Be Transformed
Abiding in Christ is the only reliable source of lasting change; without that root, attempts at self-improvement become surface-level, all about willpower and performance. On Sunday, as we continued in our series, “A New Way of Living,” Jamey Codding spoke on what it means to be transformed as disciples of Christ. The true blueprint for renewal is God’s transformative work—positional sanctification is immediate at conversion, but progressive sanctification is a lifelong, Spirit-driven shaping into the image of Jesus. Rather than trying harder to remodel behavior, the disciple’s task is to live in Christ’s presence, obey his promptings, and wait faithfully as God does the heavy lifting. This process happens step by imperfect step: small acts of surrender and simple obedience matter more than dramatic, instantaneous fixes.
Key Takeaways
– Abide in Christ before doing anything.
True spiritual fruit flows only from a living union with Jesus; efforts detached from that root remain performative. Re-centering on being with Christ steadies motivation, reshapes desire, and empowers obedience that endures. This is not an optional extra. It is the soil in which all transformation grows.
– Transformation is God’s workmanship.
Sanctification is primarily God’s activity—progressive, pervasive, and patient—aiming to conform believers to the likeness of Christ. Human blueprints and willpower may produce temporary gains, but lasting change requires the Spirit’s reshaping of heart, mind, and body over time. Surrender to that reality relieves the burden of self-salvation.
– Disciple’s work: presence and obedience.
The disciple’s role is not magical productivity but faithful availability: show up in God’s presence and act on his instructions. Small, obedient steps—confession, a chosen surrender, a commanded task—allow the Spirit to empower genuine change. Obedience opens the door for God to do the heavy lifting.
– Practice patience while God transforms.
Growth often looks incremental and imperfect; impatience breeds control-seeking and relapse into self-effort. Learning to celebrate progress sustains faithfulness in the long haul. Trusting God’s timing keeps the soul tender and pliable under his workmanship.
Reflection Questions
- According to John 15:4–5, what is the specific condition required for a branch to bear fruit? What is the result of trying to bear fruit by itself?
- There is a distinction between positional sanctification—which happens the moment one gives their life to Jesus—and progressive sanctification. How does understanding that positional sanctification is already a finished work change the way a person views their daily growth?
- We often prioritize doing for God over being with God. What does your daily rhythm look like right now? How can you create a quiet space this week to simply be in His presence without an agenda?
- Transformation often happens through small, obedient steps rather than dramatic, instant fixes. Is there a still small voice prompting you to confess a specific hidden sin or unhealthy practice? What is the very next step of obedience you need to take?
- It is easy to focus on the gap between where we are and where we want to be, rather than celebrating the progress God has already made. Looking back over the last year, where have you seen God progressively sanctifying you, even in a small way?
- We often try to remodel our own behavior using our own blueprints. In what area of your life are you currently trying to willpower your way to change? How would it look to surrender the desire for control to God in that specific area?
- When we fail to change on our own timeline, we often slip into shame. How does the truth that God is the one doing the heavy lifting change the way you should respond to yourself when you experience a setback?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from Jan 11
- “Clean”
- “Spirit Of The Living God”
- “Spirit Lead Me”
- “Living Hope”
Listen to the songs we play on Sundays by clicking the image below to access our Spotify playlist!
