatEzekielwastalkingabout,let’s

lookataparallelprophecyinJeremiah.

ForthisisthecovenantthatIwillmakewiththehouseofIsraelafterthosedays,declarestheLord:Iwillputmylawwithinthem,andIwillwriteitontheirhearts.AndIwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople(Jeremiah31:33ESV).

Ezekielsaid thatGodwouldgiveyouanewheartandcauseyoutowalk inHisway.JeremiahprophesiedthatGodwouldwriteHislawonyourheartandtheresultwouldbethatyouwouldbeHispeople,whichmeantthatyouwouldtrust and obeyHim. But in verse 31 of the same chapter, Jeremiah describeswhattheHolySpiritwastalkingabout:“Behold,thedaysarecoming,declaresthe Lord, when I will make anew covenant with the house of Israel and thehouseofJudah.”

GodclearlypromisedthatthroughtheNewCovenant,Hewouldsecureyourobedience—orcauseyoutowalkinHiswayandbeoneofHisfaithfulpeople.In the verse before Jeremiah’s prophecy about God putting His lawwithin

you,theHolySpiritputsthepromiseincontext.

…notlikethecovenantthatImadewiththeirfathersonthedaywhenI took themby thehand tobring themoutof the landofEgypt,mycovenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares theLord(Jeremiah31:32ESV).

What theSpirit is saying is that theOldCovenantdidn’tworkbecausemankept breaking it—theOld didn’t provide for humankind’s obedience. SoGodproclaimedthattheNewCovenantwouldprovideforyourobedience.(SeealsoHebrews10:15–18.)God promised in Ezekiel 36:25–27, “I will cleanse you,” “I will make you

new,” “Iwill placemy Spiritwithin you,” and “Iwill cause you to followMystatutesandcarefullyobserveMyordinances.”JesusshedHisbloodtopaythepriceforyoursins,makeyoubrandnew,and

bringyoubacktotheFather.AndGodpromisedtoworkwithinyoucausingyoutowant todo,andtodo,Hisgoodpleasure.In theNewCovenantJesus isnotonly theguarantorofour forgivenessandcleansing,He’s theguarantorofourtransformation(Hebrews7:22).The “at-work-within” revelationGod gaveme that day profoundly changed

me, my relationship with God and my Christian walk. At that point I didn’tunderstand thehopeofmycallingor theconceptof“beingsaved,”soIdidn’trealize that this truthwasmeant toprogressivelytransformmeintoHis image.However,wheneverIfeltIcouldn’tdosomethingGodwantedmetodoI’dgotoHimarmedwithPhilippians2:13andHe’dalwayswork inmeandpullmethrough.OnceIrealizedthattheseGospelpromisesweremeanttofacilitatemytransformationintoHisimage,Iwasagainprofoundlychanged.When God said, “Let us make man in our image, and according to our

likeness,”Hehadalreadydevisedafoolproofandcompleteplantogetyouthereandkeepyouthereforalleternity.Sofaryou’veseenthatyou“aresaved,”thatyou’re“beingsaved”andyouwillonedayfullyrealizeyoursalvation.Thegoalof your “being saved”—the hope of your calling—is to be transformed fromglory to glory intoChrist’s image. Jesus didn’t just die to secure your gettingsavedbutalsoyour“beingsaved.”Tofacilitateyourtransformation,Godmade

younewontheinside,placedHisSpiritwithinyou,andhaspromisedtoworkinyouandcauseyoutowanttodo(andactuallydo)Hiswill—allsothatyoucanbeallGodcreatedyoutobe.At this point youmight ask, “What is the image ofChrist?What does that

looklike?”Let’slookatthatnext.

INCHRISTJesusintentionallywalkedoutHiswholelifeknowingthatHewastheexampleofwhatwearetobetransformedinto.Let’slookatafewversesthattalkabouthowyouaretobelikeHim:

You have His mind; the same spiritual understanding, knowledge of God,attitude,andthoughtsthatJesusdid:

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regardothersasbetterthanyourselves.Leteachofyoulooknottoyourowninterests, but to the interests of others.Let the samemindbe in youthatwasinChristJesus…(Philippians2:3–5NRSV).

Forwhohasknown theLord’smind, thathemay instructHim?Butwehave themindofChrist (1Corinthians2:16; see alsoverses12–15).

YouaretoloveasHelovedinthought,word,anddeed:

Thisishowwehavecometoknowlove:HelaiddownHislifeforus.Weshouldalsolaydownourlivesforourbrothers(1John3:16;seealsoJohn15:12;1John4:16–17).

Youaretohavethesameunruffled,worry-freepeaceHehad:

“PeaceIleavewithyou.MypeaceIgivetoyou.Idonotgivetoyouastheworldgives.Yourheartmustnotbetroubledorfearful”(John14:27).

YouaretocarryonHismission:

Jesussaidtothemagain,“Peacetoyou!AstheFatherhassentMe,Ialsosendyou”(John20:21;seealsoJohn14:12).

YouaretowalkasHewalked:

ThisishowweknowweareinHim:theonewhosaysheremainsinHimshouldwalkjustasHewalked(1John2:5–6).

Youare toknow,hear,andfollowJesus justasHeknew,heard,andfollowedtheFather:

“Iamthegoodshepherd.IknowMyownsheep,andtheyknowMe,astheFatherknowsMe,andIknowtheFather”(John10:14–15;seealsoJohn10:27).

YouaretoberighteousandholyasHewas:

Littlechildren,letnoonedeceiveyou!Theonewhodoeswhatisrightisrighteous,justasHeisrighteous(1John3:7).

ButastheOnewhocalledyouisholy,youalsoaretobeholyinallyour conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy (1 Peter1:15–16).

Youaretoknow,beempoweredby,andbeusedbytheHolySpiritasJesuswas:

Youwill receive powerwhen theHolySpirit has comeonyou, andyouwillbeMywitnessesinJerusalem,inallJudeaandSamaria,andtotheendsoftheearth(Acts1:8;seealsoActs10:38).

To be transformed into the image of Christ is to progressively grow intohavingHisattitude,Histhoughts,Hischaracter,andGod’sloveresidinginyouandflowingthroughyou.It’sgrowingtotheplacewhereyouhaveGod’sSpiritactiveinyourlifeandhavetheverymindofChrist(and,therefore,Hiswisdomand spiritual understanding); have His unmovable peace, do His works, andknowandwalkwithHimasHeknewandwalkedwiththeFather.It’swalkinglikeHewalkedasrighteouschildrenofGodreflectingHisgloryin thisworld.It’sknowingGodandwalkingwith Jesus in thepowerof theHolySpirit. It’swalking in the knowledge of the fact that you are “one spirit with God” (1

Corinthians 6:17) and becoming all God created you to be. Christians aren’tcalledtojust“knowdifferent,”they’recalledto“bedifferent”—tobeamazing!ThesefewversesI’vesharedaboveonlystarttorevealwhowearecalledto

beinChrist.Now,here’saquestionforyou:haveyoueverwondered,“Ifwe’reno longer under law, why are there are so many commands in the NewTestament?”They’realltheretoshowyouwhatyou’retobecomeinChristandwhatHe’swillingtodoinyou,notbylaworself-effort,butbyHispromiseandpower.Here’sanotherquestion:haveyouever thoughtabout theutter impossibility

of the “all” and “everything” requirements of theNewTestament?Here are afew:Doall thingswithout grumbling or disputing (Philippians 2:14). Rejoicealways.Praywithoutceasing.Givethanksinallcircumstances(1Thessalonians5:16–18).Speakevilofnoone.Showperfectcourtesytoallpeople(Titus3:2).No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good…(Ephesians4:29).Donotbeanxiousaboutanything(Philippians4:6).Putawayallmaliceandalldeceitandhypocrisyandenvyandallslander.Honoreveryone(1Peter2:1,17).Beholyinallyourconduct(1Peter1:15).If the writers of the New Testament had not understood the hope of your

calling and the transforming power of His Spirit at work within you theywouldn’thaveraisedthebarsohigh.Do you know someonewho is remarkably kind, somuch so that everyone

notices?Howabout remarkablygenerous?Patient?Wise?Loving?Howaboutsomeone who has managed their God-given gifts well, grown in them, andexcelledtoremarkableheights?Haveyouevermarveledatsomeonewhohasanamazing relationship with God, is incredibly used by God, or someone whohears Him really well, or really understands the Bible and can wonderfullyexplain it?How about someonewho has excelled in their calling inministry,business,theircareer,thearts,etc?These things and much more are all yours through Christ’s work and the

SpiritwhoworkspowerfullyinyoutotransformyouintoHisimage.ThepersonthatGodcreatedyoutobeisprobablybeyondyourimagining,butinChristit’snotbeyondyourreach.

NEWTESTAMENTEXAMPLES

Stephenwas thefirst“not-one-of-the-twelve”guys transformedbybecomingapost-PentecostdiscipleofJesus.TheBiblesaysthathewasfulloffaithandtheHolySpirit,fullofgraceandpower,thatheperformedgreatwondersandsignsamongthepeople,andthathisopponentscouldn’tstandagainstthewisdomandSpiritbywhichhespoke(Acts6:5,8).HowlongdoyouthinkStephenhadbeenaChristianwhenthesethingswerewrittenabouthim?Onlyaroundthreeyears!Stephenwasanordinaryguy—adeaconinthechurch—buthehadbeentaughthowtobeJesus’discipleandheknewthehopeofhiscalling.Canyouimaginenotonlytheimpactonyourownlifebuttheimpactonthe

world if all Christians were transformed like this? That impact is one of thethings God had in mind when He devised His plan. Look at what He saidthrough the prophet Ezekiel just beforeHe spoke aboutmaking you new andcausingyoutoobey.

“IwillhonortheholinessofMygreatname…Thenationswillknowthat I am Yahweh”—the declaration of the Lord God— “when IdemonstrateMyholinessthroughyouintheirsight(Ezekiel36:23).

God said the nationswill know thatHe isGodwhenHe demonstratesHisholiness through you in their sight.He didn’t sayHe’d demonstrate your bestattemptatholiness.It’sHimdoingitinyouandit’sHisholiness!Stephenwasan early example of this. God changed him and demonstrated His glory andimagethroughhim.WeallthinkoftheApostlePaulasasuperherooftheFaith,andhewas,but

weoftenmisswhyhewas. InPhilippians3Paul listshispedigree, education,andaccomplishmentsandthentellsyouthathecountedallofthatasrubbishsothathecouldbefoundinChrist.HesaidtotheCorinthians:

ButbyGod’sgraceIamwhatIam,andHisgracetowardmewasnotineffective.However,Iworkedmorethananyof them,yetnotI,butGod’sgracethatwaswithme(1Corinthians15:10).

PaulknewthatallhebecameandallhedidwasbecauseofChrist’sworkandtheSpiritwhowaspowerfullyatworkwithinhim.TheNewTestamentrecordsPaultellingyoutofollowhisexampleatleastsixtimes.

Dowhatyouhavelearnedandreceivedandheardandseeninme,andthe God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9; see also 1

Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2Thessalonians3:9).

Paul felt that he was an ordinary guy. In fact, because he persecuted theChurchbeforehebecameaChristian,hesawhisstartingpointas theworstofsinners.PaulbelievedthatGodusedhimtodemonstratehowgreattheGospelisat reaching and changing the worst people (1 Timothy 1:14–16). Paul wasbasically saying, “IfGod could save, transform, and useme,He can do it foranyone!”Whenyou look towhatyoucanaccomplish inyourself,youhave toset the standard really low so that youmight hit it.Butwhenyou realize thatyou’re predestined to be transformed intoChrist’s image byHis promise, youseethatPaulwasGod’sexampleforyou.IntheshorttimesinceIstartedtrustingHimtoworkwithinmeandtransform

me, I’ve grownmore andgotten closer toHim than I did in the previous twodecades. Letting Him be in charge of His transformation in me is incrediblyfreeing.He’snotdemandingthatIperformbutaskingmetotrustHim,andI’malwaysoverwhelmedbyHisloveandthechangesHeworksinme.ChangethatIstruggledwithforyearsbecamesimpleinHishands.Anothergreat thingaboutmyat-work-within transformation is that it’svery

normalandorganic,ifIcanputitthatway.I’verealizedthatwhenapersontriestopleaseGodandchangehimorherself,thefruitisusuallyunnaturalorhyper-religious.Aseedreproducesitself;soonlyJesuscanproduceHisimageinyou;thefruitofyourowneffortscanonlybeaslightly-renovatedyou.

Mydreamcontinued…InmydreamthatIrecordedatthebeginningofthissection,Jesuswasthebrushin God’s hand and my life was represented by God’s one simple stroke. Heshowedmethatmylifeistobeamasterpieceandthatit’salreadybeencreated,prepared,andpromisedinChristJesus.I justneedtotrustHimandwalkinit,lettingHimunfold it tomyamazement—likewhen, inmydream,IwalkedupandadmiredwhatGodhaddone.TheprayerIprayedinthefirstpartofmyChristianjourney,“Lord,Iwantto

knowYou. Iwant tobeall thatYoucreatedme tobeandaccomplishall thatYou’vecalledmetoaccomplish,”showedthatIdidn’tunderstandtheGospel.Iwasstrugglingforwhathadalreadybeengiventomethroughthecross.NowI

pray, “I thank You Father that I know You (Jeremiah 31:34) and I’m beingtransformedfromglory toglory intoChrist’s image(2Corinthians3:18). IamYour creation created in Christ Jesus and I will do the good works that Youpreparedaheadformetodo(Ephesians2:10).”There’sabigdifferencebetweenthose two prayers! The first one left me wishing and struggling; the secondleaves me trusting and resting in what God has already accomplished andpromisedtodowithinme.Nomatterwhoyouare,whatyou’vebeenthrough,whatyou’vedone,orwhat

obstaclesare inyourway,Hewill forgiveyou, transformyou,andmakeyourlife beautiful in Christ Jesus. Talk to Him and start your at-work-withintransformationjourneynow.WhatGodtaughtmeabout transformationhasbeenlife-changing.However,

thenexttransformationtruthhasdonemoretowonderfullychangemeandmyrelationship with God than anything else. When I first became a Christian Ididn’tknowwhattodo;IwasrunningallovertheplacetryingtogivemylifetoGodanddowhatHewantedmetodo.Unfortunately,nooneshowedmehowtobeJesus’disciple,howtowalkwithHim,learnfromHim,andbetransformedbyHim.

POWERPOINTSFROMTRUTHNUMBER1QuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

TheGospelistheGoodNewsofGod’sKingdom,notjusttheGoodNewsaboutitsentrance.

WhenGodsaid,“LetUsmakemaninOurImage,”HewastalkingaboutHisplantocreateyouinChristwhoistheimageofGod.

YouaresavedandyouarebeingsavedbothbytheGospel,whichisthepowerofGod.

JesusbecamelikeyousothatyoucouldbelikeHim(imageandlikeness).

JesusdesignedyourbodyknowingHe’dhaveoneforeverandthatyou’dbethetempleofGod’sSpirit,builtbyGod,forGod.

JesuscarriedanddisplayedtheimageofGodandthatwasHisglory.

EverythingyouneedtobetransformedintoHisimagehasbeengrantedtoyouthroughGod’spromiseandbyHispower.

Jesusisthefirstbornandyourexample.GodwantsyoutobelikeJesus,followinginHisfootsteps.

ThehopeofyourcallingisthehopeofbeingtransformedintoHisimageandtrulygrowingupintoallGodcreatedyoutobe.

Jesusisnotonlytheguarantorofourforgivenessandcleansing,He’stheguarantorofourtransformation(Hebrews7:22).

Thegoalofyour“beingsaved”—thehopeofyourcalling—istobetransformedfromglorytogloryintoChrist’simage.

JesusintentionallywalkedoutHiswholelifeknowingthatHewastheexampleofwhatwearetobetransformedinto.

Youaretoknow,hear,andfollowJesusjustasHeknew,heard,andfollowedtheFather.

Christiansaren’tcalledtojust“knowdifferent,”they’recalledto“bedifferent”—tobeamazing!

ThepersonthatGodcreatedyoutobeisprobablybeyondyourimagining,butinChristit’snotbeyondyourreach.

PaulknewthatallhebecameandallhedidwasbecauseofChrist’sworkandtheSpiritwhowaspowerfullyatworkwithinhim.

OnlyJesuscanproduceHisimageinyou;thefruitofyourowneffortscanonlybeaslightly-renovatedyou.

HisDisciples

TruthNumber2

Jesuswantstotransformyoupersonallybydisciplingyoufromwithin.

MyDreamIdreamedthatasmallgroupofuswhosomehowworkedtogether,weremeetinginawarehousetodiscusswhatwasgoingonwhereweworkedandseehowwecould make things better. We had just all arrived and one of my co-workersannouncedthatJesuswouldbemeetingusthere.Isaidthatperhapsheshouldusetheword“appearing”becausetheword“meeting”madeitsoundlikeJesuswouldbeattendingbodily.IexplainedthatalthoughJesuscanappeartousinmanyways(Acts9:3–5,10;18:9;23:11),thatHewouldnotreturnbodilyuntiltheSecondComing.While IwasbusypontificatingaboutwhatJesuswouldandwouldn’tdoHe

appearedinpersoninthecenterofourlittlegroup.Now,I’mnotsurehowJesusshows up personally in a dream, but I think I derailed the process with myresponse.HewassmilingatmeandHisfaceandexpressionwerefilledwithsomuchloveandjoy.Inthatinstant,whenIrealizeditwasactuallyJesus,IleapedandwrappedmyarmsaroundHis neck. Iwas giddywith excitement and joy,actinglikealittlechildreunitedwithoneofhisparents.Hetookthemomentumofmy jump, likea fatherwouldachild,andswungmehalfa turnaround thecircleandputmedown,stillsmilingatme.Iwokeupfullofwonder.IcouldrememberexactlywhatHelookedlike.His

amazinglovingfaceisstilletchedinmymind.InJohn14:21Jesussaid,“IalsowilllovehimandrevealMyselftohim.”

Tobecontinued…

JESUSWITHUS“TheGreatCommission” gives you something to do and something youmustrememberwhileyou’redoingit.Jesuscommanded:

“Go,therefore,andmakedisciplesofallnations,baptizingtheminthename of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teachingthemtoobserveeverythingIhavecommandedyou.Andremember,Iamwithyoualways,totheendoftheage”(Matthew28:19–20).

TheGreekwordtranslated“remember”inverse20isidou.Thereisn’tawordin the English language that can be used to translate it adequately. It means,“listentothis,paycloseattention,understand,”butwithgreatemphasis.Today,in casual writing, you use underlining, bolding and/or exclamation marks todraw your reader’s attention in the sameway that using thisGreekwordwasmeanttoflagsomething.Sothismightbeareasonablemodern-dayrenderingofthe one word, “Pay attention! Listen! Understand! Hey, this isIMPORTANT!!!”Jesuswantedyoutopayreallycloseattentiontothissimplestatement:“Iamwithyoualways,totheendoftheage.”WhyisthatsoIMPORTANT?It’svitalbecausewewerenevermeanttobe

disciplesofanabsenteeMaster.Manyofyouare familiarwith the timeJesusappeared toPaulandknocked

himtotheground(Acts9:3–6).Butwhatwedon’toftenhearaboutisthatPaulcontinuedexperiencingJesuspersonallybutinamuchmoreencouragingway.

ThentheLordsaidtoPaulinanightvision,“Don’tbeafraid,butkeeponspeakinganddon’tbesilent.ForIamwithyou,andnoonewilllayahandonyou tohurtyou,because Ihavemanypeople in thiscity”(Acts18:9–10).

“After I came back to Jerusalem and was praying in the templecomplex,IwentintoavisionarystateandsawHimtellingme,‘Hurryand get out of Jerusalem quickly, because theywill not accept yourtestimonyaboutMe!’”(Acts22:17–18).

Thefollowingnight,theLordstoodbyhimandsaid,“Havecourage!For as you have testified aboutMe in Jerusalem, so you must alsotestifyinRome”(Acts23:11).

For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that waspreachedbymeisnotman’sgospel.ForIdidnotreceiveitfromanyman,norwasItaughtit,butIreceiveditthrougharevelationofJesusChrist(Galatians1:11–12).

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that theproclamation might be fully made through me and all the Gentilesmighthear.SoIwasrescuedfromthelion’smouth(2Timothy4:17).

The Bible records Paul receiving direction from God through angels (Acts27:23–24), through fellow believers (Acts 13:2; 20:23; 21:4, 11), and directlyfromtheHolySpirit(Acts13:9;16:6–10).However,outofallthewaysthatGodusedtodirectPaul,theonethatisrecordedthemostisthroughJesuspersonally.In case you’rewondering, this type of experiencewas not just for Paul the

Apostle. Jesus said that He’d reveal Himself to those who love Him (John14:21).Here’swhathappenedtoaregularnon-apostolicdisciple:

TherewasadiscipleinDamascusnamedAnanias.AndtheLordsaidtohiminavision,“Ananias!”“HereIam,Lord!”hesaid(Acts9:10).

One thing that I find wonderful about these reports in Scripture is that thepeople who experienced Jesus in this way, and/or recorded the experiences,didn’tactand/orwriteliketheseexperienceswereoutoftheordinary.OfcourseJesusrevealingHimself toyouis justasmallpartofwhatHemeanswhenHesays, “And remember, I amwith youalways, to the endof theage,”but thesestoriesillustratejusthowrealyourrelationshipwithHimcanbe.ThepartoftheGreatCommissionthatMarkrecordedendedwithareportof

whathappenedafterJesusascendedandtheHolySpiritcame.

Thenafterspeakingtothem,theLordJesuswastakenupintoheavenand sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out andpreachedeverywhere,theLordworkingwiththemandconfirmingthewordbytheaccompanyingsigns(Mark16:19–20).

JesussatdownattherighthandoftheFatherbutwasalsowithHisdisciplesworkingwiththem.TheGreekwordtranslated“workingwiththem”means“tobeaco-worker.”ThewholereasonwhyJesustoldHisdisciplesthatHe’dalwaysbewiththem

issothatyouwouldunderstandandrememberthatthediscipleshipprogramwasnevermeanttoend,onlychange.

DISCIPLESHIPTRANSITIONIn Jesus’ time, being someone’s disciplewas a full-timeoccupation.Disciplesleft their jobs and went to be trained under their master (Matthew 4:20, 22;19:27),oftengoingandlivingwiththemaster(John1:38–39),toserveandlearnfromhim.Eventually, thedisciplewasfullytrainedandeitherworkedontheirowninwhattheylearnedfromthemasterortheytookoverthemaster’splaceofhonor; it was a serious lifelong commitment on behalf of the master and thedisciple.That’swhyJesus’Disciplesweresoconcernedwhen,afteronlyafewshortyears,JesustoldthemthatHewasgoingaway.

JesusknewtheywantedtoquestionHim,soHesaidtothem,“AreyouaskingoneanotheraboutwhatIsaid,‘AlittlewhileandyouwillnotseeMe;againalittlewhileandyouwillseeMe’?Iassureyou:Youwill weep and wail, but the world will rejoice. You will becomesorrowful,butyoursorrowwillturntojoy”(John16:19–20).

AsJesusgotclosertothecrossHeknewthatHeneededtoexplainthecomingchange to His Disciples. Part of that explanation is found in the “FinalDiscourse”whichstartsattheendofJohn13andfinishesattheendofJohn17.Jesusstartstheconversation—andsetsthecontext—inJohn13:33byaddressingHisDisciplesas“children.”TheGreekwordused there is a term thatmastersusedwhenaddressingtheirdisciples.JesusthentellsthemHe’sgoingawayandbegins to explain the transition and future of their discipleship program.Let’slookatsomeversesthatspecificallydealwiththediscipleshipissue.

“Iwillnotleaveyouasorphans;Iamcomingtoyou”(John14:18).

Jesus began the conversation in John 13:33 by calling His Disciples“children”referringtotheirpositionasHisdisciples.Hereferstothatposition

againbyusingtheword“orphan.”JesusistellingthemthateventhoughchangeiscomingthatHewillcontinuebeingtheirMaster.

“Yourheartmustnotbetroubled.BelieveinGod;believealsoinme.InmyFather’shousearemanydwellingplaces; ifnot, Iwouldhavetoldyou.Iamgoingawaytoprepareaplaceforyou”(John14:1–2).

JesuswastellingHisDisciplesthatHewasgoingawaybutHeassuredthemthattheydidn’tneedtobetroubled.ThenHeconfirmedtheirongoingplaceasHisDisciples by talking to them about livingwithHim.Remember, disciplesweresupposedtolivewiththeirmasters.SoJesustoldthemthatthey’dbelivingwith Him in His Father’s house. I’m not diminishing the fact that Jesus hasprepared a future place in God’s heavenly house for us; but Jesus was alsotellingHisDisciples that—starting shortly—they’d have a permanent place inGod’shouseaspartofGod’sfamilyandthereforewouldbedwellingwithJesusasHisDisciplesforever.AlittlefurtheroninHisdiscussionwithHisDisciples,Jesusagainusedthe

samewordthatHeusedfor“house”inverseone.

Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it You’re going toreveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered, “IfanyonelovesMe,hewillkeepMyword.MyFatherwilllovehim,andWewillcometohimandmakeOurhomewithhim”(John14:22–23).

The Disciples were trying to understand how Jesus could go away butcontinuetobetheirMasterwithoutanyoneelseseeingHim.JesustoldthemthattheywouldbepartofGod’sfamily,livinginGod’shouseandthatHeandtheFatherweregoingtocomeandmaketheir“home”withthem.Jesuswastellingthemthat thewayHediscipledthemwasabout tochange.Itwouldbenolessrealandconstant—infact,itwouldbemoreso;theywereabouttobecomethetempleof theHolySpirit andJesuswouldbediscipling themfrom the inside-out.

INSIDE-OUTDISCIPLESHIPChristiansoftenthinkabouthowgreatitwouldhavebeentowalkwithJesusasone of the Twelve.However,while Jesuswas preparing theDisciples for the

transitionHesaidthatitwouldbebettertobeHisdiscipleafterHeascended.

“It is foryourbenefit that Igoaway,because if Idon’tgoaway theCounselorwillnotcometoyou.IfIgo,IwillsendHimtoyou”(John16:7).

TheTwelvewereactuallyatypeorpictureofwhatwastocome.GodchosetheconceptofJewishdiscipleshipasametaphorforwhatHeintendedfromthestart. Jesus’ goal was to go to the cross and make a way for billions to bediscipledbyHimpersonallyandindividually.SoHechoseTwelvetotrainfromtheoutside-in, and thenHemoved them from that tobeingdiscipled from theinside-outsothathopefullythey’dgetthepicture.God used discipleship as ametaphor to show howHis original plan for us

—“LetUsmakeman inour image”—wouldbe realized. JesushasguaranteedthroughHis redemptivework thatyouwillbe transformed intoHis imageandwalkinGod’swillandplanforyourlife.AbigpartofhowHedoesthatisbywalkingwithyouanddisciplingyoufromwithin.Just likeadisciple inJesus’daywastowalkcloselywithHismaster24/7andbecomeexactlylikehim,soyouaretotrulywalkwithJesusandbetransformedintoHisimagethroughtheindwellingofHisSpirit.There’soneamazingstatementthatJesusmadethatIthinksumsupwhatHe

taughtaboutyourrelationshipwithHimandwhatitwouldlooklike.IfyoucansimplybelievewhatJesussayshereand trustHim towork it inyou,your lifewillbechanged.

“Iknowmyownsheep,andtheyknowme,justasmyFatherknowsmeandIknowtheFather”(John10:14–15NLT).

JesuslaiddownHislife,notjust torescueyou,butalsosoHecouldhavearelationshipwithyoulikeHehadwiththeFather.Remember!BeforeJesuswent to thecross, the intimateMaster/disciple relationship that

HehadwithPeter,James,andJohnwasonlyatasteofwhatwastocome.YourrelationshipwithJesus ismeant tobeagrowing, loving,veryreal,andeternalrelationshipwithyourLordandMasterwhowants towalkwithyou, talkwithyou,revealHimselftoyou,teachyou,blessyou,andseeyoutransformedintoHisimage.

TakeafewminutesnowtotalkwiththeLordabouttherelationshipyouwantwithHim.Remember,HemadeyouforintimaterelationshipwithHim,Hepaidthepricetorestoreit,andHedesiresitmorethanyoucanimagine.

TAUGHTBYTHELORDOnNovember 10, 2010 Jesus revealedHimself tome. In just a few amazingmoments He very simply told me that He was going to start teaching mepersonallyfromHisWord.Well,Hedidinaveryrealway,andthat’swhenmyjourney that led to this book began. At first I felt very special to have beenselectedforthis;butthenHetaughtmethatHehaspromisedtoteacheachandeveryChristianinthesamepersonalway.TurnsoutthatIamspecial,justlikeeveryotherdiscipleofJesus.Let’slookcloseratwhattheBiblehastosay.After Jesus rose from the deadHe appeared to two ofHis disciples on the

Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). Jesus prevented His two disciples fromrecognizingHimatfirstandexplainedtothemwhatthescripturessaidabouttheMessiah (Luke 24:27).At the end of the conversation Jesus revealedwhoHewas and then immediately disappeared. Here’s what they said as soon as Hevanished:

Sotheysaidtoeachother,“Weren’tourheartsablazewithinuswhileHewas talkingwith us on the road and explaining the Scriptures tous?”(Luke24:32).

The twodisciples said that theirheartswere“ablaze”or“seton fire.”Theywere listeningwith their ears but Jesuswas showing themwhat it felt like tohear Him with their hearts, know the truth, and get excited about HisWord.When Jesus started teaching me I experienced this and I still do; as I’msearchingHisWord,meditatingonitandaskingHimquestions,suddenlyversesandconceptscometogetherandIget it!Whenthathappensthere’saknowingandanexcitementinsidemethatIwouldalsodescribeasmyheartbeing“setonfire.”ThatsameeveningJesusappearedtomoreofHisdisciplesandopenedtheir

mindstounderstandthescriptureaswell.

ThenHetoldthem,“TheseareMywordsthatIspoketoyouwhileIwas still with you—that everythingwritten aboutMe in the Law ofMoses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then HeopenedtheirmindstounderstandtheScriptures(Luke24:44–45).

Before Jesus’deathand resurrection, it’snot recorded thatHedid this evenonce forHisDisciples. To the contrary, theDisciples often didn’t understandwhatJesustaughtanditseemsthattheyblamedJesusfornot“speakingplainly.”

“Ah!”Hisdisciplessaid.“NowYou’respeakingplainlyandnotusinganyfigurativelanguage”(John16:29).

JesusknewthatonlyafterHehadredeemedHisdisciplesandcometothemthroughtheHolySpirit,couldHereallystartteachingthem.Here’swhatJesussaidasHewaspreparingthemforinside-outdiscipleship:

“I still havemany things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.When theSpiritof truthcomes,Hewillguideyou intoall the truth”(John16:12–13).

“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time iscomingwhen Iwillno longer speak toyou in figures,but Iwill tellyouplainlyabouttheFather”(John16:25).

JesusknewthatoncetheyweremadenewandindweltbytheHolySpirit,thatallofHisdisciples—includingyou—couldbe taughtandcaused tobear (hear,understand,and live) the thingsofGod.AndJesuspromised thatHe,Himself,wouldteachyouandspeaktoyouplainlyabouttheFather.It was always part of God’s plan to teach you from within. The Prophets

predicted it, Jesus told His Disciples it was coming, and the New Testamentwriters wrote about it. Jeremiah’s prophecy about the New Covenant talkedaboutthewaydiscipleswouldlearn.

“Thisis thecovenantIwillmakewiththehouseofIsraelafter thosedays…IwillputMyteachingwithinthemandwriteitontheirhearts.IwillbetheirGod,andtheywillbeMypeople”(Jeremiah31:33).

God declares that in the New Covenant He’ll be within each believer,revealingHimself toyou,and teachingyou individually.Thestatement“Iwillput my teaching within them” is basically saying, “I will instruct them fromwithin.”InthepreviousverseGodsaidthatHetooktheIsraelites“bythehand.”The Holy Spirit was intentionally contrasting the Israelite’s “outside-in”relationship with the coming “inside-out” relationship in Christ. Notice thephrase“andwriteitontheirhearts.”JesusteachesyouHisWordfromwithin,then He writes it on your heart, or causes you to understand it and live it(Philippians2:13).WhenJesusteachesyousomething,itcomespackedwithallthepoweritneedstohaveitsinkinandtransformyou.Isaiah54 is anamazingchapterprophesyingabout theNewCovenant.Paul

quotesandteachesfromitinGalatians4,andJesusquotedfromitaswell.

ThenallyourchildrenwillbetaughtbytheLORD,theirprosperitywillbegreat,andyouwillbeestablishedonafoundationofrighteousness(Isaiah54:13–14).

It is written in the Prophets: And they will all be taught by God.Everyonewho has listened to and learned from the Father comes toMe…(John6:45).

I like theway theAmplifiedVersion brings out themeaning ofwhat Jesussaid:“AndtheyshallallbetaughtbyGod—haveHiminpersonfortheirteacher…”Jesus isyourTeacherandHehaspromised to teachyoupersonally through

His Spiritwho dwells in you (John 14:20; 16:13–15). Jesus saidHewouldn’tleaveyouasanorphan—adisciplewithoutamaster—HecomestoyoubyHisSpiritasyourMasterandTeachertodiscipleyoufromwithin.Paul wrote that he was taught the Gospel by the Lord Himself (Galatians

1:12),andwetendtothinkthathewasaspecialcase,butthat’snotentirelytrue,norisitwhathetaughtinhisletters.

Asitiswritten:“Whateyedidnotsee,andeardidnothear,andwhatnever enter the humanmind—God prepared this for thosewho lovehim.”NowGodhas revealed these things tousby theSpirit, for theSpirit searches everything, even thedepthsofGod…Nowwehavenot received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from

God,so thatwemayunderstandwhathasbeenfreelygiventousbyGod(1Corinthians2:9–10,12).

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father,wouldgiveyouaspiritofwisdomandrevelationintheknowledgeofHim(Ephesians1:17;seealso1:7–8).

Paul didn’t just write about concepts, he also wrote conversationally aboutbeingtaughtbyGod.Iftheaboveversesseemalittlelofty,theonesbelowgivesimpleexamplesofwhatHewastalkingabout.

Therefore,allwhoarematureshouldthinkthisway.Andifyouthinkdifferently about anything, God will reveal this to you also(Philippians3:15).

About brotherly love: you don’t need me to write you because youyourselves are taught by God to love one another (1 Thessalonians4:9).

Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding ineverything(2Timothy2:7).

PaulbelievedthatGodwould“reveal”truthtobelievers,thatyouare“taughtbyGod,”andthattheLordwouldgiveyou“understandingineverything.”ThismatchesperfectlywithwhatHesaidinthemorelofty-soundingverses:thattheSpiritrevealstoyou“thethingsthatwerefreelygiventousbyGod”,thatJesusgivesyou“allwisdomandunderstanding”and thatGodwants togiveyou“aspirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” Notice howwonderfully involved the Father, Son, andHoly Spirit are in the promise andhowcommittedtheyaretoteachingyou“LetUsmake…”Thenextquestionis:Howdoyoucooperatewiththeprocessandlearnfrom

Him?

LEARNINGFROMHIMJesus gave some insight into what you need to do to grow in receiving Histeaching.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven andearth,becauseYouhavehiddenthesethingsfromthewiseandlearnedandrevealedthemtoinfants.Yes,Father,becausethiswasYourgoodpleasure.AllthingshavebeenentrustedtoMebyMyFather.NooneknowstheSonexcepttheFather,andnooneknowstheFatherexcepttheSonandanyonetowhomtheSondesirestorevealHim.“CometoMe,allofyouwhoarewearyandburdened,andIwillgiveyourest.Allofyou,takeupMyyokeandlearnfromMe,becauseIamgentleand humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. ForMyyokeiseasyandMyburdenislight”(Matthew11:25–30).

Jesus thanked the Father that truth is hidden from those who are wise andlearnedinthisworld,andrevealedtoinfants.Theword“infant”shouldremindyouofwhenJesuscalledHisDisciples“children”(John13:33),theversefromIsaiah(“allyourchildrenwillbe taughtof theLORD”),andJesus’reference tonot leaving you as “orphans” (John 14:18). Jesus isn’t comparing children towisepeople.Jesusistalkingaboutus—thosewhohavebecomeGod’sdisciples.Where didGod hideHis truth? InChrist. “All the treasures ofwisdomand

knowledge are hidden in Him” (Colossians 2:3). Why? Hiding the truth wasnecessary because without the Teacher inside you, you can’t bear what Godwantstoteachyou.However,onceyou’reinChrist,GodtakesgreatpleasureinrevealingHimselfandHiswilltoyou.Jesussaid,“NooneknowstheFatherexcepttheSonandanyonetowhomthe

SondesirestorevealHim”(Matthew11:27).SohowdoyougetJesustorevealtoyouwhatGodwants you toknow?That’s the easypart because Jesus tellsyou,“CometoMe…TakeupMyyokeandlearnfromMe.”Youneedto“come”toHim and letHim teach you; a good teacher knows thatHe can only teachthosewhowanttolearn.Ayokeisafarmingimplementusedtoconnecttwoanimalstogethersothat

theycanpullaplowinunison.Jesususesthispicturetoshowhowthelearningworks.Whetheryou’reprayingandreadingyourBible,lovingyourfamily,oratwork,you’retorememberthatyou’rewalkingwithyourMasterandtrustHimtoteachandtransformyoumomentbymoment.WhenIfeelthatI’mstrugglingornotwalkinginstepwithHim,IstopwhatI’mdoing,acknowledgeHispresence,andaskHimtoteachme.I used to struggle to read my Bible thinking that only with far more

intelligencethanIbelievedIpossessed,couldIreallyunderstandit.NowItrust

theAuthorwho is inme, to teachme and I can’twait to openmyBible andspendtimewithJesuslearning.WhenyoureadandstudytheBibleknowingtheTeacherisinyou,lovinglyteachingyou,you’llhavetroubleputtingitdown.Let’slookatanotherplacewhereJesusteachesaboutlearningfromHim.

Hetaughtthemmanythingsinparables,andinHisteachingHesaidtothem:“Listen!Considerthesowerwhowentouttosow….”ThenHesaid, “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!” When He wasalonewiththeTwelve,thosewhowerearoundHimaskedHimabouttheparables.Heanswered them,“The secretof thekingdomofGodhasbeengiventoyou…”(Mark4:2,3,9–12).

Notice the firstword and the last phrase that Jesus spokewhen telling thisparable:“Listen!”and“Anyonewhohasears tohearshould listen!”Theword“listen” heremeans to “pay attention, understand and hearken, or act onwhatyoulearn.”JesuswasspeakingtoalargecrowdandbeforeHestarted,andafterHefinished,Heletthemallknowthattheyneededtopayattentionandgetthis.Andyet,whenJesusfinishedtellingtheparable,nooneunderstoodit.HowdoIknowthat?When theDisciplescameandaskedJesuswhat theparablemeant,Hetoldthemthatitwasgiventothemtounderstand,butthateveryoneelsejustheardaparable.Sotherestofthecrowdwentawaywithoutunderstanding.TheDisciplesdidn’tunderstandeitherbecausetheyhadtoaskJesuswhatitmeant.Sonooneunderstood.So what separated the crowd from the Disciples and how did they end up

understanding?Theydidsomethingverysimple:theywenttoJesus,trustedHimtoteachthem,andaskedHimwhatitmeant.Jesussaid,“Doyounotunderstandthisparable?Howthenwillyouunderstandanyoftheparables?”(vs.13)JesustaughtthatthesecrettounderstandinganythingaboutGodistogotoHimandtrustHimtoteachyou.Inverse8 Jesus talked about seed that fell ongoodground andproduced a

cropfromtheseed,30,60,and100timeswhatwassown.That’samiraculousyield for anycrop.Whenyou trust Jesus to teachyou,HisWordcanproducemoretransformationinyourlifethanyoucanimagine.JesusistheSower.He’swithyoutosowtheWordinyourheart,teachyou,andproduceahugecropinyou.WhenyoureadandstudytheBible,slowdownandtalkwithyourMaster,rest

andtrustHimtoteachyou.BepatientwiththeprocessandkeeptrustingHim.

Aswithmostthingsyou’llneedtowalkbeforeyourun.So, if theLordis theOnewhoteachesyou,wheredoBible teachersfit into

thepicture?

WHATABOUTTEACHERS?Let’slookatwhattheApostleJohnhadtosayaboutteachersandlearningfromGod.

I have written these things to you about those who are trying todeceive you. The anointing you received fromHim remains in you,andyoudon’tneedanyonetoteachyou.Instead,Hisanointingteachesyouaboutallthings,andistrueandisnotalie;justasHehastaughtyou,remaininHim(1John2:26–27).

John wrote this letter to teach believers (1 John 5:13), so to think he’steachingthatteachersareunnecessarywouldbeacontradiction.Incontext,Johnwas dealing with false teachers, “those who are trying to deceive you.” Thephrase,“youdon’tneedanyone to teachyou”canbeunderstood tobe saying,youdon’tneedacertainpersonorspecificteachertoteachyou.JohnknewthatwhenyougetyoureyesonteachersinsteadoftheTeacherthatyoucanbeledastray.NoteachershouldeveroccupyJesus’positionasyourTeacher.God has given teachers in theBody.However,when you don’t realize that

you’reJesus’disciple,notman’s, thenyoumistakenlystart to relyon teachersand accept what they say unquestioningly. Even the apostle Paul told hislisteners, “Judge for yourselves what I say” (1 Corinthians 10:15).When youfollow people you leave yourself open to being deceived because you’ve putthem in Christ’s place. Notice that the Apostle John didn’t tell his readers tolisten to him instead of listening to others.He sent them to theTeacher. Johnremembered that Jesus had called Him to make disciples for Jesus, not forhimself,andhewasremindinghisreaderswhosedisciplestheywere.Jesus said, “… you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers” (Matthew

23:8); and Paul rebuked the Corinthians for focusing on certain teachers (1Corinthians1:11–13).Paulwent intomany cities and towns to proclaim theGospel. In each city

some rejected him and some listened, but the response of the Jews of Berea

standsout.

TheJewsreceivedPaul’smessagewithenthusiasmandmetwithhimdaily,examiningtheScripturestoseeiftheysupportedwhathesaid…(Acts17:11MSG).

TheJewsofBereahadnotroublereceivingPaul’smessagewithenthusiasmbecause they didn’t rely on him as their teacher; instead, they examined thescripture.Todayyouneed tobe careful that youdon’t automaticallybelieve ateacher and acceptwhat he saysbecausehe’s apersuasive speakeror becausehe’spartofyourgroup.YoualsoneedtobecarefultonotrejectaBibleteacherandallthathesaysbecausehe’snotpartofyourgroup.YourgroupisnotyourTeacher.YouneedtotrusttheLordtoteachyouandkeepyourBiblehandy,open,and

well-used. The fact is, no Bible teacher has all the truth and you’re never tounthinkinglyfollowteachers;youfollowJesus.ThegoalofgreatBibleteachers—likePaulandJohn—istohelpyoubeadiscipleoftheTeacher.Whether12orbillions,onethinghasneverchanged—youaretobeJesus’discipleandtomakedisciplesforHim(Acts9:1,10,36;16:1;21:16).Remember though, just because youhaveHis promise to teachyoudoesn’t

meanyou’llknoweverythingovernight.Behumbleandlistentoteacherswhiletrustingand listening toHim;and letothers teachyouhowtostudyHisWordand how to be Jesus’ disciple. Jesus gave the Church the task of makingdisciplesforHim,soletothershelpyou;and,liketheJewsofBerea,alwaysbeopentochangewhatyoubelievewhenyouseethetruthinGod’sWord.Therearethreecommonwaystofallintoerror:(1)findteachers(orachurch)

you trust and believe everything they teachwithout studying for yourself andbeingtaughtbyHim;(2)discardallteachersthinkingyouonlyneedJesus;(3)ordiscard diligent study in theWord because you think Jesus will just tell youeverythingHimselfwithoutrequiringanyeffortonyourpart.

Mydreamcontinued…AtthebeginningofthissectionItalkedabouthowJesusmanifestedHimselftomeinadream.ThatkindofexperienceisamazingandyoucanexpectJesustomanifestHimself toyou inmanydifferentways;however,remember, Jesus is

walkingwith you and teachingyou,whether it always feels likeHe is or not;“therighteousshalllivebyfaith”(Romans1:17).IwokeupfromthedreamandJesus was still with me—even though I couldn’t see Him—and the more Ibelievethat,themoreIendupactuallyexperiencingHim.ChristianityisaveryrealrelationshipwithJesusyourMaster,Lord,Teacher,andGuide.Summingthingsupsofar:It’salwaysbeenGod’splantocreateHischildren

in His image and likeness in Christ Jesus. Your salvation not only includesgettingsavedbutbeingsaved—beingprogressivelytransformedintotheimageof Jesus by His promise and power. Jesus walks with you 24/7 in a realrelationship,disciplingyouandworkingwithinyou.PeoplelikePaul,Stephen,andPhilip are examples ofwhatGod cando in and throughyou as you learnfromJesusandaretransformed.StopandtalktoHimnowaboutyourdesiretowalkwithHimandbetaught

byHim.Nextlet’slookatrighteousnessandgraceandtheparttheyplayinyourbeing

HisdiscipleandbeingtransformedintoHisimage.

POWERPOINTSFROMTRUTHNUMBER2QuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

Jesuswantedyoutopayreallycloseattentiontothissimplestatement:“Iamwithyoualways,totheendoftheage.”

WewerenevermeanttobedisciplesofanabsenteeMaster.

OutofallthewaysthatGodusedtodirectPaul,theonethatisrecordedthemostisthroughJesuspersonally.

Jesus’goalwastogotothecrossandmakeawayforbillionstobediscipledbyHimpersonallyandindividually.

GoduseddiscipleshipasametaphortoshowhowHisoriginalplanforus—“LetUsmakemaninourimage”—wouldberealized.

JesuslaiddownHislife,notjusttorescueyou,butalsosoHecouldhavearelationshipwithyoulikeHehadwiththeFather.

JesuspromisedthatHe,Himself,wouldteachyouandspeaktoyouplainlyabouttheFather.

JesusteachesyouHisWordfromwithin,thenHewritesitonyourheart,orcausesyoutounderstanditandliveit.

JesusisyourTeacherandHehaspromisedtoteachyoupersonallythroughHisSpiritwhodwellsinyou.

WhenyoureadandstudytheBibleknowingtheTeacherisinyou,lovinglyteachingyou,you’llhavetroubleputtingitdown.

JesusistheSower.He’swithyoutosowtheWordinyourheart,teachyou,andproduceahugecropinyou.

WhenyoureadandstudytheBible,slowdownandtalkwithyourMaster,restandtrustHimtoteachyou.

NoteachershouldeveroccupyJesus’positionasyourTeacher.

TheApostleJohndidn’ttellhisreaderstolistentohiminsteadoflisteningtoothers.HesentthemtotheTeacher.

NoBibleteacherhasallthetruthandyou’renevertounthinkinglyfollowteachers;youfollowJesus.

Whether12orbillions,onethinghasneverchanged—youaretobeJesus’discipleandtomakedisciplesforHim.

JesusgavetheChurchthetaskofmakingdisciplesforHim,soletothershelpyou.

Jesusiswalkingwithyouandteachingyou,whetheritalwaysfeelslikeHeisornot;“therighteousshalllivebyfaith.”

RighteousnessandGrace

TruthNumber3

YoucanbetransformedfromwithinbecauseJesusgaveyouHisrighteousnessandHe

empowersyoubyHisgrace.

MyDreamIwasstandinginabackyardwithsomeonewhoatfirst,Ithoughtwasmydad.Webothstoodtherecasuallywatchinghisdogplay.Inoticedthatthedogwasincredibly well behaved, responsive, happy, and obedient. It really was anamazingdogineveryway.ImentionedwhatIhadnoticedaboutthedogandthepersonIwasstandingwithpointedup.IlookedupandwasshockedbywhatIsaw.Alarge,black,mangy-lookingdogwastiedbyaharnesstoaclothesline.The animal was muzzled, wrapped up, and tied from head to tail to paws ineverywayconceivablesothathecouldbarelymove.Iwonderedifthedogwasstill alive and was surprised to see his head and eyes move slightly as hewatchedus.Mycompanionexplained that theblackdoghadbeenanabsolutedisaster—relieving himself everywhere, never listening, and always destroyingthings.Heexplainedthathehadfinallyhadenoughandhadfixedtheproblem.AsIwokeupthewholethingseemedquitecruel,untilGodshowedmewhat

thedreammeant.

Tobecontinued…

FORGIVENESSThe shortest sermon I everheardwason sin.Thepreacher said, “Don’t!” andended.Iagreewiththeidea,butalittlemoreinformationmaybeneeded.Iwantto go a little beyond “Don’t!” before talking about righteousness, so that no

one’s transformation is hindered by sin. Let’s start by looking at one of myfavoritePsalms,Psalm51.InthisPsalmDavidwasgivenapropheticrevelationoftheforgiveness,cleansing,andgracethatwastocomethroughJesus.ThefullstorybehindthePsalmisfoundin2Samuel11,buthereitisinbrief:

KingDavidhadstayedhomewhenhisarmywentout tobattle.Whilehewaswalkingontheroofofhispalacehesawabeautifulwomanbelowtakingabath.DavidfoundoutthatshewasBathsheba,thewifeofUriah,oneofhissoldiers.UriahwasawayfightingfortheLordandforDavid.Thekingsentforherandsleptwith her. A shortwhile laterDavid received amessage fromBathshebainforming him that she was pregnant. To try and cover up his sin, DavidimmediatelygaveordersthatUriahwastobringhimareportaboutthebattle.DavidkeptUriahhomefor threedaysinhopes thathewouldsleepwithhis

wife.UnfortunatelyforDavid,Uriahwouldn’tenterhisownhomeorsleepwithhiswife.Hissenseofdutywouldn’tallowhimtorelaxwhilehisfellowsoldierswere still in battle. You’d think that perhaps the irony of the situationwouldhavebroughtDavidtohissenses—butno.So David gave Uriah sealed orders to take back to his commander. In the

letter hewrote: “PutUriah at the front of the fiercest fighting, thenwithdrawfromhimsothatheisstruckdownanddies”(2Samuel11:15).Uriahfaithfullydelivered those sealed orders. The report came back shortly that not only hadUriahbeenkilledbutseveralothersoldierswerealsokilledcarryingoutDavid’sorders.Davidseemedtotakethenewsinstride.Hebasicallysaid,“Well,peopledieinwars.”Davidhadknowinglycommittedadultery,abusedhisauthority,betrayedthe

trustofhissoldiers,andcommittedmassmurder to tryandcover itallup.HehadalsobetrayedGod’strust,brokenGod’slaws,andmisusedGod’sauthority.And he had abused, taken advantage of, and murdered God’s people (Psalm51:4).Godtold theprophetNathanwhatDavidhaddoneandsenthimtoconfront

Davidanddeliversomeverystrictpunishments.FortunatelyforDavid,whenhewasconfrontedwithhissin,hecametohissenses.Hefinallyrealizedtheevilhehaddoneandthepainhehadcaused,andhebegantoseriouslyrepent(2Samuel12:13;Psalm51:3–4).That’swhenhewrotePsalm51.

Begracioustome,God,accordingtoYourfaithfullove;accordingtoYourabundantcompassion,blotoutmyrebellion(Psalm51:1).

DavidknewhedeservednothingbuthealsoknewthatGod’sloveandmercywashuge,soheaskedforacleanslateandforhissintobecompletelyblottedout.Buthedidn’tstopthere—heaskedformore.

Washawaymyguiltandcleansemefrommysin.ForIamconsciousofmyrebellion,andmysinisalwaysbeforeme(Psalm51:2–3).

David was feeling guilt and shame and he couldn’t shake it; so he boldlyaskedGodtotakethatallawayaswell.Buthedidn’tevenstopthere.

Surely You desire integrity in the inner self, and You teach mewisdomdeepwithin.Purifymewithhyssop,andIwillbeclean;washme,andIwillbewhiterthansnow(Psalm51:6–7).

Davidrealizedthatsomethinginsideofhimneededtobechangedsothathewouldn’tsinlikethisagain.SohepushedfurtherintomercyandaskedGodtoteachhim,cleansehim,andchangehimontheinsidesohe’dneverrepeatthesethings.ButDavidstillwasn’tdone.

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that You have crushedrejoice.TurnYourfaceawayfrommysins,andblotoutallmyguilt.God,createacleanheartforme,OGod,andrenewasteadfastspiritwithinme(Psalm51:8–10).

Davidwasfeelingconscience-strickenaboutallofthepainhehadcaused.It’ssafetosaythathewasamentalandemotionalmess,deprivedofalljoy.Davidwanted toenjoyhis relationshipwithGodagain,soheaskedforacleanslate.ButDavidstillwasn’tfinishedpressingin.

DonotbanishmefromYourpresenceortakeYourHolySpiritfromme.Restore the joy ofYour salvation tome, and giveme awillingspirit(Psalm51:11–12).

AsKingofIsrael,asoldierinGod’sarmy,aworshipper,andaprophet,DavidenjoyedGod’sintimateandveryrealpresence(Psalm16:11),andthepowerofGod’sSpiritanointinghimtodoall thathedid.HedesperatelywantedtostayclosetoGod.SoheaskedHimforyetmoremercy.WhenDavidfinishedaskingformercy,forgiveness,andcompleterestoration,Godhelpedhimseesomething

thatweallneedtounderstand.

ThenIwillteachtherebelliousYourways,andsinnerswillreturntoYou. Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God, the God of mysalvation,andmytonguewillsingofYourrighteousness.Lord,openmylips,andmymouthwilldeclareYourpraise(Psalm51:13–15).

Davidknewthatwhenhewas restoredhewouldgiveGodallof thepraise,andotherswouldbeencouragedtorepentandreceivethesameamazingmercy.TheSpiritofGodwaspropheticallyrevealingthekindofmercy,forgiveness,

and complete restoration that is yours through the shed blood of Jesus.WhenyougotoGodHeforgivesyouandwipesyourrecordclean.ThenHesetsyoufreefromguiltandshameandcleanses,teaches,andchangesyouontheinside,washingyouwhiterthansnowsothatyoucanwalkfreefromsin.ThenHesetsyou back on your feet and helps you enjoy Him and your life again. HecontinuestobeclosetoyouanduseyouforHisglory.HerestoresyourjoyandbecauseHe’ssoamazingyourlipsarefilledwithHispraisesasyoutellothersofHisawesomelove.Johnunderstoodthisandwrote:

Ifweconfessour sins,He is faithfuland righteous to forgiveusoursinsandtocleanseusfromallunrighteousness(1John1:9).

ThisonelittleversesumsupeverythingDavidprayedinPsalm51.YoumustknowthatsinisunacceptableandconfessittoGod.Whenyoudo,Heisfaithfultoforgiveyoursinandgiveyoutheentirecleansing“fromallunrighteousness”thatDavidprayedfor.GodhasalreadypouredoutHismercyinChristJesusandHedelights inforgiving,cleansing,andrestoringyou.It’sagift. Infact,whenyou walk with Jesus, sensitive to His Spirit in you, responding to Him, youcontinually walk under His mighty waterfall of transforming mercy andcleansing.

Ifwewalkinthelight,asHeisinthelight,wehavefellowshipwithoneanother,andthebloodofJesusHisSoncleansesusfromallsin(1John1:7).

Theday thatyoubelieved inandacceptedJesus,youreceivedGod’smercyandallofyoursinswereforgiven.Whatyoumaynothaveknownthoughisthat

alloftheseotherthingsthatDavidaskedforareyoursinChristaswell.Ifyoufeellikeyou’venotbeenabletoleaveyoursincompletelybehindyouandwalkwithGod in joy, then stop and pray this prayer (adapted fromDavid’s) fromyourheart:

“Dear Holy Father, have mercy on me because of what Jesusaccomplishedon the cross. Please forgiveme for all ofmy sins andwipemyrecordclean.Setmecompletely free fromguiltandshame.Cleanse me and teach me, changing me on the inside, washing mewhiterthansnowsothatIcanwalkfreefromeverysinthathastrippedmeup.SetmebackonmyfeetandhelpmetoenjoyYouandthelifeYou’vegivenmeagain,justasifthesinhadneverhappened.IthankYou that You have forgiven me and cleansed me, and that Youcontinue to loveme, bewithme, and useme forYour purpose andglory.PleaserestorethejoyofmysalvationandcontinuetotransformmeintoChrist’simage.Andletmylipsbefilledwithpraise,asItellothers of Your awesome mercy and love and Your cleansing,transformingpower.IaskYouandthankYouforeverythinginJesus’name.Amen.”

RELATIONSHIPFIRSTEventhoughJesusdiedonceforallofyoursins—past,presentandfuture—it’simportant to go to theFather and talk toHimwhenyoublow it (1 John1:9).Jesusdidn’tdiejustsoyoursinscouldbeforgivenbutsothatyourrelationshipwithHim (andwith the Father andHoly Spirit) could be restored.You go toHim—yourFather,TeacherandCounselor—withyoursinsandmistakessoyoucangetfathered,taught,andcounseled.Youdon’tgotoGodbecauseHe’smadandwon’tforgiveyouunlessyouask,

butbecauseyou’reinrelationshipwithHim.Lookatitlikeamarriage.Whatifahusbandwasmiserabletohiswifeonedayandthenactedlikeitneverhappenedthenext?Couldthehusbandsay,“Well,youalreadyvowedtolovemeforbetterorworse andyesterdaywas a ‘worse’ day.”Thatwouldn’t goover verywell.Althoughthehusbandshouldbeabletorelyonhiswife’scommitmenttolovehimalways, to take it forgrantedwould show thathehad lost sight that theirmarriageismuchmorethanasetofvows.

BetweenyourconscienceandtheHolySpiritinsideofyouyou’llknowwhenit’s time to talkwith your Father about anywrong behavior.You can alwaystrust that you are forgiven and cleansed of the sins that you don’t even knowyou’recommitting(Psalm19:12–14;1John1:7–9).Also,youdon’tneedtotalkto God again about sins you’ve already addressed, since He’s very good atforgivingandforgetting.GodwantsyoulookingforwardtoHisgoalforyou,theimageofJesus,never

back. By His grace, leave the past behind (2 Corinthians 7:10; Romans 8:1;Philippians3:12–14;Lamentations3:22–24).Now let’s look at how God’s gift of righteousness sets you up for

transformation.

THEGIFTOFRIGHTEOUSNESSYoumaytendtothinkthatsomeoneisgoodifthey’remostlygoodand/orbetterthan others, but righteousness, from God’s standpoint, is not like that.Righteousness isbeing rightandperfectanddoingwhat is rightandperfect—according toGod’s standard—in your relationshipwithGod andwith people.God’sstandardforrighteousnessissetbyHimalone.YouareeitheracceptedbyGodasrighteousoryouarenot.Thereisnogreyarea.RighteousnessintheBiblehasa“declared”aspectandan“actual”one.God

can both declare someone righteous—like a court could declare someoneinnocent—andcausesomeonetoactuallyberighteous.BeforeJesuscameonlyafewpeople(suchasAbrahamandJob)hadbeendeclaredrighteousandnotoneperson had ever actually been totally righteousness (Romans 3:10). The goodnewsisthatthroughfaithinJesusyouaredeclaredrighteousbyGod.

But now, apart from the law,God’s righteousness hasbeen revealed…thatis,God’srighteousnessthroughfaithinJesusChrist,toallwhobelieve,sincethereisnodistinction(Romans3:21–22).

Hemade theOnewhodidnotknowsin tobe sin forus, so thatwemightbecometherighteousnessofGodinHim(2Corinthians5:21).

Whattheseversesaretalkingaboutisanamazingtruththatisoftencalledthe“GreatExchange.” Jesus tookyour sin andyouweregivenHis righteousness.Your sin and your old self are forgotten and God declares you to be His

redeemed,righteous,newly-createdchildren.It’simportantthatyouunderstandthat when you’re forgiven you’re not just barely out of the doghouse or thepenalty box; God has declared you righteous and sees you as righteous. Paulcalledit“thegiftofrighteousness”(Romans5:17).That’samazing,butthere’smoreincludedinthegift.

Youtookoffyourformerwayoflife,theoldselfthatiscorruptedbydeceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of yourminds;youputonthenewself,theonecreatedaccordingtoGod’slikenessinrighteousnessandpurityofthetruth(Ephesians4:22–24).

IntheseversesPaulshowsthatyou’renotjustdeclaredrighteousbecauseofwhatJesusdid,youactuallybecomerighteous.Youareto“puton”orbecomethenewcreation,whichhasalreadybeen“createdaccordingtoGod’slikenessin righteousness.” Remember, you are saved, being saved, and you will besaved. The same is true of righteousness—when you were saved you weredeclaredrighteous,youarenowbeingmaderighteous,andwhenyouseeHim,youwillbeasHeis,righteous.Years ago I thought that having the “gift of righteousness”meant thatGod

would always consider me righteous and that I just needed to do my best tobehave. I was very glad to discover that I was wrong. God declares yourighteousand thenJesusand theHolySpiritmakeyourighteous; it’sonegift,the gift of righteousness. Obviously, you cannot be transformed and becomemorelikeJesus,theRighteousOne,withoutactuallygrowinginrighteousness.

For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were madesinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will bemaderighteous(Romans5:19).

Because of Adam’s sin we were all made sinners and because of this, wesinned.Nowthroughfaith inJesuswearemaderighteousandbecauseof this,webecomerighteous.Jesus is your mediator and guarantor. He has done everything needed to

declare you righteous and to make you righteous, just like Him. He hasundertaken towalkwith you, teach you,workwithin you, and transform youintoHisrighteousimage!Godsaid,“Lettherebelight”anditcameintobeing.God said, “You are my righteousness” and you became/become His

righteousness.Thegiftofrighteousnessismeanttobeunwrapped.My previous understanding of the “gift of righteousness” fell far short of

God’s goal. In a sense I was believing that God was unable to make merighteoussoHelookedatJesusinsteadofmeandpretendedthatIwasrighteous.No!Paulsaid,“HegaveHimselfforustoredeemusfromalllawlessnessandtocleanseforHimselfapeopleforHisownpossession,eagertodogoodworks”(Titus2:14).In Psalm 51 you read about David discoveringGod’smercy to completely

forgive,cleanse,andrestorehimfromhissins.InChristJesusGodhasdeclaredyou righteous and has undertaken to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9) in every area of your life andmake you righteous like Him.WhatDavidprayedforhasnowbecomeyourexpectationforrestoration.TheBibleisfullofversesabouthowtherighteousareblessedbyGod.Tobe

declaredrighteousandtobemaderighteousistolivethelifeGodmeantforyou.

THEFATHEROFOURFAITHOurunderstandingof the“giftofrighteousness” isoften takenfromwhatPaulwroteinRomanschapterfouraboutAbraham.

IfAbrahamwasjustifiedbyworks,hehassomethingtobragabout—but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? AbrahambelievedGod,anditwascreditedtohimforrighteousness.Nowtotheonewhoworks,payisnotconsideredasagift,butassomethingowed.Buttotheonewhodoesnotwork,butbelievesonHimwhodeclaresthe ungodly to be righteous, his faith is credited for righteousness(Romans4:2–5).

Paulwas quoting fromGenesis 15:6. In that chapterGod showedAbrahamthenightskyand toldhimhisdescendantswouldbeasnumerousas thestars.AbrahambelievedGodandGoddeclaredHimrighteous.ThateventisapictureofthemomentyoubelievedinJesus,weresavedanddeclaredrighteous;butthepicture doesn’t stop there. Abraham’s faith and God’s declaration changedAbrahamandledhimintoalifeofobeyingandfollowingGod(Hebrews11:8–10). Paul’s pointwasn’t, “All you need is faith”; his pointwas that faith, notworks,leadstorighteousness—declaredandactual.

Let’slookatwhatJamessaidaboutAbraham’slifeandrighteousness:

Wasn’tAbrahamourfather justifiedbyworkswhenheofferedIsaachis son on the altar?You see that faithwas active togetherwith hisworks, and by works, faith was perfected. So the Scripture wasfulfilledthatsays,AbrahambelievedGod,anditwascreditedtohimforrighteousness,andhewascalledGod’sfriend.Youseethatamanisjustifiedbyworksandnotbyfaithalone(James2:21–24).

James is saying thatAbrahamwasdeclared righteous and the fulfillment ofthatdeclarationwasdemonstratedbyAbraham’s righteousactions.PaulcalledAbrahamthefatherofallwhobelieve(Romans4:16).Hislifepicturedthegiftofrighteousness that isnowyours—thechildrenof thepromise throughChristJesus(Romans4:23–25,Galatians3:16,23).He’syourexampleandyouliveashedid,inarighteousness—declaredandactual—thatcomesbyfaith.Godgaveyou the gift of righteousness so that you could open it and enjoy beingtransformedintoallHecreatedyoutobe.

ROOMTOGROWTheBibletalksaboutbelieversbeinglikenewbornspiritualchildrenwhoaretogrowupintomaturity(Matthew18:3;1Corinthians3:2;Hebrews5:12;1Peter2:2).Anearthlydaddoesn’texpectatoddlertoknowwhatanadultknows;hegives his child room to grow up. Just so—because of your declaredrighteousness—God sees you as a new creation inChrist (2Corinthians 5:17;Ephesians4:24)andgivesyoutheroomyouneedtogrow.It’s important thatyouunderstand thatGoddidn’tdeclareyourighteousness

sothatHecouldpretendyou’rerighteousortogiveyoupermissiontocontinueinsin.GodisyourDad.HesentHisSontobringyouhomesothatyoucouldknow Him and be transformed. He doesn’t want to miss a moment of yourgrowth.HewantstowalkwithyouandworkinyouandknowgreatsatisfactionwhenHeseesyoutrustHim,followJesus,andbecomemorelikeHim.Nowlet’stalkaboutGod’sgrace.

GRACE

Gracehasbeendefinedas“God’sunmeritedfavor”andisoftensummedupbytheacronym,“God’sRichesAtChrist’sExpense.”However,whenitcomestothe “being saved” part of your salvation, it’s not the precise definition that’simportant; what matters is grace’s practical purpose. What you need tounderstand is, grace iswhat tethers you to everythingyouneed for living andgrowinginChristineverycircumstanceandineverymoment.God decided tomake you inHis image and likeness before youwere even

born. He decided to take all of the responsibility for accomplishing that onHimself and give it to you as a gift. You are forgiven, cleansed, redeemed,saved,made righteous,made new, adopted intoGod’s family, restored, givennewand eternal life, indwelt byHisSpirit, loved, blessed, cared for, directed,taught,and transformed—allasagiftbecauseofwhatJesusdid.That’sGod’sgrace.Sinworked in youwhen youwere spiritually dead andmade you sin.You

didn’t have towork at being sinners, itwas a free result of your first birth asdescendantsofAdam.Sinreignedinyou.Nowthatyou’vebeenborninChristanddeclaredrighteousness,sinhaslostitspowerandGod’sgracereigns.God’sgrace reigns inyou,obliterating the reignof sinandsupplyingeverythingyouneed tobe transformed intoHis image (Romans5:19–21).Your salvation andsanctification comewith “batteries included” and those powerful batteries arechargedbyGod’sgrace(2Timothy2:1).Ifgracehadanameitwouldbe“Jesus”becauseeverythingyouneedforyour

salvation—past,presentandfuture—wassuppliedasagiftbecauseofwhatHedidforyou.I believe theApostlePaul summedup the effect ofGod’sgrace in this one

verse:

ButbyGod’sgraceIamwhatIam,andHisgracetowardmewasnotineffective.However,Iworkedmorethananyof them,yetnotI,butGod’sgracethatwaswithme(1Corinthians15:10).

AllwhoPaulhadbecomeandeverythingheaccomplishedwasallbecauseofGod’sgrace.God’sWordencouragesyoutofollowJesusthewayPauldid.

GRACE:THEKINGDOM’SROAD

Theroadthatleadstoyougettingsavedandbeingsavediscalled“Grace.”Youget into the Kingdom by God’s grace and you walk in it by grace. Thismetaphoricalroadhasaditchoneachside.Thetwoditchesarecalled“Works”and“GraceMisunderstood.”Paultalkedaboutbothditchesinrelationtograce.

The“GraceMisunderstood”Ditch

What should we say then? Should we continue in sin in order thatgracemaymultiply?Absolutelynot!Howcanwewhodiedtosinstillliveinit?…justasChristwasraisedfromthedeadbythegloryoftheFather,sowetoomaywalkinanewwayoflife(Romans6:1–2,4).

