Building One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

I Thessalonians 5:11

Transformation  Vol 1 No 11

Dear Friend,

Consider the difference between “conform” and “transform.”

To conform is to change the shape of something.

She conformed the sand pile into a castle… but the sand was still sand.

To transform is to change the nature of something.

The caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly… metamorphosis - true change.

Now consider these words of the Apostle Paul, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Romans 12:2*

In other words…

Don’t adapt – don’t conform -- your thoughts, attitudes, and actions according to the patterns of our day.

Do submit your mind to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and yield yourself to the Spirit’s transforming work in your life – changing you from the inside out into God’s beloved child.

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. bFor this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” II Corinthians 3:18

Joy to you – E. Stanley Ott

©Copyright 2018 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the ESV

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Discussion Questions and Show Notes

Discussion Questions:

1. How do you understand the difference between the concepts “conform” and “transform?” Why do you think the Apostle Paul’s focus is on transform?
2. What do you see as the difference between being conformed in the likeness of Jesus or being transformed into the likeness of Jesus – and why is the difference important?
3. We are asked to “be” transformed, which means we don’t do it to ourselves, it has to be done to us. What are steps you may take to be more open to the transforming work of the Spirit of God in your life?

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”II Corinthians 3:18

Show Notes:

Consider the difference between “conform” and “transform.”

To conform is to change the shape of something. If I take a lump of soil…

To transform is to change the nature of something. If I could take that lump of soil and ZAP turn it into gold.. that would be transform (and very handy too)

The caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly… metamorphosis – that’s transformation – a genuine change of being.

Now consider these words of the Apostle Paul, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Romans 12:2*

In other words…

Don’t adapt – don’t conform -- your thoughts, attitudes, and actions according to the patterns of our day.

Do submit your mind to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and yield yourself to the Spirit’s transforming work in your life – changing you from the inside out into God’s beloved child.

Sacred Rhythm’s: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation Ruth Haley Barton

https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Rhythms-Arranging-Spiritual-Transformation/dp/0830833331/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531236359&sr=1-1&keywords=transformation+-+ruth+haley+barton

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