Breakout Time: Becoming a New Creation in Christ

some downtime for Breakout Time: becoming a new creation in christ

Luke 24:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

Can you imagine living the life of a caterpillar?

It crawls along the ground, consuming leaves and growing slowly.

Then one day it takes a nap.

When it wakes up, something incredible happens.

It has wings. It can fly. Wow! Get a hold of that. It's amazing!

The caterpillar enters into a cocoon, where it undergoes a radical transformation. Within the cocoon, the caterpillar's body is broken down and reassembled into a new form, and when it emerges from the cocoon, it has become a beautiful butterfly.

Similarly, when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we undergo a radical transformation. Like the caterpillar, we are born into this world in a state of sin, crawling along and consuming the things of this world. But when we accept Christ, we enter into a process of transformation that changes us from the inside out.

The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17,

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

This means that when we accept Christ, we become a new creation. Our old self, with its sinful desires and habits, is crucified with Christ, and we are raised to new life in Him.

I want to focus on how the downtime of a cocoon is necessary for the process of transformation.

DOWNTIME TACTICS:

1. Shed old beliefs and habits: Just as a caterpillar sheds its skin, you must shed old beliefs and habits that no longer serve you. Identify what's holding you back and let go of it to make space for new growth and transformation. Holding on to old beliefs and habits is a pitfall to progress.

So let us remember the metamorphosis of the butterfly and the transformation that it represents. Let us strive to be like the butterfly, shedding our old selves and embracing the new life that we have in Christ. And let us never forget that this transformation is only possible because of the love and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

2. Practice self-care by being secret, still, and silent:

The transformation within the cocoon requires self-care. The cocoon invites you to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and be kind to yourself as you go through the transformation process. Remember that transformation takes time and patience, but the end result is worth it.

“Be Still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Jesus practiced self-care daily, rising early to find a secret place to be still and silent before the Father.

· The cocoon is important because it serves as a protective covering. Without the cocoon, the caterpillar would be vulnerable to predators and external threats, and it would not be able to undergo the necessary transformation.

· Similarly, in the Christian life, the cocoon can be seen as a period of secrecy and seclusion, where a person is protected and nurtured by God as they undergo a process of spiritual development. This process may involve letting go of old ways of thinking or behaving and embracing new perspectives and behaviors that align with God's will. Without this cocoon of invisibility, a person may struggle to develop spiritually and may be vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy.

3. Step outside your Comfort Zone and Embrace Change:

Breaking out of a cocoon requires stepping outside your comfort zone. The butterfly must leave the safety of its cocoon to explore the world. Take risks, try new things, and challenge yourself to grow and transform. The transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly is a major change, and embracing change is key to breaking out of a cocoon. Be open to new experiences, ideas, and perspectives, and don't be afraid to try something new.

A caterpillar has a clear goal of becoming a butterfly. Setting clear goals is crucial for breaking out of a cocoon. Take small steps towards your goals and build momentum over time.

Just as the caterpillar undergoes a radical transformation in the cocoon, we also undergo a transformation when we accept Christ. We are transformed from sinners to saints, from death to life, and from darkness to light. And like the butterfly, we are made beautiful in the eyes of God. We must cultivate our relationship with Christ, reading His Word, praying, and seeking to live a life that honors Him.

Break Out Time

1. A person who has been holding onto past hurts and trauma, struggling with their identity and self-worth,finally opens up to God and seeks healing. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, they begin to see themselves as God sees them, they experience a new sense of peace and healing and are able to move forward in their life.

2. A person who has been struggling with a chronic illness or disability finally surrenders their situation to God. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, they begin to see their illness or disability as an opportunity to rely on God's grace and to minister to others who are going through similar struggles.

3. There are some who have been struggling with doubts and questions about their faith; while others have been living lives of rebellion, anger, addictions, and disobedience. There are those who have struggled with unforgiveness for many years. Such persons can come to a place of self-surrender and in their downtime begin to seek answers through prayer and study of God's Word. The Breakout Moments come through the leading of the Holy Spirit. They come to a deeper understanding of God's love and faithfulness, and they are able to let go of doubts, bitterness, and resentment, and experience a new sense of freedom, healing,and peace. They are no longer controlled by their addiction or anger but are instead living in freedom and victory.

4. One example could be a person who was raised in a religious household but never truly had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They went through the motions of attending church and participating in religious activities but never experienced true transformation in their life. However, one day, they come to a realization that they need a personal relationship with Christ, and they accept Him as their Savior. As they begin to seek the Lord and yield to the Holy Spirit's leading, they start to experience a new life transformation. They begin to understand the Bible more clearly, develop a stronger prayer life, and experience a deeper sense of peace and joy. They are breaking out of their cocoon of religion and experiencing the new life that comes from a personal relationship with Christ.

5. Also, consider a person who has been stuck in a dead-end job for many years. They feel unfulfilled and frustrated, but they don't know what to do. However, one day, they feel a stirring in their heart, and they sense that God is calling them to something more. As they seek the Lord's guidance and the leading of the Holy Spirit, they discover a new passion and a new calling. They take steps to pursue this calling, and they experience a new life transformation. They are breaking out of their cocoon of complacency and mediocrity and are stepping into the new life that God has for them.

These are just a few examples of how Christians can break out of their cocoons and experience new life transformations. As we seek the Lord and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can experience ongoing growth and change, and become the people that God has called us to be.

Question:

“Why keep crawling, when you have the power to fly?”

“Do you believe that you have the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit within you?”