Paulwas clear that seeinggrace as an excuse to stay in sinwas completelymissing the point. “How can we who died to sin still live in it?”As baptismpictures,youroldselfisdeadandburiedinChristJesusandyouareraisedwithHimtoa“newwayoflife.”Butyou’renotunderlaw,right?PaulspentmuchtimeteachingthatChristians

are no longer under the Jewish law.He did so because his audience includedJewish people and it needed to be clarified. Modern Christians—being verydistant culturally from thatoriginal setting—tend to read thoseverses tomeanthattherearenobehavioralstandardsforChristians.Paulnevermeantnorsaidthat. His point was that following a set of external laws and relying on yourabilitytokeepthoselawswillnotmakeyourightwithGod.PaulnevertaughtthatyouwerefreetodoasyoupleaseandthatGodwouldforgiveyouanyway.Youweredeclaredrighteoussoyoucouldbecomerighteous.

“Works”Ditch

DidyoureceivetheSpiritbytheworksofthelaworbyhearingwithfaith?Areyousofoolish?AfterbeginningwiththeSpirit,areyounowgoingtobemadecompletebytheflesh?(Galatians3:1–3).

Paulalsostated that thinking thatonceyou’resaved,youcanpleaseGod inyour own efforts or do the “being saved” part on your own is foolish. “AfterbeginningwiththeSpirit,areyounowgoingtobemadecompletebytheflesh?”

Whytrytoearnrighteousnessorberighteousinyourownstrengthwhenyou’vealreadybeengiventhegiftofHisrighteousnessandHe’spromisedtoworkitinyou?Paultaughtthatyouhavebeensetfreefrombothsinandyourownself-reliant

effort. That’s both ditches. Grace without growth is license to sin. Changewithoutgraceisworks.TransformationbyHisgraceistheNewCovenant.Jesus’workwascomplete;byGod’sgraceyoucome into theKingdomand

by that same powerful grace you are being saved,made righteous, and beingtransformedintoChrist’simage.

We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires,carryingout the inclinationsofourfleshand thoughts,andbynaturewewerechildrenunderwrath,astheotherswerealso….Foryouaresavedbygracethroughfaith,andthisisnotfromyourself;itisGod’sgift — not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are Hiscreation,createdinChristJesusforgoodworks,whichGodpreparedaheadoftimesothatweshouldwalkinthem(Ephesians2:3,7–10).

Graceismeanttotakeyoufrombeinglostandinsin(verse3)tobeingHiscreation,walkinginChrist,anddoingthegoodworksHe’spreparedforyoutodo(verse10).Youcannotboastinyourgettingsavednorinyourtransformationbecause it’s all “by grace through faith.” To walk down the center of God’sGraceRoad and stay out of both ditches is to believe thatHe’s declared yourighteousandHe’satworkwithinyoumakingyourighteous.Hisgracebroughtyouin,Hisgracegrowsyouup,andbyHisgraceyou’llreceiveallHehasforyouineternity.

Mydreamcontinued…Inmydreamabouttwodogs,onewaswellbehavedandrunningaroundfree;theotherwasuncontrollableanddisobedientandhadbeensecurelyharnessed toaclothesline.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth thatcomesfromhim,throwoffyouroldsinfulnatureandyourformerwayoflife,whichiscorruptedbylustanddeception.Instead,lettheSpiritrenewyourthoughtsandattitudes.Putonyournewnature,createdto

belikeGod—trulyrighteousnessandholy(Ephesians4:21–24NLT).

Your old self is “corrupted by lust and deception” and your new self is“createdtobelikeGod—trulyrighteousnessandholy.”TheoldselfisdeadinChrist, but as in the dream, it seems like it’s just bound and gagged.Transformationisaprocessandyoucanstillchoosetountieyourolddogandlet it runamuck. Insteadyouneed tobelieve thatyou’vebeenmade righteousandthateverythingyouneedtobecomerighteousissuppliedbygrace.Thenyoucanputofftheoldselfandputonthenewself;andasyoudoyougrowinHisrighteousness.SpendsometimetalkingtoHimaboutwhatyouhavejustread.Next, lookatanotherveryimportantelementofyourtransformation.Ifyour

salvation—past,presentandfuture—isallbygracethroughfaith,youshouldnotonlyhaveaclearunderstandingofgrace,butalsooffaith.

POWERPOINTSFROMTRUTHNUMBER3QuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

TheshortestsermonIeverheardwasonsin.Thepreachersaid,“Don’t!”andended.

GodhasalreadypouredoutHismercyinChristJesusandHedelightsinforgiving,cleansing,andrestoringyou.It’sagift.

YougotoHim—yourFather,TeacherandCounselor—withyoursinsandmistakessoyoucangetfathered,taught,andcounseled.

Youdon’tneedtotalktoGodagainaboutsinsyou’vealreadyaddressed,sinceHe’sverygoodatforgivingandforgetting.

GodwantsyoulookingforwardtoHisgoalforyou,theimageofJesus,neverback.ByHisgrace,leavethepastbehind.

YoursinandyouroldselfareforgottenandGoddeclaresyoutobeHisredeemed,righteous,newly-createdchildren.

GoddeclaresyourighteousandthenJesusandtheHolySpiritmakeyourighteous;it’sonegift,thegiftofrighteousness.

YoucannotbetransformedandbecomemorelikeJesus,theRighteousOne,withoutactuallygrowinginrighteousness.

Paul’spointwasn’t,“Allyouneedisfaith”;hispointwasthatfaith,notworks,leadstorighteousness—declaredandactual.

AbrahamwasdeclaredrighteousandthefulfillmentofthatdeclarationwasdemonstratedbyAbraham’srighteousactions.

GraceiswhattethersyoutoeverythingyouneedforlivingandgrowinginChristineverycircumstanceandineverymoment.

God’sgracereignsinyou,obliteratingthereignofsinandsupplyingeverythingyouneedtobetransformedintoHisimage.

Salvationandsanctificationcomewith“batteriesincluded”andthosepowerfulbatteriesarechargedbyGod’sgrace.

Ifgracehadanameitwouldbe“Jesus.”

Gracewithoutgrowthislicensetosin.Changewithoutgraceisworks.

TransformationbyHisgraceistheNewCovenant.

Hisgracebroughtyouin,Hisgracegrowsyouup,andbyHisgraceyou’llreceiveallHehasforyouineternity.

FromFaithtoFaith

TruthNumber4

Everythingyouneedtobetransformedfromwithinhasbeensuppliedbutitwon’thappenbyitself;youneedtoreceiveitandwalkinitbyfaith.

MyDreamIwaspreparing fora tripandpacking. I turnedaway tograb something elsethatIneededtopack.WhenI turnedbackIsawthe torsoofmyself (headandbodywithnoarmsorlegs)lyingdowninmysuitcase.It(mytorso)wasworkingagainstme,doingitsbesttosquirmandmessupmyshirtsandcausewhatI’dpackedtofalloutofthesuitcase.Ibegantryingtopackandrepackwithmoredeterminationandeffortandmytorsorespondedinkind.TheharderItriedtheharder it worked at defeatingmy efforts. As the battle came to a crescendo Istartedyellingforhelp,thecallsforhelpquicklygrewlouderandmoreviolentas I fought more desperately. I woke up quite disturbed; “torso man” had ahorrorabouthimandhewasfierceinhisdetermination.God gave me this dream before He started teaching me about being

transformed into Christ’s image by grace through faith. The dream and myresponsetoitshowedthatafteracoupleofdecadesofbeingaChristianImayhaveunderstoodthedefinitionsofthewords,grace,righteousness,andfaith,butIdidn’tfullyunderstandhowtheywereallmeanttoworktogethertotransformme.

Tobecontinued…

We’ve talked about righteousness and grace, now let’s look at faith and thenlookathowtheyallworktogether.

“FAITH”AND“THEFAITH”Pleasereadtheseversesthoughtfully:

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one whodrawsneartoHimmustbelievethatHeexistsandrewardsthosewhoseekHim(Hebrews11:6).

But lethimask in faithwithoutdoubting.For thedoubter is like thesurging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should notexpecttoreceiveanythingfromtheLord(James1:6–7).

Since it’s impossible to pleaseGod or have your prayers answeredwithoutfaith, understanding faith should be a priority. However, there is much fogsurrounding the topicof faith;but thereneednotbebecause theBible teachesabout faith in a really straightforwardway. First let’s clear up the sometimesconfusing difference between “faith” and “the Faith.” According to thedictionary,theword“faith”hastwodifferentbasiccategoriesofmeaning.Onehastodowiththetrustorconfidenceyouputinsomeoneorsomething—oftenwithoutproof.Thesecondcarriesthemeaningofasystemofreligiousbelief.Soyoucouldsay,“Ibelong to theChristianFaith”andyoucan tellGod,“Ihavefaith inYou,”andbe talkingabout twocompletelydifferentdefinitionsof theword.I couldbepartof theChristianFaithandbelieve inGodandyetconstantly

doubtGod.TheDiscipleswere definitely part of the Faith yet Jesus reprovedthemmanytimesfortheir“lackoffaith.”ThegenerationofIsraeliteswhospent40 years in the wilderness believed in God, but they died in the wildernessbecausetheydidn’thavefaiththatGodwouldhelpthemconquerthePromisedLand(Hebrews3:19).So“theFaith”isaboutageneralfaithinGod,Jesus,thetruthoftheBible,the

tenets of Christianity, etc. It’s a passive faith or something you just simply

believe to be true.Having faith thatGodwill dowhatHe saidHewill do isspecific, topical, and requires your active involvement. James says that if youwantwisdomfromGod,youmustaskinfaith,withoutdoubtingthatHeisgoingtogive it toyou.Soapersoncanbestrongin“theFaith”andstillnot receivewisdomfromGodbecausetheydon’thavefaiththatGodwillgiveittothem.Inthissectionwe’llbetalkingaboutthatspecificandactivefaithandhowyouuseittowalkinyourtransformation.

ACTIVEFAITHThebestplacetostartinvestigatingactivefaithisbylookingattheBibleversethatdefinesit.

Nowfaith is the realityof thingshoped for, theproofofwhat isnotseen(Hebrews11:1).

Let’s look at oneof thewords in faith’sdefinition. In today’s culturewhenyou talk about something you “hope” for you are generally talking aboutsomethingthatyouwishwouldhappen,somethingthatmayormaynothappen.However,Biblicalhopelooksforwardtothingsthatarecertainandtruebutarestillunseen.Forexample,youhopeforyournewglorifiedbody that theBiblesaysyou’llreceivewhenJesuscomesback.

…we also groanwithin ourselves, eagerlywaiting for adoption, theredemptionofourbodies.Nowinthishope,weweresaved,yethopethatisseenisnothope,becausewhohopesforwhathesees?(Romans8:23–24).

Soiffaithisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor—guaranteedbutnotyetseen—then faith isyour inward response towhatGod says is true,oryourchoice tobelieveit.Faithisadecisiontobelievethatchangesaworldly“Ihopeso”tothebiblical“Iknowso.”Here’sasimpleillustration:ifyouwalkeduptoagroupofyoungkidsatyourchurchandtoldthemthattherewereicecreamconesforalloftheminthekitchen,theirreactionwoulddemonstratehopeandfaith.Iftheyinstantly believed you, then they’vemade that ice cream their hope and theyhavefaith.Whentheystartrunningtowardsthekitchen,they’reactinginfaith.YouusefaithtomakeGod’spromisesyourhopeandseethemcometopassin

yourlife.Let’sexpandontheicecreamexample;ifeverytimeyou’vedonethisthere

wasicecreaminthekitchen, thenthekidsbelieveyoubecausetheytrustyou.Theymakeyourannouncement theirhopeandrun in faith to thekitchen.Youdon’ttrustGodbecauseHedemandsit;youtrustGodbecauseHe’strustworthy(Psalm9:10).SowhenyoufindoutwhatGodhaspromisedtodo,becauseyoutrustHimyoucanmakethatyourhope.

For indeed thegospelwaspreached tousaswellas to them;but thewordwhichtheyhearddidnotprofitthem,notbeingmixedwithfaithinthosewhoheardit(Hebrews4:2NKJV).

When the Israelites firstgot to theborderof thePromisedLandMoses senttwelve spies into the land to scout it out. Ten came back full of fear. Two,JoshuaandCaleb,returnedsaying,“IfGodhasgivenusthislandthenHe’llhelpus take it.”However, the ten convinced the people of the impossibility of thetaskandconsequentlytheyallspentfortyneedlessyearsinthewilderness—anddiedthere.Thepeopledidn’tmixfaithwithwhatGodsaid.InsteadofbelievingGod andmaking thePromisedLand their hope, they looked at the difficultiesanddoubted,and thereforedidn’t receivewhatGodhadpromised.Remember,theIsraeliteshadjustseenGodrescuethemfromEgypt,parttheRedSea,anddrown the Egyptian army. Believing in Godwasn’t the problem; the problemwastheydidn’tbelievethatGodwoulddothisspecificthingHehadpromisedtodo.Abraham got it right. God promised him that he would have a son. Even

though he andSarahwere too old to have kids,Abrahambelieved it and thatpromisebecamehishope.

He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father ofmany nations according to what had been spoken: So will yourdescendantsbe….HedidnotwaverinunbeliefatGod’spromisebutwasstrengthened inhis faithandgaveglory toGod,becausehewasfully convinced that what He had promised He was also able toperform.Therefore itwascredited tohimfor righteousness (Romans4:18,20–22).

These verses are a great picture of the mechanics of faith. God promisedsomethingspecifictoAbrahamthatAbrahamdesiredbutcouldn’tdaretohopefor because itwas impossible.ButwhenGod promised it,Abrahambelieved.WhywasAbrahamable tonotwaver inunbelief?Hestopped lookingatwhatwasnormalandplausibleandkepthiseyesonHimwhoisfaithfulandable.Faith is not always easy but it holds on to God’s promise despite

circumstancesbecauseGodisabletochangecircumstances.Sobacktotheicecream:whathappensifthekidsfindthekitchenclosedandlocked?Somekidswill shrug or groan and go find their parents.But the kidswho stick by theirfaith in you and their hope for ice cream,will realize that youwouldn’t leadthemastrayandthey’llrefusetogiveup.They’llknockonthekitchendoororrun back to you and get your help. Those kids will end up with their hoperealized.If you walk in faith like Abraham did you will please God and have your

prayersanswered.TodothatyoumustfindoutwhatGod’swillisthroughHisWordandprayer.ThenyouchoosetotrustHim,anduseyourfaithtoturnyour“wishfulthinking”intobiblicalhope.Finally,youneedtoturnyoureyesawayfrom your circumstances and keep them fixed on your faithful, loving, andmiraculousGod—evenwhenyourfaithistested.

GOD’SNAVIGATIONALTOOLGettingsavedbygracethroughfaithwasquiteeasy;youheardtheGospel,putyourhopeinthemessageandyourfaithinGodandresponded.Youdidn’tevenknowwhat trust, hope, and faithmeant, yet youwere swept along. The finalrealization of your salvation is quite simple aswell. It’ll happen in an instantwhen the timecomes.However, thebigmiddlepartof“beingsaved”orbeingtransformedintotheimageofJesusrequiresthatyoulivebyfaithdaily.Think of Abraham again, the father of your faith. God pronounced Him

righteous in a second and when he died, he was “gathered to his people”(Genesis25:7)inasecond.However,heneededtotrustGodandwalkbyfaithforhiswholelifeinbetweenthosetwoseconds.Likewise,“beingsaved”mustbereceivedbyfaithandthat’swhyunderstandingfaithissoimportant.Butwhyisfaithnecessary?(SeeJames1:6–7.)Theanswerisquitesimple.Thefirstpartof theanswer is found in thebiblicaldefinitionof faithand is

wellillustratedbytheIsraelitescomingoutofbondageinEgypt.Hebrews11:1

says,“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is notseen.”MuchofwhatGodcallsyou tobelieve is “not seen”whenyou’re firstasked tobelieve; thereforeyouneed faith tobelieve it.With some things, liketherealityofheaven,youjustneedtobelieveandthereisnoactionrequiredonyourpart.However,inregardstomanyother“unseen”issues,faithisapracticalnavigationaltoolandisneededtofacilitateyourobedience.GodtoldtheIsraelitesthatHewasgoingtodeliverthemfromEgyptandgive

themthePromisedLand.Theirfaithwasn’treallyinvolvedintheirdeliverancefromEgypt.Theymostlywatched as the plagues came andwent and theRedSea parted. However, taking the Promised Land wasn’t going to happenovernight; it required their ongoing obedience. Faith was now required as anavigationaltool.TheyneededittohelpthemkeepheadinginGod’sdirection.It was time for the Israelites to demonstrate their faith by obeying God eventhoughtheycouldn’tseetheoutcomeyet.Unfortunatelytheydidn’t.Youneed faith tobelieve thatyouareanewcreationand thatyou’rebeing

transformedintotheimageofJesus—butitwon’thappenovernightanditwon’toften“feel” like it’shappening.Faith is essentialbecauseGodcallsyou to anunseendestinationandasksyoutoheadinthatdirection;faithisoneofGod’skeynavigationaltools.

ByfaithAbraham,whenhewascalled,obeyedandwentouttoaplacehewasgoing to receive as an inheritance.Hewentoutnotknowingwherehewasgoing(Hebrews11:8).

FAITHANDGRACEThe second reason why faith is necessary is also wonderfully profound.Remember, nothing in the NewCovenant is received because of your works.Youcannotearnanyofit.It’sallbygrace.IfyoucouldearneventhesmallestpartofanythingJesusdidforyou, thenyoucouldboast.ButtheBibleisclearthatyoucannot.

ButitisfromHimthatyouareinChristJesus,whobecameGod-givenwisdom forus—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, inorderthat,asitiswritten:TheonewhoboastsmustboastintheLord(1Corinthians1:30–31).

Yoursalvation,yourwisdom,yourrighteousness,yourredemption,andyoursanctification—whichisGod’sprocessfortransformingyouintoChrist’simage—are all provided for inChrist.Once you understand that everything in yourgettingsaved,beingsaved,andrealizingyourfinalsalvationisallbygracethenyoucanunderstandtheabsolutenecessityoffaith.Readthisversecarefully.

This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according tograce,toguaranteeittoallthedescendants—notonlytothosewhoareof the law but also to those who are of Abraham’s faith (Romans4:16).

If a single part of your salvation depended on your works God could not“guarantee”itbecauseyoucouldfail.SoinHisgreatloveforyouGodgaveyoueverythingasafreegift—grace—sothatnothingwoulddependonyourworksandGodcouldguaranteetheoutcome.Ifeverythingisafreegiftthentheonlywayyoucanreceiveitisbyfaithinthegift-giver.Let’s go back to the ice cream example. Picture this: You announce, “Ice

cream for everyone!” Some kids hoot and holler and run to the kitchen, butothersputtheirheadsdownandshuffleslowlyoff.YouinterceptthekidsdoingtheEeyoreimpersonationandaskwhythey’renotheadingtothekitchen.Twoof the kids explain that they have nomoney; the other tells you sadly that hedoesn’tdeserveatreatbecausehedidn’tdowellwithhismemoryverse.What’syourresponse?You’regivingtheicecreamasagiftsoeveryonequalifiesandisguaranteeda

treat, therefore the kids cannot earn it. They must receive your grace. That’swhatPaulsaidinRomans4:16thateverythingGodhasforyouisgivenfreelyby grace.God arranged it thatway so thatHis promises could be guaranteed.Andbecauseit’sallagift,theonlywayyoucangetitisbyfaith,bybelievingthatGodhasfreelygivenit toyou.IfyoucouldreceiveanythingfromGodinanyotherwaythanthroughfaithitwouldn’tbebygrace.That’s why it’s impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6),

becausewithoutit,youcannotreceiveHisgrace.

Nowifbygrace,thenitisnotbyworks;otherwisegraceceasestobegrace(Romans11:6).

Theminuteyoustart thinking thatyoudeserveanythingfromGod, thatyoucanpleaseHimyourself,orthatyoucanbecomemorelikeChristyourself,graceceasestobegraceinyourlife.

HOPEDESIREDEQUALSFAITHINSPIREDAbrahamdidn’tworryabouthowimpossiblehishopewasoraboutwhetherhedeserveditornot.Instead,hekeptHiseyesonHimwhoisfaithfulandable,andheldfast to thehopeofhavingason(Romans4:18–22).That’sanexampleofhowyoureceiveGod’spromisetoformHisSoninyou(Galatians4:19).

Andweall,withunveiled face, beholding thegloryof theLord, arebeing transformed into the same image from one degree of glory toanother(2Corinthians3:18ESV).

AbrahamkepthiseyesonGodandhishopesetonhavingason.Inthesameway,youkeepyoureyesonJesusyourMasterandTeacherandyourhopesetonbeing transformed intoHis image.You are transformed bywalking down thecenter of the road called Grace—by faith—with your eyes on Him and yourunseenhope.Animportantconstantintheseexamplesisthathopeissetonsomethingyou

desire;kidsloveicecream,Abrahamreallywantedason,andJoshuaandCalebwantedtogetintothatamazingPromisedLand.WhatGodhasinstoreforyouin your transformation is so jaw-dropping it’s beyond your imagining. (SeeEphesians3:20.)Faith inspired by its desired hope doesn’t sit still—it gets up and heads

towardsit.TheIsraeliteswhodiedinthewildernessdemonstratedtheirunbeliefby refusing to enter the Promised Land. A generation later, the ones whobelievedGod demonstrated their hope and faith by crossing the JordanRiver.Mentalassenttoatruthisnotfaith.Saying,“Ibelievethat,”andthengoingbacktolifeasusual isnotfaith.Faithgrabsholdofyourhopeandgetsyouupandmoving towards it,andwhenobstaclesblock theway, itkeepsyoumoving. Ifthe promise of transformation intoHis image—becoming allGod created andpredestinedyoutobe—hasnowbecomeyourhope,grabholdbyfaithanddon’tletgo.

Take a minute to ask the Father to help you see the potential of beingtransformedintoHisimageandwalkinginallthatHehasforyou.AskHimtomakeityourdesiredhopesoitinspiresyourfaith.

FAITHISAGIFTHere are two last questions before you move on: If faith is a prerequisite toreceiving His grace, then isn’t faith a kind of works? And how can yourtransformation be guaranteed if faith is required; what if you don’t have thatkindoffaith?I’vewrestledwiththesesamequestions.First,asyou’veseenwiththeicecreamillustration,faithisquitesimple.Faith

isn’tamagicsubstance,it’sachoicetobelieveGodthatismadeandpoweredbyHisgrace.Sometimesyouovercomplicatefaithandthenstrugglewithalackoffaithinyourownfaithandothersuchmentalgymnastics.AbrahamdecidedthatGodcouldandwoulddowhatHesaidHe’ddo—thenhestuckwiththatdecisionnomatterwhat.That’sfaith.Jesushadgreat faith andHe is transformingyou intoHis image.Soasyou

growinHim,yourfaithwillgrowbeyondwhatyoucancurrentlyimagine,asHeworksinyou.SinceIrealizedthat,myfaithseemstoincreaseweekly.He’stheonetakingmethereandincreasingmyfaithfrom“glorytoglory.”Jesus works faith in you; He establishes your hope, helps you choose to

believe andhelps youdealwithunbelief all byHis grace.Hebrews12:2 callsJesus“thesourceandperfecterofourfaith.”Hiscompleteworkonyourbehalfneededtoincludehelpwithyourfaith(2Peter1:3);simplybecausewithoutit,you can’t receiveHis grace.He’s atworkwithin you causing you towant tobelieveandcausingyoutobelieve.Ishouldexplainherethatdoubtsandunbeliefaretwodifferentthings.Doubts

are just pesky thoughts that challenge your faith. Unbelief is choosing not tobelievewhatGodhassaid.WhentheIsraelitesdecidedtobelievethetenfearfulspies(Numbers13–14)insteadofGod,theychoseunbeliefinsteadoffaith.Notgood. When you decide to believe God you put unbelief behind you, butthoughts will still flit through your head that challenge your faith decision.Thosearedoubts.Doubtsareanormalpartoftheprocessandshowthatyou’recurrentlyworkingwiththeLordtochangethewayyouthink.Jamestalkedaboutthe“doubter”(James1:6–8).Hewasreferringtotheone

whohasn’tdecidedtobelieveornotbelieve.Justbecauseyouexperiencedoubts

doesn’t mean you’re a “doubter.” Once you’ve decided to trust God forsomethingthatHe’spromised,thedoubtsmaycome;buteverytimeonepassesthroughyourmind,shootitdownbyreiteratingwhatyou’vechosentobelieve.Mywife and I prayed for someone andGod instantly did amiracle in her

body.EventhoughsheknewGodhadhealedhershecontinuedtogivevoicetoherdoubt,wonderingifshe’dstayhealed,etc.SoIaskedher,“Whatdogolfersdo?” She replied, “Golf.” I asked her, “What do swimmers do?” She replied,“Swim.” Then I asked, “What do Believers do?” She hesitated and as sheansweredslowly,Icouldtellshehadmadetherightchoice.Sohere’swhatyouneedtochoosetobelieveandpray:“ThankYou,Father, thatYouhavedeclaredmerighteous;mypast isgone,

mysinsareforgivenandforgotten.You’vecleansedmeandgivenmeallthingsnew.IamYourchild.You,byYourgreatexpressionof lovecalledgrace,arecausingmetoberighteousandawesome.YourHolySpiritisworkingwithinmecausingmetowanttodoandtodoYourwill.Father,IthankYouthatYouarealwayswithme,lovingme,teachingme,andtransformingmeintoYourimage,makingmeintoallYoucreatedandcalledmetobe.”BeforewestoptalkingaboutfaithIwouldliketotalktoyouaboutoneofthe

mostencouragingthingsGodevershowedmeaboutbeingtransformed.

JESUSDIDITFIRSTEverytimemygoodfriendandbrother-in-lawhearssomeoneuseabigwordhesays,“Neveruseabigwordwhenadiminutiveonewilldo.”Unfortunately,adiminutiveonewillnotdohere.Theterm“hypostaticunion”isatechnicaltermthatdescribes thefact thatJesuswas—and is—fullyhumanandfullydivine—fullymanandfullyGod.Although Jesus isGod, knows everything, is all-powerful and omnipresent,

He temporarily put that aside to become human (Philippians 2:7). That’s notsaying thatHeceasedbeingGod—He is“Immanuel”whichmeans“Godwithus”(Isaiah7:14)—butinordertobeabletoidentifyfullywithyouHechosetobecomelikeyouineveryway.

Forwedonothaveahighpriestwhoisunabletosympathizewithourweaknesses,butonewhoineveryrespecthasbeentemptedasweare,yetwithout sin (Hebrews 4:15; see also Philippians 2:6–8;Hebrews

2:14).

Itwould be a little difficult for you to hear Jesus say, “I understand, I alsowentthroughthat”ifyouknewthatHehadusedHis“getoutofanythingfree”God-card whenever things got tough. In order to be your high priest JesusneededtokeepHisGod-cardputawayandliveHis lifehereasanexampletous.SowhenJesuscamehereasababy,He“emptiedHimself”ofallHisdivinepower (Philippians 2:7) and put Himself entirely in the hands of the Father.WhenHewasborn,eventhoughHewasGod,Hehadtolearnandgrowjustlikearegularchild—Hedidn’tcomeoutofMary’swombtalkingandteaching.ThescripturedescribesHimgrowingandlearningasakidintheusualway.

AndJesusincreasedinwisdomandstature,andinfavorwithGodandwithpeople(Luke2:52).

Oneof the interestingdiscussions thathascomeoutof this truth is:atwhatpointdidJesusfullyrealizewhoHewasandhowdidthathappen?Lukechaptertwo shows you that Jesus had a good idea by the age of twelve (Luke 2:49).However,Ithinkthe“why”ismoreimportantthanthe“when,”andthe“why”isamazing! As your example, Jesus went through what you go through indiscoveringwhoGod says you are andwhatHe’s called you to do (Hebrews4:15).OnceyouarebornofGodyouneedtolearnwhoGodcreatedyoutobeand

whatHecreatedyoutodoandthenprogressivelybetransformedintoHisimageandaccomplishHisplan foryou,allby faith. Jesusprogressively learnedwhoHewas,whyHewas here andwhatHe needed to accomplish—all under thegraceandcareofHisheavenlyFather,byfaith.JesuslearnedwhoHewasandwhatHewastodoallthroughGod’sWordand

theHolySpiritwithinHim, just likeyouare todo. Jesushad to learn thatHewasnotonlytheMessiahbutthatHewasGod—andHehadtonotdoubtthat!ThenHehadtowalkinthatbyfaith.TheBibleandtheHolySpirittellyouthatyouareforgiven,averychildofGod,anewcreationinChristwhoisrighteousin Him, created for good works, a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is beingtransformedintoHis image,andcalledtochangetheworld.Youare tofollowJesus’ example, believeGod’sWord, embracewhat it says about you and, bygracethroughfaith,walkitout;youaretofollowHim.

If you think it’s hard for you to believewhatGod’sWord says about you,thinkofJesus:asaman,HehadtolearnandthenchoosetobelievethatHewastheeternalSonofGodwhohadcreatedeverything,whohadcometodieabrutaldeath at thehandsof thoseHecame to save. In lightof that, your task seemsquite a bit easier! The good news for you is that Jesus has already walkedthroughit,understandstheprocess,andisnowwithyoutohelpyouwalkitout.Theotherbigchunkofgoodnewsisthatallofheaven’sattentionandresourcesweremadeavailable toensureJesus’successandallof thesameattentionandresourcesareavailable,inthesameway,toensureyours.

Mydreamcontinued…The“torsoRick”dreamcameasIwasjuststartingtolearntobetransformedbygracethroughfaith.Soatfirst,IthoughtGodwascallingmetobringtorsoRickundermorestrictcontrol.GodmusthavechuckledatmeasHesawmedoublemy efforts to straighten myself out. (Honestly, knowing what I know now, Idon’t even know how I got that message out of that dream.) So I madecommitmentstomyselftodo“moreofthisandlessofthat”andwentthroughaseries of systems and ideas to bring myself under control. Everything I triedlastedforaveryshorttimeandeachtimeIeventuallyfoundmyselfbackexactlywhere I started.TorsoRick keptwinning round after round and Iwas gettingmorefearfulthatIwouldbeunabletocompletelyobeyGod.Itwasfrustrating!AsGodtaughtmemoreIbegantorealizethatwhenyoufearfailure,youhave

youreyesonyourabilitiesinsteadofHisempoweringgrace,andyoufailagainandagain.IaskedGodtohelpmeputmyfaithinwhatJesusdidandwhatHepromised to do inme. Then I lockedmy hope on God transformingme intoChrist’simageandmyfaithwasset.Doubtsfloatedthroughmyheadscreamingatme,butIthankedGodallthelouderthatHewasincontrolandatworkwithinmebyHisSpiritandgrace.Withinaweekoffinallyreallygettingit,givingthesethingstotheLord,and

staying locked in by faith, my desires and behaviors started changing. Moreimportantly,thefearofnotpleasingGodwasreplacedwiththehopethatGod’sgracewasmorethanenoughtotransformme.IdidnotabandonmyselftotorsoRickandsay,“Ohwell,Godwillchangeme

ifHewantsto.”Thatwouldhavebeenclimbingoutofthe“Works”ditchonlytodive into the “Grace Misunderstood” ditch. I kept moving towards

righteousness;ImerelykeptmyfocusonHisworkandstrengthinsteadofmine.And every time I slipped up, I got up, talked toGod and kept trusting inHisgrace and standing in faith. Your faith keeps you believing God’s promises,interactingwithHimrelationallyandmovingtowardsHisperfectwill.InthedreamGodwasshowingmethatIwasfightingalosingbattleandthatI

neededanewstrategy—andI’mverygratefulthatHisplanwastoteachmethatnewstrategy.Whetheryou’restrugglingwithsinortochangethewayyouthink,speak,or

behave—oryou’relookingtodrawclosertoHimordowhatHe’scalledyoutodo—whatever it is, askGod to transformyouandmakeyou like Jesus in thatarea.ThenrestinHiscompletework,standinHisgracebyfaith,andwatchHimchangeyoufromtheinside-outasyoumoveinobedience.Takea fewmoments to talk toHimabout theareasofyour life thatyou’ve

been strugglingwith.You’ve been forgiven and declared righteous; now trustHimtocleanseyouandestablishthatrighteousnessinyoubygrace.Next,I’dliketotalkabouthowentirelycompletewhatJesusdidforyouwas

andis.Thereisnothinginyourself,inyourlife,inthisworld,orinhellthatcanholdyoubackfrombeingtransformedintotheamazingnewcreationGodmadeyoutobe.

POWERPOINTSFROMTRUTHNUMBER4QuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

Sinceit’simpossibletopleaseGodorhaveyourprayersansweredwithoutfaith,understandingfaithshouldbeapriority.

HavingfaiththatGodwilldowhatHesaidHewilldoisspecific,topical,andrequiresyouractiveinvolvement.

Biblicalhopelooksforwardtothingsthatarecertainandtruebutarestillunseen.

Faithisadecisiontobelievethatchangesaworldly“Ihopeso”tothebiblical“Iknowso.”

YouusefaithtomakeGod’spromisesyourhopeandseethemcometopassinyourlife.

Youdon’ttrustGodbecauseHedemandsit;youtrustGodbecauseHe’strustworthy(Psalm9:10).

FaithisnotalwayseasybutitholdsontoGod’spromisedespitecircumstancesbecauseGodisabletochangecircumstances.

FaithisessentialbecauseGodcallsyoutoanunseendestinationandasksyoutoheadinthatdirection.

Godgaveyoueverythingasafreegift—grace—sothatnothingwoulddependonyourworksandGodcouldguaranteetheoutcome.

IfyoucouldreceiveanythingfromGodinanyotherwaythanthroughfaithitwouldn’tbebygrace.

It’simpossibletopleaseGodwithoutfaith(Hebrews11:6),becausewithoutit,youcannotreceiveHisgrace.

YouaretransformedbywalkingdownthecenteroftheroadcalledGrace—byfaith—withyoureyesonHimandyourunseenhope.

Faithgrabsholdofyourhopeandgetsyouupandmovingtowardsit,andwhenobstaclesblocktheway,itkeepsyoumoving.

Faithisn’tamagicsubstance,it’sachoicetobelieveGodthatismadeandpoweredbyHisgrace.

AbrahamdecidedthatGodcouldandwoulddowhatHesaidHe’ddo—thenhestuckwiththatdecisionnomatterwhat.That’sfaith.

JesushadgreatfaithandHeistransformingyouintoHisimage.SoasyougrowinHim,yourfaithwillgrow.

