the transformation cycle, part 3

Growth

Paul wisely noted that it was “God who made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).  While we are responsible to hoist the sails by engaging in training activities, only God can direct the wind of his Spirit blow through our lives in ways that actually generate growth.  God is the one causes growth.

As we put ourselves in places where growth is likely to occur, we have to trust that over time God will show up in those places to help us grow.  This is the formula for spiritual growth—faithfully doing our part + trusting God to do his part = life transformation.  

Galatians 5 speaks about this very issue.  In verses 13 through 18, Paul spells out the choice that every person has—you can either live life the way you want to live it (according to the sinful nature) or you can live it the way God wants you live it (walking by the Spirit).  

In verses 19 through 21 he articulates the results of a life lived according to the sinful nature:  “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  

Compare the results of a life lived for self with the a life lived in step with the Holy Spirit.  Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  When the Spirit of God is at work in a human life the outcome is completely different.  A life that is lived in step with the Holy Spirit is a changed life, one that is being “transformed into his likeness.”   

So the big question is, “How can see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives?”  We have to CONSECRATE ourselves fully to God. Galatians 5:24 tells us that: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.”  Then we need to “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24).  We do that by TRAINING for godliness—putting ourselves in a place to encounter the Spirit.  And when we do that God’s Spirit will interact with our lives and he will produce his fruit in us.