The Hulk had a problem. Get him angry and he transforms into a raging, out-of-control violent beast. The metamorphosis was frightening to everyone around him.
A butterfly has an equally stunning transformation but in the opposite direction — from a larva to a beautiful butterfly. The change is amazing to watch.
The transformation is described by the word metamorphosis. Consider two definitions of metamorphosis (emphasis mine):
The process of metamorphosis captures the spiritual changes demanded of all who come to a relationship with Jesus. We grow from an immature form to an adult form. That metamorphosis involves several steps.
The definitions also help us understand the nature of those transformations. The work involves both natural and supernatural means. We depend our effort (human means) and supernatural strength. We do our part to see the transformation and God does His part.
The book of Acts records the continued metamorphosis of believers in the early church. Seven transformations are evident. As you read them know that God is still doing the same work in our lives if we are willing for Him to do so. All references are from Acts 14.
First is the transformation from unbelief to genuine faith. (Verses 1-2) As Paul speaks those listening face a timeless decision. Will they exercise faith and become believers, or will they resist the Gospel? Some chose to receive the Gospel; others opposed its spread. Will you choose to respond to the message of Jesus?
Second, there is a metamorphosis from fear to boldness. (Verses 3-5) In the face of opposition, the disciples had to decide what to do. They faced their fear deciding to stay and speak boldly. God honored their faith with signs and wonders. The signs pointed to miracles with meanings beyond themselves. The word wonder speaks of miracles causing astonishment causing awe. They relied on God’s power and people continued to believe.
The third transformation was from brokenness to healing. (Verses 6-10) Having moved to a new location the disciples continued their preaching ministry. During one service they meet a man who two distinct characteristics. He is spoken of as drastically broken. The passage speaks clearly of how broken he is. He was powerless in his feet, he was crippled from birth, and he never walked.
The man is also characterized by his great faith. As Paul delivers the message the man has an obvious faith in God. Paul looks directly at the man and then pronounces him healed. He is immediately made whole, jumping and shouting. His healing is reminiscent of those performed by Peter (Acts 3:1-10, 9:32-35) and Jesus (Luke 5:18-20).
Your brokenness may not mirror that of this man, but you are broken just the same. The same power that healed this man is present in the world. Bring Him your brokenness and He will bring healing. Trust Him to make you whole.
The fourth transformation is from drifting to repentance. (Verses 11-19) After the healing of the lame man, Paul and Barnabas are greeted by a group of false priests and the screams of the people. They believe that the gods of the world (Zeus and Hermes) were in their midst. They shouted in their native tongues. Barnabas is called Zeus, the “father of the gods” while Paul is called Hermes who was the spokesman.
Based on their belief that the gods inspired this healing they had an expected reaction. They wanted to worship and offer sacrifices. Paul and Barnabas quickly put a stop to their actions.
In his response, Paul acknowledges that God gives His people the ability to choose a response. They could hear the error of their ways and choose to repent or walk in rebellion. While they can choose to reply or reject the message, Paul asks for them to repent.
We may not be guilty of rebellion like theirs, we all face multiple times when we have walked in rebellion against God. Those times call for us to repent. That is, we must change our hearts and modify our actions.
Fifth, we must see the change from being defeated to boldly stepping forward in faith. (Verses 19-20) The fickle crowd, when rebuffed from making a sacrifice, quickly turn on the disciples. They dragged Paul out of the city and stoned him, leaving him believing him dead they turn back to the city.
As the early believers gather around Paul they were doubtlessly praying and weeping. The rocks began to stir, and Paul gets up. Paul then boldly goes back into the city. He will not be stopped by their hatred or rebellion. He takes the message to them.
The sixth transformation follows closely on the fifth. Through God they underwent the metamorphosis from being defeated to being victorious. (Verse 21) They continued right on, preaching the good news of the Gospel. The church celebrated as many more became believers.
Finally, the church continued to grow as they witnessed the metamorphosis from being believers to being disciples. (Verses 22-28) The new believers in the cities they had visited now needed to be strengthened. Paul and Barnabas retrace their steps seeking to help them grow.
The transformation continues as they are encouraged to be faithful to God. Leaders are developed and appointed. The work of building disciples was commanded by Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20) and now is carried out.
We must be committed to personal growth as disciples. God is still leading us through the metamorphosis. We cooperate in this process as we help others grow.
Which transformation do you most need? Ask God to continue the work in you. He will not stop working with us until the metamorphosis is complete.