Jesusworksfaithinyou;Heestablishesyourhope,helpsyouchoosetobelieveandhelpsyoudealwithunbeliefallbyHisgrace.

Doubtsarejustpeskythoughtsthatchallengeyourfaith.UnbeliefischoosingnottobelievewhatGodhassaid.

Father,IthankYouthatYouarealwayswithme,lovingme,teachingme,andtransformingmeintoYourimage.

InordertobeyourhighpriestJesusneededtokeepHisGod-cardputawayandliveHislifehereasanexampletous.

Asyourexample,JesuswentthroughwhatyougothroughindiscoveringwhoGodsaysyouareandwhatHe’scalledyoutodo.

YouaretofollowJesus’example,believeGod’sWord,embracewhatitsaysaboutyouand,bygracethroughfaith,walkitout.

Whenyoufearfailure,youhaveyoureyesonyourabilitiesinsteadofHisempoweringgrace,andyoufailagainandagain.

You’vebeenforgivenanddeclaredrighteous;nowtrustHimtocleanseyouandestablishthatrighteousnessinyoubygrace.

AllThingsNew

TruthNumber5

Jesusredeemedeverythingaboutyousothatyourtransformationcouldbe

successfulandcomplete.

MyDreamI’vefoundoutovertheyearsthatalthoughGoddoesn’tgivepeoplenightmares,the dreamshe does give aren’t always entirely pleasant. Forme, this onewasoneofthosedreams.Iwasaway, somewhere, evidentlywithmy familyand some friends. I stood

acrossthestreetfromwhereIwasstaying,talkingwithafriendofmine.Thesunwasshining,Iknewthatthebeachwasjustbehindus,andIwashavingagreatday.The streetwasverybusyand Iglancedacross it at the four-or five-storyolderbuildingIwasstaying in.AsI looked, thedoor to thebuilding’srooftopgardenopenedandayoungfamilymemberwalkedout.(Inthedreamshewasprobablyaboutseven,although inreal life,shewasmucholderat the time.) IknewitwasokayforhertobeupthereinthegardenareabutasIwatchedshestartedtowalkpastwhereitwassafe.Iknewthatshewaslookingforherfriendandnotpayingattention towhereshewaswalking. Istarted toyell togetherattention,knowingthatmyvoicecouldeasilycarrythatfar.ButasItriedtoyell,myvoicewouldnotcomeoutloudandshedidn’thearme.Frustrated,IbegantotrytogetmyvoicetorespondasItriedtofindabreakinthetraffictocrossthestreet.AsItriedinvaintogetmyvoicetowork,thechildkeptmovingtowardsthe edge of the roof, not looking down or paying attention towhere the edgewas.Iwatchedinhorror,tryingwithallmystrengthtoscreamandbeheardasshewalkedofftheedgeoftheroof.Sheseemedtohoverforasplitsecondthenbeganfallingtothestreetbelow.Iwokeupliterallyscreaming.

Thesheeremotional impactof thisdreamwassopowerful that Iwept foralongtime.

Tobecontinued…

PUTON,PUTOFFThedayyoureceivedJesusyoubecameanewcreation.

Therefore,ifanyoneisinChrist,heisanewcreation;oldthingshavepassedaway;behold,allthingshavebecomenew(2Corinthians5:17NKJV).

However,youdon’texperienceeverythingnewwhenyoufirstreceiveJesus.Even though you are born again as a completely new creation, completelywashedofyoursins,youareyet tobe transformed—fromthe inside-out—intothatnewcreationbygracethroughfaith.

Weall,withunveiledface,beholdingthegloryoftheLord,arebeingtransformedintothesameimagefromonedegreeofglorytoanother(2Corinthians3:18ESV).

“Being saved”, or “being transformed,” is the progressive realization of acurrent reality, your complete salvation.Thedayyou received Jesusyouwerecompletelymadenew,bornagainintoawholenewlife;nowyoumustwalkintothat by being transformed by His grace. It’s important to realize that yoursalvationiscomplete,butyourtransformationisprogressive.Youmustseetheworkascompleteandlockyourhopeonthenewcreation

andleavetheoldbehind.Here’swhatyoureallymustget.The“oldyou”isnot“being saved.”You’re anewcreation, theold sinful you can’t be saved.He’sdead.That’swhatbaptismrepresents,theoldyouisburiedwithJesus—andleftin the grave—and the new you rises with Him to new life. Before you weresaved,theyouthatwascreatedbyGodandpredestinedbeforethefoundationofthe earth, never saw the light of day.Whenyouwere born the first time, youwerebornintoAdam,bornintosinanddeath,bornseparatedfromGod(notonewithHimor invitalunionwithHim). Jesusdied to redeem (orbuyback) theoriginalyou,theyouGodcreatedinHisimage.

SothedayyoubecameaChristian,youbecamethepersonyouwerecreatedtobe.Jesusboughtyoubackfromsin,death,hell,andthegraveandbroughtyoubacktoyouroriginalpurpose;andHepaidsuchacompletepricethateventhememory of who you were, the old you, could be forever buried. That’s trulygettingsaved—andithappenedinamoment.Thenewyouisamazingbutyoustilldon’tknowallofwhoyouareandwhat

Jesus hasmade and called you to be. So now you need to grow up intowhoyou’vealreadybeencreated tobe.That’s“beingsaved”orbeing transformed.Paulexplainstheprocessthisway:

Youtookoffyourformerwayoflife,theoldselfthatiscorruptedbydeceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of yourminds;youputonthenewself,theonecreatedaccordingtoGod’slikenessinrighteousnessandpurityofthetruth(Ephesians4:22–24).

…youhaveputofftheoldselfwithitspracticesandhaveputonthenewself.YouarebeingrenewedinknowledgeaccordingtotheimageofyourCreator(Colossians3:9–10).

Knowing thatyouarea“newcreation”and that the“old”haspassedaway,youputoffthe“oldself”andputonthe“newself”asyoulearnmoreandmoreaboutwhoyouwerecreatedtobeinChristJesus.TheLordoncesaidtome,“IalreadyknowwhoI’vecreatedyoutobe;youjustneedtocatchup.”It’s important to see thatHiswork is complete;youalreadyarenew.When

you see yourself as the “old you” you see all of your faults, sin, pain, badexperiences,andjunk.ThenyouhavetroubleseeinghowGodisgoingtodealwithallthegarbageandmakeyouright.ButwhenyouseethatHealreadydealtwithallyourgarbageonceandforall,andthatyouroldselfisdeadandburied,youcansetyourhopeonyournewselfandbecomewhoyouwerecreatedtobe.Abraham’snamewasoriginallyAbram,butGod toldhim thathewouldbe

the father of many nations and changed his name to Abraham, which means“father of amultitude.”From thatmomentonAbramcalledhimselfAbrahamandbelievedthatwhatGodsaidabouthimwastrue.EventhoughAbrahamwasnotyetthefatherofamultitude,hebelievedthatHewaswhoGodsaidHewas.LikeAbraham,youbelievethatyouarewhoGodsaysyouare—anewcreation—and then you walk in it by grace through faith by putting off the old andputting on the new. You’ve been given this amazing gift—a completely new

you.Nowyouneedtounwrapit,discoverit,andputiton.Buthowdoyouputoffandputon?Whatdoesthatlooklike?Well, tostart

that discussion you need to connect with your Master and Teacher at workwithinyou.

ATWORKWITHINLet’slookagainat thefirstversethatGodusedtostart teachingmeaboutHisworkwithinme,andgoalittledeeper.

…workoutyourownsalvationwithfearandtrembling.ForitisGodwho isworking inyou, enablingyouboth todesire and toworkoutHisgoodpurpose(Philippians2:12–13).

TheGreekwordusedinverse12for“workout”iskatergazomaianditalsomeans “accomplish” or “achieve.” TheAmplified version amplifies thatwordthisway:“workout—cultivate, carryout to thegoaland fullycomplete—yoursalvation.” Your salvation was fully accomplished for you on the cross. Godisn’tcallingyoutoworks,buttotransformation,towalkouttocompletionwhathasalreadybeenaccomplishedforyou.Noticethatverse13startswiththeword,“For.”Youcancarryyoursalvation

through to its completion—putting off the old and putting on the new—for(because)GodisatworkwithinyoucausingyoutowanttodoandcausingyoutodoHiswill.IlikethewaytheAmplifiedshedslightonthisverse:

[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the whileeffectuallyatwork inyou [energizingandcreating inyou thepowerand desire] both to will and to work for His good pleasure andsatisfactionanddelight(Philippians2:13AMP).

SoJesuscametoliveinyoubyHisSpirit,toteachyouandcauseyoutowantto act like—and to act like—the new creation.We’ve already looked at whatJeremiah(31:33–34)andEzekiel(36:27)saidaboutGodcausingyoutowalkinHisways,knowHim,andbeHisobedientpeople;nowlet’slookatafewmoreNewTestamentverses:

Now may the God of peace … with the blood of the everlastingcovenant,equipyouwithallthatisgoodtodoHiswill,workinginuswhat is pleasing inHis sight, through JesusChrist.Glorybelongs toHimforeverandever.Amen(Hebrews13:20–21).

Throughtheeverlastingcovenant(Hebrews8:7–12)GodequipsyoutodoHiswillandworks inyouwhat ispleasing inHissight.Goddidn’t justmakeyounewandsay,“Nowgobehave!”No.Hepaidthepricetomakeyounewandtocauseyoutobefullytransformed.Youcanputoff theoldandputonthenewbecause Jesus is walking with you and working in you, teaching you, andcausingyou towalk asHewalked andbe transformed intoHis image.And itneverstopsorplateaus.

Iamsureofthis,thatHewhostartedagoodworkinyouwillcarryitontocompletionuntilthedayofChristJesus(Philippians1:6).

The fact that you’re a brand new creation and the old is gone means thatnothing in your past canholdyouback frombeing transformed.The fact thatJesus is discipling you fromwithin and has promised to not stop,means thatnothing in your present or future can hold you back either.You need to keepwalkingwithHim,keeplearningfromHim,andkeepbelievingthatHe’sdoingthework inside you nomatterwhat.Memorize the “AtWorkWithin” verses(Jeremiah 31:33–34; Ezekiel 36:27; Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 1:6; 2:13;Hebrews13:20–21) and thankGod constantly thatHis renovations are alwaysunderway.Butdoesn’tsinhavethepowertotripupyourtransformation?

BUT,SIN…Your old selfwas a slave to sin, but your new self is righteous and naturallyyieldedtorighteousness.Youneedtounderstandthisandtakeholdofitbyfaith.Let’slookattwoseeminglycontraryverses.

SohetookHimupandshowedHimallthekingdomsoftheworldinamoment of time. The Devil said to Him, “I will give You theirsplendorandall thisauthority,because ithasbeengivenover tome,andIcangiveit toanyoneIwant.IfYou,then,willworshipme,all

willbeYours(Luke4:5–7).

Theearthandeverythinginit,theworldanditsinhabitants,belongtotheLORD(Psalm24:1).

TheBiblesaysGodownstheearthanditsinhabitantsbuttheDevilclaimedtohave been given authority over the kingdoms of the world. In order to betterunderstand,let’slookatthebackgroundofthistemptation.The deception that the Devil tried unsuccessfully to pull on Jesus was the

sameone that he had used onEve.TheDevil toldEve that she could be likeGod,decidingforherselfwhatwaswrongandright.ButasPaulsaidinRomans6:16,youareslavesofwhoeveryouobey.WhenAdamandEve—whohadbeengivenauthorityovertheearth(Genesis1:26–28)—obeyedtheDevil,theydidn’tbecomefreetodecide,theybecameslavestosinandtheDevil.TheDevil tried the same trickerywith Jesus.TheDevilknew thathe could

safely offer the kingdomsof theworld because if Jesus had bowedHewouldhavebecometheDevil’sslave;andaslave’smasterownseverythingtheslavehas.That’swhathappenedwhenAdamandEveobeyedtheDevil;thekingdomsof this world were delivered to him because the people who made up thosekingdoms were his slaves because of sin. The world and its inhabitants stillbelongedtoGodbuttheinhabitantshadbecomeslaves.The good news is: Jesus was born without sin, He passed up the Devil’s

deceptive temptation andHe livedHis life without sin. That’s why theDevilcouldn’ttouchJesuswhileHewashereonearth.Jesushadnosin;therefore,theDevilhadnoauthorityoverHim.Infact,justbeforeHisarrest,Jesussaidthis:

…therulerof theworld iscoming.Hehasnopoweroverme(John14:30).

JesusagreedthattheDevilwasthe“rulerofthisworld”butmadeitclearthattheDevil had no power overHim.Now, here’s the great part!Remember the“GreatExchange”?Hemade theOnewho did not know sin to be sin for us, so thatwemight

becometherighteousnessofGodinHim(2Corinthians5:21).JesustookyourplacesothatyoucouldtakeHis!Youaretherighteousnessof

GodinHim.SolikeJesuswhenHewalkedthisearth,theDevilhasnoauthorityoveryou;youarenolongeraslavetosinandtheDevil.

He has rescued us from the domain (authority) of darkness andtransferredusintotheKingdomoftheSonHeloves(Colossians1:13).

Because of what Jesus did, you’ve been rescued from the authority of theDevil.WhenJesustalkedaboutaccomplishingthisforyou,here’showHeputit:

Jesusresponded,“Iassureyou:Everyonewhocommitssinisaslaveto sin. A slave does not remain in the household forever, but a sondoesremainforever.Therefore,iftheSonsetsyoufree,youreallywillbefree(John8:34–36).

YouarenolongeraslavetotheDevilorsin.JesushassetyoufreeandyouarearighteoussonordaughterofGodforever!PaulwroteextensivelyaboutthisinRomans6.Isuggestyoureadthewholechapter,buthere’sasampling:

Forwe know that our old selfwas crucifiedwithHim in order thatsin’s dominion over the bodymay be abolished, so thatwemay nolongerbeenslavedtosin…(Romans6:6).

Forsinwillnotruleoveryou,becauseyouarenotunderlawbutundergrace(Romans6:14).

Becauseyouroldsinfulselfisdeadandburiedandyournewcreationselfisrighteousandlivingundergraceasyou’rebeingtransformed,youarenolongeraslavetosin;ithasnopowerorauthoritytopushyouaroundorruleyourlife.Becauseyou’reinChristJesus,sinandtheDevilhavenoauthoritytotripyouupeither.

ALLOFMESo thenextquestion is:whatpartsofyou isGodatworkon—yourcharacter,your spirit, yourmind,yourwill, your emotions,your thoughtprocesses,yourwords,yourdesires,yourmotivations,yourdeeds,yourlife,oryourbody?Theshort answer is “Yes!” to every part of you and your life. You are a newcreation,notjustpartiallynewcreations.Jesusrescuedandredeemedeverypartofyou:HepaidforitallandHedesirestolovinglytransformyouineveryway.

NowmaytheGodofpeaceHimselfsanctifyyoucompletely.Andmayyourspirit,soul,andbodybekeptsoundandblamelessforthecomingofourLordJesusChrist.Hewhocallsyouisfaithful,whoalsowilldoit(1Thessalonians5:23–24).

Theword“completely”heremeans“perfectandcompleteinallrespects.”ItisnotGod’splanforChristtobepartiallyformedinpartsofyou,butforHimtobe completely formed in all of you. God has declared every part of yourighteous/sanctified/saved so that on that real foundation, He can actuallytransform you completely. I love verse 24 which again confirms the NewCovenant: “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” He’s at workwithin us. He’s guaranteed the sanctification or transformation of your wholeselfandHewilldoit.You may think that your lack of intelligence can get in the way of your

transformation,thatyou’renotabletounderstandHisWord,orthatit’sjusttoohardforGodtogetthroughtoyou.Nottrue!Thatmayhavebeenwhoyouwere,but remember,nowyou’reanewcreation.Yourmind ispartofyoursoulandit’sincludedinyourredemptionandsanctification.YouhavethemindofChrist(1Corinthians2:16)andasHe is formed inyou (Galatians4:19),Hismind isbeingformedinyouaswell.Perhaps you think that your up and down emotions—your anger or your

depression, etc.—are too much for you to overcome and move beyond. No,you’reanewcreation,andbygracethroughfaiththeHolySpirit isatworkinyouproducingnewChristlikefruitinyouremotions.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,goodness,faith,gentleness,self-control(Galatians5:22–23).

Haveyouever thought that this spiritual fruit is something thatyouneed tostruggle toproduceordisplay,butnotnecessarilyfeelon the inside?No.Thisfruitiswhoyouareandthereforewhoyou’rebeingtransformedinto.Moreandmore as I’m transformed, that list describes how I feel on the inside and thatautomatically affects my behavior. Grape vines naturally produce grapes; andnewcreations,whoarecreatedinGod’simage,naturallyyieldspiritualfruit.If you feel likeyou’re just too lazyor that yourdesire for other thingswill

holdyouback,HewillworkinyouandcauseyoutowanttodoandtodoHiswill (Philippians 2:13) as you trust Him. Moses even prophesied about the

transformationofyourmotivations:

TheLORDyourGodwillcircumciseyourheartandtheheartsofyourdescendants, and youwill loveHimwith all your heart and all yoursoul,sothatyouwilllive(Deuteronomy30:6).

Mosesprophesied thatGodwould changeyourhearts (thenewcreation) sothatyouwill loveGodwithallyourheart andallyour soul.Howmany timeshaveyoufeltlikeyou’vefallenshortoflovingGodwithallthatiswithinyou?Well,thatamazingprophecyinvolves“allyourheartandallyoursoul”whichincludes your mind, thoughts, will, emotions, desires, and motivations. Whatamazingloveandgrace!Godgentlyrenewsandtransformsyouinlovesothatyouarethenabletotrulyloveandbeloved.How about attitude? Perhaps you think you’re just too belligerent or hard-

headedfortheLordtochangeyou.No,GodasksyoutohavethesameattitudeasJesushad(Philippians2:5),so thatmeans it’spossibleforyoutohave that.Asanewcreation,Hisattitude isyourattitudeandHe’s ready to form that inyou.Godsaid,“Iwillremoveyourheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartofflesh”(Ezekiel36:26).Buthowaboutyourbody?

YOURBODYSometimesyoumaythinkthatyou’dbeokayifitwasn’tforthatnastyearth-suitthat keeps dragging you off in thewrong direction. But Paul wrote, “…mayyourspirit,soul,andbodybekeptsoundandblameless”(1Thessalonians5:23).InorderforGodto“keep”yourbodysoundandblameless,Hemusthavefirst“made”itsoundandblamelessinChristaspartofthenewcreation.Paulwrote:

ThebodyisnotforsexualimmoralitybutfortheLord,andtheLordforthebody….Don’tyouknowthatyourbodiesareapartofChrist’sbody?(1Corinthians6:13,15).

Doyounotknowthatyourbody isasanctuaryof theHolySpiritwhois inyou,whomyouhavefromGod?Youarenotyourown,foryouwereboughtataprice.ThereforeglorifyGodinyourbody(1Corinthians6:19–20).

Yourbodywasincludedinyourredemption:Thebodyis“fortheLord,andtheLordfortheBody”becauseHebought/redeemedit.It’sHis.Paulsays“Youarenotyourown,foryouwereboughtataprice,”andthescripture’scontextisaboutthebody,sothe“you”hereclearlyincludesthebody.Your body is the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit because it was bought and

sanctifiedbyJesus.ThereforeweasChristianscan“glorifyGodinourbodies”becausetheyarepartofthenewcreationandtheHolySpirit isatworkwithinthem.When theBible teaches thatGod isatworkwithinyou,you tend togetconfusedandthinkthatHe’sworkingonlyinyour innerself.No,Godcreated“you” spirit, soul, and body and He’s at work within “you,” spirit, soul, andbody.

NowifChristisinyou,thebodyisdeadbecauseofsin,buttheSpiritis lifebecauseof righteousness.And if theSpiritofHimwho raisedJesusfromthedeadlivesinyou,thenHewhoraisedChristfromthedeadwillalsobringyourmortalbodiestolifethroughHisSpiritwholivesinyou(Romans8:10–11).

These verses are not talking about the future resurrection, they are talkingaboutourbodiesnow.Lookatthenextverse;itclearlyputsPaul’steachinginthecontextofthislife.

Sothen,brothers,wearenotobligatedtothefleshtoliveaccordingtotheflesh…(Romans8:12).

Yourunredeemedbody—alongwithyouroldspiritandsoul—wasburiedinChristwhenyouacceptedyoursalvation.Thebodyyounowhave—althoughitlooksthesame—isconsideredbyGodtoberedeemed,sanctified,andbroughttolife by the Spirit. The body you had was fallen; the body you have now isChrist’s and is the temple of theHoly Spirit. Your new body is like Christ’ssinlessbody thatHehadhereonearth, andyour futureglorifiedbodywill belikeChrist’s current glorified body.Your body is included in “saved,” “beingsaved,”and“willbesaved.”What’s really interesting about these verses is themeaning behind the two

differentGreekwordsPauluses.IntheGreekthewordsomameans“body”oryourphysicalbodies.TheGreekwordsarxcanmean“body”butmostoftenitmeans“flesh,”yoursinfulflesh.Thevastmajorityoftimesthewordsarxisused

in the New Testament it’s referring to your old, fallen self (spirit, soul, andbody)withitsevildesiresandtendencies.In Romans 8:10–11 Paul uses theword soma when he says that “the body

(soma) is dead because of sin” and “bring yourmortal bodies (soma) to lifethroughHisSpirit.”Theninverse12heusesthewordsarx:“Sothen,brothers,we are not obligated to the flesh (sarx) to live according to the flesh (sarx)”.Whenyou lookat thedifference in thesewords it becomes clearwhatPaul issaying:becauseyourphysicalbodiesarepartofthenewcreation—andindweltandempoweredbytheHolySpirit—younolongerhavetoyieldtotheoldsinfulself.

Therefore,brothers,bythemerciesofGod,Iurgeyoutopresentyourbodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is yourspiritualworship(Romans12:1).

Youcanpresentyourbodyas“holyandpleasingtoGod”becauseithasbeenredeemed.

Forwe know that our old selfwas crucifiedwithHim in order thatsin’sdominionoverthebodymaybeabolished…(Romans6:6).

Youhavebeensetfreefromsinbecausetheoldselfisdead—spirit,soul,andbody—and you are a new creation. The old desires may come knocking butthosedesiresarenolongerpartofwhoyouare.Youroldselfanditsdesiresnolongerhavetheauthoritytouseyourbodytoleadyouwhereyoudon’twanttogo.Ask theFather tohelpyouseeyourselfasanewcreation—completelynew

andabsolutely free fromsin.Then trust thatGod ispowerfullyatworkwithinyou,causingyoutowanttodo,andtodo,Hisgoodpleasure.Evenifsometimesyoufeellikeit’snotworking,keepbelieving.Faithisbelievingtobetruewhatyoudon’tyetseeandfeel.Yes,yourtransformationisprogressive,butwhatI’vefoundis,themoreIfocusonandbelievethatIalreadyamthenewcreation—inanyarea—thefastermytransformationtakesplace.Transformationistheartofdiscovering,believing,andwalkinginwhoGodhasalreadydeclaredyoutobe.Whenyou’veblownit,it’simportanttorememberwhoyouarebecauseyour

thoughtswilltryandconvinceyouthatyou’rescum,thatGodisnothappy,andthat transformation won’t work for you. Call each of those thoughts lies and

speak God’s truth. Slipping up and sinning doesn’t mean you’re not a newcreation;itjustmeansthatyou’regrowing.Nothingaboutyourselfhasbeen leftoutofyour redemption sonothingcan

holdyoubackfrombeingtransformedineveryarea.Ifyouseethatanypartofyour life is not lining up to the image of Jesus, then pray and trust Him totransform you. For some things in your life, the transformation will happenquickly.Forotherthings,you’llneedtostayatitforawhile,cooperatingwithGod’s“atworkwithin”process.

SPIRIT-LEDCHANGEYoucantrustGodtomoveyouforwardoneissueatatime(itisarelationship),but ultimately it is your lovingMaster—whoknowsyoubest—whomanagesyour transformation. As you cooperate it’ll amaze you how change that youweren’t even thinking aboutwill happen.SometimesGoddoes things sodeepwithinyouyou’renotsurewhathappened,butyouknowyou’redifferent;othertimesHe’llworkwithyouintheprocessandteachyouwhatHe’sdoingwhileHe’schangingyou.WhentheLordisteachingyoutheHolySpiritwilloftenuseyourconscience

andHis“stillsmallvoice”(1Kings19:12NKJV)withinyoutogiveyouanudgeconcerningthingsthatHe’sworkingon.Forexample,youmayhaveraisedyourvoiceorrespondedimpatientlytosomeoneandafterwardsyoufeelGod’sSpiritinsideyounudgeyoutoapologize.Now that you’re starting to understand transformation by grace the Holy

Spirit’sworkinsideyouwillincrease.Why?Beforewhenyouthoughtthatyouhad to changeyourself,God’sSpiritwould not be aggressive inHis proddingbecauseitwouldoftenjustresultinyoudoublingyourefforts,thenfailing,andfeelingcondemned.Butwhenyouunderstandtheprocess,God’sSpiritwillstepthingsupbecauseyouknowthatHeismerelypointingoutwhatHeisdoinginyouandhowHewantsyoutocooperate.WhenevertheSpiritpromptsmeortheLordspeakstome,Istopanddotwo

simplethings:Isay,“Yes!That’swhoIam!”thenIaskHimtoworkitinme.Smile every time this happens because when the Spirit takes on a “TempleImprovement” project He provides His own materials and tools and alwayscompletes the job. The more you cooperate with God, the easier it gets andactually, themore fun it is.Stopand invite theHolySpirit to takeHis temple

improvementprojectstothenextlevelinyou.There’s no part of you that hasn’t been made new; but you may wonder,

“Howaboutmylife?”

THETRANSFORMEDLIFEThemosteffectivewaytochangeyourlifeistochangeyou—notyourspouse,job, friends, church, or circumstances, but you. Really! When you let Jesustransformyou,yourlifewillchange.Forexample,youcanattendmarriageconferences,getcounselingandreada

marriage book a week yet only see nominal changes in your relationship.Learning tips and principles are great, but if old-self things like anger,impatience,andselfishnessstilldominateyou,you’rejustapplyingwhitewash.However,ifyou’reputtingofftheoldselfandputtingonthenew,thentherealproblem—your old selves—is being dealt with and a new-creation loverelationshipcanblossom.MywifeandIdon’tfight.Wedon’talwaysagree,butwhenwedisagree,we

work things out lovingly.We use some of the tips we’ve learned from greatChristianbooksbutwhatreallymakesthedifferenceistheworkJesusisdoingwithinus.Wehaveanamazingrelationship that’sconstantlygettingbetternotbecausewedoubleuponoureffortstobenice,butbecauseGodistransformingus into the kind, giving, loving, patient, forgiving people he created us to be.God’splanfor transformingChristianmarriage is to transformeachoneof thepartnersinamarriage.Youcanseethatthesameistrueineveryareaofyourlife.Themoreyou’re

transformedintoHisimage,themoreyouwalkwithHim,hearHim,andreceiveHis wisdom and direction—and the more your relationships grow andopportunitiesopen.Youbecomebetter in everythingyoudo, evenathandlingproblems and obstacles andmoving out in faith, and as you do,His blessingscome.Yourlifechangesasyoubecomethekindofpersonwholivesandworksinorder to loveandgive.AsyoubecomewhoGodmadeyou tobe,youstop“trying”tomakeyourlife“appear”ChristianandblessedbyGod,anditactuallybecomesthatasyouwalkwithHim.

Mydreamcontinued…

InmydreamIwatchedhelplesslywhileayoungfamilymemberwalkedoffthetopofabuilding.AlthoughwhatIhadwitnessedwashorrific,ithadn’tactuallyhappened.Itwasonlyadream.Yet,IfeltlikeIhadactuallyexperiencedit.As I prayed, peace came then something that had been missing from my

dreamstruckme:Ihadn’tprayed.AsIbecamemoresettled,IrememberedthatIhadbeenstrugglingrecentlyinafewsituationswhencounselingothers.Inonecase,Iwashavingadifficulttimeseeinghowthispersoncouldbetransformedandexperiencethe“newthem”anda“newlife.”Thenthemeaningofthedreamcametomelikeaflood.TheyounggirlrepresentedeachoneofGod’schildrenandIfelttheoverwhelmingloveHehasforeachone.However,thehelplessnessI felt was mine. Jesus has already paid the price and unlike me, He is notpowerlesstohelp.Youcan’tchangeanyone,butHecantransformeveryone.God never gives up on you and is always able to rescue, heal, restore, and

transformnomatterwhathashappened:andHewantstodoit!Don’tentertainthe enemy when he’s trying to convince you that you, and/or someone youknow,hasalreadywalkedofftheedgeor“it’stoolate”or“you’vegonetoofar.”You’ve been completely redeemed, made new in every way, and yourtransformationisguaranteed.Nothingcangetinyourway.Praythisprayerandifyoufeeltheneed,addyourownwordsatanypoint.

“Thank You, Father, for making me a new creation—spirit, soul,andbody,whichincludesallofme.ThankYouthattheoldmeisdeadand thenewme—whichYou created in the imageof Jesus—isnowaliveinHim.ThankYouforgivingmeanewheart,anewspirit,themindofChrist,andforfillingmewithYourHolySpiritandmakingme a partaker of Your divine nature. Thank You for making merighteous and for sanctifyingme completely. Jesus, please teachmehowtoputoff theoldselfandputon thenewself,andcauseme tocooperate with and trust You as You work powerfully within me.ThankYouforredeemingthetrueandrealme,themeYoucreatedmetobe.CausemetoliveinthefreedomthatYoupaidforandtransformmefromglorytogloryintoYourimage.”

Nextlet’slookattheessentialrolethatGod’sWordandtherenewingofyourminds,playinyourtransformation.

POWERPOINTSFROMTRUTHNUMBER5QuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

Salvationiscomplete,butyourtransformationisprogressive.

The“oldyou”isnot“beingsaved.”You’reanewcreation,theoldsinfulyoucan’tbesaved.He’sdead.

Jesusdiedtoredeem(orbuyback)theoriginalyou,theyouGodcreatedinHisimage.

Jesusboughtyoubackfromsin,death,hell,andthegraveandbroughtyoubacktoyouroriginalpurpose;

LikeAbraham,youbelievethatyouarewhoGodsaysyouare—anewcreation—andthenyouwalkinitbygracethroughfaith

You’vebeengiventhisamazinggift—acompletelynewyou.Nowyouneedtounwrapit,discoverit,andputiton.

Godisn’tcallingyoutoworks,buttotransformation,towalkouttocompletionwhathasalreadybeenaccomplishedforyou.

Youroldselfwasaslavetosin,butyournewselfisrighteousandnaturallyyieldedtorighteousness.

YouaretherighteousnessofGodinHim.SolikeJesuswhenHewalkedthisearth,theDevilhasnoauthorityoveryou.

YouarenolongeraslavetotheDevilorsin.JesushassetyoufreeandyouarearighteoussonordaughterofGodforever!

Jesusrescuedandredeemedeverypartofyou:HepaidforitallandHedesirestolovinglytransformyouineveryway.

ItisnotGod’splanforChristtobepartiallyformedinpartsofyou,butforHimtobecompletelyformedinallofyou.

YouhavethemindofChristandasHeisformedinyou(Galatians4:19),Hismindisbeingformedinyouaswell.

Grapevinesnaturallyproducegrapes;andnewcreations,whoarecreatedinGod’simage,naturallyyieldspiritualfruit.

Godgentlyrenewsandtransformsyouinlovesothatyouarethenabletotrulyloveandbeloved.

YourbodyisthesanctuaryoftheHolySpiritbecauseitwasboughtandsanctifiedbyJesus.

Godcreated“you,”spirit,soul,andbodyandHe’satworkwithin“you,”spirit,soul,andbody.

Thebodyyouhadwasfallen;thebodyyouhavenowisChrist’sandisthetempleoftheHolySpirit.

Youcanpresentyourbodyas“holyandpleasingtoGod”becauseithasbeenredeemed.

Youhavebeensetfreefromsinbecausetheoldselfisdead—spirit,soul,andbody—andyouareanewcreation.

Youroldselfanditsdesiresnolongerhavetheauthoritytouseyourbodytoleadyouwhereyoudon’twanttogo.

TrustthatGodispowerfullyatworkwithinyou,causingyoutowanttodo,andtodo,Hisgoodpleasure.

Slippingupandsinningdoesn’tmeanyou’renotanewcreation;itjustmeansthatyou’regrowing.

Nothingaboutyourselfhasbeenleftoutofyourredemptionsonothingcanholdyoubackfrombeingtransformedineveryarea.

WhentheSpirittakesona“TempleImprovement”projectHeprovidesHisownmaterialsandtoolsandalwayscompletesthejob.

Themosteffectivewaytochangeyourlifeistochangeyou—notyourspouse,job,friends,church,orcircumstances,butyou.

God’splanfortransformingChristianmarriageistotransformeachoneofthepartnersinamarriage.

Yourlifechangesasyoubecomethekindofpersonwholivesandworksinordertoloveandgive.

Youcan’tchangeanyone,butHecantransformeveryone.

Godnevergivesuponyouandisalwaysabletorescue,heal,restore,andtransformnomatterwhathashappened.

You’vebeencompletelyredeemed,madenewineveryway,andyourtransformationisguaranteed.

Nothingcangetinyourway.

TheRenewingofYourMind

TruthNumber6

HavingyourmindrenewedwithGod’sWordisanessentialpartofyourtransformation.

Mywife’sdream…Shewasstandingbesideanexpanseoflawnlookingacrossit totheothersidewhere sheneeded tobe.Manywomenalldressed inblack robesoccupied thelawn.Sheknewthattheywerenotwomenoffaithbut,infact,weresetagainstthefaith.Althoughtheyweretakingnonoticeofhernow,shewassurethattheywouldnotbeveryfriendlywhensheattemptedtocrossthelawn.Shebracedherself,steppedonthegrassandstartedtoheadtowardshergoal.

As anticipated, the closest woman in black turned, looked right at her thenheaded towardsherwithasmileonher face.Mywifeknew thesmilewasnotgenuine. As thewoman approached,mywife instinctively feltGod’s authorityandputherhandup,palmout,andsignaledforheropponenttostop.“No!”Shecommanded.Thewomaninblacksuddenlystopped,butthenanotherwomaninblackturnedaroundandalsobegantoapproachher.Mywifedidthesamewiththiswoman,andthenext,and thenext,aseach took turns trying toapproach.With each“No!”her confidence increased and her handmovedmore quicklyfromwomantowoman.Asoneofthelastwomenheadedtowardsher,mywife’sconfidencewas so strong, she knewshedidn’t evenhave to sayanything.Shejust snappedher fingersand thewoman fellhelplessly to theground.Mywifewokeupandknewinstantlywhatthedreammeant.

