March 01, 2011
By Allen White
After so many questions about dealing with difficult people in groups (Article: When to Refer), I’m tempted to say, “Count your blessings.” But, we do want everyone to get involved in the group discussion. The most significant gift that we can give another person is our full attention and a listening ear. There are several reasons why your group members may not be talking.
1. How large is your group? Quiet people tend to disappear in large groups. The quick solution is to make your group smaller. If your group has more than eight people, then sub-group during the discussion. I do this with my group that meets in a restaurant. When it’s time for the discussion, we divide it down the middle. One half of the table turns toward each other to discuss, and the other half does the same. It works. Everybody can get their word in.
Another way to get quieter folks to talk during the discussion is called “Neighbor Nudging.” It goes like this: “Okay, on this next question, turn to the person next to you and discuss it, then we’ll come back together again.” Every person is at least talking to one other person.
If your small group is beginning to look like a small church, it might be time to think about sub-grouping on a permanent basis. As Andy Stanley says, “It’s not a small group if it has a back row.”
2. Who tends to answer first? If your more talkative members are the first to answer every question, then it’s time to have a conversation with them. For some pointers on dealing with talkative members, check this post: They Keep Talking and They Won’t Shut Up. If someone is dominating the conversation, then your quieter members won’t try to enter in.
If you, as the leader, are the first to answer the questions, stop it. Count to 10. Count to 100. Give your group an opportunity to answer. If you answer every question, the discussion will be inhibited because you have gone from facilitating to teaching. The teaching gift is awesome, if you have a class. Your small group is not a class.
3. Get comfortable with silence. Silence is deafening. We don’t talk about awkward noise. It’s awkward silence. But, in your small group, silence is golden. It allows people to think. Silence also allows reluctant people to finally chime in.
4. Assume that your members didn’t prepare. We used to say that statistically half of group members do homework and half don’t. These days I think far fewer group members prepare for the meeting. Don’t get on your soapbox, just go with it. As the leader, you’ve looked over the questions and thought about the answers. Since your group members are coming in cold, they will need a little time to think about the answers and respond. Allow for a little thinking time. Refer back to #3.
5. Talk to Your Quiet Members Post-Meeting. If they didn’t have anything to say during the meeting, talk to them about the topic after the meeting. Hear what they think. Give them positive feedback about what they have to say. (Don’t lie.) “That’s a really good point. Wow, I wish you would have shared that with the group.” Each touch will build their confidence to participate in the group.
The last thing you want in small group is yet another environment where someone can’t get their word in. The early church met in temple courts and house to house (Acts 5:42). The large gathering was informational and inspirational. The smaller gathering was interactive.
How are you going to help your quieter group members this week?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Discipleship II - Transformation of Character: Live as Jesus Lived
Sunday Service - 10 January 2010
"Discipleship II - Transformation of Character: Live as Jesus Lived"by Ps (Dr) Chuah Seong Peng
Scripture: Matthew 4: 1-11
2010 Call to Discipleship
A call to live the kingdom life of kingdom obedience and abundance for the purpose of expanding His kingdom on earth.
Transformation series on conformation to Christ’s image
1st Sermon: Transformation of the Mind from the Inside-Out – Believe as Jesus believed
In the last sermon, we look at what discipleship, spiritual formation and transformation is about. Discipleship is about transformation from the inside-out. The key to discipleship is the transformation of the heart not external conformity, profession of correct doctrine, faithfulness to the church and seeking of spirituality and experience. To do so, we look at “SKB” for our transformation and growth to become like Christ
We concluded with the understanding that consecration is the key that activate our entrance into Christ’s school of disciple. John 14:21 “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
We are asked to consecrate ourselves, make the active choice to be his disciple as we respond to his love for us. As we make this small step of faith, the promise is we will grow deeper into him and see more of Jesus and come to know him more and love him more and obey him more.
‘Convert ME’
As we consecrate ourselves to be his disciples to obey his command to go and make disciples of all nations and tribes, are we now to go all out to ‘convert people and church’? My answer is yes and no. Yes we are to become witnesses of Christ love to help people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. No, because the first thing we need to do is not to ‘convert people’ or ‘convert church’. The first thing is to ‘convert ME’. God’s strategy to expand the KOG is through good witnessing; witnessing not converting is the key. To bear good witness, we are to demonstrate it through good conduct and deeds, not words alone. That’s why in the coming sermons we are going to look at the various areas of our lives that demonstrate our transformation in our whole beings to that of Christ. We are going to look at how we live, love, train, minister and lead as Christ did.
Transformation of Character: Live as Jesus Lived
In this sermon, we will look at the transformation of our character to live as Jesus lived. When we live as Jesus lived, we will become a good witness of him and his love to those around us.
How does Jesus live?
When we examine Jesus’ life, we see how he was the only perfect human being who live with humility, authenticity and strength in dealing with all the people he encountered. He showed love and compassion to all and yet was firm and courageous when dealing with those who did wrong. What is the secret of Jesus? What are the foundational principles that provide the basis on how Jesus lived? The best way to reveal a person’s character is through testing. We will look at the temptations of Christ that reveals his character and the foundational issues that governed how he lived
The Temptation of Jesus: Matthew 4:1-11
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' 7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' 8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' 11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
(Footnotes: Matthew 4:4 Deut. 8:3, 4:6 Psalm 91:11,12, 4:7 Deut. 6:16, 4:10 Deut. 6:13)
The Temptations of Jesus
Let us look at the three temptations to gain an insight into what the devil was trying to do and how Jesus dealt with the challenges that revealed his character and values in life.
