"Being (Human) Family"

Transformed by His Image: Becoming Like Christ

Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 3:1–6, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ezekiel 36:26

Summary: In these passages, Paul highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, contrasting the first covenant with the successive covenants, and emphasizes that believers are being changed into Christ's likeness, empowered by God's Spirit, as predicted by Ezekiel.

Application: This sermon encourages believers to embrace the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, reminding them that they are not left to their own strength in their Christian walk but can rely on God's power for real change.

Teaching: The message teaches that through the Spirit, believers are not only recipients of grace but also participants in the transformative process that molds them into Christ's image, demonstrating that spiritual growth is attainable.

Big Idea: Believers are called to be transformed into Christ's image, empowered by the Holy Spirit, reflecting His glory in their lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the relationship between the transformative work of the Spirit and the believers' responsibility in that process. Look into Ephesians 4:22-24 for additional insights regarding putting off the old self and putting on the new self. The Logos library could assist you in examining different Greek terms related to transformation, particularly in 2 Corinthians 3:18, and their implications for sanctification.

Welcome

Salem Family ~

The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary Family (Old Testament)

1. Šēbeṭ/Maṭṭeh (“Tribe”). This was the primary unit of social and territorial organization in Israel. The

The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary Family (Old Testament)

2. Mišpāḥâ (“Clan”). This word is awkward to translate. English versions (e.g., RSV) often render it “family,” but this is misleading since the mišpāḥâ could comprise quite a large number of families. It was a unit of kinship, but of far wider scope than the English word “family” denotes (except metaphorically).

The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary Family (Old Testament)

3. Bêt-ʾāb (“Father’s House”). This was the third level of the kinship structure of Israel, and the one in which the individual Israelite felt the strongest sense of inclusion, identity, protection, and responsibility. The “father’s house” was an extended family, comprising all the descendants of a single living ancestor (the head, rōʾš-bêt-ʾāb) in a single lineage, excluding married daughters (who entered their husbands’ bêt-ʾāb along with their families), male and female slaves and their families, resident laborers, and sometimes resident Levites. Thus, the bêt-ʾāb included the head of the house and his wife (or wives), his sons and their wives, his grandsons and their wives, plus any unmarried sons or daughters in the generations below him, along with all the nonrelated dependents.

1. Šēbeṭ/Maṭṭeh ("Tribu"). Esta era la unidad primaria de organización social y territorial en Israel.

2. Mišpāḥâ ("Clan"). Esta palabra es difícil de traducir. Las versiones inglesas (p. ej., RSV) suelen traducirla por "familia", pero esto es engañoso, ya que el mišpāḥâ podía comprender un número bastante grande de familias. Era una unidad de parentesco, pero de un alcance mucho mayor que el que denota la palabra inglesa "family" (excepto metafóricamente).

3. Bêt-ʾāb ("Casa del Padre"). Este era el tercer nivel de la estructura de parentesco de Israel, y en el que el israelita individual tenía el mayor sentido de inclusión, identidad, protección y responsabilidad. La "casa paterna" era una familia extensa, que comprendía a todos los descendientes de un único antepasado vivo (el jefe, rōʾš-bêt-ʾāb) en un solo linaje, excluyendo a las hijas casadas (que entraban en el bêt-ʾāb de sus maridos junto con sus familias), a los esclavos y esclavas y sus familias, a los trabajadores residentes y, a veces, a los levitas residentes. Así pues, el bêt-ʾāb incluía al cabeza de familia y su esposa (o esposas), sus hijos y las esposas de éstos, sus nietos y las esposas de éstos, más los hijos o hijas solteros de las generaciones inferiores, junto con todos los dependientes no emparentados.

“Day of Remembrance” 11-17-24

“Children’s Services Gifts”

Thanksgiving Dinner

Christmas Program 12-15-24 5:00 pm

Prepare to sing!

Prepare to share!

KNOW

God’s word & Spirit

Ezekiel 36:1 ESV

1 “And you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, O mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord.

Ezekiel 36:25–28 ESV

25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. 28 You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Ezekiel 36:1 RVC

1 »Tú, hijo de hombre, profetiza a los montes de Israel. Diles que oigan la palabra del Señor.»

Ezekiel 36:25–28 RVC

25 Esparciré agua limpia sobre ustedes, y ustedes quedarán limpios de todas sus impurezas, pues los limpiaré de todos sus ídolos. 26 Les daré un corazón nuevo, y pondré en ustedes un espíritu nuevo; les quitaré el corazón de piedra que ahora tienen, y les daré un corazón sensible. 27 Pondré en ustedes mi espíritu, y haré que cumplan mis estatutos, y que obedezcan y pongan en práctica mis preceptos. 28 Y ustedes habitarán en la tierra que les di a sus padres, y serán mi pueblo, y yo seré su Dios.

GROW

God’s part

Our Part

SHOW

commendation letters

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume συνίστημι, συνιστάνω, συνίστημι

synístēmi [to put together], synistánō [to be composed of]

1. synístēmi has the sense of putting together with the nuances a. “to be composed of,” b. “to exist,” “to be,” c. “to associate,” d. “to commend,” and e. “to display.”

2. In Lk. 9:32 Peter and John see the two men standing with Jesus on the Mount. In 2 Pet. 3:5 the reference is to water in the composition of the earth. Significant theologically is the statement in Col. 1:17 that Christ is before all things and all things consist or have their existence in him.

synístēmi [juntar], synistánō [estar compuesto de].

1. synístēmi tiene el sentido de poner junto con los matices a. "estar compuesto de", b. "existir", "ser", c. "asociar", d. "elogiar" y e. "mostrar".

