Seven Steps To A Transformed Life

Seven Steps To A
Transformed Life

Have you ever wanted to become divinely different? Pastor Ron gives us the steps for becoming divinely different from 2 Peter 1. Peter begins, saying, "This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." - 1 Peter 1:1-2 NLT Listen as Pastor Ron blesses us with these special messages for:
> Becoming Divinely Different message, by Pastor Ron Isam, entitled: "Becoming Divinely Different Part 1 & 2".
> Step 1, entitled: "Moral Excellence".
> Step 2, entitled: "Knowledge - Minding The Mind Part 1, 2 & 3".
> Step 3, entitled: "Self Control - True Freedom".
> Step 4, entitled: "Patient Endurance - The Magnet Of Life".
> Step 5, entitled: "Godliness - The Ideal Spiritual Dimension".
> Step 6, entitled: "Brotherly Affection - The Ideal Social Dimension."
> Step 7, entitled: "Love For Everyone - The Ideal Person."

May we walk in God's diving power for the promise is, "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence." - 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

Becoming Divinely Different Part 1Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18

Our Calling - 2 Peter 1:3
His Divine Power

Becoming Divinely Different Part 2Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Peter 1:3-11; 2 Peter 1:9; 2 Peter 1:8; 2 Peter 1:11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 3:10

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:4
1. We want to experience the Precious Promises of God
2. How to experience the true nature of God
3. Allows us to escape the corruption of this world
4. The corruption of this world will ruin us!
5. God can give you blessings if you walk in His spirit and trust in His promises
Governed By Goals - 2 Peter 1:3-11; 2 Peter 1:9; 2 Peter 1:8
1. Steps of Faith - Girl named "Pepper", Guy named "Sam"
2. Pepper and Sam are standing on Faith - 2 Peter 1:9
3. The more we grow in these steps the more productive we will be - 2 Peter 1:8
Defining The Goal - 2 Peter 1:11
1. If we follow these steps then we will experience a grand entrance into heaven - 2 Peter 1:11
2. Abundant life is the goal now in our life!
3. His divine power has granted us everything we need for a godly life - 2 Peter 1:3
4. The power to make these steps is His divine power.
5. Moral Excellence, Knowledge, Self-Control, Patient Endurance, Godliness, Brotherly Affection, Love for Everyone are the steps of a transformed life!
Reality Has No Neutrality
1. There's a need for endurance or passion and we will never fall away and live in abundant life - 2 Peter 1:10
2. Man's chief enemy is herself or himself.
3. Our enemies are not among us or around us!
4. We must experience God's nature or we are doomed.
The Dynamic - 2 Corinthians 3:18
1. How do we do it?
2. By His divine power which He has filled us with by His Holy Spirit.
3. He will fulfill the steps in us.
4. It's Grace not Grit!
5. It's Faith not Works!
6. You will never experience these things until you put your trust in God!
7. We are being changed from one degree of glory to another - 2 Corinthians 3:18
8. The agent is God himself!
Faith
1. The seven steps are added to our faith and are built on our faith!
2. Putting your faith in God is believing you know He can do it!
3. My faith is not me, but my faith is God.
4. Faith in itself is utterly powerless unless it is plugged into God.
5. I can do all through Christ who strengthens me! - Philippians 4:13
6. The language of faith says I need help.
7. The opposite of faith says I can do it.
The Divine Will - 2 Peter 3:10
1. Are we too young, too old, sinned too much for abundant life?
2. No, we just must take the steps to an abundant godly life.
3. Promises of abundant life - John 10:10
4. The thief comes to kill things on the inside of you!
5. God's purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life - John 10:10
6. Abundant life comes out of a transformation.
7. God wants to give us the desires of our heart - Psalm 37:4
8. Let's don't neglect being together as the time for His return comes - Hebrews 10:25
9. It's a good thing that Moses and God did not get mad on the same day or there would be no Jews!
10. After the Judges the Jews wanted a king so they would be like the other nations of the world but God warned them - 1 Samuel 8:19-20
11. Do it on your own and you will be in a "big fat mess."
12. God has plans for us - Jeremiah 29:11
13. How do I know I will go to heaven? - 2 Peter 1:10-11

Step 1 - Moral ExcellencePastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3-11