What were the weapons Jesus used and what is the secret that gave him success?
The first temptation
3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Satan used physical discomfort to challenge Jesus about his identity. Jesus was challenged by Satan that if he was the Son of God, surely God the Father would provide for all his needs if he was hungry. It was a challenge to his identity as the Son of God through exploiting the extreme physical deprivation Jesus was experiencing in his 40 days fast. His weapon to counter the temptation is his nourishment of the word of God taken in his solitude during the fast. Instead of finding ways and method to fight, he knew as a Son of God and he can rely on the promise of God’s words. He drew his strength and use God’s words in Deuteronomy 8:3 to fend off the enemy attack.
The second temptation
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' 7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
The Satan now turned around and used Scripture to challenge Jesus. This time it was about security. If Jesus was truly the Son of God, God would naturally be there to save him. Satan again used half truth in quoting the Scripture; this time he missed out the verse “to guard you in all your ways” in Psalm 91:11.
Jesus knew he was secure in God’s love and there is no need to test God of his love. He knew he was the beloved Son of God with whom God is well pleased. God’s angels will not only protect him but also guard him in all the ways so that he will not fall prey to the enemy.
The third temptation
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9”All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’
The Satan then tried to tempt him with issue of power to test his heart allegiance – who would he give his heart to? Satan tempted him with an easy way out. He can have the world without going to the cross. But he knew who he gave his allegiance; he will worship and serve God only as God says in Deut. 6:13.
Jesus knew the Satan well and responded appropriately
Satan was attacking Jesus, identity (who I am), security (who I belong), significance (how importance I am) and destiny (future and purpose). Jesus was clear on all four. He knew he was the beloved Son of God whom God is well pleased. His identity and security was in God and God alone. He is significance in God’s sight and his destiny is in God’s hand. He knew he can trust God and his words and do what the Father tells him. He worship and serve God only. He did not react but responded appropriately to the enemy’s attack. Jesus remembered the words of God to him in his baptism. When he came up out of the water, a voice from heaven declared in Matthew 3:17, “This is my Son whom I love, with whom I am well pleased.” He knew Satan told the half truth concerning him as the Son of God; Satan purposely left out the word “whom I loved”. Jesus was no fool and saw his deception. He knew how valuable he was in God’s sight.
The result: Jesus demonstrates humility, authenticity and strength in his life because his identity, security, significance and destiny were firmly rooted in God’s love
He was humble to receive everyone with compassion and love. He dined with the tax collector; forgave the adulteress, received the Samaritan lady, shed tears of sadness when Lazarus died. He was real with them, there was no pretense in him. He was also courageous and strong in confronting the false teachers, Pharisees and the enemy. He preached, taught, healed and ministered to everyone with power and love. He went to the cross.
Three marks of HLCE disciples of Jesus
Three things we see in this temptation:
The Father’s love.
The Father’s love gives him the identity, security, significance and destiny to align his heart to worship and serve God only. It was this assurance and comfort of the Father’s love that helped him to stand up to the enemy’s attack. On both occasions when he was challenged of the Father’s providence and protection for him, he remembered the assurance of the Father’s word and love for him. When Jesus has his identity and security rooted in God’s love, he has his significance and destiny clarified. He lived with confident trust in God. He gave his heart allegiance to worship and serve God only.
Jesus’ obedience
Jesus obeyed God completely in his word
Because of this love, Jesus submitted completely to the Father and trust him in his word. Jesus further shared in John 5:19 that he only does what he sees the father is doing. He is completely obedience to the Father.
The Spirit’s power
Jesus was led and empowered by the Spirit in his life and work
He was led by the Spirit to be tempted in the desert and empowered by the Spirit to overcome the temptations. He continues to do so throughout his life and ministry.
“Convert ME” to live as Christ live
What can we learn from Jesus to be transformed in our character to live as Jesus’ lived in his triumphant victory over the enemy in his temptations and life? There are three things we can learn from Jesus to be transformed into his character and learn to live like him.
Our launching PAD
Return to our first love: Receive God’s love through Christ and know who we are – His children whom He loves. John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Hear from the voice of God for us at our baptism,
“This is my Son whom I love, with whom I am well pleased.”
Refresh your love: Receive a fresh encounter of his love and be revived in our spirits to love him and one another through personal study, prayer, and retreat.
Active Obedience to God
Active obedience is an attitude of total surrender to God. We are to know whom we belong to and give allegiance to in our worship and service. We are to give our heart to God completely and be ready do what he says in his words. This is especially so when we are challenged in time of hunger, pain, sickness, financial troubles. In such time of temptations, we are to remember his love for us and his promise in his words to take care of us. We are to go into solitude to pray and seek God’s words and wisdom and guidance and do what his words say.
Active obedience signifies our readiness to serve and act. We are ready to act when the opportunity arise. We have made a commitment to do whatever God has impressed upon us concerning daily life and ministry.
An illustration: The sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham
Divine assignment through the Spirit
A Spirit-led and empowerment life: We are to be led by the Spirit and see divine opportunity that comes our ways and received the Spirit’s power to accomplish the divine assignments.
