CLFM: tues 10.2.07

How do we change?(restored)

-Sanctification=restoration of the image of God
-"The realization or progress attainment of likeness to God or to God's intention for men. It may be regarded both as a status conferred by divin grace and as a goal to be aimed at." -Blackman
-Col. 3:9-10: you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge ccording to the image of its creator.



Biblical Tensions re: Sanctification

1. Who is taking the active role?
God
-Eph. 2:10: for we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works...
-Eph. 5:25-27: Christ loved the church & gave himself up for her, in order to make her holy by cleasing her...so that she
may be holy...
Believers
-1 Peter. 1:15
-Lev 11:44
-Matt. 5:48
-2 Cor. 7:1
-Eph. 4:15
-Heb 12:1
-1 Jn. 3:3

2. When does sanctification take place?
Once & for all
-1 Cor. 1:2
-1 Cor. 6:11
-Acts 20:23
-Acts 26:18
Ongoing & life-long
-1 Kings 8:46
-Prov. 20:9
-Is. 64:6
-Rom. 3:23
-James 3:2
-1 Jn. 1:8
-2 Cor. 3:18


How do we cooperate? How are we changed?
-Change is constant, yet we resist it
-Change is an important part of life with Christ
-Change is a process

5 Step Transformation Process
1. Complacency
-2 Cor. 5:17: So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passwed away; see, everything has
become new!
2. Confronted with alternatives
-Rom 12:2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern
what is the will of God.
-Common forms of self-defeating talk:
- What if i fail?
- Daydreaming is a waste of time
- Having a dream means im admitting im not happy now
- I dont deserve a different life
- I have no time
3. Transition Period
-2 Cor. 12:9: My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness
-"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." -William Shedd
4. Period of Discipline
-Begin to walk through fear
5. Freedom
-Character is formed by habits we adopt
-It is a life long process