2. En Lc. 9:32 Pedro y Juan ven a los dos hombres de pie con Jesús en el Monte. En 2 Pe. 3:5 la referencia es al agua en la composición de la tierra. Teológicamente es significativa la afirmación de Col. 1:17 de que Cristo es antes que todas las cosas y todas las cosas consisten o tienen su existencia en él.

fruit

anointing

relations

1. Commendation Through Changed Lives

2 Corinthians 3:1–3 ESV

1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 3 And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:1–3 RVC

1 ¿Comenzamos otra vez a recomendarnos a nosotros mismos? ¿O tenemos acaso que presentarles a ustedes, o pedir de ustedes, cartas de recomendación, como hacen algunos? 2 Nuestras cartas son ustedes mismos, y fueron escritas en nuestro corazón, y son conocidas y leídas por todos. 3 Es evidente que ustedes son una carta escrita por Cristo y expedida por nosotros; carta que no fue escrita con tinta sino con el Espíritu del Dios vivo, y no en tablas de piedra sino en las tablas de corazones que sienten.

Paul illustrates that the transformation in the believers' lives acts as a letter of recommendation for God’s work / his work.

Reference 1 Corinthians chapters 4-6 division, strife, immorality, lawsuits against brothers...

Corinthian believers themselves are clear evidence of the Spirit's work, initiating a change within them for all to witness.

Believers today, too, are living testimonials of God's transformative work—a reflection of Christ's image that the world can see.

As you navigate your home life, consider the impact of unconfessed sin on your family dynamics. Are there grievances or patterns of sin, like anger or neglect, that you’ve brushed aside? Reflect on James 5:16, which encourages us to confess our sins to one another. Set aside time this week to sit down with your spouse or family and discuss any unresolved issues. Create a safe environment where everyone can share without fear of judgment. This openness fosters healing, builds trust, and reflects the grace God shows us.00

2. Confidence in the Spirit's Sufficiency

2 Corinthians 3:4–6

You could elaborate on Paul's confidence in the new covenant ministry coming from God, not personal competency. Highlight that it is the Spirit who gives life, contrasting the sufficiency found in Christ with the incapacity of the law to impart life. Intrinsically, this passage supports the idea that true transformation and the ability to reflect Christ's image come through the Spirit, reinforcing reliance on His power and sufficiency.

3. Continuous Transformation Process

2 Corinthians 3:18

Maybe explore the process of transformation as believers 'behold' the glory of the Lord. Suggest that Paul encapsulates the essence of Christian transformation—not through personal ability, but by gazing upon Christ and His glory. As believers reflect His image, they are changed 'from one degree of glory to another,' underscoring the continual nature of transformation through the Spirit's work.

Imagine a caterpillar in a cocoon. For weeks, it undergoes an incredible transformation, changing its very nature within that protective shell. Finally, it emerges as a beautiful butterfly, a new creation. Like this caterpillar, when we allow Christ's love to work within us, we may go through difficult and transformative processes that change us fundamentally. It’s a gradual transformation, much like our journey of faith, where we evolve into the image of Christ.

In the book of 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul describes believers as ones being transformed into Christ's image 'with ever-increasing glory.' This means our transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. Think of a sculptor who chips away at a marble block to reveal the statue within. Each strike removes excess stone and reveals the masterpiece hidden inside, just as God meticulously chips away our flaws to reveal the image of Christ in us, through trials and victories.

If you find your home environment filled with tension or discontent, it could be due to unresolved sin. Perhaps you’ve been quick to anger or distant in communication. Take a moment to examine Ephesians 4:26, which instructs not to let the sun go down on your anger. This week, practice forgiveness by addressing past conflicts directly with your family. Instead of allowing grudges to build, initiate heartfelt conversations that promote reconciliation and understanding. This transparency not only heals wounds but also models Christ-like behavior to your family.

4. Creation of a New Heart

Ezekiel 36:26

Discuss the promise of a new heart and spirit, emphasizing that this transformation into Christ's image was prophesied long before its fulfillment in the new covenant. This supports the theme that the Holy Spirit is the initiator and sustainer of transformation, making spiritual renewal possible by replacing a heart of stone with a heart of flesh. Encourage believers to trust in God's promise for complete heart transformation.

In the book of Ezekiel, God speaks of taking a heart of stone and giving a heart of flesh. Imagine being stuck in a heavy, immovable boulder. But through faith, God softens our hardened hearts, allowing us to feel, love, and connect with others genuinely. This transformation enables us to be vessels of compassion and grace, reflecting Christ’s heart in a world that desperately needs it.

What does Paul mean by believers being a 'letter of recommendation' for his ministry in 2 Corinthians 3:1-3?

How does the new covenant ministry differ from the old covenant according to Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians? (3:4-6)?

In 2 Corinthians 3:18, what does Paul indicate is necessary for ongoing transformation into Christ's image?

What metaphor does the sermon use to describe the process of transformation, and how does it relate to the believer's journey?

How does Ezekiel 36:26 support the theme of heart transformation in relation to the work of the Holy Spirit?

Why is it important for believers to recognize themselves as living testimonials of God's transformative work?

As you engage in public life, it can be easy to dismiss the small sins for the sake of fitting in, like gossiping or compromising your values to gain acceptance. Remember Matthew 5:14, where Jesus calls you to be the light of the world. Make a conscious effort this week to avoid negative conversations and instead speak life and encouragement into the hearts of those around you. Challenge yourself to compliment or uplift someone publicly, demonstrating the love of Christ rather than conforming to societal negativity.