This applies to our daily life activities as much as to special assignment with the church. Be sensitive to the Spirit on all occasions and asked “Is this a divine opportunity and assignment?” in all our encounters in life whether mundane or special. Even a late appointment, an encounter with stranger, an unexpected delay, incident etc can be divine appointments and assignments awaiting for us.
A prayerful life: We are praying continuously practicing the Presence of God in our lives. We consciously avail ourselves to God and his presence.
Let us live as Jesus lived and be transformed in our character (PAD)
Let us received personal revival and surrender to God and live in active obedience to him, be led and empowered by the Spirit for diviner assignment on this journey of transformation,
“Convert ME”!
To God be the Glory!
"Discipleship II - Transformation of Character: Live as Jesus Lived"by Ps (Dr) Chuah Seong Peng
Scripture: Matthew 4: 1-11
2010 Call to Discipleship
A call to live the kingdom life of kingdom obedience and abundance for the purpose of expanding His kingdom on earth.
Transformation series on conformation to Christ’s image
- Transformation of Mind – Believe as Jesus believed.
- Transformation of Character – Live as Jesus lived.
- Transformation of Relationship – Love as Jesus loved.
- Transformation of Habits – Train as Jesus trained.
- Transformation of Service – Minister as Jesus ministered.
- Transformation of Influence – Lead as Jesus led.
1st Sermon: Transformation of the Mind from the Inside-Out – Believe as Jesus believed
In the last sermon, we look at what discipleship, spiritual formation and transformation is about. Discipleship is about transformation from the inside-out. The key to discipleship is the transformation of the heart not external conformity, profession of correct doctrine, faithfulness to the church and seeking of spirituality and experience. To do so, we look at “SKB” for our transformation and growth to become like Christ
- S ee what Christ has done
- K now what Christ has revealed
- B elieve what Christ has promised
We concluded with the understanding that consecration is the key that activate our entrance into Christ’s school of disciple. John 14:21 “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
We are asked to consecrate ourselves, make the active choice to be his disciple as we respond to his love for us. As we make this small step of faith, the promise is we will grow deeper into him and see more of Jesus and come to know him more and love him more and obey him more.
‘Convert ME’
As we consecrate ourselves to be his disciples to obey his command to go and make disciples of all nations and tribes, are we now to go all out to ‘convert people and church’? My answer is yes and no. Yes we are to become witnesses of Christ love to help people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. No, because the first thing we need to do is not to ‘convert people’ or ‘convert church’. The first thing is to ‘convert ME’. God’s strategy to expand the KOG is through good witnessing; witnessing not converting is the key. To bear good witness, we are to demonstrate it through good conduct and deeds, not words alone. That’s why in the coming sermons we are going to look at the various areas of our lives that demonstrate our transformation in our whole beings to that of Christ. We are going to look at how we live, love, train, minister and lead as Christ did.
Transformation of Character: Live as Jesus Lived
In this sermon, we will look at the transformation of our character to live as Jesus lived. When we live as Jesus lived, we will become a good witness of him and his love to those around us.
How does Jesus live?
When we examine Jesus’ life, we see how he was the only perfect human being who live with humility, authenticity and strength in dealing with all the people he encountered. He showed love and compassion to all and yet was firm and courageous when dealing with those who did wrong. What is the secret of Jesus? What are the foundational principles that provide the basis on how Jesus lived? The best way to reveal a person’s character is through testing. We will look at the temptations of Christ that reveals his character and the foundational issues that governed how he lived
The Temptation of Jesus: Matthew 4:1-11
1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' 5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' 7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' 8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9"All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." 10Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' 11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
(Footnotes: Matthew 4:4 Deut. 8:3, 4:6 Psalm 91:11,12, 4:7 Deut. 6:16, 4:10 Deut. 6:13)
The Temptations of Jesus
Let us look at the three temptations to gain an insight into what the devil was trying to do and how Jesus dealt with the challenges that revealed his character and values in life.
What were the weapons Jesus used and what is the secret that gave him success?
The first temptation
3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Satan used physical discomfort to challenge Jesus about his identity. Jesus was challenged by Satan that if he was the Son of God, surely God the Father would provide for all his needs if he was hungry. It was a challenge to his identity as the Son of God through exploiting the extreme physical deprivation Jesus was experiencing in his 40 days fast. His weapon to counter the temptation is his nourishment of the word of God taken in his solitude during the fast. Instead of finding ways and method to fight, he knew as a Son of God and he can rely on the promise of God’s words. He drew his strength and use God’s words in Deuteronomy 8:3 to fend off the enemy attack.
The second temptation
5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6"If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:
" 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' 7Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
The Satan now turned around and used Scripture to challenge Jesus. This time it was about security. If Jesus was truly the Son of God, God would naturally be there to save him. Satan again used half truth in quoting the Scripture; this time he missed out the verse “to guard you in all your ways” in Psalm 91:11.
Jesus knew he was secure in God’s love and there is no need to test God of his love. He knew he was the beloved Son of God with whom God is well pleased. God’s angels will not only protect him but also guard him in all the ways so that he will not fall prey to the enemy.
The third temptation
8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9”All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’
The Satan then tried to tempt him with issue of power to test his heart allegiance – who would he give his heart to? Satan tempted him with an easy way out. He can have the world without going to the cross. But he knew who he gave his allegiance; he will worship and serve God only as God says in Deut. 6:13.
