November 3rd Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: “How Jesus Transforms Us”

God’s desire is to transform our lives through Jesus, enabling us to live purposefully, serving Him and others with a heart grounded in love and truth.

1. God Intends to Transform Us

Verse: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." — Ephesians 2:10

Action to Consider: Understand that God sees each of us as His unique creation, designed with a purpose in Christ. Recognize that you’re not a product of chance but of intentional design, crafted to do good works. Embrace daily opportunities to serve and reflect His love in practical ways. Ask God to reveal ways you can walk in the “good works” He has set out for you.

2. What We Have Learned in Ephesians 1

Verse: (Ephesians 1:3-14) — Paul describes God’s commitment to bless us as His family.

Application Summary: Reflect on how deeply committed God has been to us from the beginning. He sees us as part of His family and a priority of His love. Spend time each day thanking Him for specific blessings and ask Him to help you view others as fellow members of this family. This awareness strengthens your identity as His child and fosters a heart of gratitude and inclusiveness toward others.

"3 Things We Need to Know" to Love and Serve God

Hope of His Calling

Action to Consider: Remind yourself of the purpose and hope found in God’s calling. Even when life feels uncertain, hold onto the fact that God has called you to something greater. This hope can be an anchor, guiding you to live with confidence in His promises.

Riches of His Inheritance in the Saints

Action to Consider: Recognize the profound worth of being part of God’s family. Value the relationships and fellowship you have with other believers, knowing you’re sharing in something eternal. Be encouraged to invest in these relationships as a reflection of God’s inheritance.

Surpassing Greatness of His Power toward Us

Action to Consider: Be aware that God’s power is at work in your life. When challenges arise, remind yourself of this power and lean into it with faith. Allow His strength to carry you beyond your own limits, whether in resisting temptation or facing difficult circumstances.

3. The Big Question: What Difference Does Jesus Make in My Life?

The “Before” Jesus Picture (Ephesians 2:1-3) — This section illustrates life before knowing Christ, where our spiritual nature was inclined to self-service rather than God’s will.

Our Spiritual Disposition Was Dead

Verse: "But Jesus told him, 'Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.'" — Luke 9:60

Action to Consider: Recognize that, before Christ, we had no inclination to serve God fully. Now, let Jesus shape your priorities. Focus on sharing His love with others, letting go of pursuits that don’t align with His Kingdom.

Conforming to the World’s Priorities

Verse: "That which comes out of the person, that is what defiles the person..." — Mark 7:20-23

Action to Consider: Be vigilant in examining your heart and intentions. Ask Jesus to reveal areas where worldly desires may still influence you, and pursue a life led by values rooted in His teachings.

Influenced by Unseen Evil

Verses: "And the devil said to Him, 'I will give You all this domain and its glory...'" — Luke 4:3-12

"You are of your father the devil... and does not stand in the truth..." — John 8:44

Action to Consider: Acknowledge that the spiritual world is real, and actively resist temptations by holding fast to God’s Word. Follow Jesus’ example by responding with Scripture and prayer to maintain spiritual strength.

Surrendering to a Self-Serving Disposition

Verse: "Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." — Matthew 26:41

Action to Consider: Realize that without God’s guidance, our natural tendency is to serve ourselves. Make it a habit to pray for strength against temptation and seek God’s will, particularly when your desires conflict with His purpose.

4. Jesus Reveals the Truth About Life

Verse: "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world...'" — John 18:36-38

Action to Consider: Learn from Jesus that real purpose and value in life aren’t found in worldly achievements but in fulfilling God’s Kingdom mission. Let this eternal perspective shape your priorities, focusing less on what the world deems important and more on what matters to God.

5. Sitting at the Feet of Jesus and Learning

Verse: (John 8:31-36; 15:1-8) — Jesus promises that following Him will lead to freedom and understanding.

Action to Consider: Commit to “abiding” in Jesus by studying His Word and praying daily. Following Him doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it does mean we gain the wisdom and strength to handle whatever we face. Depend on Him as the source of life, knowing that His guidance will bear fruit in every area of your life.

6. Allowing Jesus to Guide Us

Action to Consider: Invite Jesus into your decision-making each day. Whether in small choices or big life decisions, seek His guidance. Trust that He has your best interests at heart, and His way will always lead to true fulfillment and transformation.

This recap challenges each believer to not only reflect on the transformative power of Jesus but also to actively incorporate these truths into daily living. Through embracing God’s workmanship, understanding His deep love and purpose, and allowing Jesus to guide every step, transformation becomes a lived experience, moving us closer to God and His Kingdom.