A Positive Attitude
1. Bible Use of the Words: Moral Excellence - Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3
2. The Meaning of Moral Excellence
3. The Cause of Character
Phase 1: Pictures (Attitudes, beliefs, thoughts, knowledge, self-concept, feelings)
Step 1 - Positive Attitude
Step 2 - Knowledge
Phase 2: Patterns (Traits, habits, actions, characteristics)
Step 3 - Self-Control
Step 4 - Patient Endurance
Phase 3: Personality
Step 5 - Godlliness
Step 6 - Brotherly Affection
Step 7 - Love
4. Good and Evil - Conterfeit
5. Negativism - 1 Corinthians 10:6-10
6. Positivism
7. Pollyanna's Glad Game
8. How To Walk On Water
9. The A. B. C. of Faith
A Stands for any Act outside myself
B Stands for Belief about that act
C Stand for the Consequences of my belief

Step 2 - Knowledge, Minding The Mind Part 1Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:5-9; Proverbs 4:20-23; Luke 6:45; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:23; Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:5-7; Philippians 4:8; Luke 8:18; Philippians 4:8; Matthew 12:34-34; Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 13:23; Jeremiah 15:16; Proverbs 24:13-14; John 6:57; John 6:68; 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:5-9
1. Having a positive attitude (moral excellence) is of paramount importance.
2. You never find a transformation until we have positive attitude.
Step Number 2 - Knowledge
1. What Is The Mind?
2. Understanding The Subconscious
3. Thoughts Are Motor
4. "The Spring" and "The Storage" - Proverbs 4:20-23; Luke 6:45
5. On Guard - 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:23
6. The Iceberg - Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:5-7, Philippians 4:8
7. The Conscience Mind has The Power to Reject or Receive - Luke 8:18; Philippians 4:8
Three "S"s - The Subconscious Mind"
1. Is A Storehouse - Matthew 12:34-34; Psalm 119:11
2. Is A Spring - Proverbs 4:23
3. Is A Soil - Matthew 13:23
8. Knowledge That Transforms - Jeremiah 15:16; Proverbs 24:13-14; John 6:57, John 6:68
9. Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ - 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8
10. Wheat or Weeds? The Battle of the Seeds
11. A Practical Suggestion: The Double "D"

Step 2 - Knowledge, Minding The Mind Part 2Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:5-9; Proverbs 4:20-23; Luke 6:45; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:23; Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:5-7; Philippians 4:8; Luke 8:18; Philippians 4:8; Matthew 12:34-34; Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 13:23; Jeremiah 15:16; Proverbs 24:13-14; John 6:57; John 6:68; 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:5-9
1. Having a positive attitude (moral excellence) is of paramount importance.
2. You never find a transformation until we have positive attitude.
Step Number 2 - Knowledge
1. What Is The Mind?
2. Understanding The Subconscious
3. Thoughts Are Motor
4. "The Spring" and "The Storage" - Proverbs 4:20-23; Luke 6:45
5. On Guard - 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:23
a. We need to be On Guard for our mind and heart for what we think about!
b. As long as we let anything into our mind and hearts it will show in what we do and say.
c. We won't be real unless we put a guard on our minds.
d. Consider before you let anything into your mind on how it might affect you!
e. The mind is where the enemy causes all kinds of problems.
f. When we begin to justify the things of this world, then we allow the enemy to influence our minds astray.
g. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:19
6. The Iceberg - Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:5-7, Philippians 4:8
a. Only 1/8 of our conscience mind is above the water like an iceberg.
b. Where 7/8 of our subconscious mind is below the water.
c. We need to be considerate in all that we do. - Philippians 4:5
d. Pray about everything and tell God what we need. - Philippians 4:6
e. His peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7
7. The Conscience Mind has The Power to Reject or Receive - Luke 8:18; Philippians 4:8
Three "S"s - The Subconscious Mind"
1. Is A Storehouse - Matthew 12:34-34; Psalm 119:11
2. Is A Spring - Proverbs 4:23
3. Is A Soil - Matthew 13:23
8. Knowledge That Transforms - Jeremiah 15:16; Proverbs 24:13-14; John 6:57, John 6:68
9. Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ - 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8
10. Wheat or Weeds? The Battle of the Seeds
11. A Practical Suggestion: The Double "D"

