Living as Transformed Children of God
Notes
Transcript
Imagine a piece of coal, dark and lifeless, lying deep within the earth. It seems ordinary, unremarkable, and destined to remain that way forever. But then, a miraculous transformation occurs. Through intense heat and pressure, that coal is transformed into a magnificent diamond, sparkling with brilliance and beauty. Its true value and purpose are finally revealed, far surpassing its previous state.
In a similar way, as followers of Christ, we are called to live lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Just as the coal undergoes a radical change, we too are invited into a journey of transformation, where God's redeeming love and grace work within us to shape us into radiant reflections of His glory.
The Apostle John, in his first letter to the early Christian community, exhorted believers to embrace this transformational journey. He painted a vivid picture of what it means to be children of God, no longer identified with our former selves, but instead marked by righteousness and love. John's words resonate with urgency and conviction, urging us to consider our identity and the way we live in light of it.
As we dive into the depths of 1 John, we will explore the profound truth that we are not meant to remain in our old, lifeless ways. Rather, we are called to experience a divine metamorphosis, to be shaped and molded by the hand of our loving Creator. We will uncover the identifying marks of the children of God, understanding how doing what is right and loving one another are essential to living out our transformed identity.
So, just as the coal becomes a diamond, let us discover the radiant transformation that awaits us as children of God, reflecting His love, righteousness, and glory to a world in need.
John writes in verse twenty-eight.
And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
As we look at the first few words of this section we find ourselves captivated by his heartfelt exhortation to “abide” "continue" or "remain" within Christ Jesus. The tenderness with which he addresses his readers as "little children" reveals his deep affection and care for them. As mature believers, he urges us to embrace a continuous and unwavering connection with our Savior.
The purpose behind this exhortation becomes clear when we consider the future appearing of Jesus Christ. John reminds us that we should remain in Christ so that we may approach His glorious presence with confidence and without shame when He comes again. The term "appearing" (or "coming"), often used to describe Christ's incarnation, takes on a different meaning here—John is using it as an allusion to His future return in power and glory.
To be confident, in our passage, means to be unashamed. The apostle clarifies that our confidence is not about self-assurance or self-reliance, but about being secure in our relationship with Jesus. By remaining in Him, adhering to the teachings we have received from the beginning and being guided by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we can approach the judgment day with boldness, knowing that we belong to Him and that our lives are aligned with His truth.
Continuing in this John writes in verse 29,
If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
John now presents us with a fundamental connection between knowing God and doing righteousness. This connection serves as the basis for distinguishing between the children of God and the children of the devil.
John introduces this discourse with a conditional sentence: "If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him." The righteousness being referred to here is that of God Himself. As believers, if we possess the knowledge that God is righteous, we can be assured that everyone who consistently lives in righteousness has been born of Him. The Greek word used here for birth emphasizes a divine origin—a birth not of natural descent, human decision, or human effort, but one brought forth by God Himself.
To grasp the meaning of being "born of God" in the context of John's community, we need to look at the Gospel of John, where we find Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. Jesus speaks of the necessity of being "born again" or "born from above" through water and the Spirit. John draws from this understanding, emphasizing that being "born of God" transcends human procreation. It is a divine work accomplished by God's Spirit in conjunction with faith in Jesus Christ.
John's purpose in highlighting the connection between being born of God and practicing righteousness is to provide a discerning measure for the readers. He seeks to equip them with the ability to evaluate the claims of those who were leading them astray. By emphasizing the importance of doing righteousness, John sets a clear distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil.
John continues and he writes in chapter three verse one and he writes.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
With this verse John has given to us a moment to contemplate the immeasurable love that our Heavenly Father has poured out upon us. The apostle John, with heartfelt conviction, exclaims, "How great is the love the Father has lavished upon us!" In this expression of love, we find the profound truth that we are called the children of God. It is a privilege of immense magnitude to be known as God's children, for it signifies that the Creator of the universe has chosen us to be a part of His family.
