READ
2 Corinthians 3:12-18
CONSIDER
One of our summer activities we do with our kids is to find milkweed at the park. From there, we can discover tiny eggs that grow into larva (caterpillars), then into a chrysalises (pupa), which then becomes a butterfly. It is a beautiful process called metamorphosis.
Why do I bring this up? In this week’s passage, the Greek word metamorphoumetha(transformed) speaks of the process of becoming more like Christ. We often desire to experience radical transformation in our lives (hence why we set New Years goals) but the reality is that transformation is about a process of becoming more like Christ each and every day.
As we experience Christ in our daily life, we are transformed into his image with every-increasing glory (2 Cor 3:18). The more we reflect His glory, the more we are able to share Christ and demonstrate to others the power of the gospel at work in our life. May God shape us to be a people who experience transformation and share that Good News with others.
Pastor Tim Sreedharan
PRAY
Gracious God, we ask that you would humble our hearts and keep us from becoming arrogant and conceited. Help us to surrender to your work in us to increase our humility amidst the circumstances and challenges we face. Holy Spirit, would you show us our weaknesses and help us to accept them so that we will boast only in your grace and strength. We ask that you shape us into your church by this value so that the gospel can be witnessed through us as we engage the world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
What stories come to mind when you think about spiritual transformation?
Look at v12. Where does this boldness come from (see v7-11)?
What does it mean to have a veil over our faces? How does this inform the way we should talk to and pray for those who do not know Christ?
Look through v17. If you want a longer explanation of this passage, click here
What does it mean to be transformed (v18)? What does it mean to reflect the glory of God?
What is one area you desire to experience the transformative power of God? Who have you shared that with?