And Be ye Transformed!
And Be ye Transformed!
Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts by Faith
Text: Ephesians 3:17-21, Psalm 119:165, Romans 12:1-2, John 15:14, Psalm 97:11
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
(Ephesians 3:17-21)
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”
(Psalm 119:165)
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Christ in Our Hearts by Faith
Paul prays that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith. This is not a mere intellectual belief, nor a momentary salvation experience, but an ongoing transformation, where Christ rules our lives, shaping us into His image. As Paul wrote elsewhere, his goal was to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28).
We must be careful never to think ourselves so knowledgeable or important that we cease to be teachable. The Word of God must continue to work in us through preaching and teaching. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). A humble heart allows the Holy Spirit to expose our shortcomings and fill our lives with truth.
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Milk and Meat: A Balanced Diet in Christ
There is a time for the milk of the Word, but we must not stay there. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). However, we are also called to “go on unto perfection” (Hebrews 6:1).
Yet, the meat of the Word is not just for the mature—it requires effort to digest. It must be prepared by those who already understand sound doctrine and labored over by those who seek to grow. If we are to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6), we must be willing to do the work.
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The Light That Cannot Be Hidden
Scripture should so captivate our hearts that we would never want to violate its counsel. We are to be indwelt by faith—a faith that is not conjured up but implanted by God into an open and contrite heart. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).
Transformation follows submission. “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The lesson often comes after obedience. When the disciples asked Jesus where He dwelt, He did not explain—He simply said, “Come and see” (John 1:39).
Our lives should be a testimony for others to see and be drawn closer to the Lord. We are called to be living sacrifices, making right choices for righteous reasons. But too often, believers think salvation is both the beginning and the end. Yet, Christ reaches the world through the light shining in those who seek Him. “Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20), and we are called to let that light shine for others.
How many will be drawn to Christ through your life? Or have we covered our windows with curtains—not just decorative distractions but light-blocking curtains of sin?
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14).
Our Christian life is not a private affair. We are to be filled with the Spirit. And can we be filled with the Spirit while making room for other things? Jesus said, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14). The Savior does not lead us into temptation or instruct us to block His message from reaching others.
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30). But how will they see the truth if the doors are closed and the windows sealed? We are temples of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19), and just as the presence of God was seen as a pillar of fire in Israel, our lives should radiate the presence of Christ to the world.
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God’s Workmanship: Open for All to See
We are His workmanship, and He has designed us to let His light shine. Imagine a house with large windows, a chimney for the sweet savor of prayer, and no glass in the windows so that all may hear the truth. What a calling!
True love is known not in words alone but in action. Jesus showed great patience with His disciples, even when they failed and misunderstood Him. Yet, they had unity in one thing: when asked, “Whom say ye that I am?” Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16).
When Jesus asked them, “Will ye also go away?” Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:67-68).
Can we agree that we are imperfect, but He is always complete? He continually works in our lives to bring unity among His people. How many times has Jesus drawn near to comfort us without a word? Sometimes, our ministry to others is not in telling them what they need but in showing them Christ’s love.
When we know God loves us, we do not compete with Him for time. He gives all of Himself to us, and He is willing to give Himself to others as well.
Consider Job’s friends—they sat with him in silence for days. There is profit in labor, but “the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury” (Proverbs 14:23). Real love is more than lip service, and yet a man’s heart is exposed by the words of his mouth.
Words that are light produce light. They do not produce darkness. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit produces light and love, which never fails.
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Rooted and Grounded in Love
“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Psalm 97:11).
Paul prays that we may comprehend the breadth, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:18). To measure those dimensions, one must be at the center—and where does God desire us to be? At the center of His will, where there are no shadows blocking His light.
We must be genuine in our walk with Christ. Hypocrisy is dangerous, even when well-intentioned. We must be rooted and grounded in love. Pride must have no place, for if Christ must increase, then we must not only decrease but vanish into His body, used for His glory.
God is sovereign over our circumstances. He works all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). But are we willing to let go and let Him use us fully?
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Conclusion
May Christ dwell in our hearts by faith. May we be rooted and grounded in His love. May our lives be open windows, radiating His light to the world. May we be vessels for the Master’s use, ever seeking not our own, but His will.
And may we echo the words of the disciples:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.”
Amen.