Jesus knew the Satan well and responded appropriately
Satan was attacking Jesus, identity (who I am), security (who I belong), significance (how importance I am) and destiny (future and purpose). Jesus was clear on all four. He knew he was the beloved Son of God whom God is well pleased. His identity and security was in God and God alone. He is significance in God’s sight and his destiny is in God’s hand. He knew he can trust God and his words and do what the Father tells him. He worship and serve God only. He did not react but responded appropriately to the enemy’s attack. Jesus remembered the words of God to him in his baptism. When he came up out of the water, a voice from heaven declared in Matthew 3:17, “This is my Son whom I love, with whom I am well pleased.” He knew Satan told the half truth concerning him as the Son of God; Satan purposely left out the word “whom I loved”. Jesus was no fool and saw his deception. He knew how valuable he was in God’s sight.
The result: Jesus demonstrates humility, authenticity and strength in his life because his identity, security, significance and destiny were firmly rooted in God’s love
He was humble to receive everyone with compassion and love. He dined with the tax collector; forgave the adulteress, received the Samaritan lady, shed tears of sadness when Lazarus died. He was real with them, there was no pretense in him. He was also courageous and strong in confronting the false teachers, Pharisees and the enemy. He preached, taught, healed and ministered to everyone with power and love. He went to the cross.
Three marks of HLCE disciples of Jesus
- Humble –no pride, nothing to gain.
- Real – no mask, nothing to hide.
- Courageous – no fear, nothing to lose.
Three things we see in this temptation:
- The Father’s love.
- Jesus’ obedience
- The Spirit’s power
The Father’s love.
The Father’s love gives him the identity, security, significance and destiny to align his heart to worship and serve God only. It was this assurance and comfort of the Father’s love that helped him to stand up to the enemy’s attack. On both occasions when he was challenged of the Father’s providence and protection for him, he remembered the assurance of the Father’s word and love for him. When Jesus has his identity and security rooted in God’s love, he has his significance and destiny clarified. He lived with confident trust in God. He gave his heart allegiance to worship and serve God only.
Jesus’ obedience
Jesus obeyed God completely in his word
Because of this love, Jesus submitted completely to the Father and trust him in his word. Jesus further shared in John 5:19 that he only does what he sees the father is doing. He is completely obedience to the Father.
The Spirit’s power
Jesus was led and empowered by the Spirit in his life and work
He was led by the Spirit to be tempted in the desert and empowered by the Spirit to overcome the temptations. He continues to do so throughout his life and ministry.
“Convert ME” to live as Christ live
What can we learn from Jesus to be transformed in our character to live as Jesus’ lived in his triumphant victory over the enemy in his temptations and life? There are three things we can learn from Jesus to be transformed into his character and learn to live like him.
Our launching PAD
- P ersonal Revival in Christ
- A ctive Obedience to God
- D ivine assignments through the Spirit
Return to our first love: Receive God’s love through Christ and know who we are – His children whom He loves. John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Hear from the voice of God for us at our baptism,
“This is my Son whom I love, with whom I am well pleased.”
Refresh your love: Receive a fresh encounter of his love and be revived in our spirits to love him and one another through personal study, prayer, and retreat.
Active Obedience to God
Active obedience is an attitude of total surrender to God. We are to know whom we belong to and give allegiance to in our worship and service. We are to give our heart to God completely and be ready do what he says in his words. This is especially so when we are challenged in time of hunger, pain, sickness, financial troubles. In such time of temptations, we are to remember his love for us and his promise in his words to take care of us. We are to go into solitude to pray and seek God’s words and wisdom and guidance and do what his words say.
Active obedience signifies our readiness to serve and act. We are ready to act when the opportunity arise. We have made a commitment to do whatever God has impressed upon us concerning daily life and ministry.
An illustration: The sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham
Divine assignment through the Spirit
A Spirit-led and empowerment life: We are to be led by the Spirit and see divine opportunity that comes our ways and received the Spirit’s power to accomplish the divine assignments.
This applies to our daily life activities as much as to special assignment with the church. Be sensitive to the Spirit on all occasions and asked “Is this a divine opportunity and assignment?” in all our encounters in life whether mundane or special. Even a late appointment, an encounter with stranger, an unexpected delay, incident etc can be divine appointments and assignments awaiting for us.
A prayerful life: We are praying continuously practicing the Presence of God in our lives. We consciously avail ourselves to God and his presence.
Let us live as Jesus lived and be transformed in our character (PAD)
Let us received personal revival and surrender to God and live in active obedience to him, be led and empowered by the Spirit for diviner assignment on this journey of transformation,
“Convert ME”!
To God be the Glory!
Discipleship - Be Transformed to the Mind of Christ (I)
Sunday Service - 3 January 2010
"Discipleship - Be Transformed to the Mind of Christ"
by Ps (Dr) Chuah Seong Peng
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-4
HLCE Mission Matthew 28:19-20
“To develop people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.”
Disciples of His Kingdom
We are committed to become followers/disciples of Jesus Christ who live: “A Christ-centred, Word-focused, Spirit-led and empowered life.”
What we learned in 2009 – The call to kingdom living
Year 2010 – come to learn in the Christ’s school of Discipleship
To live the godly life – the Christ-centred life. Jesus the Captain of our souls.
