The Value of Transformational Teaching in the Life of the Disciple

15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

INTRODUCTION

What is "transformational teaching?"

1. It is teaching that is focused on "transformation."

a. Transformation is a comprehensive change that occurs in the knowledge, character, and behavior (know, be, do) of an individual.[1]

C- The focus of biblical teaching is this type of transformation. Notice some keys from our scripture text for this evening.

I. TRANFORMATIONAL TEACHING'S FIRST GOAL IS LEADING PEOPLE TO TRUST IN CHRIST FOR SALVATION ( 2 Timothy 3:15).

2 Timothy 3:15 NLT

15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

A- People can believe only if someone shares the scriptural message of salvation with them.

(Romans 10:13–14)

Romans 10:13–14 NLT

13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?

II. TRANSFORMATIONAL TEACHING'S SECOND GOAL IS TO HELP PEOPLE TO EMBRACE A TRUE BELIEF SYSTEM ( 2 Timothy 3:16 a). "

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true..."

A- In a world where there are so many different belief systems, God's Word provides the ability to understand truth from error.

1. It is impossible that all beliefs can be true and equally valid.

For instance:

* Is there one God or many gods?

* Is God a personal being with definite character traits or is he an impersonal force that is made up of all things?

* Is salvation a gift provided by a loving God or is it something that is earned through working hard enough?

* Is Christ the crucified and risen Lord, or was he merely a human prophet or is he a mythological figure that never existed?

* Is truth fleeting and changing like the weather or the changing of people's opinions, or is truth eternal and unchanging?

2. True beliefs can only find their basis and origin in the changeless God whose word is also sure and true.

(Malachi 3:6)

(John 17:17)

III. TRANSFORMATIONAL TEACHING'S THIRD GOAL IS TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO IDENTIFY THE DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIORS THEY ARE ENGAGED IN ( 2 Timothy 3:16b).

"...and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives."

A- Mankind has adopted ideas that result in destructive behavior.

(Romans 6:23)

Romans 6:23 NLT

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

1- Destructive to other people

2- Destructive to self

B- God's Word reveals the ideas and behaviors that are at the core of our personalites.

(Hebrews 4:12–13)

Hebrews 4:12–13 NLT

12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

IV. TRANSFORMATIONAL TEACHING'S FOURTH GOAL IS TO INSTRUCT PEOPLE IN HOW TO LIVE THE BETTER LIFE IN CHRIST ( 2 Timothy 3:16b).

" It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."

A- Providing a guide for every situation and decision

(Psalm 119:105)

Psalm 119:105 NLT

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

B- The scriptures contain principles, commands, and examples to answer all of the questions, issues, and decisions we will ever face.

1. Principles, commands, and examples to guide interpersonal relationships.

2. Principles, commands, and examples to guide financial decisions.

3. Principles, commands, and examples to guide moral decisions.

4. Principles, commands, and examples to guide faith issues.

V. TRANSFORMATIONAL TEACHING'S FIFTH GOAL IS TO EQUIP PEOPLE TO SERVE GOD AND OTHER PEOPLE ( 2 Timothy 3:17).

"God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."

A- God's Word gives instructions to help Christ's disciples know how to relate to other disciples in the church and unbelievers outside of the church.

B- God's word gives instructions that help us understand God's will for our lives.

TRANSFORMATIONAL TEACHING'S FOCUS IS BRINGING BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION AND EVERYDAY LIFE TOGETHER THROUGH PRACTICAL APPLICATION.

A- Through asking targeted questions:

Key Questions:

1. What do the scriptures being studied mean? (What?)

2. What do the principles learned mean in our world today? (So What?)

3. What will I (as a disciple) apply these truths in my life this week? (Now What?)

B- Through engagement of members of WBC in practical ministry and missions.

CONCLUSION:

A- Now What?

1. Will you make the decision to allow God to begin his work of transforming your beliefs, character, and actions ... bringing them into conformity with His word?

2. Will you choose to obey what you already have learned from God's Word?

[1] George Bannister, “The Essence of Discipleship” (Lynchburg: Liberty University, June 2, 2013).

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