Anyone who is in Christ becomes a new person. But what happens to those old habits?

Key Points:

  • When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are new creations positionally, meaning that even though we don’t fully think and behave like new creations, we still hold the position of “new creation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • God the Holy Spirit lead us from the inside-out. As we continue to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” to God, we are inwardly transformed. Romans 12:1-2
  • When we use the freedom we have in Christ to intentionally do the things he has created us to do, we will through this process be more and more transformed into people who by nature “don’t” want to do the things we used to struggle with. Ephesians 2:8-10
  • The battle isn’t won after midnight when you’re sitting at your computer, it’s won day-in, day-out, as you choose to walk in the Spirit and align your new nature with new habits. Galatians 5:24-25
How does spiritual transformation work?

Spiritual transformation in the Christian life is a process through which a believer grows in their faith and becomes more like Jesus Christ. This transformation is holistic, affecting the believer’s heart, mind, and actions. Here’s an outline of how this process generally works:

### 1. **Regeneration**
– **Born Again:** The process begins with regeneration, where a person is spiritually reborn through faith in Jesus Christ. This is often referred to as being “born again” (John 3:3-8).
– **Holy Spirit:** The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in regeneration, convicting the individual of sin and enabling them to repent and believe in the gospel (Titus 3:5).

### 2. **Sanctification**
– **Ongoing Process:** After regeneration, sanctification begins. This is the ongoing process of being made holy, where the believer gradually becomes more like Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
– **Holy Spirit’s Role:** The Holy Spirit continues to work in the believer, empowering them to overcome sin and grow in virtue (Galatians 5:22-23).
– **Spiritual Disciplines:** Engagement in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship with other believers is essential for growth (1 Timothy 4:7-8).

### 3. **Renewal of the Mind**
– **Scripture:** Transforming the mind is critical, and this is primarily done through the study and application of Scripture (Romans 12:2).
– **Thinking Like Christ:** Believers are called to adopt a Christ-like mindset, focusing on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).

### 4. **Christ-like Character**
– **Fruit of the Spirit:** As believers grow, they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
– **Imitating Christ:** Believers strive to imitate Christ in their daily lives, showing compassion, humility, and sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:1-2).

### 5. **Community and Accountability**
– **Church Community:** Growth often happens within the context of a church community where believers support, encourage, and hold each other accountable (Hebrews 10:24-25).
– **Mentorship and Discipleship:** Relationships with more mature Christians who can mentor and disciple younger believers are vital (2 Timothy 2:2).

### 6. **Perseverance**
– **Enduring Trials:** Spiritual transformation includes perseverance through trials and sufferings, which refine faith and character (James 1:2-4).
– **Hope in Christ:** Believers remain hopeful and steadfast, looking forward to the ultimate transformation that will occur when Christ returns (Philippians 3:20-21).

### 7. **Glorification**
– **Final Transformation:** The process of spiritual transformation will be completed in the future when believers are glorified with Christ. This means receiving a perfect, resurrected body and being completely free from sin (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Spiritual transformation is both an individual and communal journey, deeply rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit, who uses scripture and other believers to help us grow to be more like Jesus.

Talk About It
  1. Read the talking points above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about these points or about the video?
  2. When you first came to Christ, were there things that immediately or very quickly changed in you? Explain.
  3. What things is God still working on in your life – the “don’ts” you personally struggle with? Do these struggles discourage you at times? Explain.
  4. What “do’s” in your life are you practicing to conform yourself more and more to the likeness of Jesus? If you don’t have these “do’s,” what could they be for you?
  5. The “battle” we are all fighting is not won at 1 AM right when our temptation is about to overtake us, but day-in, day-out. Explain practically what this day-in, day-out walk with Jesus would look like for you or for others you know.
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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