Recap:

Formed by Glory: A Call to Transformation

The anticipation of a new year often fills us with excitement and introspection. It’s a season of reflection on the year gone by and a time to dream of what’s ahead. We celebrate the birth of our Savior at Christmas—a momentous reminder of hope and renewal—but soon find ourselves in a peculiar in-between, waiting for the next chapter to begin.

In this liminal space, we naturally gravitate toward resolutions and goals. We declare, This will be the year. Yet, many of us find these dreams faltering because we fail to address the heart of transformation: what is forming us? What influences are shaping our minds, hearts, and souls? The apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3:16–18 offer a profound invitation to examine the forces molding us and embrace the transformative power of God.

Paul writes, “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

Here, Paul identifies a critical truth: transformation begins when we turn to the Lord, fix our eyes on Him, and allow His Spirit to do the work of renewal in us. It’s a process of formation—intentional, ongoing, and life-altering.

Formation: The Constant Shaping of the Soul

Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly being shaped. The influences we allow into our lives—music, media, relationships, and cultural norms—mold us. There is no neutrality in what we consume. The question is not whether we are being formed but what is forming us.

Are we being shaped by the Spirit of God or by the pressures of the world? Paul’s call is clear: as followers of Christ, we must turn from lesser influences and fix our gaze on Him. This process involves three key actions:

  1. Turning from the Old: Transformation begins with repentance—a decisive turning from our old ways and a turning toward God. This is a universal invitation: “Whenever anyone turns to the Lord…” No matter our past, no matter our failures, the Lord invites us to be renewed.
  2. Vulnerability Before God: To be transformed, we must stand before God with unveiled faces—exposed and honest. Vulnerability is difficult; it requires removing the masks we hide behind and allowing God to work on the deepest parts of our hearts.
  3. Abiding in His Presence: Paul encourages us to contemplate the Lord’s glory. This is not a fleeting glance but a deliberate, lingering gaze. As we dwell in His presence, we are transformed “with ever-increasing glory.”

The Potter and the Clay

Jeremiah 18:1–6 beautifully illustrates God’s role in our transformation: “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand.” As a potter shapes clay, God shapes us according to His will. This process requires trust and surrender as He molds us into vessels for His purposes. It is not always comfortable; it often involves removing imperfections and reshaping our priorities. But the result is a life that reflects His glory.

Practical Steps for Transformation

True formation requires more than lofty aspirations. It involves intentional practices that allow God’s Spirit to work in us. Here are four ways we can position ourselves for transformation in the coming year:

  1. Worship: Worship is more than singing songs on a Sunday morning—it is a posture of surrender and awe before God. In worship, we recalibrate our hearts to focus on His glory, allowing His Spirit to shape us.
  2. Prayer: Through prayer, we bring our anxieties, hopes, and needs before God. Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us that in prayer, God’s peace guards our hearts and minds, realigning us with His purposes.
  3. Engaging with Scripture: God’s Word is alive and active, penetrating our hearts and transforming our thoughts (Hebrews 4:12). As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we learn God’s character and align our lives with His truth.
  4. Community: Hebrews 10:24–25 calls us to encourage one another and not neglect meeting together. In Christian community, we are challenged, supported, and refined, experiencing God’s love in tangible ways.

An Invitation to Flourishing

Transformation is not an instant process. It is a journey of “ever-increasing glory,” one degree at a time. As we turn to the Lord, we are invited into a life of flourishing—a life shaped not by our own efforts but by the Spirit of God. This year, may we allow Him to mold us, to transform us, and to lead us into the fullness of His plans.

Let us pray:
Lord, we thank You for Your mercy and grace. As we step into this new year, we surrender ourselves to Your hands. Shape us, mold us, and transform us into vessels for Your glory. May we turn to You with unveiled faces and experience the freedom Your Spirit brings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Group Questions:

Icebreakers:

  1. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to in the new year?
  2. Share a funny or unexpected moment from the past year.
  3. If you could choose one word or theme for your year ahead, what would it be and why?

Discussion Questions:

  1. Reflecting on the Message:
  • In 2 Corinthians 3:16–18, Paul speaks about transformation through God’s Spirit. What stood out to you most from this passage or the sermon?
  • How have you seen God transform your life or the life of someone close to you?
  1. Formation and Influence:
  • The sermon highlighted that we are always being formed by something. What are some things currently shaping your heart and mind, and how do they align with God’s Spirit?
  • Are there any influences in your life you feel called to turn from this year?
  1. Vulnerability Before God:
  • Paul calls us to stand before God with “unveiled faces.” Why do you think vulnerability with God is so challenging?
  • How can you cultivate a deeper sense of honesty and openness in your relationship with God?
  1. Abiding in His Presence:
  • What does it mean to you to “contemplate the Lord’s glory”?
  • What practical steps can you take to spend more time lingering in God’s presence this year?
  1. The Potter and the Clay:
  • Jeremiah 18:1–6 describes God as the Potter and us as the clay. Have you ever felt God molding or reshaping your life? What was that process like?
  • How can you practice greater trust and surrender as God works in your life?
  1. Practical Steps for Transformation:
  • Which of the four practical steps for transformation (worship, prayer, Scripture, community) feels most natural for you? Which is the most challenging?
  • How can this small group support you in taking intentional steps toward transformation in the coming year?
  1. Looking Ahead:
  • The sermon spoke about “ever-increasing glory” in our transformation. What is one area of your life where you’re hoping to see God’s transformative power in the coming year?

Closing Reflection:

  • Spend a few moments in quiet prayer, asking God to reveal what He wants to form in you this year.
  • Share one way this group can pray for you in your journey of transformation.