Transformative Discipleship

Introduction

What is it that hinders our ability to truly change? The bible teaches that we become like that which we worship (Psalm 115).  In the most marvelous way this is true of our transformation.

2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV

18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

The key to change is what we are beholding. If we behold the one true God we will become like him. If we behold false gods we will become like them. This is what it means to be a worshipper. We become like that which we worship.

Worship is one of the most fundamental truths about us. We are all worshippers, all the time. It is not a question of are we worshiping but rather what we are worshipping.

Idols (false Gods) eclipse our view of God. The hinder us as seeing God as he truly his. Our most powerful idol is ourselves. We get in our own way. Our pride, our healing, our wounds, our desires come between us and God.

Listen to the way Isaiah 57:14 puts it:

Isaiah 57:14 CSB

14 He said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, remove every obstacle from my people’s way.”

He says “remove every obstacle from my people’s way.” That is remove every obstacle they have to seeing me as I am, the one true, good, holy and righteous God. Isaiah saw this God in Isaiah 6. Jesus Christ is the exact representation of the image of God (Hebrews 1:3).

This is why it was so important for God to come as a man. So that we could again see him, and behold him, and thus become like him.

This is what 2 Cor 3:18 is about. It is as we behold his glory (Jesus Christ) that we are transformed from one degree of glory to another, and this is done by the Spirit.

What does this verse tell us?