The Christ-follower as Disciple & Missioner: Part III

by Pastor Lane

Transformation impacts life through biblical thinking. Not a pattern of thinking that reflects the wisdom of man, but one that has learned the wisdom of God. Sin corrupts our mind by evil knowledge, thoughts, patterns of thinking and human/worldly wisdom and rationale. Consider Romans 8.5–7a regarding the mind:

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. the sinful mind is hostile to God.

When one is transformed by the righteousness of Christ into Christ-likeness, it occurs by the renewing of the mind.
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. —Rom. 12.2b

Transformation impacts life by understanding how the gospel transforms a life from within to daily practice. When one receives Christ (conversion), a growing awareness of God’s holiness and of the flesh and sinfulness emerges. The gospel shows how my sin has been atoned for by Jesus’ blood, Jesus’ righteousness has been attributed to me and how I am to live in freedom through forgiveness. People often look at mature Christians and falsely believe they no longer struggle with temptation, that their sinfulness is in some way less severe or that they have just overcome sinfulness. Maturity in the Christian life is learning to apply the gospel, recognize the temptation that lead to sinfulness and battles it at its core. The closer you get to root of sin in life, the more intense the battle with it becomes. The practice of sinning/committal of sins is the fruit of a root sin in life. If you wait to battle it until it begins to show itself in action, victory is near impossible. Sin must be killed at its core. Maturity in the Christian life is the gospel growing our awareness of God and self, understanding how Jesus’ righteousness has given victory over our sin and living, by faith, in the victory that he has given.

Transformation impacts life by disciplined participation. Personal participation in relationship with Jesus is essential to transformational growth. Essential personal disciplines include Bible reading, memorization and meditation, prayer, giving, fasting, confession, and witnessing. These disciplines build our relationship with Jesus. Journaling is also an important discipline as I use it to enhance and guide my prayer and Bible time. Community participation is essential to growth. Essential community disciplines include church membership (connecting with a local body of Christ/church), worship, tithing, study, fellowship and serving.