Spiritual Growth
Transformation and the Holy Spirit
April 23, 2006

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Cor 3:18

1. And we all, with unveiled face…

· Spiritual growth or transformation involves all believers.

· A clearer apprehension of the covenant.

· Begins at conversion – a new principle of spiritual life.

I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. Jer 31:33

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Eze 36:26-27

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Cor 5:17


2. Beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord...

· Spiritual growth results from a focused and continual gaze on Christ.

· Beholding the glory of the Lord in all His being and in all His works.

· Beholding the glory of the Lord in the gospel (the mirror).

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Eph 2:6-7

* The gospel preaches to us that our sins are forgiven.

* The gospel preaches to us that the power of sin in our lives is broken.

* Cleansing our consciences from the guilt of sin must precede our efforts to deal with the presence of sin in our daily lives.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[a] so that we may serve the living God! Heb 9:14

· The result of beholding is reflecting the glory of the Lord.


3. Are being transformed into the same image...

· Transformation is continual.

* From the Greek word form which we get metamorphosis.
* Occurs only four times in the New Testament (others: Matt 17:2, Mark 9:2, Rom 12:2).
* The difference between being transformed (2 Cor 3:18) and conformed (Rom 8:29) to the likeness of Jesus.

· God is not satisfied to leave us the way we are.


4. From glory to glory…

· Spiritual growth is a lifelong process and we never will never attain the goal completely in this life.

· Because it is a process, there will always be a conflict within us.

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. Gal 5:17

· Stages of growth.

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 1 John 2:13


5. This comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

· The Holy Spirit is the agent for our transformation.

· The Holy Spirit uses means to bring this about including those He initiates (adversities, encouragement of others) and those He expects us to initiate (Scripture, prayer).

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil 2:12-13

· The Holy Spirit reveals what I am to put off and put on.

But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him. Col 3:8-10

· The Holy Spirit reveals the graces and blessings which should and could be ours.

His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Pet 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Eph 1:3

· The Holy Spirit enables.

For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Rom 8:13-14


I can to some degree change my conduct, but only He can change my heart.

Transformation comes from a steady, concentrated gazing on Christ and a confidant relying on the Holy Spirit to effect the change. Oswald Sanders