November 24th Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: How Jesus Transforms Us – Part 4
"Transformation: God’s Hope for All People"
Kevyn’s sermon highlights how Jesus transforms us through God’s plan, revealed not through human imagination but by God Himself. It examines Paul's teachings in Ephesians, showing us how to live a transformed life. Below is a breakdown of the sermon notes with each verse, its meaning, and how to apply it to daily life.
How Could We Possibly Know with Certainty?
Man-made religions offer guesses about God, but true certainty comes when God reveals Himself. The Bible preserves God’s self-revelation through historical events, prophecies, and ultimately, through Jesus Christ.
Application: Trust the Bible as a reliable source of God’s truth. Seek to know God personally through His Word, recognizing that your faith is grounded in His proven revelations.
Paul’s Summary of Transformation: Ephesians 2:1-22
1. Before Jesus: Ignorance, Deception, and Self-Gratification (Eph. 2:1-3)
Ephesians 2:1
"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins…"
Before Jesus, our spirits were "dead," disconnected from God’s truth.
Action to Consider: Reflect on how life apart from God lacked purpose and meaning. Recognize that true understanding of life comes from a relationship with Him.
Ephesians 2:2
"…in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient."
Satan used false narratives to deceive us.
Action to Consider: Identify and reject worldly lies that contradict God’s truth. Stay grounded in Scripture to discern God’s perspective.
Ephesians 2:3
"We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also."
We lived selfishly, serving sinful desires.
Action to Consider: Acknowledge past mistakes and turn fully to Jesus, committing to live in a way that honors Him.
2. After Jesus: Revitalized, Restored, and Equipped (Eph. 2:4-10)
Ephesians 2:4-5
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!"
God’s love brings new life to our spirits in Christ.
Action to Consider: Live daily with gratitude for God’s grace. Let His love fuel your faith and actions.
Ephesians 2:6
"He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus…"
Our relationship with God is restored; we are spiritually seated with Him.
Action to Consider: Trust that you are secure in your relationship with God. Rest in the identity of being His child.
Ephesians 2:7
"…so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."
God’s ultimate blessings will be fully revealed in the future.
Action to Consider: Walk by faith, trusting that God’s promises will come to fruition. Let hope in His blessings sustain you.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift, not from works, so that no one can boast."
Salvation is a gift, not something earned.
Action to Consider: Stop striving to earn God’s favor and accept His grace. Share this truth with others, emphasizing His love.
Ephesians 2:10
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do."
We are created to live lives that reflect God’s character and purpose.
Action to Consider: Commit to serving God by doing good works. Use your unique talents to glorify Him and help others.
The Otherworldly Work of Jesus
Jesus’ teachings and work reveal truths beyond the physical world. Trusting Him requires humility and a willingness to learn.
Application: Daily, remind yourself of Jesus’ transformative work in your life. Embrace His teachings, and actively live out your new reality:
"I am a transformed child of God equipped to grow and live life serving the purpose He intended."
Summary of Application
Recognize the Truth: Study Scripture to understand God’s revealed plan.
Embrace Your Identity: Live confidently as a child of God, transformed by His grace.
Reject the Lies: Discern and avoid worldly values that contradict God’s truth.
Walk by Faith: Trust in God’s promises, even when life feels uncertain.
Live with Purpose: Actively seek to do good works that reflect God’s love and character.
God’s hope for transformation is not just for a select few, it is for all people. Accept His work in your life, and commit to walking daily in His light.