Sermons topics:
Transformation series on conformation to Christ’s image
In discipleship, we are asked to be transformed in our mind to that of Christ. Romans 12:2
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
To be transformed in our mind is not just about transforming our thinking or even understanding. To be transformed in the mind to that of Christ is to learn to believe what Jesus believed. With such belief, there is a change in the attitude, disposition and behavior to that of Christ.
How does such transformation come about?
A call to change from the inside-out
Discipleship begins with the transformation of the mind. The mind is the seed where change begins. However, a change in mind set alone is not adequate for change in behavior. There is a need of a change that comes from the inside out. Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy 1998, 351) in designing a curriculum for discipleship pointed out that while external conformity, profession of correct doctrine, faithfulness to the church and seeking of spirituality and experience are important, they are only of secondary important. They are only the means to an end but not the end itself. They offer avenue for transformation but they of themselves do not result in transformation of the person. Our primary focus in working on transformation is one that works from the inside out. When the ‘inside’ is transformed, the ‘out’ seen in the expressions of the four areas mentioned above will come naturally.
Dallas Willard in his book, ‘Renovation of the Heart’ elaborates further on this change from the inside-out. He says, ‘we live from the heart…how we live in the world is a result of what we have become in the depth of our being – in our spirit, will or heart (2002, 1). He defined spiritual formation as a process by which the human spirit or will is given a definitive ‘form’ or character of Christ. This process of spiritual formation is what discipleship is about. The call to transform our mind to the mind of Christ is a call to transform our heart to the heart of Christ.
How do we participate with the Spirit to transform our minds to the mind of Christ that brings about a change in behavior? Is it possible?
According to Peter, it is possible because of divine enablement from God. Peter is a good person to learn from for he is a disciple who has been transformed from the inside-out. For Peter the key to transformation of our mind in discipleship is the true knowledge of God.
Discipleship: The important of ‘Knowing’ God
An illustration: The story of the man rescued by God but die.
How much you believe and do what you are asked depend on how much you trust the person who asked you. How much you trust the person depend on how much you know the person.
Agree? So, how much you will obey God depend on how much you trust Him; how much you trust Him depends on how much you know Him.
So, how much do you know God? How can you know God? This is where discipleship begins. Let us look at,
2 Peter 1:3-4 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Discipleship: A call to the godly and full life in Christ
V4 …you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
As children of God, we are asked to live the godly and full life in Christ where we participate in his divine nature and overcome the corruptions of the world and evil desires.
We are called to live the extra-ordinary life seen in the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon of the Mount. These “extraordinariness” of Christian living are:
Extraordinary character traits in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger for thirst and righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted.
Extraordinary roles in the world (Mathew 5:13-14)
We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Extraordinary relationship with one another (Matthew 5:21-6:4)
We are to live with:
No anger – extraordinary love for people.
No lustful thoughts – extraordinary purity of thought.
No divorce – extraordinary marital covenant.
No need of oath – extraordinary trustworthiness.
No hatred for enemies – extraordinary love for enemies.
No reservation in giving – extraordinary generosity.
No announcing of good deeds – extraordinary service.
Extraordinary Daily Relationship with God (Matthew 6:5-7:27)
Practicing piety, prayer and fasting, devotion to God, dependence on God, daily walking with God bearing fruit and feeding on his words.
Transformation of the Mind from the Inside-Out - A Divine Enablement
It is possible because of divine enablement
Good news! Peter shared about the three things concerning divine enablement that makes it possible for us to be transformed to the mind of Christ from the inside out through our knowledge of God. These three things we need to know about God are:
V3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
God’s divine power has given us everything necessary for the godly life as new creations
We are called not only to live the full life but also a godly life, a Christ-centred life. This full and godly life is possible because God has done everything necessary for it to be so. We need to learn to see this truth. To live this wonderful life is not something we need to grit our teeth or force ourselves to slough it out. There is a supernatural empowerment from God when we are made new creation in Christ to live in such good life. We are to joyfully and expectantly receive what has been given.
What God has done for us in Christ
The Bible tells us there are many things God has done for us in Christ to enable us to live the new life worthy of his Calling: Salvation is already ours – our justification, sanctification, glorification are all predestined and by grace. We are given every spiritual blessing according to his riches in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1-2).
V3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
The divine power comes to us through God’s revelation of his goodness and glory through his Son.
An intimate “full knowledge” of Christ is the source of spiritual power and growth
We are to have the true knowledge about God concerning who he is and what his heart is like. This knowledge of God is revealed to us through his glory and goodness. God’s glory and goodness are expressed in the excellence of his being. This virtue of God can be seen in God as the Creator, the Judge, the Deliverer, the Father and so on. This knowledge of God is beyond our grasp. God has to reveal it to us himself. He has chosen to do so through his Son Jesus.
John 14:8-9 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
Intimate personal knowledge of God through his Son
In V2 Peter wrote that the blessing of grace and peace belong to the believers abundantly through their ‘knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord’. Jesus is put equal with God here. To know Jesus is to know God. God reveals himself to us through Christ. There is no other way to know him truly and fully. The glory of God is revealed to us in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
As J I Packer pointed out in his book, ‘Knowing God’, many may know about God but not really know God. It is the intimate knowing that makes the difference. This intimate knowing comes through God’s revelation of himself and his love for us through Jesus Christ. When we know God, we come to identify with Paul’ understanding of his love in
Romans 8:31-39 (paraphrase by Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy 1998, 367)
God is for us! Who is against us? Since he did not spare his own Son in reaching us, he obviously is ready to give us every good thing. Who will charge us with anything? God has cleared us of all charges. Who condemns us? Jesus died for us. Yes, and he passed through death intact, and now stands in the place from which God acts, looking after our interests. Of all the terrible and frightening things the human mind discovers, not one can take us out of his loving hands. We don’t just ‘manage’ or cope. We thrive on it all! Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus the Anointed, our Lord.