John continues in verse two and writes,
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
John again reiterates and emphasizes the glorious reality that we are now the children of God. This present reality of being God's children is of utmost significance, and the author underscores this truth by stating, "We are the children of God now."
However, John also recognizes that there is an aspect of our identity as children of God that is yet to be fully revealed. He acknowledges that what we will be in the future has not yet been made known to us. The full extent of our transformation and glory in Christ is beyond our current comprehension. Nevertheless, there is one certainty that we hold onto amidst this mystery: "But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him." When our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears, we will be transformed into His likeness. This transformation encompasses a profound ethical purity, as the subsequent verse unveils.
The apostle reveals the reason for this magnificent change in our being: "For we shall see him as he is." It is not merely seeing Jesus as He was during His earthly ministry, nor is it limited to perceiving Him through the eyes of faith. Instead, it signifies seeing Him as He presently is—in His fully revealed heavenly glory.
When we behold the glorified Christ in His fullness and majesty, the impact of that sight will be transformative. It will go beyond a mere visual encounter, it will penetrate the depths of our being, resulting in a purification of our hearts and lives. The sight of Him will be enough to make us pure like Him.
We should all eagerly anticipate the glorious day when our Savior appears, and we shall be like Him. In the meantime, we need to allow this hope to spur us on in our pursuit of righteousness and holiness, knowing that the sight of our Lord will bring about a profound change within us. As we eagerly await His coming, we must continually fix our eyes on Jesus and allow His transformative power to work in us, conforming us more and more to His glorious image.
John then writes in verse three.
And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
John now affirms that everyone who has this hope in Christ purifies themselves, just as He is pure. Our hope of being like Christ in the future must find expression in our present pursuit of purity. As we anticipate our transformation into His likeness, we are called to actively engage in the process of purifying ourselves today.
As we fix our hope in Christ, we are compelled to embark on a journey of self-purification. We recognize that the moral purity displayed by our Savior is the very standard we aspire to emulate. By the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, we actively engage in purifying our hearts and our lives, forsaking sinful behaviors and pursuing righteousness. Our motivation stems from our hope in Christ and our desire to conform to His likeness.
John then continues in verse four and writes.
Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
John states, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; in fact, sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4). Here, the term "lawlessness" (anomia) is used to describe the nature of sin. The absence of the word "law" (nomos) throughout the letter indicates that the discussion revolves around a different understanding of "lawlessness."
Matthew's Gospel also employs the term "lawlessness," consistently associating it with false prophets and those who oppose God's kingdom, often within the context of the last days or final judgment. In the Pauline epistles, "lawlessness" refers to a sinful power operating within the world, to which Christians must not submit themselves.
Lawlessness signifies the spiritual reality of those who persist in the characteristic sin of rejecting Christ, demonstrating their alignment with the devil rather than God.
So, in addressing the issue of lawlessness, John emphasizes the stark contrast between the righteous children of God and those who persist in sin, highlighting the spiritual and moral implications of their actions. This serves as a warning to believers, urging them to distance themselves from the characteristic sin of the "children of the devil" and to pursue righteousness, which stems from their new identity as children of God.
John then writes in verse five,
You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
John now directs our attention from those who commit sin to the purpose of Christ's appearance among us. John writes, "You know that he appeared in order to take away sins" (1 John 3:5a). This statement emphasizes Christ's redemptive mission and the purpose of His incarnation. In 1 John, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is consistently portrayed as the one who, through His appearance and sacrificial death, addresses and atones for the sins of humanity.
John emphasizes that Christ's appearance was specifically to deal with the consequences of the sinful acts of His people. The mention of "sins" in the plural form indicates that the focus is on Christ's redemptive work regarding the specific transgressions committed by individuals, rather than merely addressing the power of sin itself. In 1 John, Jesus is portrayed as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:2; 4:10), and it is through His blood that we are cleansed from all sin (1:7). By offering Himself as the atoning sacrifice, Jesus makes forgiveness available, and God's faithfulness and justice are demonstrated when He forgives our sins (1:9).