Step 2 - Knowledge, Minding The Mind Part 3Pastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:5-9; Proverbs 4:20-23; Luke 6:45; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:23; Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:5-7; Philippians 4:8; Luke 8:18; Philippians 4:8; Matthew 12:34-34; Psalm 119:11; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 13:23; Jeremiah 15:16; Proverbs 24:13-14; John 6:57; John 6:68; 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:8

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:5-9
Step Number 1: Moral Excellence
You must have a positive attitude.
Step Number 2 - Knowledge
Introduction
It's the pursuance of God that makes the difference!
If you stop letting God reveal Himself to you then you stop growing!
1. What Is The Mind?
2. Understanding The Subconscious
3. Thoughts Are Motor - Proverbs 23:7
4. "The Spring" and "The Storage" - Proverbs 4:20-23; Luke 6:45
5. On Guard - 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:23
6. The Iceberg - Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:5-7, Philippians 4:8
7. The Conscience Mind has The Power to Reject or Receive - Luke 8:18; Philippians 4:8
Three "S"s - The Subconscious Mind"
1. Is A Storehouse - Matthew 12:34-34; Psalm 119:11
2. Is A Spring - Proverbs 4:23
3. Is A Soil - Matthew 13:23
8. Knowledge That Transforms -2 Peter 1:4; Jeremiah 15:16; Proverbs 24:13-14; John 6:57; John 6:68
a. If you're not filling your mind with the Word then you are filling it with something else!
b. As food feeds our physical self, the Word fills our spiritual self!
c. We need a Hunger for the Word of God!
d. The enemy cannot take away the power of the Word, but he can distract our hunger for the Word!
e. Press through and get in the Word, no matter what!
9. Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ - 2 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:3; Philippians 3:10; 2 Peter 1:8
a. Many people know about God, but may not know Him! - Philippians 3:10
b. The birth in Bethlehem was not the beginning of the Lord Jesus Christ, because He has always been God.
c. Jesus and the Father are one - John 10:30
d. Jesus said my sheep know my voice - John 10:27
e. The more I get know Him in His Word then the more I get to know His voice!
f. His voice always lines up with the Word of God!
g. In Jesus we have everything we need.
10. Wheat or Weeds? The Battle of the Seeds
a. The truth of the farmer sowing the Word - Matthew 13:18-30
b. The farmer is sowing wheat seeds and the enemy is sowing weed seeds!
c. The enemy of our soul is looking for an unguarded moment to sow weed seeds in the field of our hearts!
d. We must sow an abundance of wheat seeds (the Word) in our lives!
e. Fill your mind and heart with wheat seeds to filter out the weed seeds!
11. A Practical Suggestion: The Double "D"
Daily Devotions
a. Find time to lay up treasures of the Word in your mind
b. Set a daily devotion time
c. This is not a religious duty
d. If we understand the Word then it's like a spring coming forth
Daily Dialog
a. Average person spends 70% of the time talking to themselves, mostly in their heads
b. Be careful what you are talking about
c. We need positive daily dialog called "self talk"
d. Talk to yourself the Word of God
12. Need Healing then speak the Word over yourself - Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; Proverbs 3:8; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 103:3; James 1:6; Hebrews 13:8

Step 3 - Self Control, True FreedomPastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:5-9; Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 25:28; 1 Corinthians 9:24-25; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Corinthians 4:7; John 1:13; Galatians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Romans 7:21; Genesis 1:26; John 10:33-38; Matthew 16:19; Psalm 82:5-6; John 15:7; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5; 2 Peter 1:3; Psalm 139:13-15; Romans 8:37; Matthew 6:6; Psalm 36:9; Philippians 2:1-3; Philippians 1:6

