Spiritual Transformation: Stirred Chocolate Milk

Intro: As Christians, we are sanctified. But... what does that actually mean? This lesson encouraged me in my walk with God; it kind of cleared up in my mind what my "job" is in this walk with Christ that requires a balance of works and faith. But where do we end and where does God begin, or vise versa? At least in my opinion, I don't think that line could ever be clearly defined -- however, this lesson did a good job of reminding me of my role as a Daughter of Christ through the sanctification process.

A key illustration used in this lecture: milk and chocolate syrup. We are a cup of milk. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are given the Holy Spirit -- chocolate syrup. Looking into the cup from above, the milk will appear to be the same before and after salvation if you don't stir! And even after being mixed, if the cup of stirred chocolate milk is left to sit for extended periods of time, it will begin to separate and the milk (from above) will resume original appearance. So what does the stirring utensil symbolize? (Answer below!)

What is sanctification?
It is the process of being set apart for, and set apart from.

Three types of sanctification:

1. Positional - Christ's righteousness imputed or credited to us
2. **Progressive - the believer grows in victory over sin and Christlikeness
3. Perfective - believers are changed into His likeness at His return

**Progressive sanctification = Spiritual Transformation

The Why of Sanctification

1. It is God's will - 1 Thessalonians 4:3
2. God commanded it - Hebrews 12:14
3. Follows example of Christ
4. Benefits the community, attracts the lost

Purpose: to become mature Christians with spiritual discernment requires time and training in the Word.

Definition of Spiritual Formation:

Spiritual transformation is the continuing response to the reality of God's grace shaping us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit, in the community of faith for the sake of the world. - Jeffrey Greenman.

Spiritual transformation is not just "me and God," it includes involvement in the "community of faith," which is the church, the body of Christ. As mentioned in the quote above, God is always the one to initiate (He gave us grace without us asking!), our job is to respond.

Indications of progress

1. Do I love God more today than I did before?
2. Do I love people, who mean so much to Him, more today than I did before?

The stirring utensil: How to engage in Spiritual Transformation

A. Obstacles -- the trials we face that shape our character and faith! Romans 5:3-5

B. The Bible -- we will know Him through His Word, not through His creations. 

C. *Means of Grace: God-given, Christ-minded, Spirit-driven practice we embrace, both individually and corporately, for the purpose of experiencing and expressing growth in godliness. Some classic means (comparable to Spiritual Disciplines):

1. Silence/Solitude
2. Fasting
3. Prayer
4. Confession
5. Biblical Hospitality
6. Biblical Thanksgiving
7. Service
8. Celebration

Any means of grace breaks the seduction of worldly desires and allows us to hear God's invitation to draw near to Him, to be like Him, etc.

Conclusion: Your spiritual transformation blesses the Father, impacts the world for Christ, testifies to the power of the Holy Spirit, and fulfills your calling.