John reminds the readers that they are acquainted with these truths, as they form the core of the gospel message they have heard from the beginning. The significance of Jesus' appearance, His sacrificial death, and the forgiveness of sins through His name are central to their faith (cf. 1 John 4:9-10).
In addition to highlighting the purpose of Christ's appearance to take away sins, John adds, "And in him is no sin" (1 John 3:5b). This echoes earlier statements about Jesus' righteousness and purity. It is consistently attested to throughout the New Testament that Jesus was without sin. His sinlessness is crucial for His role as the atoning sacrifice for sins (2:2; 4:10). Just as the sacrificial animals in the Old Testament were required to be without blemish, Jesus, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, was sinless.
The mention of Christ's sinlessness serves a practical purpose in this verse. It lays the foundation for an important criterion to evaluate the claims of those who say they know God. The assessment of these claims is the subject of the following verse (1 John 3:6) and extends throughout the entire section. Christ's sinlessness provides a standard against which the authenticity of others' claims can be measured. Those who genuinely know God will exhibit a transformed life, following the example of Christ's purity and righteousness.
John continues and in verse six and he writes,
No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
This verse emphasizes the ongoing nature of both "abiding" or “remaining” in Christ and "sinning." John's consistent use of the present tense verbs indicates that this statement refers to continuous actions.
We can understand 1 John 3:6 as emphasizing the ongoing nature of "abiding" in Christ versus "sinning." The sinlessness of Jesus Christ reflects the sinlessness of God, undermining any claims to an ongoing relationship with God while persisting in sin. The specific claims of the secessionists and the nuances of their understanding of God and Christ pose challenges in interpreting this verse, but the emphasis remains on the transformative power of abiding in Christ and the incompatibility of a life characterized by sin with a genuine relationship with Him.
John continues in verse seven and writes
Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.
John addresses his readers as dear children and urges them, "let no one deceive you." In John's view, the secessionists not only lived sinful lives themselves but also taught others to do the same. As a result, this verse serves as a warning against being swayed by their influence.
Earlier in 1 John 2:26, John had already warned his readers about those who would deceive them, particularly in relation to the secessionists' denial that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. In the present verse, the author issues another warning to the readers, cautioning them against being led astray by anyone. Within this context, the warning pertains to moral behavior. Those who were attempting to mislead the readers were attempting to sever the connection between doing what is right and being righteous. John previously emphasized the link between having fellowship with God and walking in the light (1 John 1:5–7), knowing God and obedience to His word (1 John 2:4–6), and being in the light and loving fellow believers (1 John 2:9–11). These references help us understand that "doing what is right" involves walking in the light as God is in the light, obeying His word, and demonstrating love for fellow believers.
John insists that those who do what is right, rather than making claims similar to those of the secessionists, are the ones considered righteous as Jesus is righteous. In the preceding verses, Jesus Christ is described as the one who appeared to take away our sins and in whom there is no sin, resulting in those who abide in Him not persisting in sin (1 John 3:5–6). The subsequent verses portray Jesus as the one who appeared to destroy the works of the devil, whose works have always been sinful, and as a result, those born of God do not continue in sin (1 John 3:8–9).
It can be inferred that the propaganda of the secessionists was not only heretical, denying Christ's true identity, but also immoral, undermining righteous living. As a result, John issues a stern warning to the readers not to be led astray by those who promote false teachings and immoral behavior.
Now in verse eight we read.
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
John, in order to emphasize his exhortation to the readers not to be led astray by those who advocate separating the connection between doing what is right and being righteous, asserts, "He who does what is sinful is of the devil." Once again, John employs the present tense of the verb "to do [what is sinful]" to indicate that ongoing action is being referred to. In doing so, he identifies the secessionists as the ones in question. Although they may claim to be of God while continuing in their sinful behavior, the truth is that they are of the devil. This is based, at least in part, on the fact that they are engaging in sin just as the devil does.