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:5-9
1. Most people want to start with Self-Control - Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 25:28
2. However, you must start with Faith, continue with Moral Excellence or positive attitude and obtain a true Knowledge of God first.
3. Few are total masters of their own life.
4. We struggle with self-control.
5. Paul compared self-control to the Olympic Games - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
6. We run for an eternal prize - 1 Corinthians 9:25
What is Self-Control? - 2 Corinthians 4:7; John 1:13
1. An inner strength is what self-control is about.
2. There's a power of Lordship or inner strength in our lives and God wants to help us with this.
3. Self-control is misleading because we have a hard time controlling self.
4. We struggle with our pride or thinking higher of ourselves than others.
5. Any system or process that centers on the SELF is doomed to failure, because I can want to do right but it extremely hard.
6. It's the power of God that helps us have self-control (inner Lord). It's God working through us.
7. God alone has power. Faith in itself is powerless with God. - Galatians 5:23
8. Self-control is really Christ being in control of our lives.
9. Our power is from God and not from ourselves - 2 Corinthians 4:7; Romans 7:21
True Freedom
1. When God puts his power in us and is part of us. He walks and talks with us. - Ephesians 2:10
2. The more God is in control of my life then the more free I become.
3. The more we trust in God then the more He can accomplish His work through us.
4. God wants us to be under Christ's control.
5. A self-controlled man is a man who is living in the spirit, walking and listening to God.
6. God starts on the inside and works out. God never starts on the outside and works in!
7. The more we give our hearts to Him the more He can help us have true freedom from bondage and pressures of this world.
8. I'm free so I can do what God wants me to do!
9. The church today has been silenced because there is so much unholy bondage in the world.
10. We can say no to unholiness because of the grace of God.
"Ye Are God's ... ! Really ? - Genesis 1:26; John 10:33-38; Psalm 82:5-6
1. Man was given dominion over every living thing - Genesis 1:26
2. Under God man is to rule the earth have have authority.
3. Jesus Himself declared men are gods - John 10:33-38, Psalm 82:5-6
4. As God's kids we are called to take dominion and yet they cannot even control themselves without God.
5. God has given us the keys of the Kingdom - Matthew 16:19
6. We have the authority to take control by God.
7. We want to leave all of this up to God, but He does His work based on us doing His work on this earth.
8. A person of dominion quotes what God's Word says when you pray for someone. - John 15:7; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5
9. As we take authority and dominion, we must be bold but not arrogant.
The Eye of the Body
The Sequence of the Steps
Divine Power - 2 Peter 1:3
1. It's the divine power, it's never about us; instead, it's about Him!
2. We are fearfully and wonderfully made - Psalm 139:13-15
3. We are more than conquerors through Christ - Romans 8:37
Conclusion - Matthew 6:6; Psalm 36:9
1. Many struggle with the things this world brings on. Many are bruised and broken by life.
2. Pride gets in our way - Philippians 2:1-3
3. Get humble before God and trust God to do His work in us and be the Lord of our lives.
4. God may not take us out of the storm, but He promises to walk with us in the storm.
5. He that has began a good work in us will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns - Philippians 1:6

Step 4 - Patient Endurance, The Magnet Of LifePastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3-11; Hebrews 10:36; Isaiah 40:31; Romans 5:3; Matthew 24:13; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 19:17; Luke 21:19; James 1:8; Romans 15:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:3-11
1. Start with Moral Excellence or positive attitude
2. Knowledge of God and His Way
3. Self-Control of Jesus Control
The Meaning of Patient Endurance or Steadfastness
The "Three W's"
Waiting - Hebrews 10:36, Isaiah 40:31
Not Wavering - Romans 5:3
Winning ("endure to the end") - Matthew 24:13
The Magnet of Life - 1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 19:17; Luke 21:19
Achieving Steadfastness
Two Things are Necessary:
1. An Eternal Decision - James 1:8
2. Absolute Dependence
God: Our "North Pole" - Romans 15:5
Conclusion - 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Step 5 - Godliness, The Ideal Spiritual DimensionPastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3-11; Acts 10:1-2; James 4:13-16; 1 Timothy 4:8; Galatians 5:22; 1 Timothy 3:16; Acts 3:1-10; 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Timothy 6:10-12; 1 Timothy 6:6

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:3-11
Do these things and you will never fall away - 2 Peter 1:3-11
An Elusive English Word
What is a good definition for Godliness?
The Greek Word for Godliness
1. Eusebeia is the Greek word for "Godliness"
2. Means to worship rightly or to be devout.
3. Best words in English for godliness would be spiritually mature
Cornelius and The "Three L's" - Acts 10:1-2; James 4:13-16 (NLT)
The Three L's
1. Love For God (loves God with all his life)
2. Life in God (prays constantly to God and urgent for God's will)
3. Likeness to God (Christ-Like in all we do; especially, giving)
Spirituality and Life - 1 Timothy 4:8; Galatians 5:22
1. People try to compartmentalize Spirituality and Life.
2. Spirituality doesn't take us out of life, but allows us to do God's work in life.
3. Life in the Spirit is not spooky, it's giving our live away in Christ.
The Mystery of Godliness - 1 Timothy 3:16; Acts 3:1-10
1. Great mystery of godliness.
2. Jesus experienced everything we do.
3. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice.
4. True faith and true spiritual maturity.
5. Jesus is the perfect example.
6. Jesus was a "real" man the way God planned for us to be.
7. We need His divine power through Christ.
The Athelete and the Soldier - 1 Timothy 6:6
The Athelete - 1 Timothy 4:7
1. Exercise yourself in godliness!
2. Work in the spiritual gymnasium.
3. Keep yourself in training for true religion.
4. Practice the presence of God.
The Soldier - 1 Timothy 6:10-12
1. Fight the good fight for the true faith.
2. Be on guard against the evils of this world.
3. A soldier must not loose his discipline.
4. Godliness is birthed through discipleship.
5. Pursue godliness, faith, love, gentleness, etc.
6. The Spiritual man must live in light of eternity.

