Transformed by Trouble
Stage 5-Sanctification
God's #1 purpose in your life is to make you like Jesus.
From the very beginning God decided that those who came to him--all along he knew who would--should become like his Son. (Romans 8:29)
God wants us to grow up...like Christ in everything. (Ephesians 4:15)
We look at the Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. (Colossians 1:15)
Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image and likeness. (Genesis 1:26)
WHAT GOD USES TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS
1. God uses His Spirit
2. God uses His Word
3. God uses other people
4. God uses problems (pressure, pain, suffering)
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going...
Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in us...
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. (2 Corinthians 4:8-18)
Don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. (1 Peter 4:12)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. (Romans 34:18)
We know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character... (Romans 5:3-4)
We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him. (Romans 8:17)
HOW SHOULD I RESPOND?
1. Remember God's plan is good
Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an
immeasurably great glory that will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:17)
2. Rejoice and give thanks
Give thanks IN all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1Thess. 5:18)
Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:4)
3. Refuse to give up
...let the process go on until all your endurance is fully developed, and you will find that you have
become men of mature character...with no weak spots. (James 1:3-4)
Personal notes:
everything will make more sense knowing this (that purpose in life is to become more like Jesus)
Like Father, like Son
The fruit of the spirit
sanctification-become like Jesus
putting you in opposite situation
to teach love-puts you with hard to love people
to teach joy-times of sadness
joy is internal
to teach peace-times of stress and conflict
to teach patience-be forced to wait
Every problem has a purpose
We are transformed by our troubles
Other people mean it for bad, but God uses it for good
expect problems in this world
everything on earth is broken
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
-God's will always done in heaven, rarely happens on earth
God was there the same way he His son died as when your son died
even out of brokenness, God can bring good
God could've kept His Son off the cross but He had a greater plan
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