BEGUN HERE, TO BE FINISHED…THERE
2Corinthians 3:15-18
The Message vv. 17-18: “And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of His face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him.”
2Corinthians 3:15-18
The Message vv. 17-18: “And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of His face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him.”
Keith had a question in the third/fourth-grade Sunday school classroom he attends with Shakira. (See Rules? devotion). “I was wondering—when will we be done, you know—grow into being more like Jesus?”
Mr. Shaffer, said, “Good question, Keith. Why do you think you’re here, in the first place?”
Will Keith learn who chooses his future? Will he understand that sanctification (sank-tif-i-KA-shon, means becoming righteous) takes a lifetime, and beyond? Will he get it that God has a specific purpose for him? Will he discover that his God-given gifts will decide his wants, determine his work, and define his life?
“Uh, I don’t know.”
Mr. Shaffer closed his lesson book. “OK. We’ll tackle Keith’s question first. Our heavenly Father has a unique (un-EEK means one-of-a-kind) plan for every person’s life. But He intends for His kids to share one goal—and that’s to be conformed into the image of His Son, Jesus. Keith wonders how close he’s getting…well, he’s still got a lifetime to go!”
“Uh?” the class uttered, as one.
“This process perfects our moral (MORE-al means good, right, honest) compass. It tunes our spiritual minds and hearts towards God. The Holy Spirit works nonstop—24/7—on tweaking believers’ character while we’re on earth. His goal is for us to become as loving, kind, and at peace as Jesus.”
Every kid’s head was shaking, “No.”
“You’re disagreeing with me?”
Courtney spoke up, “No one can be like Jesus, Mr. Shaffer!”
“You’d think that, wouldn’t you? I’ve got news for you: this is do-able!” Every eye was on Mr. Shaffer as he continued, “The Holy Spirit, living inside each of you, lives the life of Jesus through you!"
“No way!” Keith surprised himself, speaking up.
“Are you calling me a liar?”
No one spoke.
“Are you saying the Bible is a fairy tale?”
Heads shook, “No.”
“Our one job is to work with the Holy Spirit, not against Him. Relax, kids. Most of us won’t be done until we’re in heaven—if then.”
Take Home Nugget
The sovereign (SOV-rin means supreme ruler) God is concerned with every single thing involving our lives. Both good and bad stuff fulfill God’s purpose for His kids, lovingly shaping us into His masterpieces.
When we think we cannot reach the divine, hear God whisper, “Thou art mine!”
J.D. Griffith
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Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
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A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
For FREE Online Bible Study Resources click here.
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