Tobecontinued…

THEPURPOSEANDPOWEROFGOD’SWORD

Thissectionisabouttherenewingofyourminds,andsinceGodusesHisWordinthatprocess,we’regoingtolookfirstatwhattheBibleteachesaboutitsownroleinyourtransformation.Inthesecondhalfofthissectionwe’llexaminehowyouaretointeractwithGod’sWordtohaveyourmindrenewed.God’s Word is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). In fact, God’s Word

containsthepowerinitselftoaccomplishwhatGodhaspurposedanddeclared.

…MywordthatcomesfromMymouthwillnotreturntoMeempty,butitwillaccomplishwhatIpleaseandwillprosperinwhatIsendittodo”(Isaiah55:11).

Thecontextofthisverseisclearestinverse3ofIsaiah55,whichsays,“Iwillmake an everlasting covenant with you.” In the same chapter the Holy Spiritencourages“everyonewhois thirsty” to“cometo thewater”andtellsyouthatGod will have “compassion” on you and “freely forgive.” The versessurrounding verse 11 about God’sWord accomplishing its purpose show youthatthepurposeofGod’spowerfulWordistoexplain,facilitate,andcauseyourNewCovenanttransformation.God’svisionforhumanityistomakeyouinHisimageandlikeness,andHisWordwasgiventoyoutoaccomplishthatpurpose.TheBibleisGod’sWordandHespokeitandhadmenwriteitdown,notonly

to reveal Himself and His purpose for humanity—“Let Us make man in ourimage and likeness”—but also to give you the power and how-to knowledgenecessarytotransformyou.PaultaughtaboutthepowerandpurposeofGod’sWordaswell.

… fromchildhoodyouhaveknown the sacredScriptures,which areabletogiveyouwisdomforsalvationthroughfaithinChristJesus.AllScripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, forrebuking,forcorrecting,fortraininginrighteousness,sothatthemanofGodmaybecomplete, equipped foreverygoodwork (2Timothy3:15–17).

PaulstatesGod’spurposeforgivingyoutheScripturesis“togiveyouwisdomforsalvation,”andagain,“sothatthemanofGodmaybecomplete.”Thewordtranslated“complete”means“perfect.”GoddesignedandempoweredHisWordto achieve His goal: your transformation into His image in Christ Jesus. HisWordgivesyou thewisdom,promises,andhow-toknowledge—andallof the

powerandresourcesofheavenshowuptomakewhatGodspokehappenwhenyoubelieveit.TheGospelisthecoremessageoftheentireBible,andPaulsaid:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power forsalvation to everyonewho believes, first to the Jew, and also to theGreek(Romans1:16;seealso1Corinthians1:18).

JustasGodsaid,“Lettherebelight”andlightcameintobeing,asyoulearn,believe, and embraceHisWord, youwill be transformed intoChrist’s image.Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).God’s Word sanctifies you because it has the power in itself to accomplishGod’spurpose,yourtransformation.

ThisiswhyweconstantlythankGod,becausewhenyoureceivedthemessageaboutGodthatyouheardfromus,youwelcomeditnotasahuman message, but as it truly is, the message of God, which alsoworkseffectivelyinyoubelievers(1Thessalonians2:13).

WhenyousitwiththeTeacherandHeopenstheWordtoyouandwritesitonyour heart, the transforming power that God invested in His Word literally“workseffectivelyinyou”andstartshelpingyouputoffandputon.Evergotlostinagoodbook?YouareliterallymeanttoloseyourselfintheGoodBookandcomeouttransformed.

PLUGGINGINTOGOD’SWORDIfyouinheritedafortunefromalong-lostrelativebutneverfoundoutaboutit,you’dneverknowtopickitup.Ifyoudidfindout,thefirstthingyou’dneedtodo is read the will so you’d know what was yours. Jesus has made muchavailable for you and the understanding of what you’ve been given is in HisWord(2Peter1:3).InordertogrowintoallGodcreatedyoutobe,youneedtogetintotheBookHedesignedtofacilitateandempoweryourjourney.Paulalsotaughtthatknowingisaprerequisitetogrowing:

Sofaithcomesfromwhat isheard,andwhat isheardcomesthroughthemessageaboutChrist(Romans10:17).

LearningwhatGoddidforyouinChristJesusgivesbirthtohope; thenyoucanreceiveitbygracethroughfaith.IlikethewayJamesputit:

Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humblyreceivetheimplantedword,whichisabletosaveyou(James1:21).

Thewordtranslated“riddingyourselves”wouldbebetter translated“puttingoff.”YouneedtohumblyreceiveGod’sWord,whichisabletosaveyou(“beingsaved”) by informing you—so you know what to put off and put on—andempowering you to do it. The word “implanted” paints such a great picture.Jeremiah prophesied that in the New Covenant God would place His Wordwithin you and write it on your heart (31:33). As you learn God’sWord HeplantsitwithinyouandJesus,yourTeacher,causesyoutounderstanditandbetransformedbyit.Jesustaughtthatyouarenottoworryorbeanxiousaboutyourphysicalneeds

(Matthew 6:25–34) or to get caught up with the cares of this life (Matthew13:22).Hetaughtyoutonot letyourheartbetroubledorfearful(John14:27).Healsotaughtyou,throughPaul,tonotbeanxiousaboutanything(Philippians4:6),and throughPeter thatyouare tocastyourcaresontoHim(1Peter5:7).Fromtheseversesyoucanseethatasanewcreationyou’recalledtobeworry-free;thereforeGodhasalreadyprovidedyouwithallyouneedinChristtowalkin it andHisveryWordson the topiccarry thepower to transformyou intoaworry-freeperson.Ifyouhaven’talreadydone it,whynotstartwith this:confessyourworries

andfearstotheLordandaskHimtosetyoufreefromthem.ThenaskHimtoteachyou,workwithinyou,andtransformyouintoHisimageinthisarea.Read,study,andmemorizeafew“worry-free”versesandchoosetobelievethatyournew self doesn’tworry or get anxious about anything but instead prays abouteverythingandtrustsGodineverything.Youmay,ofcourse,needtolookupversesaboutwhatyou’vebeenworried

about. Ifyou’reperplexedaboutfinancesyou’llneedtoget into theWordandtrust Jesus to teach you what God promises about meeting your needs andblessingyou.TheneverytimetheHolySpiritnudgesyouinthemiddleofyourworriedthoughts,thankHimandputofftheoldyouandputonthenewyoubyquoting the verses you memorized—concerning worry and the thing you arebeingtemptedtoworryabout.Takeabreakandprayrightnow,thenputasidesome time to study the topic and let Jesus teach you. Then stick with it and

watchtheLord,theSpirit,andtheWordworkinyou.I’vedonethisandtheLordcontinuestotakemedeeperanddeeperintoHis

peace.SometimesIfindmyselfsoworryfreethatifIwasaworrier,itwouldbeworrisome. All joking aside, it’s an amazingway to live your life and you’llfind, as I did, that faith blossoms in a worry-free heart. This life will alwaysprovide the opportunities toworry but byHis grace, the power ofHismightyWord,andHisworkwithinyou,youcantrustHiminstead.When you read and studyGod’sWord looking for personal transformation

opportunitieslike“beingworryfree”itgetsexciting.Insteadofbeingchallengedordiscouragedbytryingto“liveupto”God’sWord,youdiveintoit,searchingfor hidden treasure, looking forwhoyou are andwhatGodhas already givenyouinChristJesus(Ephesians1:18–19).God’sWordisHistreasuremaptothenewcreation.Whateveryou’re strugglingwith, thegraceandpoweryouneedhasalready

beenprovided to transformyou in thatareaofyour life.But it’shidden in the“knowledgeofHim,”hiddeninChristandHisWord.AskJesustoteachyouandtransformyou,dustoffyourBible,andstart readingandstudyingwhat itsaysaboutyourareaofstruggle.Persevereinyourstudy,trustingJesustoguideandteachyou.OnceyouknowwhatGod’sWordteachesonthetopic,memorizethescriptures and start using them to “put off” and “put on.”BeforeGod’sWordcanstartworkinginyou,youneedtogetintoitandletitgetintoyou.LearningfromHisWordisn’thard.SinceHe’scalledyoutoit,He’llworkit

inyoubygrace.JesushaspromisedtoteachyouandHe’lleventeachyouhowtoreadandstudyHisWordwithHim.HeputthewholesystemtogetherinsuchawaythateachofHischildrencanlearnfromHimthroughHisWord.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven andearth,becauseYouhavehiddenthesethingsfromthewiseandlearnedandrevealedthemtoinfants(Matthew11:25).

Godhasusedmeasaprimeexampleofthis.I’mjustanaverageguywithnospecial training inanything.Yet Iknow thatbyHisgrace I’m taughtbyJesusandthemoreI’vetrustedHim,themoreHe’staughtme.Youneedtorememberthat Jesus picked very ordinary guys to beHisDisciples. If you needed to beextraordinary in any way in order to learn HisWord, then it wouldn’t be bygrace.Jesusteachesmeeveryday.ButHedoessowhenI’minHisWord.Thetimes

HeteachesmewithoutmyBibleopeninfrontofme,HeusestheBiblethatI’vestoredinmyheart(John14:26)asHisjumping-offpoint.WhydoesHeuseHisWord?Becauseyourownthoughtscanmisleadyou.Evenwhenyou’resincereyoucanbesincerelywrong.WhenGodrevealstruthtomeIdigdeeper,lookingat related verses, commentaries, the original language, etc., trusting Jesus toteachmehow to studyHisWord and to confirmwhatHe’s shownme. If theBibledoesn’tsupportwhatIthought,Iforgetit.IfitisconfirmedinHisWord,IaskJesustowriteitinmyheartandtransformmewithit.IfyoustrugglewithreadingandstudyingGod’sWordormakingtimeforit,

that’s covered by grace as well. There were times I struggled in this area.However,asIstartedtorelyontheMasterandHisgracetodrawmeintoHisWord and teach me, my time in the Bible and my love for it increaseddramatically.Now Ihonestlyhaveno troublepicking itupandgetting into it.It’sputtingitbackdownthatIsometimeshavedifficultywith.God has given you His Word, and He’s provided you with Jesus as your

Teacher. He’s promised to reveal its truths to you and to set you free andtransformyouandyourlifebyHistruth.Yourresponsibilityistoreceivetheseincrediblegiftsbygrace throughfaithandstartdevouringHisWord(Jeremiah15:16).

RENEWINGTHEMINDNowweneedtolookattherenewingofyourmindandhowthatinterconnectswith the grace-mechanics of your transformation. Romans 12:2 is the classicverse about renewing your mind, but let’s start by looking at the verse justbeforeit.

Therefore,brothers,bythemerciesofGod,Iurgeyoutopresentyourbodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is yourspiritualworship(Romans12:1).

UndertheOldCovenanteachanimalofferedasasacrificehadtobeinspectedbecause it had to be perfect without defect or blemish. Jesus was the perfectlamb,“withoutdefectorblemish”(1Peter1:19)andyouaretobetransformedintoHis image. Peterwrote that you are to “make every effort to be found atpeacewithHimwithoutspotorblemish”(2Peter3:14).HerePaulwrote,“Iurgeyoutopresentyourbodiesasalivingsacrifice,holyandpleasingtoGod.”Your

salvation is complete in Christ—you are a new creation—but yourtransformation is progressive.The goal of your transformation is to grow intoHisperfect,holy,andblamelessimage.Paulcallsthisyour“spiritualworship.”You gratefully respond to your amazing salvation by walking out yourtransformationwithJesus.In thenextversePaul tellsyouhowtowalkoutyour transformationso that

youcanpresentyourselfholyandpleasingtoGod.

Donotbeconformedtothisage,butbetransformedbytherenewingofyourmind,sothatyoumaydiscernwhatisthegood,pleasing,andperfectwillofGod(Romans12:2).

WhenyouconsumetheWord,trustingtheTeachertoteachyouandwriteitonyourheart,yourmindisrenewedandHisSpiritandthepowerofHisWordtransformyou.AsyourmindisrenewedyoustarttothinklikeGodthinksanditbecomes easier to discernwhatHiswill is and live it.AlthoughyourTeacherdrives the mind-renewing process, you have a cooperative part to play. Let’slookatasimpleexampleofhowthatworks.YoustartbyreadingtheWordandlearningGod’swill.Jesussaid:

“Youhaveheard that itwassaid,Donotcommitadultery.But I tellyou, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has alreadycommittedadulterywithherinhisheart”(Matthew5:27–28).

Jesus didn’t teach this so that you could spend your life fighting waywardthoughts.Hetaughtitsothatyou’dknowwhatthenewcreationlookslikeandyoucouldbetransformed.WhenIwasnewlysavedandlearnedthisscriptureIknewmythinkingneededtochangeinthisarea.SoImemorizedtwoscriptures,whichtostartwith,Iquotedmany,manytimesaday.Theywereoneaboveandthefollowing:

EveryonewhohasbeenbornofGoddoesnotsin,because…heisnotabletosin,becausehehasbeenbornofGod(1John3:9).

Each timea temptationwouldcome to lookatawomanand thinkanythingbelowGod’sstandard, Iwouldpray,“Lord,Yousaid that to lookatawomanlustfullyissinandI’mbornofGodandIdonotsin.”Isimplyputonthenewme.Itwasastruggleatfirstbutafterawhileitgoteasierandeasier.Soonthose

kind of thoughts were no longer a problem and whenever they did presentthemselves,Iquicklysquashedthemlikepeskymosquitoes.Whydiditbecomeeasier? I was cooperating with God’s process, trusting Him and obedientlypresentingmyself beforeHimas a living sacrifice.So theHolySpirit and thedivinepowerinvestedinGod’sWordwenttoworkandtransformedmeinthisareabygrace.It wasn’t just my thoughts that were being changed. I was being changed,

from the inside-out into the new creation God made me to be. I started outthinking that I needed tomerely change a habit or a thought pattern, but theresultwassomuchbigger.IntheabsenceoftheoldthoughtsIstartedthinkingof every woman as a sister, of protecting them, praying for them, caring forthem,andbeingtrulyinterestedintheirwellbeing.IpresentedmyselfasalivingsacrificeandtheHolySpiritusedtheWordandtransformedme.Whendiscussingthis issuein thechurch,wesometimestellwomenthat it’s

theirresponsibility todress“modestly”so that theydon’tcause themenin thechurch tostumble.Our focus is in thewrongplace.Whathappenswhen thosemenarenotatchurch,wherethewomenhavenodresscode?Orwhenlatenighttelevisionandinappropriatewebsitesareavailabletothem?Iagreethatwomenshould not be scantily clad, but not for the men’s sake but for their own.Christianmenneed tohave theirminds renewedand let Jesus transform themintoHisimage.

Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longerwalk as theGentileswalk, in the futility of their thoughts. They aredarkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God,becauseoftheignorancethatisinthemandbecauseofthehardnessoftheir hearts. They became callous and gave themselves over topromiscuityforthepracticeofeverykindofimpuritywithadesireformoreandmore(Ephesians4:17–19).

Paulstatesthatyoushouldnolongerwalkinthefutilityofyourthoughtsasunsavedpeopledo.Why?Because twothingsexcludepeople“fromthe lifeofGod”—ignorance and a hard heart. Before you had yourmind renewed, yourthoughts were a sewer of misconception, untruth, selfishness, and darkness.Although your heart is nowmade new in Christ, ignorance of HisWord cancontinuetoexcludeyou“fromthelifeofGod.”WhatPaulsaysnextshowshowpowerfulyour thoughts canbe:“They…gave themselvesover…”Youendup

givingyourselfovertowhatyouchosetothinkabout.Youcan’twalkinthelifeGodhas foryou ifyou’re ignorantofHisWordandyou’re thinking the futilethoughtsofthisworld.Paulgoesontoshowyouhowtochangethewayyouthink.

But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, assuming youheardaboutHimandweretaughtbyHim,becausethetruthisinJesus.Youtookoffyourformerwayoflife,theoldselfthatiscorruptedbydeceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of yourminds;youputonthenewself,theonecreatedaccordingtoGod’slikenessinrighteousnessandpurityofthetruth(Ephesians4:20–24).

When you were saved your old self, which was “corrupted by deceitfuldesires,”wascrucifiedandburiedwithChrist;butinordertowalkthatchangeout youmust be “renewed in the spirit of [your]minds.” So you get intoHisWord and discoverwho you are as a new creation and you useHisWord tocooperatewithJesus in therenewingofyourmind.Youdothatbyputtingoffold thoughts and thought patterns and putting on the new ones. Thetransformation of your thoughts leads to transformation in your words andactionsasGod’sWordgoestoworkinyou.Hereareafewversesthatsupplyyouwithpracticalexamples:

But now you must also put away all the following: anger, wrath,malice, slander, and filthy language from yourmouth.Do not lie tooneanother,sinceyouhaveputofftheoldselfwithitspracticesandhave put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledgeaccordingtotheimageofyourCreator(Colossians3:8–10).

Youfindoutfromtheseverses thatanyissuesyouroldselfhadwithanger,wrath,malice,slander, filthy language,and lyingare tobeputaway. Ifyou’redealingwithanyofthesesissues,memorizetheseverses.Butdon’tjusttreatthenegative. If you’re dealingwith anger, pair these verseswith verses about thefruitof theSpirit (Galatians5:22–23)anddetermine tobecomepatient,gentle,and kind, just like your Master. If you have an issue with unedifying wordscomingoutofyourmouth,memorizetheseverses,togetherwithEphesians4:29,andletGodtransformyousothatallofyourwordsarealwayshelpfulandbuildothersup.

Every timeyour thoughtsorbehaviorheadback intoold-self territoryquoteandpraytheWord—presentingyourselfasalivingsacrifice—anddeterminetoputofftheoldselfandputonthenew.Declare,“That’snotwhoIam!”AsyoutrustHim andwalk this out, you’ll be amazed atwhat happens on the inside.JesuswillteachyouanewwayofthinkingandactingandtheHolySpiritwilltakethepowerofGod’sWord,workwithinyou,andtransformyouintothenewcreation.Transformationisn’tangermanagement.It’sgettingangryatyouroldmanagementandhavingyournewmanagementformedinyou.ConsumeGod’sWordnotjusttobeinformedbuttobetransformed.

STRONGHOLDSRenewingyourmind isnot justaboutchanging thewayyou thinkaboutsomethings.You’vebeengiven themindofChristandyou’recalled toput itonsothatyouendupthinkinglikeHedoesineverything.

Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy andempty deceit based on human tradition… and not based on Christ(Colossians2:8;seealsoPhilippians2:5).

When Eve listened to the serpent, she questioned God’s love andtrustworthinessandsenttheworldintoatailspinoftryingtodiscerntruthapartfrom God. She was “taken captive” and the world is still full of fruitlessquestioningandsearching.InChrist,youarecalledtosimplytrustthattheOnewhocreatedeverythingknowshowitallworksandthatHe’llteachyou.

… the weapons of our warfare are not worldly, but are powerfulthrough God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolisharguments and every high-minded thing that is raised up against theknowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ (2Corinthians10:3–5).

As you embark on this journey you’ll find that there are strongholds ofthought in yourmind—ways of established thinking that are anchored to pastexperiences or emotions—that won’t move easily. You need to decide to putaway your old way of thinking and agree with God’s Word in everything,“taking every thought captive to obey Christ” and “humbly receiving the

implantedWord.” As you do, Jesus will teach you HisWord and build newstrongholdsofunderstandinginyouthatwillreplacetheoldones.Foryoutobefully transformedyour thinkingneeds tobefully transformed; toputonChristyouneedtotakeonthemindofChrist.Inmyexperience,thebiggestmentalstrongholdliesintheareaofaccepting

who Iamasanewcreation.Likewise, theworld, theDevil, andyourold selfwillwant toremindyouofyourfailures,shortcomings,sins,andmistakesandtellyouthatyou’renotworthytobeallGoddeclaresyoutobe.YoumustallowGod’sWordtodemolishthesestrongholds.AsI’mwritingthis,Godgavemeapicture.Isawaproverbialfamilypicture

wall in heaven with all of the pictures of God’s children wonderfully andindividuallyframed,andproudlydisplayedonit.AsIlookedatthewall,IsawmanyofHischildren finding theirownpictureand removing it fromthewall.That’swhatyoudowhenyoudon’tbelievewhatHesaysaboutyouandcountyourselfsomehowunworthyorunabletoreceiveallChristJesusdoneforyou.God is saying,“Pleasestop takingyourpictureoff the familywall. I loveyouandyoubelong there!” Ifyoubelieve thatGod’sWord is true, thenyoumustbelievethatwhatitsaysaboutyouistrue.Jesus lovingly, patiently teaches and transforms you; you can trust Him to

discipleyouandtodemolisheventhebiggeststrongholds.ChoosetotrustHimandHisWord and askHim to draw you into theBible and transformyou byconductingacompleteone-thought-at-a-timerenovationofyourmind.

RANDOMTHOUGHTSRemember this very important truth: not every thought that comes into yourmindrepresentswhoyouare.Duringtheprocessofrenewingyourmind—andeven sometimes long after your mind has been renewed in a certain area—athought fromyouroldselfwilldoadrive-byshooting inyourbrain.This isanormalpartoftheprocess.Youcan’tmovefromonewayofthinkingtoanotherwithoutoverlap.Yourmindis“being”renewed.It’saprocess.Youaredefinedbythethoughtsyouchooseandchewon,notbyalltheonesthatfloatthrough.

So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above,wheretheMessiahis,seatedattherighthandofGod.Setyourmindsonwhatisabove,notonwhatisontheearth(Colossians3:1–3).

Theoriginallanguagefor“setyourminds”meanstoexerciseyourmindandmakeachoice.Ifyouautomaticallythoughtthewayyoushould,theHolySpiritwouldn’tbetellingyouto“seekwhat isabove”andto“setyourminds.”Godgaveyouabrain that could think througheverythingandmakechoicesoutofthatthoughtprocess.Soyour“thinkingthrough”and“passingthrough”thoughtsarenotwhoyouare.It’syour“conclusion”thoughtsortheonesyoudecideto“setourmindon”thatbegintodefineyou.

THINKINGLIKEGODWhenEvechosetoeat thefruit,shedecidedtofigurelifeoutforherselfapartfromGod.Thewaythisworldcurrentlythinksandoperatesistheresultofthatmessed-upquest.

“No!Youwillnotdie,”theserpentsaidtothewoman.“Infact,GodknowsthatwhenyoueatityoureyeswillbeopenedandyouwillbelikeGod,knowinggoodandevil”(Genesis3:4–5).

YouwerecreatedtobeGod’schild,tobeonewithHim,walkwithHimandtolooklike,thinklike,andactlikeHim.InthisworldyouoftenhavedifficultywiththeideaoftrustingGodandsurrenderingyourself toHiswill.Yourmindscreams,“I’man individual! Icanfigure itout formyself!Noone isgoing totellmewhat todo! I’mnobody’sbrainlesspuppet!”That’sbasically the sameargumentthatthedevilusedonEvejustbeforeshebecamehisbrainlesspuppet.The whole argument is based on the idea that each of you are independentindividuals who do as you please and rise and fall on your own choices andmerits,responsibleforonlyyourself.That’snotwhoGodisorwhoHecreatedyoutobe.That’swhotheDevilis.God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in loving, unified coexistence and He

createdyoutobeonewiththetriuneGodandwitheachother.Inorderforthattoworkyouneed tovalue, love, trust,andsubmit tooneanother.Satanwantsyou imitating him, living in selfish codependency. God wants you imitatingHim,livinginlovinginterdependence.

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children (Ephesians5:1).

Goddoesn’tcallyoutotrustHimandyieldtothisprocesssothatyoucanbeHisslavesbutso thatyoucan learn to think likeHedoes,be transformedintoHisimage,andwalkinunselfishlovingonenesswithHimandeachother,asHischildren.

Mywife’sdreamcontinued…Asshesteppedontoandcrossedthelawntowardshergoal,womenofbadintentwhosepurposewastostopher,cameather.Whenshewokeupsheknewthatthe women in black represented thoughts and thought patterns that had beentryingtokeepherfrommovingforwardinhertransformation.Godwasshowingher what she needed to do. In the following days as soon as one of thesethoughts would rise up, she would immediately speak out “No!”—sometimesevenusingthehandgestureshehadusedinthedream.Iwouldseeandhearherdoingitthroughouttheday.God was encouraging her in her efforts to—as she so wonderfully puts it

—“practiceright thinking.”I lovethatphrasebecauseaswe’vediscussed, it isGodwhorenewsyourmind.ButyouarecalledtocooperatebylearningGod’struthandapplyingittoyourthoughts;thatcanaptlybecalled“practicingrightthinking.”Whatwas illustrated in thedreamis thateach timeyousetout tocooperate

withGodintherenewalofyourmind,acertainprocessensues.First,assoonasyou learnsomethingnewfromHisWordandembarkon the journey, it seemsthattheoldthoughts(representedbythewomeninblack)becomerelentlessandpersistent.However, asyou stayat it, thepowerofGod’sWordand theHolySpiritwithinyouwill empower theprocess.Soonyou’llnotice that thewrongthoughtsvisitlessandlessandwhentheydo,theyareobliteratedmoreeasily.Youwerenevermeant tomerelyreadandknowGod’sWord;Hegave it to

yousothatyouwouldbecometransformedbyit.Rememberthateverytimeyouopenit.Icurrentlyhaveseveralmind-renewalprojectsunderwayandthegrace-transformationI’mseeingasIcooperatewithGod’sprocessisamazing.Stop and pray; talk with God about what you’ve learned in this section. If

you’veneverusedGod’sWordtointentionallycooperatewiththerenewingofyourmind,askHimtoworkthisinyouandhelpyougetstarted.Whetherthisisyourfirsttimeoryou’vealreadybeendoingthisforyears,askHimtohelpyoupickatopicandgetmoving.

You’ve probably noticed that all through this book I’ve encouraged you toprayabouteverything.PrayerisanessentialpartofyourtransformationbecausethecoreofChristianityisyourrelationshipwithGod,yourFather,Master,andCounselor. In the next sectionwe focus on that relationship and how to praythroughyourtransformation.

POWERPOINTSFROMTRUTHNUMBER6QuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

God’sWordcontainsthepowerinitselftoaccomplishwhatGodhaspurposedanddeclared.

GoddesignedandempoweredHisWordtoachieveHisgoal:yourtransformationintoHisimageinChristJesus.

AllofthepowerandresourcesofheavenshowuptomakewhatGodspokehappenwhenyoubelieveit.

God’sWordsanctifiesyoubecauseithasthepowerinitselftoaccomplishGod’spurpose,yourtransformation.

Evergotlostinagoodbook?YouareliterallymeanttoloseyourselfintheGoodBookandcomeouttransformed.

Knowingisaprerequisitetogrowing.

LearningwhatGoddidforyouinChristJesusgivesbirthtohope;thenyoucanreceiveitbygracethroughfaith.

AsyoulearnGod’sWordHeplantsitwithinyouandJesus,yourTeacher,causesyoutounderstanditandbetransformedbyit.

SometimesIfindmyselfsoworryfreethatifIwasaworrier,itwouldbeworrisome.

Faithblossomsinaworry-freeheart.

God’sWordisHistreasuremaptothenewcreation.

BeforeGod’sWordcanstartworkinginyou,youneedtogetintoitandletitgetintoyou.

JesushaspromisedtoteachyouandHe’lleventeachyouhowtoreadandstudyHisWordwithHim.

IfyouneededtobeextraordinaryinanywayinordertolearnHisWord,thenitwouldn’tbebygrace.

GratefullyrespondtoyouramazingsalvationbywalkingoutyourtransformationwithJesus.

AsyourmindisrenewedyoustarttothinklikeGodthinksanditbecomeseasiertodiscernwhatHiswillisandliveit.

Youcan’twalkinthelifeGodhasforyouifyou’reignorantofHisWordandyou’rethinkingthefutilethoughtsofthisworld.

ThetransformationofyourthoughtsleadstotransformationinyourwordsandactionsasGod’sWordgoestoworkinyou.

Transformationisn’tangermanagement.It’sgettingangryatyouroldmanagementandhavingyournewmanagementformedinyou.

ConsumeGod’sWordnotjusttobeinformedbuttobetransformed.

You’vebeengiventhemindofChristandyou’recalledtoputitonsothatyouendupthinkinglikeHedoesineverything.

InChrist,youarecalledtosimplytrustthattheOnewhocreatedeverythingknowshowitallworksandthatHe’llteachyou.

IfyoubelievethatGod’sWordistrue,thenyoumustbelievethatwhatitsaysaboutyouistrue.

Jesuslovingly,patientlyteachesandtransformsyou;youcantrustHimtodiscipleyouandtodemolisheventhebiggeststrongholds.

Noteverythoughtthatcomesintoyourmindrepresentswhoyouare.

Youaredefinedbythethoughtsyouchooseandchewon,notbyalltheonesthatfloatthrough.

GodisFather,Son,andHolySpiritinloving,unifiedcoexistenceandHecreatedyoutobeonewiththetriuneGodandwitheachother.

Satanwantsyouimitatinghim,livinginselfishcodependency.GodwantsyouimitatingHim,livinginlovinginterdependence.

YouwerenevermeanttomerelyreadandknowGod’sWord;Hegaveittoyousothatyouwouldbecometransformedbyit.

TransformingPrayer

TruthNumber7

KnowingwhattheSpirittaughtaboutprayerthroughJames,John,andPaulwillhelpyou

praythroughyourtransformation.

MyDreamIwasridingonafuturistictransportthatwasbeingusedtotakeuslaborerstoandfromthejobsite.Iknewinthedreamthatourworkwasalongwayoffandin a very dangerous and hostile environment. Sitting besidemewas aworkerwhowasmuchmoreseniorthanme.Hewasholdingpaperworkandinformationregarding ourwork and theworkers.We began discussing a keyworkerwhohaddied.Iknewthatthekeyworkerwasoneofthepioneersoftheworkandoneofthebestandmostknowledgeableatthejobbut,apparently,Ididn’tknowthehalfofit.ThemanItalkedwithtoldmethatthiskeyworkerhadknownmore,byfar,thananyother;hekneweverypartofthejobineverydetail.Infact,itwashisexpertisethateveryone,oneverylevel,hadalwaysreliedon.The job we did was not only high-risk but high-profile, and this senior

gentleman that I sat with now showed me a list of all the top television talkshowsandnewsprogramsthathaddoneshowsonourwork.Whentherewasacontroversyorproblematthejobsite,thiskeyworkerhadbeentheonecalledontoanswerpeople’sconcernsandquestions.AsIlookedatthelist,Isawthathehadbeenonalloftheseshowsmanytimes,farmoreoftenthananyoneelse.Thesadthingwas,thisseniorworkerexplained,hewassogoodthateveryonehadmerelyreliedonhiminsteadof learning fromhim.Nowtherewasnoonewho knew everything like he did and only a fewwhowere experts at certainpartsof thejob.Icouldseehisconcern.Hereweallwereinaveryimportanthigh-riskjobthathadaneffectonthepopulationoftheworldandallofusweremerelydoingwhatweweretoldtodowithoutlearningmorefromtheonewhoreally knew everything. The job, the equipment, and the job site would start

fallingapartwithnoonetohelp.Withoutthiskeyworkerwewereallatriskandeventuallyeverythingwouldcometoascreechinghaltandperhapsaverybadending.We arrived at the shuttle terminal with heavy hearts. We knew that the

replacementcrewthatwaitedtogoouthadn’theardthesadnewsyetandoutofrespectwewaitedaroundtoheartheannouncement.Thenewworkerssawourdemeanorandsadnessandwondered.Theygatheredtoheartheannouncementin silence.After theannouncement, thenewworkers seemedunconcernedandunaffected.Theyjustpickeduptheirconversationsasifnothinghadhappened,got on the shuttles enmasse andwent towork. Iwas dumbfounded! The newcrewofworkershadn’tknownthiskeyworkerandseemedonlyconcernedaboutdoingtheirjobandgettingapaycheck.Theydidn’tseemtocareaboutthekeyworkerand theycertainlydidn’thaveevena smallportionof thecommitmentandcareforthework,andhowitaffectedallofus,likehehadpossessed.Theyhadnounderstandingofthedangertheywereinorhowmuchtheirindifferencewasgoingtoimpactthefuture.

Tobecontinued…

Inthissectionwe’lllookatthehowyourrelationshipwithGodandyourprayerlifewonderfullycollateswithyourtransformation.Inordertodothatwe’llfirstneed to establish some biblical basics about God’s plan for your relationshipwithHimandyourprayerlife.

REALLYKNOWINGGODIt’salwaysbeenGod’splantotransformyouintoHisimage.Why?SothatyoucouldbeHischildren,beonewithHim,knowandloveHimandbeknownandlovedbyHimforallofeternity.

“Nolongerwilloneteachhisneighbororhisbrother,saying,‘KnowtheLORD,’fortheywillallknowMe,fromtheleasttothegreatestofthem”—this is the LORD’s declaration. “For I will forgive theirwrongdoingandneveragainremembertheirsin”(Jeremiah31:34).

God’s focus in this verse is relationship. He said, “they will all know me”because He will forgive them. In other words, sin was merely the obstacle

keeping them from His true desire, a relationship. Now that the obstacle hasbeenremoved,HewantstobeknownbyHischildren.JesusknewthatHewouldlay downHis life so the obstacle could be removed and you could know theFatherlikeHedid.

Jesustoldhim,“Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife.NoonecomestotheFather except throughMe. If you knowMe, youwill also knowMyFather.FromnowonyoudoknowHimandhaveseenHim”(John14:6–7).

WhatJeremiahputintothefuture,JesusputintothepresentasHeheadedtothe cross. Comparewhat both of them said: “for they will all knowMe” and“From now on you do know Him.” Jesus knew that He was about to fulfillJeremiah’s prophecy. His task was all about restoring you to who you werecreated tobe—God’s children.Heopened theway soyoucould “come to theFather.”I love the words, “from now on.” Jesus knew that a relationship with the

Fatherwasn’tsomethingthatwe’dearnbutsomethingthatHe’dgainforus.ThedayyoureceivedJesusyouweregiventhesamerelationshipwiththeFatherthatJesus had. You “know Him”—you just need to grow up into it as you’retransformed.