However, it is possible that John intends more than this. In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, when Peter attempts to dissuade Jesus from His appointed path to the cross, Jesus exclaims, "Get behind me, Satan!" (Matthew 16:23; Mark 8:33). In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells His Jewish adversaries that they are of their father the devil because they desire to carry out the devil's desires by seeking to put Him to death (John 8:44). Also, the Gospel of John states that the devil put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Jesus (John 13:2), and both the Gospels of Luke and John affirm that Satan, entered Judas's heart when the time came for the betrayal (Luke 22:3; John 13:27). Considering these passages, it is possible to interpret this verse as suggesting that the secessionists were of the devil not only because they sinned as the devil did but also because the devil influenced and prompted them to sin in such a manner. Just as a Christian lives under the influence of God dwelling within them, sinners live under the influence of the devil and allow themselves to be seduced by him. Those who are born of God and in whom God resides do what God does, living a life similar to that of Christ, who is the Son of God. Conversely, the "children of the devil" can only do what their "father desires," which entails perpetuating the deeds that the Son of God came to undo (1 John 3:8).
John also affirms that those who engage in sin, are of the devil because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. By using the present tense when referring to the devil's sinning, the author portrays it as an ongoing action that has persisted since the beginning. This notion of sinning "from the beginning" likely alludes to the accounts in Genesis 1-4, where the devil tempts the first couple, leading to their sin, which subsequently spreads to Cain, who murders his brother. This connection is hinted at in the Gospel of John, where Jesus states that the devil was a murderer "from the beginning" (John 8:44).
To further reinforce the exhortation not to be deceived regarding the importance of doing what is right and avoiding sinful behavior, John adds, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." The devil's work fundamentally involves attempting to undermine God's work by diverting people from doing God's will, which encompasses leading them into sin. Although the author does not specify how Jesus destroyed the work of the devil, he does state elsewhere that Christ appeared to take away sins (1 John 3:5). This achievement was accomplished through His sacrificial death, as He offered Himself as an atoning sacrifice (1 John 2:2; 4:10). John also declares that Jesus' blood, referring to His death, cleanses believers from all their sins (1 John 1:7, 9). As a result, we can believe with confidence that through His atoning death, Jesus dealt with the problem of human sin and, in doing so, destroyed the work of the devil.
John urges his readers not to be led astray by those who claim that sinful behavior does not matter. It must matter, for the Son of God appeared specifically to destroy the work of the devil, which involves leading people into sin. So, the exhortation to live a righteous life and reject the false teachings of the secessionists remains of utmost importance for believers still today.
Then in verse nine we read.
No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.
In this verse, John not only emphasizes that those who are born of God have been cleansed from their sins but also asserts that they cannot continue to sin. This is the second of ten references to being born of God in the book of 1 John (2:29; 3:9 [2×]; 4:7; 5:1 [3×], 4, 18 [2×]). Throughout this letter, John does not provide a detailed explanation of the process of being "born of God." Rather, his focus lies in the practical implications of this new birth. He is primarily interested in the behavior of those who are born of God, highlighting their righteous actions (2:29), their avoidance of sin (3:9; 5:18), their love for one another (4:7), their confession of Jesus as the Christ (5:1), and their victory over the world (5:18).
Regarding those who are born of God, John unequivocally states that it is impossible for them to continue sinning. John uses the present tense form of the verb "to sin", indicating that an ongoing action of sinning that he specifically addresses is an impossibility for those born of God. It is essential to note that this statement should not be misconstrued as endorsing sinless perfectionism.
John proceeds to explain why it is impossible for those born of God to persist in ongoing sin: it is because God's seed, or more precisely, "his sperm" (sperma autou), remains in them.
This metaphorical language used by John boldly emphasizes the idea of God's "seed" that leads to the new birth of believers. To comprehend its meaning, we must unpack this metaphor. What precisely remains in those born of God that renders it impossible for them to continue sinning? Within the context of 1 John, believers are described as having the gospel message they heard from the beginning remaining in them (2:24), being indwelt by the anointing/Holy Spirit (2:27), and having God Himself remaining in them (3:24; 4:12, 15, 16). Among these three possibilities, the most fitting option is the Holy Spirit, given that the new birth is achieved by God through the agency of the Spirit, who abides with and in believers according to Johannine theology.
