Message Notes

YAG RETREAT II
Session #1
Monday, 31 October 2005
Evening Session
Theme: The Great Makeover
Challenge of the Doctrine of Transformation
INTRODUCTION

O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God- through Jesus Christ our Lord

Romans 7:24

1. Dread of life

a) Because of frustrating inconsistency

b) Because of exertion of power of sin in our life

c) Because of numerous defeats

2. Deliverance from a wretched life

a) God has a solution

b) It is however not an easy solution

c) That solution lies in the phrase

Through Jesus Christ our Lord

RATIONALE FOR CHOOSING THE THEME:- The Great Makeover

1. It is Relevant
2. It is Needed
3. It is Timely
4. It is Urgent
5. It is Important
6. It is out of loving concern
7. It is a special message from the Lord

THE THEME OF TRANSFORMATION

1. Part and parcel of the Message of salvation

a) We are saved from our sins

b) We are saved for a purpose

c) We are saved and given a new life

2. Part of the work of Redemption

a) Redemption from the power of sin

b) Redemption from the power of Satan

c) The power of sin and the Devil are effectively destroyed

A DEEPER APPRECIATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF TRANSFORMATION

1. Understanding the word “transformed” (metamorphoo)

a) External change (Transfiguration of Jesus)

And He was transfigured before them…

Matthew 17:2a

i) Actual transformation

ii) Physical transformation

iii) Symbolic significance

b) Internal change

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:18

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God

Romans 12:2

i) We are being transformed

ii) The final image- Christ-likeness

iii) From glory to glory

iv) The Spirit of God is involved

v) The Mind is renewed

vi) The world’s pattern is rejected

2. The Prospect of being Transformed

a) A very real possibility

b) A very challenging hope

c) Many examples in the Scriptures

3. Problems That Hinder complete transformation (Among others)

a) Drifting away          Hebrews 2:1

b) Neglect          Hebrews 2:3

c) The Devil          Hebrews 2:14-15

d) Hardened heart          Hebrews 3:8

e) Unbelief          Hebrews 3:12

f) Deceived by sin          Hebrews 3:13

g) Dull of hearing          Hebrews 5:11

h) Immaturity          Hebrews 5:14

PRESENTATION OF APPROACH AT YAG RETREAT II

1. Preaching of the Word

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God

1 Corinthians 1:18

a) Proclamation of the Word of God (Message)

b) Power of God manifested through preaching          (Cf. Titus 1:3)

2. Pastoral Ministry

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers…

1 Peter 5:1

a) Shepherds

b) Mentors

c) Examples

d) Intercessors

e) Friends

3. Principle of being Members of the Body of Christ

Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another

Romans 15:14

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him, who is the Head Christ From whom the whole body, being joined and knit together, by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, Causes growth of the body of itself in love

Ephesians 4:15-16

a) Requisites

i) Goodness

ii) Knowledge

iii) Ability to admonish (counsel)

iv) Love

v) Joined and knit together

vi) Every part effectively contributing

b) “People care for People”

i) Concern

ii) Intercession

iii) Support

4. Personal Application

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your instruments of righteousness to God.

Romans 6:11-13

a) Ultimately- personal effort

i) Battle against sin

ii) Through a deeper understanding

iii) Through Christ

b) Practical details

i) The Mind

ii) The Heart

iii) Prayer

iv) Practice

v) Journaling

RETREAT CHALLENGES
At the end of every message, “Challenges” would be given.

1. We are challenged to think at a deeper level
2. We are challenged to consider making appropriate responses
3. Changes will begin to take place as we respond appropriately to the Lord speaking to us through His word proclaimed          (Titus 1:3)