This true knowledge of God is crucial for discipleship
This knowledge of God concerning his goodness and glory is to be of true and full knowledge, not false or empty knowledge. To have true and full knowledge of God is to have an intimate personal knowledge of God revealed to us through Jesus Christ.
It is dangerous to have empty or false knowledge of God especially the former one. Empty knowledge is more dangerous as it is more subtle and may be hidden in pride. Empty knowledge is head knowledge that does not reach the heart. It is a knowledge that can ‘puff up’ leading to a legalistic and Phariseal attitude. It is useless and makes the persons ineffective in their life.
A true knowledge of God is important because it leads the person to a heart allegiance and surrender to God to do his will. It leads one to radical discipleship for one will see things from God’s heart and perspective; the person’s will is in alignment with God’s will and follow him whole heartedly.
The story of Job: An illustration of the important of this true knowledge of God’s goodness and greatness in challenging times.
When Job came to God with his 60 plus probing questions about why and how he should suffer, God came to reveal his glory and goodness with more questions instead of answering the questions Job posed to him. Job was left satisfied without a single answer to his probing questions! His suffering and his questions paled and dropped away in the light of God’s goodness and glory. That’s how amazing God’s goodness and greatness are!
Believe what God has promised
V4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
We are given precious and magnificent promises
Seeing what God has done and knowing what he has revealed concerning his goodness and glory in Jesus only give us understanding of how good and great God and Jesus are. However, there is nothing great about how good or great God and Jesus are unless that goodness and greatness have something to do with us. The good news is we are called to share in that goodness and glory because we are his children! He has given us great and precious promise so that we can participate in that divine nature – that goodness and greatness! That’s the call of discipleship!
We are chosen, included in His promise in discipleship!
Children inherit their nature from their parents. When we are made new creation through our new birth, God is our Father. We therefore inherit God’s divine nature, God’s DNA is in us. As children imitate their parents and obey them, they grow to become more and more like their parents in their outlook, nature and values. We who are God’s children will manifest his divine nature more and more as we put our trust in his words and live according to his words. This divine nature of God in us is seen in our transformation to the likeness of his Son. This is his glory! As we grow to become more and more like Jesus, we also have power and victory over sins and the enemy. This is his goodness!
It’s importance to come on board to Jesus’ school of Discipleship. It is a personal invitation from God for us to share in his goodness and greatness.
The invitation came with a promise. That promise came to us through Jesus Christ; Jesus himself is the guarantee of the promise of God to us. We can trust him to keep his promise because he has revealed God’s goodness and glory to us on the cross of Calvary!
Jesus went to the cross for us willingly in obedience of his Father because of the love of the Father for him. We can learn to do the same. Receive God’s love in Christ and trust him and do what He says. His promise came to us in his word today. We can believe in his words and do what it says.
Have faith in God’s promises for spiritual power and growth
Faith is a vital element of discipleship. We need the conviction in our hearts to believe what he has promised in his words is to do what he has commanded. The good news is that God not only shows us what he has done, who he is, he has also given us his precious and magnificent promises in his words so that through faith we may participate in his divine nature experiencing spiritual power and growth.
God’s precious promise comes to us through his word. The study and understanding of his word that leads to conviction of the truth resulting in our trust in him will help us to put our faith into action. When we believe in his word and act on it by faith, we grow spiritually to become more like Jesus and have victory over the enemy showing forth his glory and goodness.
Our Response: Come to the Christ’s school of discipleship
First step to discipleship: Consecrate yourselves
Make an active choice to be Christ’s disciples
Choose to be a disciple of Christ. Make that active choice and start living with the priorities set by God to follow Jesus. He will revealed himself to us more and we will come to know him more and be transformed to be like him as we learn to love him more by obeying his commands. Jesus taught in John 14:21,
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
The greatest evidence of God’s love in us and for us is when we obey his commands. This is because his love makes it possible for us to obey him.
Building our lives upon the Rock his Word for transformation from the inside out
The two houses – one builds upon sand, the other builds on the rock.
Let us choose the later and be transformed in our mind to the mind of Christ and live the life he has called.
To God be the glory!
"Discipleship - Be Transformed to the Mind of Christ"
by Ps (Dr) Chuah Seong Peng
Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3-4
HLCE Mission Matthew 28:19-20
“To develop people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.”
Disciples of His Kingdom
We are committed to become followers/disciples of Jesus Christ who live: “A Christ-centred, Word-focused, Spirit-led and empowered life.”
What we learned in 2009 – The call to kingdom living
| Kingdom of God | Repent, for the kingdom of God is near” |
| Kingdom disciples | Come, follow me, I will make you fisher of men |
| Kingdom obedience (The Cross life) | Call to allegiance with Christ |
| Kingdom abundance (The Full life) | Call to invest our lives From the mundane to the monumental |
To live the godly life – the Christ-centred life. Jesus the Captain of our souls.
Sermons topics:
Transformation series on conformation to Christ’s image
- Transformation of Mind – Believe what Jesus believed.