Look this is a very blunt picture of what is happening. An embryo and sperm come together and you get a new person. Just as in a plant a seed and pollen come together to get a new plant. That’s why the picture of the seed is incorrect. The seed more appropriate represents the embryo in the new creation. It is by means of the Holy Spirit entering into us that we become a new creation. Be very careful where you take the metaphor. It is simply meant as a picture of the process of new life.
John finishes up this section in verse ten and writes.
By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
This verse serves as a conclusion to the preceding section, reaffirming the criterion by which the children of God can be distinguished from the children of the devil. John writes, "By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God"
As a result, the act of doing what is right, understood as an ongoing action, becomes a significant identifying characteristic of the children of God. In the same way, the absence of doing what is right serves as a distinguishing mark of the children of the devil. This criterion highlights the importance of righteous behavior in discerning one's spiritual identity.
However, John adds another crucial identifying mark in this verse: "nor is the one who does not love his brother." Alongside doing what is right, loving and not loving fellow believers also plays a fundamental role in distinguishing between the children of God and the children of the devil. By introducing this new element into his argument, John foreshadows the subject of the subsequent major section of the letter, which we will discuss next week.
We need to note that these identifying marks—doing what is right and loving fellow believers—are not exhaustive but rather represent key characteristics. They serve as indicators of genuine faith and reflect the transformative work of God's grace in the lives of believers.
So What?
So What?
I have a couple of points that I want to stress in conclusion.
First, is our need to seek ongoing transformation in our lives.
Seek Ongoing Transformation
Seek Ongoing Transformation
It is crucial for us to understand that transformation is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. It is an ongoing journey that requires our active participation and surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Today, I want to emphasize the importance of continuously seeking ongoing transformation and provide practical steps to help us on this transformative journey.
Invite the Holy Spirit
Invite the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our transformation. It is the Holy Spirit who empowers and enables us to live in alignment with God's will. Invite the Holy Spirit to work in your life daily. Surrender your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors to Him, allowing Him to bring about the necessary changes. Seek His guidance, wisdom, and strength as you navigate the challenges and decisions of life.
Cultivate spiritual disciplines
Cultivate spiritual disciplines
Spiritual disciplines are the means by which we foster our relationship with God and grow in our faith. Prayer, studying the Word, worship, and fellowship are essential disciplines that help nurture our transformative journey. Make it a priority to set aside regular time for prayer. Dive into the Scriptures, seeking to understand and apply God's truth to your life. Engage in meaningful worship and actively participate in fellowship with other believers to encourage and be encouraged.
Embrace a teachable spirit
Embrace a teachable spirit
Transformation requires humility and a willingness to learn. Be open to correction, instruction, and guidance from God and from others. Allow the Word of God and wise counsel to challenge your thinking and reshape your perspectives. Cultivate a teachable spirit that eagerly seeks truth and grows in wisdom.
Engage in self-reflection
Engage in self-reflection
Take time to reflect on your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Regularly examine your heart and motives. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life that need transformation. Be honest with yourself and with God, and ask Him to help you align your life more closely with His will. Journaling can be a helpful practice in this process, as it allows you to record your reflections, prayers, and insights.
Embrace accountability and community
Embrace accountability and community
Surround yourself with fellow believers who will support and challenge you in your transformative journey. Seek accountability partners who will walk alongside you, speak truth into your life, and hold you responsible for your commitments. Engage in small groups or discipleship relationships where you can share and discuss your spiritual journey. Together, we can encourage one another, pray for each other, and spur one another on toward greater transformation.
Remember that this transformative journey is not about perfection but about progress. God is at work within us, transforming us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. And as we embrace the journey, we will experience the ongoing transformation that God desires for each one of us, and our lives will increasingly reflect His love, grace, and truth to the world around us.