Step 6 - Brotherly Affection, The Ideal Social DimensionPastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3-11; Matthew 23:8; 1 Peter 1:22; Luke 14:12-14; James 2:1-4; Proverbs 18:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1

Introduction - 2 Peter 1:3-11
1. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. - 2 Peter 1:4
2. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 1:8
3. Do these things, and you will never fall away. - 2 Peter 1:10
4. The first four steps were about us and what we were doing (receiving).
5. These last three steps have to do with what we do with others (giving).
The Social Yardstick
1. Brotherly affection is the social yardstick of our development with others.
2. Personal success is demonstrated by how we affect others.
Philadelphia - Matthew 23:8; 1 Peter 1:22
1. Brotherly Love comes from the Greek word for Philadelphia.
2. Philadelphia Suggests:
a. The Mutuality of the Relationship
b. The Quality of the Relationship
Barriers to Brotherhood - Luke 14:12-14; James 2:1-4
The Three "P's"
1. The major obstacle to brotherhood is PERSONAL
a. SAP - Subjectivity and Perception
2. The second problem is PREJUDICE
a. Implies the rejection of another person without evidence.
b. Don't pre-judge someone because situations are NEVER the same.
c. Matthew 18:15 for reaching someone who has something against you.
d. Never assume on a person or a group that they are the way you may think, just love them.
3. The third problem is PARTIALITY
a. Some people make little effort to include others who are not of their own circle - Luke 14:12-14; James 2:1-4
Ten Tips On Making And Keeping Friends - Proverbs 18:24
1. Realize that all people long for genuine friendships.
2. If others seem cold or unfriendly at first, it is often because they feel insecure or have been hurt.
3. Initiate friendship - Proverbs 18:24
4. Remember the value of knowing names.
5. Open your home - Romans 12:13
6. Never gossip - Proverbs 17:9
7. Make allowances for imperfections (Let Jesus be your guide).
8. Make every effort to maintain friendships (give and take in our relationships)
9. Don't take advantage of friendship - Proverbs 27:14
10. Don't sell your friends short - Proverbs 17:17
Conclusion - Jesus, The Divine Teacher - 1 Thessalonians 4:9; Hebrews 13:1
1. Hurting people hurt people...
2. We need to be whole in Jesus.
3. Jesus comes to heal the hurts in our hearts.
5. Let Jesus heal your heart.
6. "Let brotherly love continue."

Step 7 - Love For Everyone, The Ideal PersonPastor Ron Isam

Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:3-11; Matthew 5:22; Matthew 5:43-48; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 1:4

Introduction
1. The "Christian" Word
2. What Jesus Taught - Matthew 5:22; Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus transformed love into an exclusive "other-centered" concept.
3. Calvary's "Enemy Love" - Romans 5:6-10
4. Love Defined
a. AGAPE LOVE IS AN UNMOTIVATED GIVING OF THE SELF, WHICH ACTIVELY SEEKS THE HIGHEST GOOD OF ALL OTHERS.
b. The five Separate Ideas in this Definition:
1. UNMOTIVATED
2. GIVING OF SELF
3. ACTIVELY SEEKING
4. HIGHEST GOOD
5. ALL OTHERS
Characteristics of Love - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love By Being Loved
Conclusion - 2 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 1:4; (from NEB - "In Christ he chose us before the world was founded, to be dedicated, to be without blemish in his sight, to be full of love.")

Seven Steps To ATransformed Life

Seven Steps To A
Transformed Life