Tim Brudnicki preached about Transformation today. I just loved, loved this message and found it perfect for the new year, the new beginning you want for yourself! I believed anyone would have benefited from today; it was about growth, goals and focus. Hard work and perseverance is a must in conquering ourselves and our goals.

If you don’t think you need HARD WORK and PERSEVERANCE then stop here and slap yourself. Hopefully you will wake up from your deja-vu.

I think many of us set resolutions, not to just change something, but because we are tired of something. We want to be new in something. Setting a goal is always easier than completing it, hands down on that. And during the process of sticking to our resolution, we are reminded that our biggest enemy is truly ourselves (hence why God said to lean on him instead of our own strength). Without self-discipline we will give in and by doing so our focus will begin to wither.

***

Today’s sermon revolved around 1 Timothy 4:1-17. Timothy was a young minister under the mentor-ship of Paul. Paul wrote a letter to Timothy to advised him in how to conduct himself.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Paul was contrasting the Christian life with Moses. Being transformed is a long-life quest to be Christ-like. We got growth to experience! From our growth we can expect to mature in our relationships with Christ.

Three points to growth:

• Stay Focused (1 Timothy 4:1-11): You need to STAY FOCUSED to grow! Paul was telling Timothy to get out and have nothing to do with them and their sins so he would not fall. Most of us have heard, “If you want to be successful you need to be around successful people.” If you want to be wealthy you don’t want to be around poor people–that’s called foolishness and suicide. In the same manner, to be Christ-like you need the body of Christ, God, the Word, the Holy Spirit and Jesus, all the proper tools to be spiritually nourish and focused as a disciple.

• Get a Plan (1 Timothy 4:12-14): We need a mentor, as Paul is to Timothy. We cannot do everything and do not know everything. Sorry to burst your bubble there. Paul gave specific instructions to Timothy. He needed to train himself and be an example. In putting a plan together we need to look at our gifts. What are we good at? We can train ourselves up by taking DAILY steps.

• Expect Results (1 Timothy 4:15-16): See your progress. I definitely agreed when Tim said, “If you have the same goal each year then something is wrong.” I’m guilty, especially with weight loss. Sounds familiar to anyone? There will be difficult circumstances that will either hinder us or strengthen us. When we sin we can either conceal it and be a time bomb ticking away or confront our sin and move on. We need to persevere in our pursuit to get results.

I quote another line by Tim, as Christians “we inherit the purpose of all purpose, God’s plan, God’s will, and very good company (the church) and UNLIMITED potential call the HOLY SPIRIT!” That is power right there. That is fullest potential right there. With God. With the Holy Spirit. With Jesus. Man oh man!

It will be painful in our growth (Hebrews 12:11) but it is possible. So I’ll leave you with one last line from Tim, “Be committed to the best we can so God can transformed us to be even more beautiful.”

For the whole sermon check out Milwaukee Church of Christ under “Recent Sermons” 1/9/11 Transformation.

-meéxio