The second point that I want to make is that we need to Celebrate The Process
Celebrate The Process
Celebrate The Process
As we continue to look the idea of transformation, it is essential for us to recognize that transformation is a cause for celebration! We serve a God who delights in bringing about change in our lives and molding us into His image. Today, I want to encourage each one of you to take time to reflect on how far God has brought you in your transformative journey, to celebrate the victories, big and small, and to give thanks for His faithfulness.
Reflect on the journey
Reflect on the journey
Pause for a moment and think about where you were before encountering the transformative power of God. Consider the areas of your life that have experienced growth, healing, and renewal. Reflect on the ways in which God has worked in your heart, mind, and circumstances. Acknowledge the progress you have made, even if it seems small in your eyes. Each step forward is a testament to God's faithfulness and the power of His transformative work.
Celebrate the victories
Celebrate the victories
As you reflect on your journey, celebrate the victories along the way. Celebrate the moments of breakthrough, when God broke strongholds and brought freedom. Celebrate the times when you experienced His love and grace in profound ways. Celebrate the answered prayers, the changed perspectives, and the transformed relationships. Rejoice in the victories, for they are evidence of God's active presence in your life.
Give thanks
Give thanks
Gratitude is a powerful way to celebrate the process of transformation. Take time to express your gratitude to God for His faithfulness, His grace, and His relentless pursuit of your heart. Give thanks for the ways He has guided and transformed you. Cultivate a heart of gratitude, for it will fuel your faith and deepen your connection with God. Share your thankfulness with others, encouraging them with your testimony of God's transformative work.
Be inspired and press on
Be inspired and press on
Celebrating the process of transformation is not merely about looking back; it is also about looking forward. As you celebrate the victories and give thanks, let it inspire you to press on in pursuit of God's will for your life. Let it fuel your faith to trust God in areas where transformation is still needed. Remember that the transformative journey is ongoing, and there is always more growth and change that God desires to bring about in you. With each step of obedience, you draw closer to His perfect plan for your life.
Share your story
Share your story
Your transformed life is a testimony of God's power and love. Share your story of transformation with others. Your story has the potential to inspire and encourage those who are still on their journey. Celebrate together with fellow believers, sharing in the joy of God's transformative work in your lives. By sharing your story, you magnify God's glory and invite others to experience His transformative power.
We need to embrace a spirit of celebration as we recognize and honor the process of transformation in our lives. Reflect on the journey, celebrate the victories, give thanks, be inspired, and share your story. And ss we do so, we will deepen our faith, inspire others, and bring glory to our loving and transforming God. Our lives are meant to be a living testimony of His power, grace, and faithfulness. Let us celebrate the transformative work of God in our midst!
Amen!
Amen!
Let us pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in awe and gratitude for the powerful truths we have encountered in Your Word today. Thank You for reminding us of the call to live a transformed life as Your children. We acknowledge that transformation is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey that requires Your ongoing work in our hearts.
As we close this time of reflection and application, we invite Your Holy Spirit to continue to work in us, transforming our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors to align with Your will. Give us the strength and perseverance to surrender to Your transformative power each day.
Lord, help us to celebrate the process of transformation. May we take time to reflect on how far You have brought us in our journey, and may we celebrate the victories, big and small, that You have graciously granted to each of us. Thank You for Your faithfulness, for never giving up on us even when we falter.
As we look back on the ways You have transformed our lives, fuel our faith and ignite a passion within us to press on, to seek Your will more fervently, and to walk in obedience. Help us to trust that You are at work, even when we cannot see the full picture.
Lord, we pray for grace and humility to share our stories of transformation with others. May our lives be a living testament to Your love and power, that through us, many may come to know You and experience the transformative work You can do in their lives.
As we leave this place, may Your presence go with us. Empower us to live as a transformed people, shining Your light in a world that desperately needs it. Grant us wisdom and discernment as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
We thank You, Lord, for the privilege of being called Your children and for the ongoing transformation You are working in our lives. May we continually yield to Your leading and be vessels of Your love and your grace.
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.
Amen.