AllthingshavebeenentrustedtoMebyMyFather.NooneknowstheSon except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the SonandanyonetowhomtheSondesirestorevealHim(Matthew11:27).

When you know the Son, it’s given to you to know the Father and Jesusdesires to reveal Him to you! This revealing is not a one-time revealing forsalvationorabriefglimpseofGod.Thewordrevealheremeansto“takeoffthecover”or“disclose”sothatsomethingcanbeseenandknown.Jesusopenedthewayforyoutoreallyknow,experience,andwalkwiththeFather.

This iseternal life: that theymayknowYou, theonly trueGod,andtheOneYouhavesent—JesusChrist(John17:3).

Every part of us—the new creation—is wired and equipped for a deep,personal, and very real relationship with God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).Your heart calls out for it and when you sense God’s presence or His touch

you’refilledwiththefullnessofjoy.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there isfullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm16:11ESV).

Your promised relationship and intimacy with God is the highest, mostamazing thing that Jesus died to achieve for you. Just like everything else inyoursalvation,yourrelationshipwithGodhasapast,present,andfutureaspect.YouweregivenanintimaterelationshipwithHim(Father,Son,andHolySpirit)thedayyouweresaved,youarecurrentlygrowingupintothatrelationship,andwhenyouleavethisplanetthatrelationshipwillbetakentoawholenewlevel—allbygrace.I remember a timewhen I felt like I just needed a hug frommyHeavenly

Father,andIwent toHimwith the imageinmymindofmeclimbingupontoHislap.AsIclosedthedoorbehindmeandwenttoHiminprayer,HeflashedapictureinmymindthateditedthepictureIhadcomewith.ThenewpicturewasofHimreachingdown,lovinglyscoopingmeupandputtingmeonHislap,andHewashappyIwasthere.Iweptforsometime,realizinganewhowmuchHelovesmeandhowmuchIcanrelyonHisgraceandpromisetorevealHimselftome.He showedme that because ofHis love and grace, I didn’t even have toclimbuponHis lap.Heanticipatedmycomingand lovinglygatheredme intoHis arms anddrewme close toHimself.You alreadyhave an intimate lovingrelationshipwiththeFatherandthere’snoclimbingnecessary.Achildmaylookliketheirfatherbutthekeytoreallybecominglikehimis

the child’s relationship with him. Likewise the foundation for you beingtransformedintoHisimageisyourrelationshipwiththeFather,Son,andHolySpirit.Asyou—byfaith—growupintotheserelationshipsyouaretransformedinthem.

KNOWINGHISLOVEWhenI learnedGod’spromise throughMoses’prophecy (Deuteronomy30:6),thatHewouldcauseme to loveHimwithallmyheart andsoul, I trustedHispromise, andmy love forHim increased and took over.Asmy love forHimgrew so didmy desire to experienceHis love forme.Don’t getmewrong, Iknew throughHisWord thatHe lovedme and I accepted that fact by faith. I

wasn’ttryingto“feel”likeHelovedmeor“feel”Hislove—ourfeelingscanbemisleading. Therewere even times I experienced His love forme—but I stillsomehow knew that there was more. Then one day while reading theWord,Jesustaughtmesomethingthatchangedmeforever.

I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love,may beable to comprehendwith all the saintswhat is the length andwidth,heightanddepthofGod’s love,andtoknowtheMessiah’s love thatsurpassesknowledge,soyoumaybefilledwithallthefullnessofGod.Now toHimwho is able todo above andbeyondall thatweaskorthinkaccordingtothepowerthatworksinus—toHimbegloryinthechurchandinChristJesustoallgenerations,foreverandever.Amen(Ephesians3:17–21).

This amazing prayer that Paul prayed for theEphesians isGod’s desire forevery Christian. Let’s look first at verse 20: “Now to Him who is able to doaboveandbeyondallthatweaskorthinkaccordingtothepowerthatworksinus…” By ending his prayer this way Paul shows you that everything in theprayer is dependent onGod’spower atworkwithinyou and thereforewill bedoneforyoubyHisgraceandpower.Now that you understand that, let’s look at what Paul prayed aboutGod’s

loveforus.“Ipraythatyou,beingrootedandfirmlyestablishedinlove,maybeabletocomprehendwithallthesaintswhatisthelengthandwidth,heightanddepthofGod’slove,andtoknowtheMessiah’slovethatsurpassesknowledge.”Noticetheconundrum:Paulpraysthatyouwouldbeableto“comprehend”and“know” something that “surpasses knowledge.” Looking at the originallanguage,PaulaskedGodtohelpyouperceive,understand,experience,andbesure of God’s lovewhich transcends and is beyond your ability to know andunderstand.Howcanyouknowsomethingthat’sbeyondknowing?YoucannotknowGod’sloveforyouonyourownbecauseit’sbeyondyour

ability,but“accordingtothepowerthatworksinus”HerevealsHislovetoyouand takes your knowing and experience of His love beyond what you could,yourself, askor think.AndasPaul says inverse21,Godgets allof theglorybecauseit’sallafreegiftinandthroughChristJesus.TheApostleJohnwrote,“Godis love”(1John4:8).SinceGodis love,you

can’t truly knowHimwithout knowingHis love; and Jesus can’t truly revealHimwithoutrevealingHislove.There’sabigdifferencebetweenknowingthat

GodlovesyouandknowingHis love.He’sgivenyouthepromiseofknowingHislove;youjustneedtoreceiveitbygracethroughfaith.SincethistruthfromGod’sWordhitmyheartandIstartedthankingGodthat

IdoknowHislove—renewingmymindwiththetruth—theknowledgeofHislovehasbeengrowinginsideofme.It’snotafeeling,it’sapowerfulknowing—a sense and assurance of His love—I just know He loves me huge. It’s anindescribable gift that often brings me to tears of joy. Here’s my point: thedeeperIknowHislovethemoreI’mtransformedbyit.He really loves you beyond what you can ask or think and He’s ready to

revealHislovetoyou,asyoutrustHim!Keepprayingandtrustingandneverletthisgo!YouareHischildandyouweremadetoknowandbeknownbyHim,toloveHimandbelovedbyHim.It’swhoyouareandit’sallbygrace.ThemoreyougrowinknowinghowmuchHelovesyoutheeasieritistotrustHim,Hispromises,andHisplan foryouand thatacceleratesyour transformation.Trulyknowingthatyou’relovedisanunshakeablefoundation.

TRANSFORMEDBYKNOWINGHIMGod—Father,Son,andHolySpirit—revealthemselvestoyounotonlythroughthe Word but also by walking with you and having you experience themaccordingtoHisWord.Astheydo,ChristandtherelationshipHehadwiththeFatherisformedinyouandthattransformsyou.Why?Becauseit’sonlyintrulyknowingGod,notjustaboutHim,thatyoucanbetransformedintoHisimage.In the Bible you see that the people who got really close to God (Enoch,

Abraham,Moses,David)wereallchangedforeverbyHim.Theywereexamplesforus,picturesorsamplingsofwhatyouhaveinChristJesus(Matthew11:11).YouaretobecomelikeHimbyunwrappingthegiftofknowingHim.

Andweall,withunveiled face, beholding thegloryof theLord, arebeing transformed into the same image from one degree of glory toanother(2Corinthians3:18ESV).

It’sasyoubeholdHim—yes,whattheWordsaysaboutHim,butalsoHim—walkingwithHim,spendingtimewithHim,talkingwithHim,andhavingHimrevealHimselfandHislovetoyou,thatyou’rechanged.I’mnottalkingaboutthe supernatural encounters. Those are nice and Jesus had thembut that’s not

whatHereliedon.I’mtalkingaboutgrowingdailybygracethroughfaithinadeeprealizationofHispresencewithyouandHisloveforyou—knowingHim.God reveals who He is as He reveals Himself and you cannot help but betransformedasHedoes.Let’slookatafewimportantprayerfundamentalsbeforelookingspecifically

atprayingthroughyourtransformation.

PRAYERSTHATDON’TWORKAsdiscussedpreviously,everythingGodhasforyoumustbereceivedbyfaith,becauseit’sallgivenbyHisgrace.That’ssothateverythingGodhaspromisedyou can be guaranteed (Romans 4:16; 5:1–2). If receiving anything fromGoddepended on your works then it could never be guaranteed. Therefore, youshould never pray prayers that are outside of your complete reliance on Hisgrace. Ifyoueverfindyourself trying to talkGodintoansweringyourprayersaboutyourtransformation—oranythingelse—becauseyousomehowdeserveit,you really need it, or because you don’t usually ask for much, etc., you’veforgottenthatit’sallbygracethroughfaith.TryingtoconvinceGodtobegoodbecause you deserve it is backwards. He is good and, in reality, you deservenothing.Also,theword“beg”shouldneverbeutteredinyourprayers.Achildwhois

confident in his father’s love never needs to beg for anything.Youmust stoppraying like you have to earn, beg for, or talk God into what He’s alreadypromisedyoubygrace.Strong,unshakablefaithcomesfromknowingthatGodwilldowhatHepromisedtodobygraceandgracealone.Prayer is about a relationship with God. You can count onGod answering

your prayers because He is good, you are in Christ, and you are lovedimmensely.Inthesameway,you’renottransformedintoHisimagebecauseyoudeserve it, can talkGod into it, and/or begHim to do it. You’re transformedbecauseit’sGod’splanforyou,Jesuspaidforit,andyoureceiveitbyfaith.

PRAYINGGOD’SWILLBynow,Itrustthatyou’reconvincedthattransformationisGod’swillforyou.However,youmaystillgetcaughtupinwonderingaboutthenuancesofGod’swill: have I excluded myself, is the timing right, or what if God won’t

accomplish His will in my life for some unknown reason? After all, Jesusprayed,“If itbe thywill”,didn’tHe?No,Heactuallydidn’tuse thosewords.But this ideacan tripyouup inyour transformation.So let’s lookatwhat theBibleactuallysaysaboutprayingaccordingtoGod’swill.Jesusactuallyprayed:

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless,notMywill,butYours,bedone”(Luke22:42).

JesusisyourexampleandHeshowedyoubythisprayerthatit’sokayforyoutohaveaconversationwithGodaboutthethingsHecallsyouto,aslongasyoustaysubmitted.ButJesuswasneverinthedarkaboutGod’swill.AveryshorttimeafterJesusprayedthisprayer,HeallowedHimselftobearrested,showingthatHeclearlyknewtheFather’swill.

Atthat,JesussaidtoPeter,“Sheatheyoursword!AmInottodrinkthecuptheFatherhasgivenMe?”(John18:11).

Jesus’prayerdoesn’tdemonstratethatyoucan’tknowGod’swillbutthatyoucan;JesusknewGod’swill fromtheWordbut in thatmomentHeneededHisFather’s love, strength,andassurancesoHeasked for it, received it andactedaccordingly; and then He immediately, willingly, and confidently startedheadingtowardthecross.God’swillforyourlifeisyourtransformationintoHisimage.On that foundationyou can reachout toGodand talkwithHimaboutanything,knowingthatHe’llcomfort,direct,andestablishyouinHiswill justlikeHedidforJesus.Here’sanotherversethatyouneedtounderstandaboutprayingGod’swill:

Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we askanythingaccordingtoHiswill,Hehearsus.AndifweknowthatHehearswhateverwe ask,we know thatwe havewhatwe have askedHimfor(1John5:14–15).

YoumaysometimesreadtheseversesthinkingthatJohnposedaparadox.Ononehand,youcanhavewhateveryouaskfor.Wow!Butontheotherhand, ifwhatyou’veaskedforissomehowmysteriouslynotGod’swill,thenyoucan’thaveit;soitseemsyoudon’treallygetwhateveryouaskfor.It’sonlyaparadoxifyouthinkthatyoucan’tknowGod’swill.

WhywouldJohnstartoutsaying,“NowthisistheconfidencewehavebeforeHim,”ifthere’snowaytoknowHiswillandthereforenowaytoknowthatyouhavewhat you’ve askedHim for?You saw earlier in James that if you don’tpray in faith (assurance) you cannot “receive anything from the Lord.”Therefore, John must be assuming that you can know God’s will and askaccordingly because that’s the only way you can pray in faith and thereforereceive.Let’sexaminewhatJohnwrotealittlecloser.Whendothedifferentpartsof

the process that Johnmentions happen? It all happens in the context of yourprayersession,whenyou’reaskingandHe’shearing.TheMessageBibleclearlybringsout the fact thatknowingyou’veaskedaccording toHiswill, thatHe’sheard you, and that you havewhat you’ve asked for, all happenwhen you’repraying.

Andhowboldandfreewethenbecomeinhispresence,freelyaskingaccording tohiswill, sure thathe’s listening.And ifwe’reconfidentthathe’s listening,weknowthatwhatwe’veaskedfor isasgoodasours(1John5:14–15MSG).

JohnisagreeingwithwhatJesustaughthim:

Therefore,Itellyou,allthethingsyouprayandaskfor—believethatyouhavereceivedthem,andyouwillhavethem(Mark11:24).

Jesustaughtthatyouaretobelievethatyou’vereceivedwhatyou’veprayedforwhenyoupray—notwhenyouseetheanswerandrealizeitwasGod’swill,butwhenyoupray.Again,that’stheonlywaytoprayinfaith.JohnisteachingwhattheMastertaught.YoudiscoverHiswillthenyoupray,andthenyouknowbyfaiththatyouhavewhatyou’veaskedfor.JesusandJohnagree:youcanknowGod’swillbygettingintoHisWordand

lettingJesusteachyouandwriteitonyourhearts.OnceyouknowHiswillyoucanprayinfullassuranceoffaithknowingthatHehearsyouandthatyouhavewhatwe’veaskedfor.You have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son and

you’re to be transformed by the renewing of your mind until Christ is fullyformedinyou.Therearenoexceptions,thereisnothingthatcanholdyoubackand the timing is now (2 Corinthians 6:2). God will transform you. He’s

promiseditanddeclaredit.Hewon’tgobackonHisWord(Hebrews6:17–18)andHisWordwillaccomplishwhatHesentittodo.Whenyou’reprayingaboutyourtransformationintoChrist’simage,youcanknowyou’reprayingaccordingtoHiswill,thatHehearsyou,andthatyouhavewhatyou’reaskingHimfor.SoyoucantrustHimandproceedlikeAbrahamdid.

HedidnotwaverinunbeliefatGod’spromisebutwasstrengthenedinhisfaithandgaveglory toGod,becausehewasfullyconvinced thatwhathehadpromisedHewasalsoabletoperform(Romans4:20–21).

Now let’s look specifically at how you are to pray through yourtransformation.

PRAYING THROUGH YOURTRANSFORMATIONPrayerisallaboutrelationship,knowingGod,Father,Son,andHolySpirit.YouaretransformedasyouwalkintimatelywithGod,trustingHimtorevealHimselfandHislove.YoumustknowthatyourtransformationisHiswill,makeityourhope,prayinfaith(resistingdoubt),andreceiveitthroughgrace.Sohowareyoutopraythroughyourtransformation?TheHolySpirittaught

you howwhenPaulwrote down howHe prayedGod’swill for the churches.TheprayersofPaularefocusedonbelievers’growthintransformation.(Here’sa list for you to look up: 1 Corinthians 1:4–9; Ephesians 1:15–19; 3:14–21;Philippians 1:3–6; 1:9–11; Colossians 1:9–14; 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24; 2Thessalonians1:11–12;2:16–17;Philemon1:6.)Let’s takea lookatoneof themost lovedofPaul’sprayersandlearn.(Paul

was quite consistent in how he prayed for believers so I’ll use this one as anexampleandmakereferencetotherest.)

Thisiswhy,sinceIheardaboutyourfaithintheLordJesusandyourloveforallthesaints,IneverstopgivingthanksforyouasIrememberyou inmyprayers. Ipray that theGodofourLord JesusChrist, thegloriousFather,wouldgiveyoua spiritofwisdomand revelation intheknowledgeofHim.IpraythattheperceptionofyourmindmaybeenlightenedsoyoumayknowwhatisthehopeofHiscalling,whatare

thegloriousrichesofHisinheritanceamongthesaints,andwhatistheimmeasurablegreatnessofHispowertouswhobelieve,accordingtotheworkingofHisvaststrength(Ephesians1:15–19).

PaulprayedthatGodwouldtakeyoubeyondmereknowledgeandcauseyoutounderstandeverythingthatJesusboughtforyou,andcauseyoutoreally“getit”sothatyourmindisrenewed.HewantedGodtodothatinyousothatyou’dknow and experience what you’re called to (being transformed into Christ’simage);everythingthatisyoursinChristJesus(Hislove,yourinheritance,theKingdom,God’s promises, etc.); andGod’s powerworking in you (whichHeprovidesinordertomakeallofthatareality).Orverysimplyput:PaulwantedGodtocauseyoutoreallyknowandunderstandtheGospelsothatyoucouldbetransformedintowhoyouareinChristandreceiveandliveinallyou’vebeengiveninChrist.YoureceiveallthisbyknowingandrelyingonHisgreatpowerthat’satworkwithinyou.JesusexemplifiedwhatPaulprayedforus.HeknewwhoHewas,whatwas

His,and thepowerof theFather thatworkedsomightily inand throughHim.All of Paul’s prayers were about you following in Jesus’ footsteps and beingtransformedintoHisimage.SobylookingatboththecontentandapproachofPaul’sprayers,youcanlearnsomethingabouthowtopray.Thefirst thing tonotice is thatPaulprayed inanattitudeof thanksgiving(1

Corinthians1:4;Ephesians1:16;Philippians1:3;Colossians1:12).HethankedGodforthoseheprayedforandalsoforwhatJesushadaccomplishedforthem.Jesus’workisdone.Youalreadyareanewcreation—createdinHisimage—soyouthankHimforwhatHe’salreadyaccomplishedandforworking inyouasHepromised.Theevidenceoffaithisthankfulness.Yourtransformationprayersshould be bathed in thanksgiving. Even when you’re not feeling thankful,choosingtobethankfulwillgetyoubackinHisstrengthmorequickly.Next, everythingPaul prayedwasGod’swill according to theGospel. Paul

prayedGod’swillso thathecouldknowthathewasheardandcouldstand infaith. You follow his example by praying what you know God’s Word saysregardingyourtransformation.Imemorize(notnecessarilywordforword)whattheBiblesaysaboutGod’s

willformeincertainareasandmakeapersonalizedtopicalverse-montagethatIpray when needed. What is a topical verse-montage, you ask? It’s just acompilationof theBibleverses that I’veput inmyheart for each topic Iprayabout.

When I’m affirmingwhatHe’s promised aboutme knowingHim, I pray atopicalverse-montagesomethinglikethis:“ThankYouFatherthataccordingtoYourpromisesinChristJesusIknowYouandYourlove.MyfellowshipiswithYou,YourSon,and theHolySpirit. Jesus, I’moneofYour sheep, so I thankYouthatIknowYouandYouknowmelikeYouknewtheFather,andHeknewYouwhenYouwalkedthisearth.IhearYourvoiceandthevoiceofastrangerIwill not follow. I thank You, Jesus, that You call me Your friend, manifestYourselftomeandrevealtheFathertome.Pleasecontinuetoworkwithinmeand cause me to grow in this amazing relationship that You’ve given me bygrace.”That’smy“topicalverse-montage”forknowingHim.Asyoumeditateondifferentversesaboutyourtransformationandprayabout

them—whetherit’saboutyourrelationshipwithHim,growinginthefruitoftheSpirit, being free from sin, doing the works that Jesus did, or any othertransformationtopic—you’lldevelopyourownpersonalverse-montageprayers.Idon’thavethe“knowingHim”verse-montageprayerabovememorizedandIdon’t repeat it into the air like it’s magic. I pray it, talking to God in aconversationalway.Ithinkaboutit,praiseHimforit,stopandtalktoHimaboutwhattheversespromiseandmeantome,andIlistentoandlearnfromHim.The next thing to notice about Paul’s prayers is that he consistently prayed

that believers—the church—would know and deeply understand what Jesusaccomplished for them (Ephesians 1:17–18; 3;18–19; Philippians 1:9, 10;Colossians1:9–10;Philemon1:6).YoushouldneverthinkthatyouknowallofwhatGodhasforyouandwantstodoinyou.Paulprayed,“NowtoHimwhoisabletodoaboveandbeyondallthatweaskorthinkaccordingtothepowerthatworks in us” (Ephesians 3:20). You should pray that He increases yourknowledgeofHimandcausesyoutotrulyunderstand,sothatHecandomoreinandthroughyouthanyoucanaskorthink.What Paul prayed for each church varied depending on what they were

learningandgoingthrough.Thisdemonstratesthatyourverse-montageprayersshouldbetopicalandappropriatetowhatGodisteachingyou.Also,sinceGodiscontinuallyexpandingyourtransformation,youshouldcontinuallybeaddingnewverse-montageprayers toyour repertoire, andnewverses to theonesyouarecurrentlypraying.NextyouseethatPaulalwaysprayedonthefoundationofgrace—askingfor

strengthandencouragementandforarevelationofGod’sgreatpowerthatwasatworkwithintotransformhim(1Corinthians1:4,8;Ephesians1:19;3:16,20–

21; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians1:12;Philemon1:6).Everyverse-montageprayershouldcontainsomethinglikethis: “ThankYou forworking thiswithinme,Lord, byYour grace, promises,andpower.IgiveYouallthegloryformyamazingtransformation.”Also, Paul said he never stopped praying these prayers (Ephesians 1:16; 1

Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). Youshouldprayyourtopicalverse-montageprayerswhenyouneedHisgraceinthemoment (Hebrews4:16),butyoushouldalso followPaul’sexample,andpraytransformingprayersconstantly.The Holy Spirit taught Paul how to pray to the Father continually (1

Thessalonians 5:17), thank Him and praise Him, stay focused on Jesus hisMasterandTeacher,fellowshipwith theHolySpirit,defeat theenemy,putoffand put on, cast down strongholds, renew his mind, build his faith, andpowerfullyfuelhistransformationintoChrist’simage,allatthesametime.HediditbycontinuouslyprayingGod’swillandWord.WhenGod started encouragingme in this spiritual exercise, I realized how

unintentional Iwas inmy thinking. Ibegan to trust theHolySpirit tohelpmestopmymindfromwanderingaimlesslyandgetitonHisWord.JesuspromisesthattheHolySpiritwillremindusofthethingsHe’staughtus(John14:26),anddoes He ever! It was awkward at first, but as I trusted Him to help me, thescriptureswouldstartrollingoffmytongue.Tryit!Theexercisewillencourageandenergizeyou;theHolySpiritwillfillyouupandtheLordwillstartteachingyou,andasHedoes,moreverseswillcome.ThenstopandponderandtalktoHimandrejoiceoverthetruth.Themore you pray thisway themore your personal verse-montage prayers

just become a springboard into God’s river and the easier it gets to dive in.Whetheryou’reputtingoff andputtingonbypraying theWord and renewingyour mind in the midst of life, or you’re sitting down for a long time offellowshipwithHim,themoreyoupracticethemoreitflows.Please remember, it’s a relationship. Youmay start out memorizing verses

andquotingthemmechanicallytoGodbutdon’tstaythere.AskHimtoworkinyouandstopafterquotingafewversestothankHim,praiseHim,orjusttalktoHimaboutwhatHisWord says.Ask theHolySpirit toguideyouand remindyouofwhatyou’vebeentaught,andasktheLordtoteachyou.Youmayhavetostartbywritingouttheversesforeachtopicalverse-montageprayerandreadingthem in prayer, and that’s okay. As you read them and stay focused on Him

they’llmaketheirhomeinsideyou.Youmayevenwanttokeepafilewhereyouwriteoutversesbytopic.Youmightbeaskingatthispoint,“Shouldn’tIjustprayfrommyheartinmy

ownwords?”Yes,youshouldalwaysprayfromyourheartandyoushouldoftenuseyourownwords.Theproblemisthatyou’veprobablywastedtoomuchtimealreadyprayingyourownwordsandyourownagendaandgettingnowhere.IfyoutrustHimandyou’vetrulymadeJesusLordandHisimageyourgoal,thenyouneedtostayfocusedonHisagenda—andHisWordisHisagenda.Soyoushould pray God’s words and your words from your heart, but you shouldalwaysletHiswordsbetheguideforyours.And finally,Paulundoubtedlyprayed similarprayers forhimself,but in the

Wordheprayedthemforothers.Whenyou’reprayingforothersusethesamemodel, lettingHiswords guide yours.Also remember: nomatterwhat you’reprayingaboutforothers,followPaul’sleadandprayfortheminthecontextoftransformation;yourprayergoalforothers is tosee themwalkinginwhoGodhasalreadycreatedthemtobe.

Mydreamcontinued…I told you about a dream God gave me about a futuristic, high-risk job thatimpacted the whole world. In the dream, a worker, very much my senior,discussedwithmethelossof themost importantworker.Hewastheonlyonewhohadknowneverything.EveryonehadreliedonHimandHisknowledgeandHehadkepteveryonesafeandworking.WithoutHimyouwereallatriskandthe enterprise seemed doomed.When the younger, newer workers were told,however, they were unaffected. They only seemed concerned with getting towork,doingtheirjob,andgettingapaycheck.InthedreamIwasamazedattheworkers’disconnectwiththegravityofthesituation.TheworkersrepresentedthoseofuswhoarebornintoGod’sKingdom.The

high-risk,important-to-the-whole-planetjobisspreadingtheGospel,andseeingpeopletransferredfromthedomainofdarknessintoGod’sKingdom.Theshuttlerepresented us “going into all theworld”with theGospel. The seniorworkerwhoexplainedtheproblemtomerepresentedtheHolySpirit.TheseniorworkerthathediscussedwithmerepresentedJesus,theHeadofHisBody,theChurch.JustbeforeJesusascendedback to theFather,He toldus to“rememberand

paycloseattention” to the fact thatHe’dalwaysbewithus.Theearlychurch

rememberedandtheybecameHiscoworkersinspreadingtheGospel.

And theywentoutandpreachedeverywhere, theLordworkingwiththem and confirming the word by the accompanying signs (Mark16:20).

AsJesus’disciple,youaretowalkwithHim,learnfromHim,learntowalkasHewalked,andbecomejustlikeHim.ThecentralfocusofJesus’lifeissummedupinafewsimplethingsthatHesaidrepeatedly:HeknewtheFather,Hewasonewith the Father,He only did and saidwhatHe saw and heard the Fatherdoingandsaying,andHewalkedintheanointingandpoweroftheHolySpirit.BeforeHeleft,Hesaidthis:

“Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John20:21).

Youare,firstandforemost,achildofGod,adiscipleofJesusChrist,andthetempleoftheHolySpirit.Youareblessedtobecalledintointimatefellowshipwith all three members of the Godhead by grace. It’s not only your greatestprivilege and blessing, but your greatest asset for transformation andaccomplishing the great commission. Yet, because many believers haven’tunderstood that this great privilege is a gift that they can walk in by gracethroughfaith,prayerformanyhasbecomeastruggle.JesusistheHeadoftheBodyandinthisdreamHeshowedmethatmanywho

areHis,andwhoworkinHisKingdom,havebecomeseveredfromtheHead.Tobe transformed and to powerfully impact thisworld youneed a real, intimate,and powerful relationship. Run to Him and start growing in relationshipwithHim by His grace and promises. There is no greater joy than to receive thegreatestgifteveroffered—onenessandintimacywiththeFather,Son,andSpirit.It’stimetolookatwhatJesuswasspecificallytellingbelieverstodowhenHe

saidtogomakedisciples.ButfirstI’dliketotalkwithyoubrieflyabouthowto“restandrun”inyourtransformation.

POWERPOINTSFROMTRUTHNUMBER7QuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

JesusknewthatarelationshipwiththeFatherwasn’tsomethingthatwe’dearnbutsomethingthatHe’dgainforus.

Everypartofus—thenewcreation—iswiredandequippedforadeep,personal,andveryrealrelationshipwithGod.

YourpromisedrelationshipandintimacywithGodisthehighest,mostamazingthingthatJesusdiedtoachieveforyou.

HerevealsHislovetoyouandtakesyourknowingandexperienceofHislovebeyondwhatyoucould,yourself,askorthink.

SinceGodislove,youcan’ttrulyknowHimwithoutknowingHislove.

There’sabigdifferencebetweenknowingthatGodlovesyouandknowingHislove.

YouareHischildandyouweremadetoknowandbeknownbyHim,toloveHimandbelovedbyHim.

Trulyknowingthatyou’relovedisanunshakeablefoundation.

It’sonlyintrulyknowingGod,notjustaboutHim,thatyoucanbetransformedintoHisimage.

GodrevealswhoHeisasHerevealsHimselfandyoucannothelpbutbetransformedasHedoes.

YoushouldneverprayprayersthatareoutsideofyourcompleterelianceonHisgrace.

TryingtoconvinceGodtobegoodbecauseyoudeserveitisbackwards.Heisgoodand,inreality,youdeservenothing.

Youmuststopprayinglikeyouhavetoearn,begfor,ortalkGodintowhatHe’salreadypromisedyoubygrace.

UnshakablefaithcomesfromknowingthatGodwilldowhatHepromisedtodobygraceandgracealone.

You’retransformedbecauseit’sGod’splanforyou,Jesuspaidforit,andyoureceiveitbyfaith.

OnceyouknowHiswillyoucanprayinfullassuranceoffaithknowingthatHehearsyouandthatyouhavewhatwe’veaskedfor.

Whenyou’reprayingaboutyourtransformationintoChrist’simage,youcanknowyou’reprayingaccordingtoHiswill.

KnowthatyourtransformationisHiswill,makeityourhope,prayinfaith(resistingdoubt),andreceiveitthroughgrace.

TheprayersofPaularefocusedonbelievers’growthintransformation.

AllofPaul’sprayerswereaboutyoufollowinginJesus’footstepsandbeingtransformedintoHisimage.

Theevidenceoffaithisthankfulness.

YoushouldprayGod’swordsandyourwordsfromyourheart,butyoushouldalwaysletHiswordsbetheguideforyours.

AprayergoalforothersistoseethemwalkinginwhoGodhasalreadycreatedthemtobe.

AsJesus’disciple,youaretowalkwithHim,learnfromHim,learntowalkasHewalked,andbecomejustlikeHim.

Youare,firstandforemost,achildofGod,adiscipleofJesusChrist,andthetempleoftheHolySpirit.

Thereisnogreaterjoythantoreceivethegreatestgifteveroffered—onenessandintimacywiththeFather,Son,andSpirit.

Conclusion

MakingDisciples

GettingbackontrackwiththeGreatCommission

MyDream…Iwastakentothisolderbutbeautifullybuiltapartmentbuilding.Theinsidewasveryunique.Theapartmentsallfacedacoveredatrium-likecommonarea.Frominsideyoucouldseealloftherailedwalkwaysandstairsthatledtoeachleveland toeachapartment.Therewereplaces towalk, sit,play,andgather in thecommonarea.AlthoughIwasbeingshownaround,IfeltlikeIbelonged.Iwassomehow part of the community. It was mealtime and my guide told me thatthings worked differently here. As I watched, people started opening up theirdoorsandwindowstothecommonarea.Someapartmentshadlargedoorsandwindows; others appeared to have slidingwalls so that they could completelyopentheirlivingquarters.Withinminutes,itseemedlikethewholebuildingwasonebigopencommunity.Eachapartmentwasuniqueandeveryonehadatableladenwithwonderful

food.Thefamilieswerefromeveryethnicbackgroundandtraditionsothefoodon every table was quite different. I understood right away that at mealtimeseveryone prepared food and shared it with everyone else in the apartmentbuilding.Everyonegrabbedaplateandwalkedaroundtalking,visiting,tasting,and helping themselves to whatever food they wanted. Then everyone sat indifferentareas,visitingandenjoyingthefoodandcompany.ItwasanamazingcommunityexperienceandIrememberthinkingthatitwasagreatidea!AsIwalkedaroundmeetingpeople,Ifoundthissmalldoorinamoreobscure

part of the building. I couldn’t see inside because the apartment wasn’t veryopen.Imademywayinandfoundalonemaninasmallroomsittingbehindadesk.Hisonlyfoodwasinasmallplasticleftovercontainerandhewaseatingfromithimself,asheofferedmesome.MyattentionwasdrawntoaBiblethat

sat on his desk and I started up a conversation with the man about it. Herespondedby saying somethingabout studying. I got excited. I toldhim that IlovedtostudyGod’sWordandaskedhimwhathewasstudying.Hehadbarelylookedupatmebuthadcontinuedtoworkonwhateverhewasworkingon.Hereached over briefly and opened hisBible to the front, tapped on a page, andsaid,“Justthispart.”Ilookedatwhathehadtappedonandturnedafewpages.Itappearedthathe

onlyreadandstudied thenotesorcatechismthatwas in the frontofhisBibleandnottheBibleitself.InthefinalsceneIwasdowninthecommonareaagainenjoying great food with everyone who was crowded around visiting andenjoyingthemselves.

Tobecontinued…

RESTANDRUNPuttogether, thewords“RestandRun”soundlikeacontradiction,butwhenitcomestothetopicofgrowingingrace,thesetwowordsmustworktogether.

“CometoMe,allofyouwhoarewearyandburdened,andIwillgiveyourest.Allofyou,takeupMyyokeandlearnfromMe,becauseIamgentleandhumbleinheart,andyouwillfindrestforyourselves.ForMyyokeiseasyandMyburdenislight”(Matthew11:28–30).

KnowingthatJesushasalreadyaccomplishedyourcompletesalvation,youdoyour“easy”and“light”part:yougo toHim, takeupHisyokeand learn fromHim, trustingHim to teach and transformyou.You run toHimand thenwithHim towards the hope of your calling, resting in His complete work andHisgrace. Paul talked about “running the race”, and he ran it full tilt because heknewhowtoruninGod’sgrace(1Corinthians15:10).PaulbelievedthathisgrowthandworkwereempoweredbyGod’sgraceand

hisfaithwasdemonstratedbywhathedidbygrace.Allofyourprayers,actions,andeffortscannotgetyou transformed,butwhenyou respond inobedience toHimbecauseyouknowHeisatworkwithinyou,thenyoureffortsdemonstrateyourfaith.WhenGodseesyourfaithHeempowersyoutokeepmoving.

