Pastor Jim Caler brings the first part in a two-part miniseries on Transforming Faith, with a message on reading the Bible in a transformational way.
SERMON OUTLINE
The Need for Transformation
- Be a Traveler not a Tourist
- Romans 12:1-2
- Ephesians 4:20-24
Myths about Transformation
- It happens instantly (Philippians 3:12-16)
- It happens naturally (Hebrews 5:11-14)
- It happens willfully (Philippians 2:12-14)
The Bible and Transformation (James 1:22-25/1 Timothy 3:14-16)
- Read
- Have a plan
- Work it out
- Reflect
- From Root to Fruit (or from Fruit to Root)
- Who Is God?
- What Has He Done?
- Who Are We In Light Of That?
- How Do We Live?
- Respond
- Grouping Up
- The Power of 3
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Open Up:
- What is your favorite book?
- What is your favorite book made into a movie?
Dig In:
- In what ways have you been a tourist more than a traveler when it comes to your Christian faith? If you have changed in this way (either direction), what led to the change?
- As you reflect on Ephesians 4:20-24, is it possible to change your conduct without experiencing any inner transformation? What do you think are the implications for that?
- Is it possible to experience a transformation of the heart without your conduct changing? What do you think are the implications for that?
- As you think about the “Root to Fruit” approach of studying scripture, which piece do you think is the hardest to apply? Why?
Live it Out:
- In what areas have you experienced the most transformation since following Christ? Why do you think this is so?
- Can you think of two people you can begin to “travel the life of transformation” with? If so, start this month! If not, pray that God would reveal to you at least one other you can approach about this.