True Transformation

Of the letters that Paul wrote to the Churches in Asia Minor, the two written to Thessalonica are probably least popular which is a good reason for us to read them! That said, they are great letters packed with good stuff! In our first session we took a look at chapter one under the title 'True Transformation'. The idea was to consider how God has changed our lives. Actually, that's not true at all. We weren't looking at change, we were considering transformation - and there's a big difference between those words!

If you missed the talk you can listen to it online or download it from the resources section.

My favourite verses from this chapter have to be these: 'We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.'

Paul can't resist his threefold grasp of the power of the Christian message at work in transformation - faith, hope and love. Whatever else we might understand about faith, and however we might view transformation, it's going to be an inadequate perspective if at its heart faith, hope and love is not at work. At least that's what I reckon - what about you? What does true transformation look like from your perspective?

It's an interesting thing having a computer and an internet connection. In the old days I'd have to use a combination of dictionaries, encyclopedias and other resources to find the information I needed on a subject to help me form an opinion on a particular subject.... today I just click my mouse and not only do I have the information I need but also everyone else's opinions to go along with it... all direct to my screen.... marvelous!!

Click:
Trans*for*ma*tion
noun
A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance: it's landscape has undergone a radical transformation

and more interestingly the following:
A metamorphosis during the life cycle of an animal


To me 'change', when connected to a person, is a word that can often spell trouble. People 'try to change' but sometimes find that change unsustainable and fall flat on their faces as a result. Take a diet for example: "I want to loose this spare tyre around my waist.... I'm going on a diet". A diet is the wrong way to achieve this change... if you truly want a slimmer self then to transform yourself would be a better idea as only through taking on a new way of eating and exercising, and then living by those rules will you get where you want.

So what am I saying?

In Thessalonians we learn about transformation, and through faith we gain this transformation. It's not necessarily a quick fix 'change', it something that transforms us through time. Faith, hope and love are the tools with which we achieve this transformation.

Now what's the definition of 'True' again?

Click:
True
adjective

1. in accordance with fact or reality....