Many ministries spend most of their energy on finding ways to motivate people toward change. Churches host brainstorming events on discipleship. Book publishers release the latest growth ideas or tools. Pastors preach sermons pointing their congregants down the path of growth. Many Christians can feel bombarded by the constant message: "Here is where you are. Here is where you need to be. Get after it!"
While this message of transformation is necessary and biblical, we must ask whether these calls for change are missing a central ingredient.
In this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast, Pastor Jeff Christianson continues his study of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit by exposing a missing ingredient in the discipleship recipe of many churches, the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
This verse is all about transformation. Here, Paul keys his readers into a vital principle for transformation. Transformation occurs when we behold the glory of the Lord. Transformation first and foremost is a result of Christians looking at Jesus. Transformation begins not with behavior but beholding–meditating upon the glory of the Son of God, considering his humility in coming to save us, marveling at his sacrificial love on the cross, and rejoicing in the empty tomb. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that our transformation is tied to our grasp of the glory of the Lord. As we look to Jesus, believe the gospel, and understand his goodness towards us, we are slowly changed into his image.
Want to hear more? Tune into this week's episode of the Biblical Counseling Podcast to hear Jeff Christianson address the topic of the Transformation of the Holy Spirit.
Partner With Biblical Counseling Academy
- Take the Biblical Counselor's Starter Course: https://www.jeffchristianson.com/startercourse
When you support The Biblical Counseling Academy through financial giving, you partner with us in what God is doing through BCA, from underwriting student scholarships, to helping in the production of various biblical teaching resources (ebooks, podcasts, courses, in-person seminars, summits, online symposiums, webinars, and digital ministry), ministry tables at various conferences and churches, office matters, and much more. As the Lord leads you to invest, BCA is able to continue in proclaiming the sufficiency of Christ and His Word to Christians at home and abroad, making disciples of Jesus Christ through the warning and teaching found in God's word (Colossians 1:28). There are multiple ways you can partner with us through financial giving:
- Placing a donation through our secure website as the Lord leads, Giving Link
- Enrolling in a personal enrichment self-paced online course for your edification or to bless someone else.
- Donating tuition to send someone a scholarship anonymously or with a personalized greeting.
Contact support@jeffchristianson.org to learn more
Become a Ministry Partner - Click Here! https://calvarychapel.breezechms.com/give/online
"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for the Lord loves a cheerful giver." —2 Corinthians 9:7
This podcast is for informational purposes only and has been inspired by the works of these individuals and sources: The NKJV Study Bible, Pastor Bob Hoekstra, Pastor Chuck Smith, Pastor Ray Steadman, Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, and Dr. Wayne Grudem.
The views expressed in this episode are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of the sources.
"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:2