Ifyouremainwhereyouare,doingwhatyou’vealwaysdone,you’llcontinueto get the same results. If this book hasmerely been informing you and youhaven’tyetbeguntocryout, respond,andact,pleasestopnowandtalk to theFather.God’sgracewas“notineffective”inPaulbecausehebelievedandstartedrunning.God’sgracebecomeseffectiveinyouwhenyoumixinyourfaithandbeginmoving.Godhasgivenyoueverythingyouneedfortransformationandthecoreofthat

provision is your relationship with Him—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Yourtransformation is built on that foundation and therefore the whole process isrelational. Because of God’s love for you He acts according to His grace.Becauseofyour loveforHimyouactaccording toyourfaith.Yourespond toHim now, consistently, and forever, turning to Him, talking to Him abouteverything,andtrustingHim;andHecontinuestospeaktoyou,teachyou,andtransformyouaccordingtoHispromise.AsyoumovewithJesusinrelationshipandobedienceit’sGod’slove,grace,andpowerthatmovesyou.Hecallsyouto“restandrun”—totrustinHisloveandgraceandruninfaith.

Resting in Him doesn’t mean you ever stop responding and growing, andrunninginHimdoesn’tmeanyoueverstoprestingandtrustinginHiscompletework.YourfaithinHiscompleteworkshouldcatapultyouforward.Evenwhenyou struggle and don’t feel like transformation is happening, keep movingforward anyway, praying His Word and turning to Him for strength,encouragement,andfaith.Heprovidesit.Samsonwalked out to face a huge armywith nothing available to use as a

weaponbutadonkey’s jawbone.Whenhewentout,God’spowerhithimandthat army was no match. David ran at Goliath armed with only a slingshot,trustingGod to give him the victory.When you run because you knowwhatHe’s promised to do in you, demonstrate your faith and you receivemore ofGod’sgrace.While I was writing this book, God gave me a powerful picture that still

bringstearstomyeyes.Isawafieldfullofwoundedsoldierslyingalloverthegroundsufferinganddying.ThenIsawthembegintostandontheirfeet,andastheydid they recovered from theirwoundsandstoodstrong forbattleagain. IknewthatthesewereChristiansofalldescriptionswho,atonepoint,feltcalledtomake a difference butwho had been burnt out, discouraged, hurt, knockeddown,andbroken.AsIsawthesepeople,IwasoverwhelmedbythecompassionGod felt for them. Then the Father showedme that thismessage of complete

transformation by grace through faith would help a great number of thosewounded soldiers to rise up into mighty warriors for the Kingdom—morepowerfulandeffective,andhavingagreaterimpact,thantheyhadeverthoughtpossible.Ifyoufeellikethispictureappliestoyou,stopandprayrightnow.TheLord

lovesyou!AndbyHisgraceHewillhealyou,restoreyou,transformyourlife,anduseyoutobringHisgracetoothers.What would happen if the whole Body of Christ started walking with the

Master in the transformation He’s called us to? I believe it would bless thenationsandchangeourplanet.Ibelievethat’salwaysbeenGod’splan.

AVISIONFORMAKINGDISCIPLESNow,I’dliketoexaminewhattheBiblesaysabouthowtheearlychurch“madedisciples”andencourageyoutonotonlycontinueinyourowntransformation,butalsotoreachoutandhelpmakedisciplessootherscanbetransformed.TomakedisciplesforJesusyoucan’tstopatgettingsomeoneconverted.YouneedtoshowpeoplehowtowalkwithHim,betaughtbyHim,andbecomejustlikeHim—tobetransformedintoHisimage.Tobeclear,youbecomeadisciplewhenyoubecomeanewcreation;butyou

need to be taught how to actually be, and towalk as, a disciple. Becoming adisciple and never learning how to be one is like enrolling in law school andcalling yourself a lawyer but never attending classes. The early churchunderstoodthatthegoalwastransformationandthewaytogettherewastolearntowalkwithJesus.WhenIenteredtheKingdom,Iwasadisciplereadytobetrained:mylifewas

surrenderedandIhadtonsofzeal,butunfortunately,IwasnotshownhowtobeandwalkasadiscipleofChristJesus. I’mabsolutelyrejoicing inwhatGod isdoing inme and I’m not regretting the past, but for the sake of learning andcontributingtothegrowthoftheChurch,I’mcompelledtoask:wherewouldIbe today had I been taught how towalk asHis disciple thirty-five years ago?More importantly,wherewould theChurch be today if everyonewho enteredtheChurchinthepastthirty-fiveyearshadbeenmadeintoamaturediscipleoftheLordJesus?ThegoaloftheearlyNewTestamentChurchwastomakedisciplesforJesus

andtheyturnedtheworldupsidedown.HerearejustafewverseswherePaul,

bytheSpirit,statedhisvisionforthechurcheshewasinvolvedwith.

WeproclaimHim,warningandteachingeveryonewithallwisdom,sothatwemaypresenteveryonematureinChrist.Ilaborforthis,strivingwithHisstrengththatworkspowerfullyinme(Colossians1:28–29).

Mychildren, I amagain suffering laborpains for youuntilChrist isformedinyou(Galatians4:19).

Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children (Ephesians5:1).

Andweall,withunveiled face, beholding thegloryof theLord, arebeing transformed into the same image from one degree of glory toanother(2Corinthians3:18ESV).

Paul’sexpressedgoalforeachmemberofeachchurchwasthattheybecomematureinChrist,imitatorsofGod,sothatChristwouldbefullyformedinthemand they’d be transformed into His image. Paul’s objective was the GreatCommission;hewas“makingdisciples”ofJesus,andadiscipleistobecome—inallrespects—exactlyliketheMaster(Matthew10:25).ThisobjectivewassoclearthatPaulstatedthatifthechurcheshestartedweren’tfilledwithmenandwomenwhowerejustlikeJesus,allhisworkwouldhavebeenfornothing.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may beblamelessandinnocent,childrenofGodwithoutblemishinthemidstofacrookedandtwistedgeneration,amongwhomyoushineaslightsin the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day ofChrist I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain(Philippians2:14–16ESV).

The clear vision for the churches that Paul ministered to was that eachmemberwould becomeChristlike (blameless, innocent, andwithout blemish),walk in relationship with God (children of God), do Christ’s work (shine aslights in this world), and know the Word so they could be renewed andtransformedbyit(holdingfasttothewordoflife).IfPaul’sresultswereshortofthatgoalhefeltthathislaborwouldhavebeeninvain.Whyarewecontentwithless?

Today, if you asked peoplewho attend church on a regular basiswhy theycome to church you would be glad to hear something like this: “To beintentionallytaughtbymyspiritualleadershowtobeadiscipleofChristJesus—knowing, loving, being taught by and following Him—so that I can betransformedintoHisimage,becomeallGodcreatedmetobe,andbecomefullyequippedtoimpacttheworldandexpandGod’sKingdomwithmylifeandgifts;allinpartnershipwithmybrothersandsistersinChrist.”More often, however, the answers you hear are: “For fellowship.” “To

worshipGod.”“ObediencetoGod.”“Forspiritualgrowth.”“SoIcanbeabetterperson.” These are all common answers but they all fall far short of God’spurposefortheBody.Jesussaid,“Iwishthatyouwerecoldorhot”(Revelation3:15).Weneedtobecarefulnottosetupchurchestofacilitatethelukewarm.Jesuswas your example and althoughHe regularly attended synagogue,He

wentoutfromtheretosharetheloveoftheFather.ThenHemadedisciplesandsentthemouttodothesame.AndfinallyHetoldHisDisciplestogoandmakedisciples of all nations so that those disciples could do the same. The localchurchistobeaboot-campwherenewbelieversaremadeintoJesus’disciplesandthensentouttoliveasHedid.

And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, someevangelists,somepastorsandteachers,forthetrainingofthesaintsintheworkofministry,tobuildupthebodyofChrist,untilweallreachunityinthefaithandintheknowledgeofGod’sSon,growingintoamaturemanwith a staturemeasured byChrist’s fullness (Ephesians4:11–13).

ThoseintheBodyaretodothe“workofministry”andtheprimarytaskoftheministers/spiritualleadersinthechurchistobetheboot-campinstructors.Theyare called to make disciples for Jesus, not only teaching them “the words ofChrist”and“theapostles’doctrine,”butshowingthemhowtobediscipledfromthe inside-out andhelping them to be transformed intoChrist’s image so theycangooutintotheworldwiththeloveoftheFather.JesussaidHe’dbuildHisChurchandHetoldustomakedisciples.Whenyou

attempttodoHispartandignoreyours,youfail.Whenyougetyourpartrightyou’ll seeHimbuildHisChurch.Why?BecauseHisplanhas alwaysbeen tobuildHisChurchbyhavingHis disciplesmakedisciples.Thatworks becausewhenyou’reconnected to theHeadandfollowingHimHecanuseyou,asHe

wills,tobuildHisChurch.

TWOPHASESOFDISCIPLESHIPBiblically,theprocessofdiscipleshipseemstohavetwophases.Thefirstphaseestablishes thenewbeliever in theGospel and shows themhow towalkwith,follow, andbe taught and transformedby Jesus. In the secondphasebelieverswalk out their transformation to maturity with Jesus, in the company ofbelievers,whoarealldoingthesame.WhenPaulestablishedand/orhelpedestablishanewcommunityofbelievers,

hisstatedfirstgoalwastoseeChristformedinthem.InthisversePaullettheGalatiansknowthatbecause theywere listening toerror thathemighthave torestarttheprocess.

Mychildren, I amagain suffering labor pains for youuntilChrist isformedinyou(Galatians4:19).

Theword “again” shows thatPaul’s original purpose in spending timewiththechurchinGalatiaandteachingthemwastohaveChristformedinthem.Thefact that Paul used the metaphor of childbirth and labor pains shows that hedidn’tbelievethatthenewbirthprocess—inregardstohispartinthatprocess—wasfinishedjustbecausetheynowbelieved.PaulknewHisresponsibilitywastomakedisciplesforJesus,notjustconverts,sohis“laborpains”werenotoveruntilthosehebroughttofaithhadChristfullyformedinthem.ThismeantthatPaul taught and trained them until they knew how to recognize, learn from,followandbetransformedbytheMasterfromtheinside-out(Galatians2:20–21;Colossians1:27).Thisdiscipleshipprocessdidn’t startwithPaul.On thedayofPentecost the

church grew by 3,000 people and it kept growing. Those new converts knewlittleornothingaboutJesusandHisteachingsandevenlessabouthavingChristin them discipling and transforming them. The Disciples—that is, the twelveApostles—werechargedwithmakingthesenewconvertsintoactivedisciplesofJesusandtheymadesurethattheykeptfocusedonthat.

Sothosewhoacceptedhismessagewerebaptized,andthatdayabout3,000peoplewereaddedtothem.Andtheydevotedthemselvestotheapostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to

prayers(Acts2:41–42).

The first thing that new converts were taught was that they needed to be“devoted…to the apostles’ teaching”—that they needed to be taught by theApostlesuntiltheyknewhowtobedisciplesofJesus.Theconceptof“getbornagain and get a littleChristian teachingwhenyou can”was not on themenu.WhensomeonecameintotheKingdom,theyweretakenasideandmadeintoadiscipleoftheKing.Afewyearslateryouseetheearlychurchmakingchurchstructureandgrowthdecisionswithoutcompromisingtheiroriginalcommission.

So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “Itwouldn’tberightforustoabandonourresponsibilitiesforpreachingand teaching theWordofGod tohelpwith thecareof thepoor.So,friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts,menfulloftheHolySpiritandgoodsense,andwe’llassignthemthistask”(Acts6:2–3MSG).

TheTwelvespentalloftheirtimepreachingtothelostandteachingthenewconverts.Theyknewtheyneededtoteachthenewconvertsuntiltheyknewhowtowalk asHis disciples and they spent everywakinghour doing exactly that.The result? The above appointment of deacons happened somewhere betweentwoandthreeyearsaftertheinitialoutpouringoftheHolySpirit.Sothedeaconsthat were chosen would have been less than three years old in Christ at thatpoint. Yet, Stephen was said to be full of the Holy Spirit, full of faith andwisdom,andfullofpowerandgrace(Acts6:3,5,8).Thescripturealsosaysthatheperformed“greatwondersandsignsamongthepeople”andthat thosewhoopposed him “were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit bywhomhewasspeaking”(vs.8–10).Today,apersonwiththatresumewouldbethekeynotespeakerinthelargest

Christianconferences.YetStephenwasarelativelynewChristianwhohadjustbeenpromoted tobeingadeacon.Howwas thispossible?WhenhebecameaChristianhebegantositundertheDisciples’teachingandhekeptbeingtaughtandkept learninguntilChristwas fully formed inhim—untilheknewhow tolearnfrom,betransformedby,bedirectedby,andworkwiththeMaster.AllthiswasaccomplishedbecausetheApostlesrefusedtogetdistractedfromtheirtaskofmakingdisciplesforJesus.

AndStephenwasn’t an anomaly.Anotheroneof the sevendeacons,Philip,didastoundingthingsfortheLordaswell(Acts8:4–40).Therewerealsomanyotherdisciples spreading theGospelanddoingexploitsbyGod’sSpirit at thispoint(Acts11:19–21),probablyincludingtheotherfivedeacons.ThestoriesofStephen and Philip were likely recorded as highlights because of Stephen’smartyrdomandthefactthatPhilipbroughttheGospeltotheSamaritans.IfLukehadwrittenabouteveryoneandeverythingthatwashappening,thebookofActswouldhavebeenhuge.Intheearlychurch,StephenandPhilipwerejustregularChristianswhoweretaughthowtobeJesus’disciples.Lookatthequalificationsforthoseoriginaldeacons:

Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of goodreputation,fulloftheSpiritandwisdom,whomwecanappointtothisduty(Acts6:3).

All seven chosenwerenewChristians (bymodern standards) yet theywereknownfortheirstrongChristiancharacter,forbeingfulloftheHolySpirit,andforthewisdomofGodthatflowedoutofthem.Why?BecausetheyweretaughthowtobedisciplesofChristJesus(1Corinthians1:30).Theearlychurchworkedandgrewbythismodel.Thematuredisciplesspent

much focused timemakingdisciplesby teaching thenewconvertsuntilChristwasformedinthem.Thiscannotbeaccomplishedwithonesermonandahomegrouponceaweek.Theexactdetailsofthesystemtheyusedarenotrecorded,but we know that teachers taught the new converts constantly in a focused,deliberateway.Boththechurchleadersandtheconvertsknewthatthegoalwasto reproduceChrist in eachChristian.Thatwas the communicated and sharedvisionfromthestart.Let’slookatwhatwedoknowaboutthisprocessfromscripture.

Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, theycontinued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is theMessiah(Acts5:42).

TheDisciples taught nonstop in public places and in homes. TheApostles’goalwastopreachtheGospelofconversiontotheunconvertedandtheGospeloftransformationtotheconverted,untilallwerewalkingasHisdisciples.Let’slookatwhathappenedwhenachurchstartedinAntioch:

Then the report about them was heard by the church that was atJerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch.When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and heencouragedallofthemtoremaintruetotheLordwithafirmresolveoftheheart,forhewasagoodman,fulloftheHolySpiritandoffaith.AndlargenumbersofpeoplewereaddedtotheLord.ThenhewenttoTarsus tosearchforSaul,andwhenhefoundhimhebroughthimtoAntioch.Forawholeyear theymetwith thechurchand taught largenumbers. The discipleswere first calledChristians inAntioch (Acts11:22–26).

WhentheleadersinJerusalemheardabouttheconvertsinAntioch,whatwastheir first thought? To establish them as disciples of Christ by teaching andtrainingthem.BarnabaswassentandhesecuredthehelpofSaul(Paul) togetthe job done. Paul andBarnabas spent awhole year there teaching the “largenumbers”ofconvertshowtobeHisdisciples.Youneedtobecarefulnottoreadthese verses with your one-sermon-and-a-home-group-a-week mindset. WhenPaultaught,itwasoftenbyhisowndescription,“nightandday”(Acts20:31).PaulandBarnabastaughtandtrainedtheconvertsandtheconvertslistenedandlearneduntilChristwasformedinthem.PauldidthesamethinginEphesus:

Thenheenteredthesynagogueandspokeboldlyoveraperiodofthreemonths,engagingindiscussionandtryingtopersuadethemaboutthethingsofthekingdomofGod.Butwhensomebecamehardened…hewithdrewfromthemandmetseparatelywiththedisciples,conductingdiscussionseverydayinthelecturehallofTyrannus.Andthiswentonfortwoyears,sothatalltheinhabitantsofAsia,bothJewsandGreeks,heardthemessageabouttheLord(Acts19:8–10).

Although theBible doesn’t specify, tradition says that Paul probably taughtfrom11:00AMto4:00PM(duringthehottestpartoftheday)everydayinthehall of Tyrannus. Paul made teaching the Word to new converts his priority(Acts20:27,31–32).PaulconcentratedonmakingdisciplesofJesusandendedupimpactingmostoftheRomanprovinceofAsia(Acts19:10,26)asJesusbuiltHischurch.

Therearemanymoreversesthatconfirmthattheearlychurchconvertsweretaughtintentionallyandintensively:

Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who causedissensions and obstacles contrary to the doctrine you have learned.Avoidthem…(Romans16:17).

Therefore as you have receivedChrist Jesus theLord,walk inHim,rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as youweretaught…(Colossians2:6–7;seealso1:5–7).

Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, andteaching(1Timothy4:13).

…holding to the faithfulmessage as taught, so that hewill be ableboth to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those whocontradictit(Titus1:9).

Theconverts in theearlychurchwere taughtandmade intoJesus’disciplesrightawayandfromthereencouragedto“walkinHim,”“holdingto”whattheyweretaught.ThewriterofHebrewsstates:

Althoughbythistimeyououghttobeteachers,youneedsomeonetoteach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You needmilk,notsolidfood.Noweveryonewholivesonmilkisinexperiencedwith the message about righteousness, because he is an infant(Hebrews5:12–13).

Noticetheword“again.”TheNewTestamentwritersassumedthateveryonehad been taught and made into disciples of Jesus according to the GreatCommission.Itwasalsoassumedthateveryonecouldgrowtotheplacewherethey could teach so that making disciples through intentional and progressiveteachingandtrainingwouldn’tstop.Paul was confident that the church at Rome had the teaching-and-making-

disciplesprogramworkingwell.Hewrote:

Mybrothers,Imyselfamconvincedaboutyouthatyoualsoarefullofgoodness, filledwith all knowledge, andable to instructoneanother

(Romans15:14).

Paulwanted thechurches tonotonlymakedisciplesbut to alsocontinuallyraiseupteacherswhocoulddothesame.

Andwhatyouhaveheardfrommeinthepresenceofmanywitnesses,commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2Timothy2:2).

So the first phase of discipleship was to make disciples by teaching andtrainingnewconvertshowtobeJesus’disciples—untilChristwasfullyformedin them. This first phase was intentional, progressive, intense, and neveroptional.Thesecondphaseofdiscipleshiphappenswhenthenewly-traineddisciple—

who is now following, learning, and being transformed by Jesus—is releasedintotheBodyofChristandbeginstogrowfurtheralongsidetheotherdisciplesin life and ministry. Read Ephesians 4:11–16. There, Paul teaches that theministersinthechurcharetobeinvolvedin“trainingofthesaintsintheworkofministry” (vs.12),and takeresponsibility tosee that thewholebodycomes tomaturity.However,hegoeson toexplain that“thewholebody, fittedandknittogether by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body forbuildingupitselfinlovebytheproperworkingofeachindividualpart”(vs.16).Sotheleadersofthechurcharetoteachphaseoneandoverseephasetwo,asit’sdoneinthebodybythebody,ensuringthatallcometomaturityinChrist.Wehaveoftentriedskippingphaseone,placingnewconvertsintothebody,

naively hoping that they will develop an intimate relationship with Jesus andgrow to maturity by osmosis. This of course doesn’t work because theintentional,progressive,andintensebirthprocessofdelivering,establishing,andfeeding the new Christian until they are connected to Christ doesn’t happen.Therefore,wefillourchurcheswithpeoplewhooftenaren’tmuchdifferentthantheywerewhentheywerefirstsaved,andwhoarenotgrowinginChrist.Thenwewonderwhyourchurchesdon’tgrow,orgrowwithoutgrowingup.TheonlywayeverypartofHisBodycanhelpmaturetheBodyisifallofthemhavefirstbeenmadeintodisciplesofJesus,sothey’reallconnectedtotheHead.Imaginewhatthechurchwouldlooklikeifeverycurrentmemberandevery

newmemberwastaughtandtrainedtobearealdiscipleofJesus!What ifourchurcheswerefullofpeoplelikethefirstsevendeacons;truedisciplesofJesus,

fullofHisSpiritandwisdom?Imagineandpray.

HOWNOTTOMAKEDISCIPLESIwouldlikeyourunderstandingandgraceforafewminuteswhileItalkfranklyabout discipleship and some misconceptions we’ve had about it. PleaseunderstandthatI’mnotcriticizinganyoneoranyoneelse’sefforts.Imerelywantto be sure that you understand biblically what discipleship is so that we canmoveforwardfromwhereweare.First, discipleship is not only for new believers; you never stop being His

disciplesandHenever stops teachingand transformingyou.TheApostlePaulunderstoodthisanddidn’tthinkthathehad“arrived.”

Not that Ihavealready reached thegoalor amalready fullymature,but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have beentaken hold of byChrist Jesus. Brothers, I do not considermyself tohavetakenholdofit.ButonethingIdo:Forgettingwhatisbehindandreaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prizepromised byGod’s heavenly call inChrist Jesus.Therefore, allwhoarematureshouldthinkthisway(Philippians3:12–15).

NoticethatPaulwantedthosewhowerealreadymaturetothinklikehimandcontinuepressingforwardintheir transformation.TheearlychurchtaughtnewconvertshowtobeJesus’disciplessothattheycouldgoontomaturitybybeingdiscipledbytheMaster.InthesecondphasethenewbelieverscontinuedtogrowasHisdisciplesintheBody.I’vebeenaChristianformorethanthreedecadesandbeenintheministryfor

twenty-fiveyearsandbynormalstandardshavebeenverysuccessfulinit.Yet,I’mmore excited now about walking with my Lord, learning fromHim, andmoving to thenext level than I’veeverbeen.Discipleshipdoesn’t stop. It justkeepsgettingbetter.Next,discipleshipisn’tmerelyattendinga“NewBelievers”classandlearning

basicdoctrines.Thatisdefinitelypartoftheprocessbutthatalonewillnotmakeyou a real, active disciple of Jesus.A newdisciplemust be taught how to bewith,walkwith, and fellowshipwith Jesus 24/7.Theymust be taught how tohearfrom,learnfrom,andbetransformedbyHimthroughtheindwellingofthe

HolySpirit.TheirwalkwithJesus,beingdiscipledfromtheinside-outbyHim,istobeasrealasthediscipleshiptheTwelveexperienced.Butremember,Jesustoldthemthatwhatwascomingwasbetter(John16:7).It’sessentialtoteachtheWordbutunlessaChristianknowshowtobetaughtandtransformedbyJesustheywillmerelybeinformedinsteadoftransformed.Also,anykindofdiscipleship that focusesoncleaningup theoutsideof the

person, hoping the inside will follow, will not work. Teaching that to be adisciple youmust finish certain courses, practice certain disciplines, completecertaintasks,anddevelopcertainhabitsisworks.I’mnotsayingthatallofthosethings are unimportant; I am saying, however, that anything short of teachingand training a new convert how to truly know, walk with, learn from, andbecomelikeJesus—bygracealone—isnotmakingdisciples.Anotherconceptthatwon’tworkis“patchworkdiscipleship.”Thisistheidea

thatifyouhaveenoughchurchprogramsandsermonsoneverytopicforeveryshape,description,andageofChristianandmakethemallavailable,somehoweveryone will get what they need. Although most church programs are wellintentionedandhelpful,evenawell-placedabundanceofthemwillnotreplacethefirstphaseofmakingdisciples.Noteacher,preacher,orprogramcanchangeanyone.OnlyJesuscan;soeachChristianmustfirstbetaughthowthatworks.Forexample,althoughmarriagecoursesaregreat,unless thoseattendingare

firstmadeintodisciplesofJesussothattheyknowhowtolearnfromHimandletHimtransformthemintolovingChristlikespouses,theywillonlyexperiencelimited and/or temporary improvements in their marriage. The book ofEphesians teaches onmarriage but it does so at the end of chapter five. PaulspentthefirstfourandahalfchapterslayingthefoundationforspiritualgrowthinChrist.YoucannoteffectivelyteachwhatPaulteachesaboutmarriagewithoutlayingthefoundationshelaidinthefirstpartofhisletter.Every important educational process must be intentional, progressive, and

intensive.BecomingChrist’sdiscipleneedsthatmorethananyothereducationalprocess because it involves more than just learning. It’s a completetransformation of who you’ve known yourself to be through a lovingrelationshipwithJesus.Thefirstphaseofdiscipleshipcannotworkbypassiveorrandomosmosis.I’d like to briefly talk about one last idea that won’t work: mentoring. I

understandthattherearemanylarge-hearted,well-meaningpeopleintheBodymentoringandbeingmentoredandIdon’tfaulttheintentionorthepractice.If

usedproperlyitcanbehelpfulinthesecondphase.However,asanapproachfor“makingdisciples,”it’sflawed.Firstly,ifJesushadtoldtheDisciplestousetheone-on-one(oreventheone-

on-twelve) mentoring approach they would have been completely lost when3,000peoplewereaddedto thechurch.SomelookatwhatJesusdidwhenHewasdiscipling theTwelve and try to emulate that, forgetting that Jesus taughtthatHewasgoingtochangethediscipleshipprogramfromoutside-intoinside-out.WhatyouseeinJesus’ministrywithHisDiscipleswasmerelyapictureofwhat was to come; all Christians having an intimate 24/7 Master/disciplerelationshipwithJesus.YouareNOTcalledtodisciple(ormentor)people,youarecalledtomakedisciplesforJesus.

Butasforyou,donotbecalledRabbi,becauseyouhaveoneteacher,andyouareallbrothers(Matthew23:8).

When Jesus spoke these words the Disciples were likely shocked. In theJewish culture a disciple was to be with his master constantly and becomeexactlylikehim.Whenthemasterdiedhisdisciplesweretotakehisplaceandtakeondisciplesoftheirownwhowouldcallthem“Rabbi/teacher”andbecomejust like them…and repeat.This replicationhadbeengoingon in the Jewishcultureforcenturies.WiththesewordsthatMatthewrecorded,JesusannouncedthatdiscipleshipwouldnolongerworkthatwayandletHisDisciplesknowthattheywouldn’tbegettingdisciplesoftheirown.JesuswasonlygoingtobegoneforthreedaysandHedidn’tneedanyonetoreplaceHimasMaster.Theconceptofmentoring is linkingyourselfupwithsomeonewhoyou think iswiser thanyourself and learning from that person. Jesus ended that system. Mentoringreproducesus;makingdisciplesforJesusreproducesChrist.Somebelieve thatPaulusedamentoring-stylerelationshipwithsomeof the

leadershetrainedupsuchasTimothy.However,Paulneverencouragedthemtoemulatehim;heinsteaddirectedthosehetaughttofollowJesuslikehefollowedJesus(1Corinthians11:1;seealso1John2:6).AsanApostle,partofPaul’smandatewas to trainandplace leaders.Sohe

spenttimewiththeminordertoteachthemwhatheknewaboutfollowingJesusinleadership.Butagain,HealwaysdirectedthemtofollowJesusintheirgrowthandleadership,justashedid(2Timothy1:13–14;2:7–8,15).SowhatappearstobementoringwasPaul teachingand trainingothershow to follownothim,buttheMaster.

In the second phase of discipleship you should encourage more maturedisciplestohelpotherslearnhowtofollowJesusmoreeffectively,especiallyinleadership training. However, following Paul’s example, these relationshipsshouldbe“followHimasIamfollowingHim”relationships.It’s really quite simple: Jesus can disciple and transform billions

simultaneously,whereas, you canmentor a handful and actually transform noone.SoHegaveyouasimpletask,youaretolearntobeHisdisciplesandthenshow others how to do the same. In that way you can successfully makedisciplesevenifnumbersgrowfrom120to3,120inoneday.YouconnectnewbelieverswithJesusandthenHeteaches,guides,strengthens, loves, leads,andtransforms them24/7.Then theBodygrowsbecauseeachpart isconnected totheHeadandabletoencourageandstrengthentheotherparts.Before I understoodhowmakingdisciplesworked, I used to feelbadabout

bringingpeopletofaithinChristbecauseIdidn’thavetimeto“disciplethem”,whichtomebackthenmeantIdidn’thavetimetomentorthem.NowIrealizethat we’re not called to disciple or mentor anyone; we’re called to makedisciples for Him. So all I need is an intentional and progressive system formakingdisciplesandalocalchurchfullofdiscipleswhoarewalkingwithHim,growingandwillingtohelpandencouragenewbelieversintheirgrowth.Withthatinplace,I’mfreetoleadasmanytoHimasIcan…3,000inadaywouldbenice!

WHATDISCIPLESWERETAUGHTSeveralverses intheNewTestamentspecificallyshowyouwhatnewconvertsaretobetaught.InColossians2:6–7Paulwrites,“WalkinHim,rootedandbuiltupinHimandestablishedinthefaith,justasyouweretaught,overflowingwithgratitude.”ThewriterofHebrewssaysthatthenewdisciplesweretaughtbasicdoctrines (repentance, faith, baptism, laying on of hands, the resurrection, andeternaljudgment6:1–2)and“themessageaboutrighteousness”(5:12–14).However, in Ephesians 4, Paul gives you the best description of what he

taught new converts about the mechanics of becoming a disciple of Jesus.Remember,PaulwastheonewhooriginallytaughtthenewconvertsinEphesusandraisedupleadersandteacherswhocontinuedtheprocess,soheknewwhattheEphesiansweretaughtasnewconverts.

But that is not how you learned about the Messiah, assuming youheardaboutHimandweretaughtbyHim,becausethetruthisinJesus.Youtookoffyourformerwayoflife,theoldselfthatiscorruptedbydeceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of yourminds;youputonthenewself,theonecreatedaccordingtoGod’slikenessinrighteousnessandpurityofthetruth(Ephesians4:20–24).

Christiansneed to teachand trainnewconvertshow towalkwith Jesus (bygracethroughfaith)sotheycanbetaughtbyHimandtransformed.Youaretoteach themabout righteousness,purity, and thenewcreation;youare to teachthemhowtoputofftheoldselfandputonthenewself,whichiscreatedinHisimage;youaretoteachthemhowtohavetheirmindsrenewedwithGod’struth.Soundfamiliar?ThecontentofthisbookismodeledafterwhatPaulspentmuchtimeinstillingineachnewconvert.It’sarecipeformakingdisciplesandwhatyoushouldhavebeentaughtwhenyouwerefirstsaved.InMatthew28:20 Jesus commanded you to teach newdisciples to liveHis

Word.InorderforanyonetoliveGod’sWordtheyneedtobetaughtthatJesusmadethemnewcreations,setthemfreefromsin,thatHe’satworkwithinthemteachingthemandwritingHisWordontheirhearts,andthatHe’spromisedtocausethemtowalkinHiswayandtotransformthem.Theyneedtounderstandrepentance, redemption, forgiveness, faith, grace, the power and purpose ofGod’sWord,therenewingofthemind,andtheprocessofputtingofftheoldselfandputtingon thenewcreation.Theymustbe taught thisnot justasconceptsbut as foundations for growing in their new life in Christ. And theymust begiven the tools theyneed tobe transformed intoHis imageand towalk inHisplanfor them. Inshort,newconvertsmustbe taughtand trained ineverythingtheyneedtoknowanddoinordertowalkwithandbecomelikeJesus.

GETTINGSTARTEDI was out for coffee with a well-known pastor friend, and after a lengthyconversationaboutdiscipleshipinthechurch,hetookthediscussiontothenextlevelwiththisquestion,“Sohowdowemovechurchesfromwhatwe’redoingnowtotrulymakingdisciples?”Greatquestion!Ihaven’tstoppedtalkingtoGodaboutthatsincethen.

Mostofthosereadingthisbookwillnotbeleadersinachurch.SoI’dliketodealwith thequestionfromthatperspective in themain textof thisbook.I’veincluded some ideas and brainstorming to help church leaders start to rethinkdiscipleship,andwhatthatmaylooklikeinthelocalchurch,inthebackofthisbook.So let’s look at how we can all help each other be disciples and make

disciples.PleasereadtheseverseslikeJesusisspeakingthemtoyoupersonally.

Obeyyourleadersandsubmittothem…(Hebrews13:17).

ThereforeI,theprisonerfortheLord,urgeyoutowalkworthyofthecalling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, withpatience,acceptingoneanotherinlove,diligentlykeepingtheunityoftheSpiritwiththepeacethatbindsus(Ephesians4:1–3).

Ifyouplanontalkingtoa leader inyourchurchabout thisconcept,humblyapproachandaskifyoucanshareyourthoughtsanddon’tgetupsetifyou’renotheard right away. I’m certainly not trying to talk you out of talking to yourleaders, I’m justaskingyou todo itproperly, showing them thehonor they’redue(1Thessalonians5:12–13).That being said, remember, the Great Commission is the task of every

Christianand theonlyway it’sgoing togetdone is ifwe’reallworkingat it;we’realltodothe“workofministry”(Ephesians4:12).We’veseverelylimitedthegrowthandeffectivenessoftheChurchbyexpectingourleaderstocarryusinall things spiritual.AsHisdisciples,weareall called to share indoingHiswork.The New Testament is full of instructions about what eachmember of the

Body is tobedoing tohelpbuild theBodyand to increase theKingdom.Youshouldn’thavetobeproddedbyyourspiritualleadersinordertogetstarted.TheBible assigns all of you some phase two tasks with your fellow believers(whether they attend the same church or not), that, with a little phase oneimprovising,canhelpyougetstartedmakingdisciples.

LetthemessageabouttheMessiahdwellrichlyamongyou, teachingand admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms,hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God(Colossians3:16).

Butspeakingthetruthinlove,letusgrowineverywayintoHimwhoisthehead—Christ.FromHimthewholebody,fittedandknittogetherby every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body forbuildingupitselfinlovebytheproperworkingofeachindividualpart(Ephesians4:15–16).

And let usbe concerned aboutone another inorder topromote loveandgoodworks…encouraging eachother, and all themore as youseethedaydrawingnear(Hebrews10:24).

Therefore encourageone another andbuild eachotherup asyouarealreadydoing(1Thessalonians5:11).

But encourage each other daily,while it is still called today, so thatnoneofyouishardenedbysin’sdeception(Hebrews3:13).

Jesussaid:

“Where two or three are gathered together inMy name, I am thereamongthem”(Matthew18:20).

