2 Corinthians 3.18
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.
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As part of His role in my life, the Holy Spirit has the task of transforming me and changing me, conforming me more and more into the image of Christ. Being my guarantee, He’s also the One who will do the work of completing what Christ began in me (Philippians 1.6). How does He accomplish this transformation? God’s Word tells me that I am to behold the glory of God, and as I do this, the Spirit reveals the beauty and glory of God to me in a way that enlivens my spirit, breaks and melts my heart, and changes my very desires. When my heart and affections are captured by the beautiful depth of His love and grace toward me, my heart changes.
We change not by being told what to do, but by being told what Jesus did for us.
God’s glory is most clearly put on display in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is that Good News of Jesus’ person and His work that He did through His life, His death, and His resurrection. As I look to Him and get to know Him through His Word and in prayer, I behold His glory and I can’t help but want more of Him. I want to know Him more deeply and be with Him as much as I can. As I enjoy Him more and more, I’m changed into the person that God desires for me to be.
We become who we are not by looking inward, but by looking outward.
The beauty of Jesus will change me. It shines light into darkness, and then blinds my blindness! As I behold His goodness and mercy and grace, my appetite for lesser things wanes and fades. It can be frustrating, however, when I continue to wrestle with the flesh, but my confidence is in the Spirit’s guarantee of His work. My sanctification is not instantaneous, but it is a long, consistent, and often slow progression towards holiness and growing godly desires. I am thankful for God’s patience and longsuffering, knowing that it is He that is bringing me through the slow, daily change I need. I want to enjoy the process as I see myself grow bit by bit, slowly but surely, giving God thanks for every degree of glory that I grow into.
Read Again Out Loud and Make it into a Prayer:
2 Corinthians 3.18
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Personalize and Read or Pray Aloud:
Psalm 25.1–10 1
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
3 Indeed, none who wait for you
shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed
who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O Lord,
and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth
or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love
remember me,
for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the Lord
are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant
and his testimonies.
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Pray Aloud:
Father in Heaven, I thank You
that You have adopted me
and You call me Yours.
I am asking You to cause Your Name
to be magnified in __________,
and that this would transform ________,
causing Your will to be done in their life.
Give __________ truth that they need today,
that Your Spirit would bring
Your promises to mind,
helping _______ to repent of sin.
Lead _______ heart away from temptation,
but instead be led by Your Spirit
towards the love of Jesus.
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