How Does Personal Transformation Take Place? (Part 2)
Taking on the character of Christ – the essence of personal transformation – reaches its apex when we take on “the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ.” As we work within the body of Christ (previous issue), we constantly need more equipping by our
pastors so that we can work with and through the pain and agony of others. Each new encounter with one of God’s people, as we
serve them, allows us fresh opportunities to achieve Christ-likeness. What is God trying to accomplish in our hearts and souls? Paul
describes these transformational changes when he writes...
“ … till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of
the fullness of Christ …” Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV)
PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION WORKS TOWARD DIRECTED OBJECTIVES
God transforms us as …
• I seek the unity of my local church – since I am serving God’s people, I always want to work to keep them right with God and right
with each other. Bringing people into God’s presence can be challenging. Personal injuries and hidden sins can easily destroy the
fabric of the local church. As I work to help people stay close or return to God’s heart, God changes me on the inside forming my heart
of compassion and mercy.
• I study to know Jesus Christ – as I serve the people of God, the Word of God takes on new life a reality as I imitate the Master of
my life. Opening God’s Word every day prepares me for whatever situation I will face as I minister to God’s people. The challenge I
will face each day is attempting to live out the heart and character traits I see in Jesus’ on the pages of the Bible. Each new challenge
allows me to become more like Jesus.
• I grow up into spiritual maturity – each time I touch a life within the body of Christ I am challenged to set aside my own needs
and desires for others, the very definition of maturing. Jesus told us “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for
his friends (John 15:13 NKJV).” The path to spiritual growth is sacrificial love. Serving others – setting self aside – is the process
whereby we are transformed into the character of Jesus.
• I measure up to Jesus’ stature – as I continue to serve others out of the sacrificial love of Jesus, I take on more and more of His
very essence. Ultimately, repetition erases more and more of our natural inclinations and, in its place, we begin to bear more and
more of the personality and persona of our Lord of glory.
God’s process of personal transformation is the repetitive service we give to his people. This week, as you serve the men and
women, boys and girls who make up your local fellowship of the redeemed, enjoy the Spirit of God at work within you!
Next time we will discuss this process further by revealing three of the most powerful enemies to God’s work of transformation within
your soul. Help us strengthen and encourage others in their spiritual leadership – forward this email to a friend and encourage them
to subscribe!
© 2007 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved.
Taking on the character of Christ – the essence of personal transformation – reaches its apex when we take on “the measure of the
stature of the fullness of Christ.” As we work within the body of Christ (previous issue), we constantly need more equipping by our
pastors so that we can work with and through the pain and agony of others. Each new encounter with one of God’s people, as we
serve them, allows us fresh opportunities to achieve Christ-likeness. What is God trying to accomplish in our hearts and souls? Paul
describes these transformational changes when he writes...
“ … till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of
the fullness of Christ …” Ephesians 4:13 (NKJV)
PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION WORKS TOWARD DIRECTED OBJECTIVES
God transforms us as …
• I seek the unity of my local church – since I am serving God’s people, I always want to work to keep them right with God and right
with each other. Bringing people into God’s presence can be challenging. Personal injuries and hidden sins can easily destroy the
fabric of the local church. As I work to help people stay close or return to God’s heart, God changes me on the inside forming my heart
of compassion and mercy.
• I study to know Jesus Christ – as I serve the people of God, the Word of God takes on new life a reality as I imitate the Master of
my life. Opening God’s Word every day prepares me for whatever situation I will face as I minister to God’s people. The challenge I
will face each day is attempting to live out the heart and character traits I see in Jesus’ on the pages of the Bible. Each new challenge
allows me to become more like Jesus.
• I grow up into spiritual maturity – each time I touch a life within the body of Christ I am challenged to set aside my own needs
and desires for others, the very definition of maturing. Jesus told us “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for
his friends (John 15:13 NKJV).” The path to spiritual growth is sacrificial love. Serving others – setting self aside – is the process
whereby we are transformed into the character of Jesus.
• I measure up to Jesus’ stature – as I continue to serve others out of the sacrificial love of Jesus, I take on more and more of His
very essence. Ultimately, repetition erases more and more of our natural inclinations and, in its place, we begin to bear more and
more of the personality and persona of our Lord of glory.
God’s process of personal transformation is the repetitive service we give to his people. This week, as you serve the men and
women, boys and girls who make up your local fellowship of the redeemed, enjoy the Spirit of God at work within you!
Next time we will discuss this process further by revealing three of the most powerful enemies to God’s work of transformation within
your soul. Help us strengthen and encourage others in their spiritual leadership – forward this email to a friend and encourage them
to subscribe!
© 2007 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith. All rights reserved.
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