Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 3:16-18; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:1-3
Sermon Notes:
Intro: Continuing our "Summer of the Spirit" series, we explore how we fulfill our church's mission: "To behold Jesus and put His brilliance on display." Since we don't see Jesus physically, how do we "behold" Him? Today we explore imaginative prayer – using our God-given imagination, guided by the Spirit, to encounter Jesus and His truth more deeply.
Key Points:
- Beholding Transforms (2 Cor 3:18): Paul states that as we behold the Lord's glory with unveiled faces (hearts turned to Him), the Spirit transforms us into His image. This "seeing" is key.
- Imagination: God's Tool, Not Just Fantasy: Our minds naturally create images (backseat, loved one examples). This isn't just make-believe; it's how we represent reality internally. These images evoke emotion and motivate action. God designed this capacity, and the Holy Spirit can use our imagination to help us experience biblical truth vividly.
- Biblical Basis for Engaging Imagination:
- Scripture's Imagery: The Bible is full of rich metaphors (Shepherd, Rock, Lion, Temple) meant to be pictured, not just processed as data.
- Commands to Focus: "Fix your eyes on Jesus" (Heb 12:2), "Think on these things" (Phil 4:8), "Set your mind on things above" (Col 3:1-2) imply using our mind's eye to focus on spiritual realities. We need images, not just abstract concepts.
- Imaginative Prayer: Instead of letting your mind wander while praying words, intentionally pray the pictures. Sync your words with Spirit-inspired images based on Scripture. Picture Jesus present, visualize His actions, imagine heavenly realities.
- Objections Addressed:
- Isn't it New Age? No. We picture biblical reality (e.g., Christ's presence, heavenly truths), not manifesting desires (Tesla example).
- Isn't it Unreal? Our minds constantly imagine scenarios (arguments while mowing, fears). Use this faculty for godly purposes, fighting lies with truth-based images.
- Why It Matters (Consequences of Neglect):
- Defeat: The enemy uses images; fighting with information alone is often insufficient.
- Distracted Prayer: Leads to wandering minds and decreased prayer life.
- Limited Transformation: We become like what we behold. Neglecting godly imagination hinders becoming like Christ.
Conclusion: Beholding Jesus involves more than intellectual assent; it invites the engagement of our Spirit-led imagination. God designed our minds to work with images. By inviting the Holy Spirit to fill our imagination with pictures rooted in biblical truth, we can experience Jesus more deeply and be transformed more effectively from glory to glory.
Call to Action:
- Cleanse Your Imagination: Ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse your "image maker" from worldly or harmful images. Dedicate your mind and imagination to God (use provided prayer).
- Practice Imaginative Prayer: When reading Scripture or praying, ask the Spirit for pictures. Visualize Jesus with you. Engage the rich imagery of the Bible.
- Fight Fire with Fire: Combat negative or tempting images with powerful, truth-based images inspired by Scripture and the Spirit.
- Expect Transformation: Believe that as you behold Jesus in this way, the Spirit will transform you increasingly into His likeness.
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