Radical Transformation:
Break In

Rev. Reuben Foncardas
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3


"The destined end of man is not happiness, nor health, but holiness.
God is not an eternal blessing machine for men. He did not come to save men out of pity;
He came to save men because he had created them to be holy."
—Oswald Chambers

God’s highest priority for our lives is to become Christlike inside and out. To achieve that, there must be a radical transformation that takes place in us.

It begins with God ‘breaking in’ our lives and we ‘breaking with’ Him. Only then will we experience spiritual ‘breakthroughs’ that lead us to ‘break forth’ in ways we had never done before!”

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
—Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

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For God to ‘break in’ our lives, we must…

1. Take off everything that SLOWS our progress.
Like a runner with a backpack is a Christian significantly slowed down by taxing himself with activities that do not contribute to his spiritual growth.

• A dark past that haunts you… (something to hide)
• A stressful present that exhausts you… (something to prove)
• A bleak future that worries you… (something to lose)

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2. Get rid of everything that STOPS our growth.
Like a runner impaired by parasitic worms is a Christian rendered ineffective and unproductive by giving in to the evil desires in his heart.

• Let God deal with your idols. (symptom: “I’m busy.”)
• Let God deal with your hurts. (symptom: “I hurt.”)
• Let God deal with your baggage. (symptom: “I doubt.”)
• Let God deal with your uncrossed bridges. (symptom: “I can’t.”)

3. Have eyes for NO ONE but Jesus.
• In times of trouble, trust Jesus, the “author and perfecter of our faith.”
Troubles are allowed by God to draw us closer to Him.
If you’re going to become like Jesus Christ, you’ve got to learn to trust God continuously.
• In times of temptation, obey Jesus who “endured the cross and scorned its shame.”
Temptations are designed by the devil to draw us away from God.
If you’re going to become like Jesus Christ, you’ve got to learn to obey God consistently.
• In times of trespass, forgive others just like Jesus did who “endured the opposition of sinful people.”
Trespasses are committed by people to hurt us.
If you’re going to become like Jesus Christ, you’ve got to learn to forgive unconditionally.

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Action Point:
Spend at least an hour within the next three days examining your life. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Am I surrounded by friends who are slowing me down in my spiritual growth?
2. Are there activities that I need to drop because they are hindering my walk with God?
Is there someone that I haven’t forgiven until now?