Big Idea:

Our belief in the power of the cross and what Jesus has done for us is the starting point of transformation for every believer. We begin to see our lives altered by the power of His truth. We see change in our hearts, our minds, and our actions as we grow in understanding and become more like Him. As we become more like Christ, we become carriers of change to those around us, reaching the world around us and bringing the hope we, too, have experienced through Christ.

Key Scriptures: 

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard Him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:16–17 (ESV)

Four Areas Of Change

1. Jesus is changing our PRIORITIES:
   Peter’s priorities were changed the moment he decided to follow Jesus. Jesus showed him that earthly things are not the priority. We need to let Jesus change our priorities to be on heavenly things. 
   
   8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” Luke 5:8 (NLT) 
   
   18 We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. 2 Peter 1:18–19 (NLT)
   
   
2. Jesus is changing our DESTINY:
   The moment God calls us and we walk in our purpose with Christ, our destiny shifts. Many times it is different from what we expected. His calling changes our destiny and He is asking us to set aside our ambition, desires, and securities to follow after Him. 
   
   19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” 20 And they left their nets at once and followed him. Matthew 4:19–20 (NLT)
   
   27 Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” Matthew 19:27 (NASB95)
   
   
3. Jesus is changing our LOYALTY:
   We are changing our loyalties from being “self-loyal” to being “Jesus loyal”. Peter was looking out for himself but after this moment, he became a true servant of Jesus.
   
   15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. John 21:15 (NLT)
   
   
4. Jesus is changing our IDENTITY:
   We need to let Jesus shift our identity. Who we are and who He is wanting us to be is different. 
   1. I used to think I was inconsistent, but I now know that I am faithful.
   2. I used to think I was unreliable, but I now know that I am loyal.
   3. I used to think I was unkind, but I now know that I am loving.
   4. I used to think I was perverse, but I now know that I am pure.
   5. I used to think I was weak, but I now know that I am strong.
   6. I used to think I was going nowhere, but I now know I am destined to reign.
   7. I used to think I was unnoticed, but I now know God’s eyes are always on me.
      
      15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:15–18 (NLT)

Discussion Questions: 

1. How has Jesus changed your world? 
2. Out of identity, loyalty, priorities, and destiny, which one is the hardest for you to let Jesus come in and change? Why?
3. Is your loyalty to Christ evident in your day to day life? 
4. Do you see where Jesus has come in and transformed your identity? 

Challenge For The Week 

Jesus has changed our lives. This week, challenge yourself to tell one person in our sphere of influence (work, school, social group, or family) about how Jesus is changing your priorities, destiny, loyalty, or identity. Foster conversation around the idea that Jesus is changing us from the inside out. Challenge yourself to have conversations about Jesus, the catalyst of change.