Pastor Stephen Dedman

Question #10 – Have you been transformed?

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬

Romans 12:2 comes in the middle of Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome. After spending the earlier chapters explaining the gospel and God’s incredible mercy toward humanity, Paul begins chapter 12 with a call to respond to that mercy. He urges Christians to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, and in verse 2, he commands believers not to be conformed to the world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds.

The world has its own patterns—ways of thinking, living, and pursuing happiness. These patterns often lead to selfishness, materialism, and an identity that’s based on performance or appearance. But as followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. Instead of conforming to the ways of the world, we are invited to experience transformation. This transformation begins in the mind and results in a life that reflects God’s will—His good, pleasing, and perfect plan for us.

The question “Have you been transformed?” challenges us to evaluate where we are in our spiritual journey. Transformation isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process that takes place as we continually allow God’s truth to renew our minds and change our perspectives.

True transformation begins with the mind. Our thoughts shape our attitudes, behaviors, and ultimately, our lives. To be transformed, we need to immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing His truth to reshape the way we see ourselves, the world, and His plans for us. As we meditate on Scripture and align our thinking with God’s truth, our lives begin to reflect the image of Christ.

When we allow God to transform our minds, we begin to live in a way that reflects His will. We can test and approve what is good, pleasing, and perfect in His eyes. This means that our decisions, actions, and priorities align more and more with God’s heart. We are no longer driven by the world’s standards, but by a desire to honor God in all we do.

As we immerse ourselves in His Word and surrender our lives to Him, we are transformed into the image of Christ, and we begin to live out the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. So, ask yourself today: Have I been transformed, and am I continuing to be renewed in Him?

Pray

Lord, thank You for calling me to a life of transformation through the renewing of my mind. I confess that there are areas where I’ve conformed to the patterns of this world, and I ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to daily surrender my thoughts, desires, and actions to You. Renew my mind through Your Word, and guide me to live in alignment with Your perfect will. I want to experience the fullness of the life You have for me, reflecting Your love and truth to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Question #9 – Are you learning and growing in the word of God?

Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭3‬

The apostle Peter wrote to Christians facing trials and persecution encouraging them to live holy lives. He used the metaphor of newborn babies, urging believers to desire God’s Word like babies crave milk. Just as an infant’s survival and growth depend on nourishment, so too should a believer’s spiritual growth depend on continual feeding from the Word of God.

Spiritual growth is not automatic. It requires effort along with desire. Without spiritual growth, believers remain stagnant and immature in faith.

Growing in the Word of God means not just reading the Bible but meditating on it, studying it, and allowing it to transform our lives. Could you imagine what you would look like if you starved yourself of food? Just Imagine what happens when your soul is starved.

Spiritual growth also requires application. As you read the Bible, ask yourself, “How does this apply to my life? What is Gods requiring of me?” Growth in the Word requires a commitment to dig deeper, pray for understanding, and live out the truths learned.

Are you seeing growth in your spiritual journey? The more you immerse yourself in the Word, the more you will experience its life-changing power.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Help me to develop a hunger for it. Open my eyes to the truths You want me to see. Give me strength to resist the temptation to neglect Your guidance in the Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Question #8 – What fears are holding you back from achieving God’s best for your life?

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬

In 2 Timothy, Paul writes to his young protégé, Timothy, who is facing challenges and opposition in his ministry. The reminder in 2 Timothy 1:7 speaks directly to the reality that fear is not from God. Instead, God gives us the power, love, and clarity of mind to overcome fear and walk in the fullness of His purpose for us.

Fear has been a tool used by the enemy throughout Scripture to keep people from stepping into God’s best. When Moses was called to lead the Israelites, he feared he was inadequate. When the spies were sent to the Promised Land, fear kept an entire generation from entering. Gideon was crippled with fear. Even Peter was gripped by fear when he denied Christ. Fear can cripple our faith, but God’s Word teaches us that fear doesn’t come from Him.

What fears are holding you back from experiencing God’s best for your life? Is it the fear of failure? Fear of inadequacy? Fear of rejection or criticism? Fear of the unknown? Whatever form it takes, fear can paralyze us and prevent us from stepping into the fullness of God’s plans.

God has not given us a spirit of fear. Fear often comes from a place of uncertainty or insecurity, but God calls us to trust in Him. When we feel fear rising within us, we must remember that it is not from God. Instead, He gives us power to overcome, love that casts out all fear, and a sound mind that is stable, clear, and focused.

Fear has the power to hold us back from the incredible plans God has for our lives, but we do not have to live in fear. God has given us everything we need to overcome it. As you identify the fears that have been holding you back, choose to trust in God’s promises, step out in faith, and rely on His strength. In doing so, you will discover the joy and fulfillment that come from living out His best for your life.

In what area of your life do you need to step out in obedience, trusting God’s power rather than your own strength?

Pray

Lord, I thank You that fear is not from You. Help me to recognize the fears that are keeping me from experiencing the fullness of Your plans for my life. Replace my fear with faith, and give me the courage to step out in obedience, even when I feel afraid. Remind me daily that Your power is made perfect in my weakness, and that You will strengthen and equip me for every good work. In Jesus’ name, amen.