- Transformation of Character – Live the way Jesus lived.
- Transformation of Relationship – Love as Jesus loved.
- Transformation of Habits – Train as Jesus trained.
- Transformation of Service – Minister as Jesus ministered.
- Transformation of Influence – Lead as Jesus led.
In discipleship, we are asked to be transformed in our mind to that of Christ. Romans 12:2
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
To be transformed in our mind is not just about transforming our thinking or even understanding. To be transformed in the mind to that of Christ is to learn to believe what Jesus believed. With such belief, there is a change in the attitude, disposition and behavior to that of Christ.
How does such transformation come about?
A call to change from the inside-out
Discipleship begins with the transformation of the mind. The mind is the seed where change begins. However, a change in mind set alone is not adequate for change in behavior. There is a need of a change that comes from the inside out. Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy 1998, 351) in designing a curriculum for discipleship pointed out that while external conformity, profession of correct doctrine, faithfulness to the church and seeking of spirituality and experience are important, they are only of secondary important. They are only the means to an end but not the end itself. They offer avenue for transformation but they of themselves do not result in transformation of the person. Our primary focus in working on transformation is one that works from the inside out. When the ‘inside’ is transformed, the ‘out’ seen in the expressions of the four areas mentioned above will come naturally.
Dallas Willard in his book, ‘Renovation of the Heart’ elaborates further on this change from the inside-out. He says, ‘we live from the heart…how we live in the world is a result of what we have become in the depth of our being – in our spirit, will or heart (2002, 1). He defined spiritual formation as a process by which the human spirit or will is given a definitive ‘form’ or character of Christ. This process of spiritual formation is what discipleship is about. The call to transform our mind to the mind of Christ is a call to transform our heart to the heart of Christ.
How do we participate with the Spirit to transform our minds to the mind of Christ that brings about a change in behavior? Is it possible?
According to Peter, it is possible because of divine enablement from God. Peter is a good person to learn from for he is a disciple who has been transformed from the inside-out. For Peter the key to transformation of our mind in discipleship is the true knowledge of God.
Discipleship: The important of ‘Knowing’ God
An illustration: The story of the man rescued by God but die.
How much you believe and do what you are asked depend on how much you trust the person who asked you. How much you trust the person depend on how much you know the person.
Agree? So, how much you will obey God depend on how much you trust Him; how much you trust Him depends on how much you know Him.
So, how much do you know God? How can you know God? This is where discipleship begins. Let us look at,
2 Peter 1:3-4 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
Discipleship: A call to the godly and full life in Christ
V4 …you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
As children of God, we are asked to live the godly and full life in Christ where we participate in his divine nature and overcome the corruptions of the world and evil desires.
We are called to live the extra-ordinary life seen in the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon of the Mount. These “extraordinariness” of Christian living are:
Extraordinary character traits in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger for thirst and righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted.
Extraordinary roles in the world (Mathew 5:13-14)
We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Extraordinary relationship with one another (Matthew 5:21-6:4)
We are to live with:
No anger – extraordinary love for people.
No lustful thoughts – extraordinary purity of thought.
No divorce – extraordinary marital covenant.
No need of oath – extraordinary trustworthiness.
No hatred for enemies – extraordinary love for enemies.
No reservation in giving – extraordinary generosity.
No announcing of good deeds – extraordinary service.
Extraordinary Daily Relationship with God (Matthew 6:5-7:27)
Practicing piety, prayer and fasting, devotion to God, dependence on God, daily walking with God bearing fruit and feeding on his words.
Transformation of the Mind from the Inside-Out - A Divine Enablement
It is possible because of divine enablement
Good news! Peter shared about the three things concerning divine enablement that makes it possible for us to be transformed to the mind of Christ from the inside out through our knowledge of God. These three things we need to know about God are:
- See what God has done
- Know what God has revealed
- Believe what God has promised
V3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
God’s divine power has given us everything necessary for the godly life as new creations
We are called not only to live the full life but also a godly life, a Christ-centred life. This full and godly life is possible because God has done everything necessary for it to be so. We need to learn to see this truth. To live this wonderful life is not something we need to grit our teeth or force ourselves to slough it out. There is a supernatural empowerment from God when we are made new creation in Christ to live in such good life. We are to joyfully and expectantly receive what has been given.
What God has done for us in Christ
The Bible tells us there are many things God has done for us in Christ to enable us to live the new life worthy of his Calling: Salvation is already ours – our justification, sanctification, glorification are all predestined and by grace. We are given every spiritual blessing according to his riches in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1-2).
- We are delivered from our sins and forgiven of all the sins - past, present and future. We are free from the condemnation of sins and law.
- We are given victory over the enemy. We are given power over every form of temptations and sins in lives.
- God is already working around us and invited us to join Him in his work.
- We are created in Christ Jesus for good work he has prepared in advance for us.
- We are given eternal life. Our eternal rewards are awaiting us in heaven.
V3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
The divine power comes to us through God’s revelation of his goodness and glory through his Son.
An intimate “full knowledge” of Christ is the source of spiritual power and growth
We are to have the true knowledge about God concerning who he is and what his heart is like. This knowledge of God is revealed to us through his glory and goodness. God’s glory and goodness are expressed in the excellence of his being. This virtue of God can be seen in God as the Creator, the Judge, the Deliverer, the Father and so on. This knowledge of God is beyond our grasp. God has to reveal it to us himself. He has chosen to do so through his Son Jesus.