Jesuswantseverymemberof theBody toencourageeachotherdaily, teachoneanotherandspeak,prayandsingGod’sWordovereachotherwithgratitudeand inworship,helpingeachotherget filledupwithHisWordso theirmindscanberenewed.Hewantsyoutospeakthetruthinlovetoeachotheranduseyour gifts and everything you have to help each other in your transformation.Godwantsyoutocareaboutthespiritualgrowthofothers,promotingloveandgoodworks, andbuilding eachotherupdailynomatterwhereyouare—inoroutsideofthechurchbuilding.Thatsoundslikewhatanamazingpastorwoulddobutwe’retheonescalledtodoallofthatforeachother.

WHATYOUCANDOThis book contains the basic “how to be a disciple of Jesus” information thatPaul taught the new converts in the churches he started. If the content of thisbookhascausedyoutobetterunderstandyourfaithandwhatitmeanstobeHisdisciple, drawn you closer to God andmade a difference, then you’ve begunyour phase one experience. How many people do you know who weren’t

adequatelymadeintoHisdisciplesfromthestart,whocouldbehelpedbythisbook?Makealist.Prayforthem,tellthemwhatyou’vebeenexperiencingandaskthemifthey’dreadthisbookifyougavethemacopy.Thenorderthebooksandgivethemaway.Whentheyreadthebookthey’llalsobegintheirphaseoneexperienceandyou’llhavesomeonetogrowinyourtransformationwith.Beforethisbookwasprintedwegavedigitalcopiestosomeclosefriendsto

readand review.Someof themvolunteered tohelp finance the first print run.Mychurchalsoagreedtopartnerwithus.Togetherwemadealistofnamesofthosewebelievedcouldbenefitfromthisbookandwegavethemacopy.Youcandothesame.Startbygivingbookstoafewfriends;thenpartnerwiththemandworktogethertodeliverbookstoalarger,combinedlist.Nextinvitethosewhoagreetoreadthebookintoaphasetwoexperiencewith

you.Startprayingforthemandmakeyourselfavailabletotalkwiththemastheyread so that you can encourageone another. I suggest that you read this bookagainwiththembutthistimespendmoretimewithyourBibleopen,studying,making notes, and praying as you go; prepare yourself not only for furthergrowthbutalsototeachandhelpothersgrow.Asyourereadyoucanalsostartwritingoutandcompilingyourtopicalverse-montages.Find practical and creativeways for your group to help each other grow in

transformation;youmaywanttogettogetherforcoffeeorteaonaregularbasiswiththoseyou’rereadingwithandtalkthroughone“TruthofTransformation”at a time or start a “TransformationGroup.”Agree to call, email or text eachother frequently andencourage eachotherwithverses.Youcouldpostor textthe quotes at the end of each chapter under “Power Points” as regularencouragements,discussionstarters,andreminderstooneanother.(That’swhythey’re there.) Share your prayer montages and, like Paul exampled, startprayingthemforoneanother.Youhaveinyourhandsthemeanstostartmakingdisciplesandthat’swhatwe’recalledtodo;andasyouhelpothersgrowyou’llgrowevenmoreyourself.Ifyouteachahomegrouporanadultclassinyourchurch,considerusingthis

book.However,pleaseremember,thisisnotaonce-a-week-for-ten-weeksthing.Manywillhave justbegun toget excitedabout thematerial andget started intheirtransformationinthattime.Haveyourgroupprayaboutandthinkofwaysthat you can all immerse yourselves in the learning like they did in the earlychurch. Perhaps go through the book once quickly and a second time slowly.Shareyourexperiencesandprogresswithoneanotherandprayforoneanother.

Remember, you’re not finished when you’ve gone through the book once ortwice, you’re finishedwhen you’rewalkingwithHim and being transformed;andthat’swhenyoucanreallystarthelpingothers.

Mydreamcontinued…In my dream I was being shown a large apartment building with a uniquecovered common area in the center.Atmealtime, everyone’s apartmentswereopened up and everyone visited and ate together. It was one big happy andamazingcommunitymeal.However,Ifoundonemanalmosthiddeninasmallroom.He didn’t seem to havemuch to share andwasn’t leaving his room toreceivefromothers.HehadaBible thatheheldas importantbutheonlyreadtheaddedmaterialinthefront.I believe that the apartment building represented theBodyofChrist and its

differentpartsaroundtheworld,adiversemixofpeoplefromdifferentcultures,backgrounds, and denominations.What happened at meal time was everyoneopeninguptooneanotherandsharingwitheachotherwhattheLordhadtaughtthem. God speaks to and through His children and His children are in everychurch,ministry,anddenominationaroundtheworld.Goddoesn’tdecidewhichgroupofHis children is “most correct” and thenalignHimselfwith them;Heloves,speaksto,teaches,andrevealsHimselftoallofHischildrenwhoreceiveHisgracebyfaith.God reveals different pieces of the bigGospel pie to people in all different

parts ofHisBody.Why? I believe it’s for several reasons: First,God doesn’tread the signs above our church doors; He simply loves all who are His.Secondly,He’s theonlyonewhohasall the truth.Youneed to stopbelievingthatyou’reokaybecauseyouattendtherightchurch,andothersaren’tbecausetheydon’t.Finally,Ibelieve,it’sHiswayofmovingustounity.HehandsoutthedifferentpuzzlepiecestoHispeopleinChristallovertheworld,andtherebyrewardsthosewhofocusonunitywithagreaterrevelationofwhoHeis.

IhavegiventhemthegloryYouhavegivenMe.MaytheybeoneasWeareone.IaminthemandYouareinMe.Maytheybecompletelyone,sotheworldmayknowYouhavesentMeandhavelovedthemasYouhavelovedMe(John17:22–23).

The key to making disciples of all nations is our unity. “May they becompletely one, so the world may know…” The key to unity in the Body iseveryone becoming Jesus’ disciple and being transformed into His image. “IhavegiventhemthegloryYouhavegivenMe.MaytheybeoneasWeareone.”Whenyoubecomeadiscipleandbeginmakingdisciplesyoustartreflectinganddemonstratingtheglory/imageofGod.Whenthathappensyou’llallstartbeingoneastheFatherandSonareone;andwhenthathappenstheworldwillseeitandknowthatJesusiswhoHeclaimedtobe.We can’t skipmaking disciples forHim, being transformed intoHis image

andbecomingonewithHimandwitheachother,and justexpect to somehowreachthenationsbyaccidentandosmosis.Makedisciples,butdoitwithfellowbelievers,andstrengthenandencourageeachother.Do itwithotherchurches,ministries, teachers, and denominations; pool your resources, learn from oneanotherandhelpandencourageoneanother.AtthebeginningofthisbookIsharedadream.InthatdreamIwasstanding

ontheancientstepsofaKing’scastle.Iheldabinderfullofmycorrespondencewith the King, and people were pressing in to see its contents. As I grewuncomfortableandwantedtoescape,acalmonlooker,withaglanceandasmile,assuredmeitwasokay.ThroughthatdreamGodshowedmethatHewantedmetoshareopenlywithotherswhatHehadtaughtmeabouthowmytransformationbegan.Thatbinderisthisbook.I’veshareditwithyouandnowit’syourturntosharewhatyou’velearnedwithothers.Mydesireandmyprayerforallofyouisthatyouwouldrealizetheamazing

love and plan that the Father has for you and that you’d head towards it bywalkingwithJesusasHisdisciple,andbeingtransformedintoallGodoriginallyimagined,andwhatHeintendedwhenHecreatedyou.AndIpraythatasyougoyou’ll be filled—in ever-increasing measure—with His Spirit, love, joy,wisdom, faith, strength, and power, and have a revolutionary impact on thepeopleandtheworldaroundyou.Restandrunandtakeotherswithyou!Here’sasummaryofwhatyou’velearnedinthisbook.It’s always been God’s will to create you in His image and likeness by

transformingyou into the imageofHisSon.That’s thegoalofyoursalvation.Jesus is your Master and Teacher and He’s in you and with you personally,discipling and transforming you. You can be transformed because Jesus gaveyouHisrighteousnessandeverythingelseyouneedtobetransformedasafreegift;it’sallbygrace.Sinceeverythingyouneedforlifeandtransformationhas

been given to you by grace (so that it can be guaranteed) you must learn toreceiveitallsimplybyfaith.Jesusredeemedeverypartofyouandmadeyoucompletelynew,sonothing

canholdyouback.Youalreadyare thenewcreationcreatedinChrist’s imageandyougrowupintothatbyputtingofftheoldselfandputtingonthenewself.God’sWord informsandempowersyour transformation.Asyou learn it,yourmindisrenewedandyou’retransformed.GodisloveandHeworksloveinyouso that you loveHim, youknowHis love for you, andyou loveothers asHelovesthem.The centerpiece of your salvation and transformation is an amazing

relationshipwiththeFather,Son,andHolySpirit,whichyouhavereceivedbygraceandgrowupintoasyouaretransformed.MuchofyourconversationwithHimcentersaroundHislovingwillandpurposesforyou;soyoupraythroughyour transformation by relationally praying God’s will with HisWord whichteaches you, renews your mind, strengthens you, and facilitates yourtransformation.God’splanhasalwaysbeentotransformyouintoallthatHeenvisionedand

created you to be—which is beyond your imagining—in and through ChristJesusyourSavior,Teacher, andMaster.Youget therebybelieving that Jesushasalreadypaidthepriceforitall,andthatyoualreadyareanewcreation.Youalsoneedtocooperatewiththeprocessmomentbymomentbyfaith,confidentthatHe isatworkwithinyou,causingyou towant todoanddoHiswill,andempoweringanddirectingyourtransformation.Andfinally,youaretobeHisdiscipleandtohelpmakedisciples.

HelpMakeDisciplesJesushascalledyoutobeHisdisciplesandtomakedisciplesforHim.Herearesomewaysyoucangetstarted:

Makealistandgivethebookawaytoeveryoneyouknowthatwouldbehelpedbyit,likewedid.

Starthelpingothersbecomedisciples.

Starta“TransformationGroup.”

Ifyouhavemoreresourcesthannamesonyourlist,buybooksandgivethemtootherstogiveaway.

Donatemoneytoyourchurch(oranotherchurch)forbuyingandgivingawaythisbook.

HelpandsupportyourchurchasitstepsoutandstartsmakingdisciplesforHim.

Ifyou’recreative,writeatransformationsong,makeanAtWorkWithinT-shirt,etc.

Ifyou’reonsocialmedia,starttweetingandpostingthequotesattheendofeachchapterunder“PowerPoints”toencourageandhelpyourfriends.Pleaseuse#AtWorkWithin,RickOsborneor@rickosborneaftereachquote.YoucanfindmoreRickOsbornequotesonTwitter@rickosborne.

Ifyou’reachurchorministryleaderinterestedinjoiningourconversationabout“MakingDisciples”forHimandtransformation,visitourwebsiteAtWorkWithin.com.

Ifyou’reablogger,writeablogaboutthisbookandgetpeopletalking;ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutlinksorbooks,etc.,pleasecontactusthroughAtWorkWithin.com.

Ifyouleadaministryand/oramediaministryandyouwanttotalkabout,promote,and/orsellthisbook,pleasecontactusthroughAtWorkWithin.com.

IfyouwanttoscheduleRickOsbornetospeak,pleasecontactusatAtWorkWithin.com.

Ifyou’reanauthororteacherstartthinkingabouthowthe“transformationbygracethroughfaith”messagecanbeappliedtotheareasyougenerallyteachin.Thenprayaboutgettingpreparedtowrite,provide,andteachatopic-specifictransformationcourseatyourchurch.

IfyourunaBibleschoolorprovideonlinecourses,prayabouthowyoucanpracticallypartnerwithchurcheswhowanttomakedisciplesoftheirwholecongregation.

Ifyouteachchildrenoryouth,startprayingandthinkingabouthowyoucanteachthismaterialtothem.NooneistooyoungtobeHisdiscipleandbetransformed.

AreyouoneofthosewoundedsoldiersthatGodshowedmeapictureof?RestandruninyourtransformationandaskGodhowyoucanstarthelpingothersbetransformed.

Takethe1,000-bookchallenge:Myself,mywifeandsomeofourfamilyandfriendsmadeourlistsofwhowethoughtwouldbenefitfromthisbookandwepersonallyfundedgivingeveryoneonthelistacopy.Youmightwanttogettogetherwithothersanddothesame.Ifyouwantacopyforeveryoneinyourchurch,company,ministry,community,etc.,thismayalsoworkforyou.You’llfindthedetailsatourstoreatAtWorkWithin.com.

Ifyou’reinvolvedintranslationandforeignlanguagepublishingandyou’dliketotalkwithsomeoneaboutthisbook,pleasecontactusthroughAtWorkWithin.com.

Ifyou’vethoughtofotherwaystosharethisbook,pleaseletusknowwhatyoudidandhowitworked,sootherscanbeinspired,bycontactingusthroughAtWorkWithin.com.

POWERPOINTSQuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

PaulbelievedthathisgrowthandworkwereempoweredbyGod’sgraceandhisfaithwasdemonstratedbywhathedidbygrace.

Ifyouremainwhereyouare,doingwhatyou’vealwaysdone,you’llcontinuetogetthesameresults.

God’sgracebecomeseffectiveinyouwhenyoumixinyourfaithandbeginmoving.

GodhasgivenyoueverythingyouneedfortransformationandthecoreofthatprovisionisyourrelationshipwithHim.

BecauseofGod’sloveforyouHeactsaccordingtoHisgrace.BecauseofyourloveforHimyouactaccordingtoyourfaith.

YourfaithinHiscompleteworkshouldcatapultyouforward.

TheearlychurchunderstoodthatthegoalwastransformationandthewaytogettherewastolearntowalkwithJesus.

ThegoaloftheearlyNewTestamentChurchwastomakedisciplesforJesusandtheyturnedtheworldupsidedown.

TheclearvisionforthechurchesthatPaulministeredtowasthateachmemberwouldbecomeChristlike.

Jesussaid,“Iwishthatyouwerecoldorhot.”Weneedtobecarefulnottosetupchurchestofacilitatethelukewarm.

Thelocalchurchistobeaboot-campwherenewbelieversaremadeintoJesus’disciplesandthensentouttoliveasHedid.

JesussaidHe’dbuildHisChurchandHetoldustomakedisciples.WhenyouattempttodoHispartandignoreyours,youfail.

Intheearlychurch,StephenandPhilipwerejustregularChristianswhoweretaughthowtobeJesus’disciples.

TheApostles’goalwastopreachtheGospelofconversiontotheunconvertedandtheGospeloftransformationtotheconverted.

Paulwantedthechurchestonotonlymakedisciplesbuttoalsocontinuallyraiseupteacherswhocoulddothesame.

Paulteachesthattheministersinthechurcharetobeinvolvedin“trainingofthesaintsintheworkofministry.”

TheonlywayeverypartofHisBodycanhelpmaturetheBodyisifallofthemhavefirstbeenmadeintodisciplesofJesus.

Whatifourchurcheswerefullofpeoplelikethefirstsevendeacons:truedisciplesofJesus,fullofHisSpiritandwisdom?

Discipleshipisnotonlyfornewbelievers;youneverstopbeingHisdisciplesandHeneverstopsteachingandtransformingyou.

Noteacher,preacher,orprogramcanchangeanyone.OnlyJesuscan;soeachChristianmustfirstbetaughthowthatworks.

YouareNOTcalledtodisciple(ormentor)people,youarecalledtomakedisciplesforJesus.

Mentoringreproducesus;makingdisciplesforJesusreproducesChrist.

WhatappearstobementoringwasPaulteachingandtrainingothershowtofollownothim,buttheMaster.

Jesuscandiscipleandtransformbillionssimultaneously,whereas,youcanmentorahandfulandactuallytransformnoone.

YouaretolearntobeHisdisciplesandthenshowothershowtodothesame.

YouconnectnewbelieverswithJesusandthenHeteaches,guides,strengthens,loves,leads,andtransformsthem24/7.

NewconvertsmustbetaughtandtrainedineverythingtheyneedtoknowanddoinordertowalkwithandbecomelikeJesus.

TheGreatCommissionisthetaskofeveryChristianandtheonlywayit’sgoingtogetdoneisifwe’reallworkingatit.

We’veseverelylimitedthegrowthandeffectivenessoftheChurchbyexpectingourleaderstocarryusinallthingsspiritual.

Godwantsyoutocareaboutthespiritualgrowthofothers,promotingloveandgoodworks,andbuildingeachotherupdaily.

Asyouhelpothersgrowyou’llgrowevenmoreyourself.

Goddoesn’tdecidewhichgroupofHischildrenis“mostcorrect”andthenalignHimselfwiththem.

GodrevealsdifferentpiecesofthebigGospelpietopeopleinalldifferentpartsofHisBody.

Goddoesn’treadthesignsaboveourchurchdoors;HesimplylovesallwhoareHis.

Youneedtostopbelievingthatyou’reokaybecauseyouattendtherightchurch,andothersaren’tbecausetheydon’t.

ThekeytounityintheBodyiseveryonebecomingJesus’discipleandbeingtransformedintoHisimage.

Restandrunandtakeotherswithyou!

EndNotes

BrainstormingwithChurchLeaders

GETTINGSTARTEDINYOURCHURCHPleaseremember,everythingI’vewritteninthissectionispurelybrainstorming,thatwillhopefullyinspireyourbrainstorming.Noneoftheseideasaremeanttobe“TheNewBlueprints”forchurch;they’renotevenmeanttobeprescriptive.Mypurposeistohelpinspireusalltostartansweringthequestion,“Howcanweeffectivelymakedisciplesinourchurchestoday?”Feelfreetotakefromtheseideas,beinspiredbypartsofthem,ignorethemand/orcomeupwithbetterones.Butpleaseread,think,pray,brainstorm,andhelpusallmoveforward.Manyhavestudiedorlookedintothetopicofpastrevivals/spiritualrenewals

and asked the question; “What gets them started?” I think that the moreimportantquestion is,“Whydo theystop?” Ibelieve theanswer is simpleandpractical.Whenrevivalhappens,wepackourchurcheswithnewconvertswhohaveunrenewedmindsandtheysometimesbecomethemajority.Unlesswe’refocused on turning the converts into His disciples, the spiritual and socialsituationbecomesuntenablebecauseof theflesh(sarx)andfallsapart throughstrife and infighting. As we’ve seen, even with thousands being added to thechurch regularly, the early churchwas able to thrive because they focused onmaking disciples which meant the Body matured as it grew. Rapid churchgrowthwithouttrulymakingdisciplesislikebuildingaskyscraperonthesand;collapseisinevitable.Jesus never told us to pray about the harvest/revival—Hemakes that ready

(John 4:35)—He told us to pray for more workers (Matthew 9:37–38; Luke10:1–2).IbelieveJesustoldustofocusonworkersbecauseHesends“disciples”into the harvest (John 4:38) and we’re the ones who are supposed to make

“disciples.”WhenyoumakedisciplesyouprovideworkersfortheLordtosend.Whenyoudon’t,muchof theharveststays in the fields.Both times thatJesustoldHisDisciplestoprayformoreworkers,Hewassendingthemoutintotheharvest—first the Twelve then the Seventy. As Jesus sent them out He wasalreadypreparingthemtothinkintermsofmakingmoreworkers.Theharvestisready;ifyouwanttoseeitcomein,prayformoreworkersandgetbusymakingdisciples.Sohowdoyougetstarted?Firstputasidesometimeinprayerspecificallyfor

thistopic.PrayPaul’sprayersoveryourchurchandyourleadershipandaskforwisdom.Youmaywanttostartsharingthisbook.Yournextmovecouldbetomeetwithkeyleadership(orleadershipgroups)—afterthey’vereadthebook—anddiscussideasforchangingortweakingyourchurch’svision.Next,youmaywanttodo(orsuggest)aseriesofsermonsaroundthetopicofdiscipleshipandtransformation and perhaps have a congregational meeting. (You have mypermissiontophotocopyorreproducepartsand/orsectionsofthisbooktohandoutinyourchurchtohelpwithdiscussions,meetings,andsharingthevision.)When you’re ready, the first thing you must do is to establish and

communicatethevisionuntileveryonewhocomesinthedoorsofyourchurchclearly understands why they are there: “To be intentionally taught by myspiritual leaders how to be a disciple ofChrist Jesus—knowing, loving, beingtaught by, and following Him; so that I can be transformed into His image,becomeallGodcreatedmetobeandbecomefullyequippedtoimpacttheworldandexpandGod’sKingdomwithmy life andgifts; all inpartnershipwithmybrothersandsistersinChrist.”Onceyou’vediscussed,agreedon,andstartedestablishingthevision,thenext

step is to discuss designing, testing, and implementing a system that willeffectively,purposely,andconstantlymakedisciples.Obviously, ithas to lookdifferent than it did in the early church because you live in a very differentworld.Theyhadadifferentculturewithdifferenttimerestraints;dailyfive-hourclasses probably won’t work for your church. However, you also have somethings they didn’t have that can help you accommodate people’s schedules:YouTube,websites, audio recordings, socialmedia,etc.Yes,makingdisciplesshould involve personal oversight and community, but not every part of thelearningneedsto.Whileyou’repraying,visioning, andbrainstorming the system’sdetails, it’s

importanttorememberwhatmakingdisciplesisandwhatitisnot.Continually

remindeveryoneinvolvedthatit’sallaboutnotonlyconnectingeachChristiantowhatJesustaught,buttoHimdirectlyinaveryrealrelationship.Avitalpartof “teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you” is teachingpeoplewhatJesustaughtyouaboutyourrelationshipwithHim:Heiswithyou,Hedisciplesandteachesyou,youknowHimandareknownbyHim,youhearHisvoice,HemanifestsHimselfandrevealstheFathertoyou,Heworksinyouandwithyou,etc.It’salsoimportanttorememberthatmakingdisciplesmustinvolvetrainingas

wellas teaching.WhenIwaswriting thisbookI taught thematerial inaclass(two days a week for ten weeks). The Lord had me teach the class—frombeginning to end—twice, partly because I needed to learnwhatwas effectiveand what wasn’t. The second time through I added several workshops thatfocusedonpracticalapplicationofthemateriallike,“HowtoHear,Know,andWalkwithJesus,”“HowtoLearnGod’sWordwithJesus,”“HowtoPutOffandPutOn,”“How toPrayThroughYourTransformation,”andmore. Imade theclasseshands-on, interactive, and full of practical exercises.The feedback andtheresultswereawesome.ThereallycoolthingisthatJesusshowedupintheworkshopsandstartedto

disciple each student. He told Christians to make disciples for Him so it’selementarytoexpectthatHewouldworkwiththemasthey’reconnectingotherstoHim.Thebasicunderstandingofhow tobeHisdisciple is in thisbookandneeds to be taught as a foundation, but practical how-toworkshops should beaddedtohelpthestudentslearnandexperiencehowthingswork.Inordertobecomechurchesthat“MakeDisciples,”somemaybesoboldas

to restructure theway theydochurch;while somemay findeffectivewaysofrefocusingbytweakingwhatisalreadynormativefortheircongregations.Icallthelatter“workingwiththewayyoudochurch.”Let’sfirstlookatsomeideasthatcouldworkthatway.

WORKINGWITHTHEWAYYOUDOCHURCHMake becoming Jesus’ disciple and transformation a personal focus for everyperson in your congregation while providing support and oversight. Yes, thechurchissupposedtomakedisciples,butthemembersarealsotounderstandthecallingandprocessanddevotethemselvestoit“Andtheydevotedthemselvestotheapostles’ teaching” (Acts2:42).Ultimately,unlessapersondoes this, they

won’t become a disciple. Therefore, you can put each individual in charge oftheir own discipleship program (especially those who have already beenChristians for some time), and provide the tools, oversight, and support theyneed.Therearea fewdifferentwaysyoucando this.Youcanstartbygivingeveryoneinthecongregationacopyofthisbook.Inordertokeepeveryoneontrack,considerworking through thebookwithsermons related toeachsectionandhaveyourhome/communitygroupswalkthroughthebookaswell.Also, in order to activate yourmembers in the “making disciples” process,

teach amessage onwhat I covered above about how eachChristian can helpothers around them become disciples. Then encourage them to start doing it.Thatmessageshouldalsobetaughtspecificallytoyourhome/communitygroupleaders.Prayaboutand findpeoplewhocan teach relatedpracticalworkshopsandschedulethematregularintervalsinyourchurch.Finally, find ways to make the idea of “becoming His disciple and being

transformed intoHis image” part of your church’sDNA so it’s not forgotten.Considergoingthroughthebookonceayearand/orestablishinganongoing“AtWork Within” or “Transformation” class. (Just don’t call it a “Discipleship”class;therearetoomanymisconceptionsaboutthatword.)Thisclassshouldbefor newcomers and new converts, so include this material in yournewcomers/membershipclass.Alsoconsiderstarting“TransformationGroups.”

CHANGINGTHEWAYYOUDOCHURCHPerhapsonceyou’vetakenthestepsoutlinedaboveyoumay,asachurch,wantto consider anothermore radical step.Drastic change is a bold step, but somebravesoulswillwanttodiscardeverythingthat’snotcontributingtoGod’sgoalandstart toonlyfocusonwhatis.Here’sjustoneideathat’smeanttogetyouthinkingandbrainstorming—anexampleofsomethingthatcouldwork:WhatifgoingtochurchonSundaymorningwasn’tjustaboutdoingthesame

thingyoudidlastweek?Whenyousignupforacommunityorcollegecourse,you’reexcitedaboutattendingbecauseyouknowthatyou’regoingtogetbetteratsomethingyouloveandthat’sgoingtomakeyourlifebetter.Whatifchurchwaslikethat?Whatifgoingtochurchwasexcitingbecauseyouwerelearningand progressively moving forward in your relationship with God and beingministeredtoatyourstageofgrowthandatyourpointofneed?

Pictureashortworshipserviceandashortinclusivesermonthatwouldbrieflywelcomeregularsandnewcomersandinspireeveryone.(Togiveyoumoretime,announcementscouldbeskippedbyprojecting themontoascreenprior to theservice,sendingthemoutviaemail,andputtingtheminthebulletin.)Aftertheshortservice(50minutes)everyonewouldbreakforcoffeeandfellowship(20minutes),beforesplittingupintoseparateclasses(perhaps50minutes).Isuggestthatyoudon’tputtheclassesbeforetheservice;yourclassattendancewilldropsignificantly and you’ll lose the needed mindset of everyone involved andgrowing together. (If you don’t have room to separate into classes you mayconsiderstillkeepingyourSundaymorningserviceshortandhaveyourclassesearlySundayeveninginpeople’shomes.)Youwillhavealreadyestablishedthevisionformakingdisciplessoeveryone

willbeon-pageandreadytoattendtheclass that ispertinent to them.Perhapsthe first classwouldbeanAlpha-type“NewBelievers”class; thenext an“AtWorkWithin”TransformationClass; the third class could be “MinisteringToOthers;”etc.Onceeveryonehasgonethroughthefirstthreeorfourbasicclassesthen you could add topic-specific classes on “Marriage,” “Biblical Finances,”andmore.(OnceyouunderstandbeingHisdisciple,theprinciplescanbeappliedto every area of life.) This two-part, making-disciples focused service couldeasilybecompletedintwohours—starttofinish.If you connect yourmidweekhomegroups (TransformationGroups) to this

system,thoseattendingthesameclasscouldmeettogethermidweekanddiscussandapplySunday’s lesson.Forcontinuity, thepersonwho teaches theSundaymorningclasscouldalsoleadthemidweekone.Sundaymorningcouldfocusoninstructionandthemidweekgroupcouldfocusonreview,discussion, training,application,andsupport.I followedthat twice-a-week-teaching-then-trainingmodelwhenI taughtmy

“AtWorkWithin”classanditworkedreallywell.Ialsohadtheclassmembersread,pray through,andstudyeachsectionathomebefore itwas taught in theclass.It’shardtolearnandgrowinanythingthat’sonlytaughtonceaweek.Forthisreason,I’dhighlyrecommendthatat-homereadingmaterialbeprovidedforeach class. When the leadership in our church first discussed my “At WorkWithin”course,manythoughtthatthetimecommitmentwouldbetoogreatforsome (classes twice a week plus at-home reading). However, the amount ofpeoplewhosignedupshockedeveryoneandbythetimethecoursewasovernoonewantedittostop.Peoplearehungrierthanyouthink.

When newcomers come to your church they can be welcomed during thecoffee break and invited to an appropriate newcomers’ class. If they areChristians then they can be directed to a class explaining the vision of yourchurch. Those who are not Christians can be invited to a basic Gospel class.Thosewhohavecomebecauseofanurgentneedcanbetakenasidetobehelpedthroughprayer and counseling.Thosewho justwant to attend a quick servicecanrejoicebecauseitwassoshort;they’llbebackandwilleventuallycatchthevision.Onceyourmembershavegonethroughthe3–4basicclassesandaregrowing

in their transformation, andhave attended the topical classes relevant to them,theycouldattenda“Teachers”classandlearnhowtoteachand/orassistinoneoftheclassessothatteacherscanbetrainedupandtaketurnsteaching.And/ortheycouldattenda“HighCalling”class for thosewhowant toencourageandhelp each other to press on to complete transformation. This class could runcontinuallyandcouldevenbetaughtinturnsbythosewhoattend.Thefruitofthisclass shouldbemoreministerswhocanhelpcounsel,pray for, teach,andtrain others in the church and discipleswho are prepared to go out and bringothersin.There are different ways that children’s ministry can work in this model.

Firstly, thekids could attend the shortworship and sermon service.Anurseryand preschool area could be provided for children who can’t sit through theservice. While the adult Bible classes are being taught, the kids can attendchildren’sage-appropriateBibleclasses.Manychurchesstruggletofindenoughteachers for thechildren; thismodelcanbedesigned toproduce them.Asyouraiseupmoreteachers,yourcurrentteacherscangetabreakandgothroughtheclasses.(Youcanevenhaveallthosewhoaretrainedasteacherscyclethroughandtaketurnsteachingchildren.)One last suggestion for you to think about: it seems to me like everyone,

everywhere—ministries and churches—are starting casual brick-and-mortarand/oronlineBibleschoolsorclasses. I’mveryencouragedbythis trendbutIthink itmay be a littlemisdirected. I say “misdirected” because these schoolsandclassesseemtobeaimedateithertheyoungorthehighly-motivated.Thisaudience targeting continues to dowhat theChurch has been doing formanygenerations: find thosewhoarezealousand/or“called”andship themoff toaspecialschoolsotheycanbetaughtandtrainedtobecomepastorsandministers,andthenbehiredtodoallofthespiritualheavy-liftingfortherestoftheBody.

But the truth is,we’reallcalled tobeHisdisciples, to learn fromHim,andgrowandcontinuetheministryoftheMaster.We’reallcalledtobeministers.Christiansinleadershiparenotcalledtomakedisciplesandministersofsome,butofall.IbelievetheselocalandonlineschoolsarebeinginspiredbytheLord,butIthinktheyneedtobeaimedateveryChristianandstructuredinsuchawaythateveryBelieverineverychurchcangetinvolvedandisencouragedtodoso.Here’stheidea:findcoursesand/orclassesthatarebeingofferedonlinethat

will help your congregation in some level of their transformation. Then alignyourchurchwiththatschoolorclass(applyingforagrouplicenseforeveryoneinyour church), and add the course toyourSundaymorningclasses andyourmidweekgroups.Asmorechurchespartnerwiththeseonlinecourses,moreandbettercourseswillbecomeavailable.Thiscouldbeawonderfulwaytostartforthose who don’t feel they have enough teachers. Or find free sermons andcoursesonYouTubeandusethem.(ChristianswatchingsermonsandcoursesonYouTubeisalargeandgrowingtrend,soyoumightaswellharnessanddirectit.)Havesomeonewhoisableleadthegroup,preparediscussionquestions,andmotivatethegrouptoencourageoneanotherintheirgrowthandtheapplicationofwhatthey’relearning.Thevideoclasswillalsohelpdealwiththeproblemofthosewhoworkshifts

orhavetomissclasses.ThefirsttimeItaughtthe“AtWorkWithin”classIsetup a simple digital video camera and then downloaded the video toYouTubeusingaprivatelink.ThenIemailedthelinktoanyonewhohadmissedtheclass.Once thiswasannounced,peoplewhowouldnormallynot signupbecauseoftheirschedulesgladlycameonboard.Videoingyourclassescanalsohelpyourepeat the courses without stretching your available teachers; you just need ateacher-in-trainingwhocanguidetheclass.I believe that if you’re effectivelymaking disciples forHim, your churches

will look more like ministry training centers than what they look like now.Churches should be boot-camps just buzzing with the talk and reality ofeveryonebeing connectedwith Jesus, being trainedhow to followHim,beingtransformed fromglory to glory intoHis image, and thengoingout to impacttheirareasofinfluencefortheKingdom.Again,thesearealljustideasthathavebeenbrainstormedinordertogiveyou

a launchingpad foryourownbrainstorming.Whatworks forone churchmaynotworkforthenext.Getyourleaderstogether,pray,brainstorm,anddecidetomoveforward.Thenscheduleit,testit,andtweakitasyougo.Don’twaituntil

youhavetheperfectmodelbeforeyoustart.Anddon’twaituntilyouhavealloftheclassesinanicelittleorganizedprogressionbeforeyoustart.Nomatterhowgoodwhatyoudevelopis,it’llgetbetterasyourollitout,testit,makechanges,andaddtoit.Soletitgrowasyourchurchdoes.Justdon’teverlosesightofthepurpose,to“MakeDisciples”forHim.Let’s all work on this together and help each other get back to making

disciplesforJesus.Iwelcomeyourideas.Onceyou’reupandgoingpleasevisitourwebsiteAtWorkWithin.comande-mailmewhatyou’retryingandhowit’sworking.

POWERPOINTSQuotesforSharingonSocialMedia

Rapidchurchgrowthwithouttrulymakingdisciplesislikebuildingaskyscraperonthesand;collapseisinevitable.

WhenyoumakedisciplesyouprovideworkersfortheLordtosend.Whenyoudon’t,muchoftheharveststaysinthefields.

Theharvestisready;ifyouwanttoseeitcomein,prayformoreworkersandgetbusymakingdisciples.

We’reallcalledtobeHisdisciples,tolearnfromHim,andgrowandcontinuetheministryoftheMaster.

Christiansinleadershiparenotcalledtomakedisciplesandministersofsome,butofall.

Churchesshouldbeboot-campsjustbuzzingwiththetalkandrealityofeveryonebeingconnectedwithJesus.