John 14:8-9 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
Intimate personal knowledge of God through his Son
In V2 Peter wrote that the blessing of grace and peace belong to the believers abundantly through their ‘knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord’. Jesus is put equal with God here. To know Jesus is to know God. God reveals himself to us through Christ. There is no other way to know him truly and fully. The glory of God is revealed to us in the face of Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
As J I Packer pointed out in his book, ‘Knowing God’, many may know about God but not really know God. It is the intimate knowing that makes the difference. This intimate knowing comes through God’s revelation of himself and his love for us through Jesus Christ. When we know God, we come to identify with Paul’ understanding of his love in
Romans 8:31-39 (paraphrase by Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy 1998, 367)
God is for us! Who is against us? Since he did not spare his own Son in reaching us, he obviously is ready to give us every good thing. Who will charge us with anything? God has cleared us of all charges. Who condemns us? Jesus died for us. Yes, and he passed through death intact, and now stands in the place from which God acts, looking after our interests. Of all the terrible and frightening things the human mind discovers, not one can take us out of his loving hands. We don’t just ‘manage’ or cope. We thrive on it all! Nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Jesus the Anointed, our Lord.
This true knowledge of God is crucial for discipleship
This knowledge of God concerning his goodness and glory is to be of true and full knowledge, not false or empty knowledge. To have true and full knowledge of God is to have an intimate personal knowledge of God revealed to us through Jesus Christ.
It is dangerous to have empty or false knowledge of God especially the former one. Empty knowledge is more dangerous as it is more subtle and may be hidden in pride. Empty knowledge is head knowledge that does not reach the heart. It is a knowledge that can ‘puff up’ leading to a legalistic and Phariseal attitude. It is useless and makes the persons ineffective in their life.
A true knowledge of God is important because it leads the person to a heart allegiance and surrender to God to do his will. It leads one to radical discipleship for one will see things from God’s heart and perspective; the person’s will is in alignment with God’s will and follow him whole heartedly.
The story of Job: An illustration of the important of this true knowledge of God’s goodness and greatness in challenging times.
When Job came to God with his 60 plus probing questions about why and how he should suffer, God came to reveal his glory and goodness with more questions instead of answering the questions Job posed to him. Job was left satisfied without a single answer to his probing questions! His suffering and his questions paled and dropped away in the light of God’s goodness and glory. That’s how amazing God’s goodness and greatness are!
Believe what God has promised
V4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
We are given precious and magnificent promises
Seeing what God has done and knowing what he has revealed concerning his goodness and glory in Jesus only give us understanding of how good and great God and Jesus are. However, there is nothing great about how good or great God and Jesus are unless that goodness and greatness have something to do with us. The good news is we are called to share in that goodness and glory because we are his children! He has given us great and precious promise so that we can participate in that divine nature – that goodness and greatness! That’s the call of discipleship!
We are chosen, included in His promise in discipleship!
Children inherit their nature from their parents. When we are made new creation through our new birth, God is our Father. We therefore inherit God’s divine nature, God’s DNA is in us. As children imitate their parents and obey them, they grow to become more and more like their parents in their outlook, nature and values. We who are God’s children will manifest his divine nature more and more as we put our trust in his words and live according to his words. This divine nature of God in us is seen in our transformation to the likeness of his Son. This is his glory! As we grow to become more and more like Jesus, we also have power and victory over sins and the enemy. This is his goodness!
It’s importance to come on board to Jesus’ school of Discipleship. It is a personal invitation from God for us to share in his goodness and greatness.
The invitation came with a promise. That promise came to us through Jesus Christ; Jesus himself is the guarantee of the promise of God to us. We can trust him to keep his promise because he has revealed God’s goodness and glory to us on the cross of Calvary!
Jesus went to the cross for us willingly in obedience of his Father because of the love of the Father for him. We can learn to do the same. Receive God’s love in Christ and trust him and do what He says. His promise came to us in his word today. We can believe in his words and do what it says.
Have faith in God’s promises for spiritual power and growth
Faith is a vital element of discipleship. We need the conviction in our hearts to believe what he has promised in his words is to do what he has commanded. The good news is that God not only shows us what he has done, who he is, he has also given us his precious and magnificent promises in his words so that through faith we may participate in his divine nature experiencing spiritual power and growth.
God’s precious promise comes to us through his word. The study and understanding of his word that leads to conviction of the truth resulting in our trust in him will help us to put our faith into action. When we believe in his word and act on it by faith, we grow spiritually to become more like Jesus and have victory over the enemy showing forth his glory and goodness.
Our Response: Come to the Christ’s school of discipleship
First step to discipleship: Consecrate yourselves
Make an active choice to be Christ’s disciples
Choose to be a disciple of Christ. Make that active choice and start living with the priorities set by God to follow Jesus. He will revealed himself to us more and we will come to know him more and be transformed to be like him as we learn to love him more by obeying his commands. Jesus taught in John 14:21,
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
The greatest evidence of God’s love in us and for us is when we obey his commands. This is because his love makes it possible for us to obey him.
Building our lives upon the Rock his Word for transformation from the inside out
The two houses – one builds upon sand, the other builds on the rock.
Let us choose the later and be transformed in our mind to the mind of Christ and live the life he has called.
To God be the glory!
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