Throughout the Bible, we see radical transformation stories of ordinary individuals who played pivotal roles in God’s plan for humanity. These transformations not only impacted their own lives but also influenced countless others who came to faith through their ministries.
What Radical Transformation in Jesus Really Means
It’s easy to think these people were special and conclude, I’m not special like they were. Did you not read their stories? They were prostitutes, criminals, doubters, scoffers, and even murderers. They were suicidal, impulsive, corrupt, and emotionally immature. God transformed these men and women. God chose the foolish, the weak, and the lowly to carry out his plan so that no one could boast in themselves, but only in God’s transforming power through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 1:27–29).
Why Radical Transformation in Jesus Applies to Everyone
Your transformation story. God’s transformation stories didn’t end when the Bible ended. They continued throughout history all the way to you. God’s desire is to transform your life—your thoughts and your behaviors—to be more like those of Jesus. He desires to empower you to feel love, peace, and joy, and to embrace your value as an image bearer.
He desires to transform you to become a leader, evangelist, missionary, servant, shepherd, pastor, or teacher. He desires to transform you into a person known for their kindness, love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, and compassion. God wants to transform your life so that you feed the hungry, clothe the naked, fight for justice, house the homeless, and give hope to the hopeless, life to the dead, and sight to the blind. He wants you to be kind to yourself in your self-talk, and he wants you to be kind to other people.
How Radical Transformation in Jesus Begins in the Mind
Is transformation automatic? It would be easier if transformation were automatic, but Jesus asks us to cooperate with him in this transformation process. Paul says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). Transformation requires a new way of thinking achievable only through the Spirit’s power.
Renewing Your Mind Through Radical Transformation in Jesus
Transformed thinking. Neuroplasticity means that when we think the right thoughts, our brains actually change so that we think in new patterns. We can rewire the brain by means of the breathing and reflective exercises. For example, for those of us who struggle with pride in our thoughts, we can memorize Scripture verses about humility and practice humbly serving others. When we do these things, the brain’s thought pattern transforms to the point where we more easily think about being humble rather than prideful. Our thoughts can be transformed by the Spirit’s power, which is great news for those of us stuck in “stinkin’ thinkin’.”
Living Out Radical Transformation in Jesus Daily
Transformed behavior. Renewing the mind will take more than just thinking correctly. Transformation requires a change in behavior. First, we dedicate ourselves to resisting the world’s ways. We oppose selfishness, greed, lust, and hatred. Second, we dedicate ourselves to following God’s ways. We practice goodness, kindness, selflessness, love, evangelism, and service. These changes require work and dedication. There is no transformation without dedication. For example, if we are thinking about being more thankful, we might practice telling the people in our lives that we’re thankful for them or writing them a thank-you note.
Practical Steps to Experience Radical Transformation in Jesus
Remember that you are not alone in this process. You have a community of brothers and sisters who can encourage you in your transformation. You also have the power of prayer and the Spirit’s empowerment working through you.
The Role of Community in Radical Transformation in Jesus
Reflective Exercises for Personal or Group Discussion to Embrace That You Are Transformed
Practice breathing exercises for three or four minutes each day. Breathe in: “Spirit, transform me”; breathe out: “to be like Jesus.” The video by John-Paul and Matt explains how to do the breathing exercise. If you’re in a small group, someone can set a timer, and the group can do the breathing together.
Go to YouTube, find a worship song with the theme of “transformed,” and listen to it several times each day. If you’re in a small group, sing the song together.
Looking back at the chapter, what did you learn that you didn’t know previously?
Take some time to ponder the biblical definition of transformed: To be transformed means that the Holy Spirit increasingly changes your thoughts and behaviors to become more and more like those of Jesus. What part of the definition really speaks to you?
5. Living out transformed:
a) Transformation begins with a renewal of the mind, a change in the way we think. Spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord to transform your thinking from negative self-talk to biblical and truth-filled thinking. Be sure to pay attention to your self-talk and ask the Spirit to help you to stop the negativity. You could ask someone to hold you accountable for your reading, meditating, and breathing exercises.
b) Transformation is a renewing not just of our thinking but also of our actions. Spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord to transform your actions. Keep in mind that your actions in the world are a witness for Jesus. Pray that you are conformed to the likeness of Jesus so that no one can accuse you of hypocrisy. Pray for patience because change and transformation typically take time.
6. Take time to meditate and pray through Matthew 17:2; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; 2 Corinthians 3:18; and Philippians 3:21. Allow the Lord to open your heart to the truth that you are transformed in Christ. You may want to choose one of these passages to memorize.
Required Permissions Line: Taken from Finding Freedom in Jesus by Dr. JP Foster and Dr. Matt Williams. Copyright JP Foster and Matt Williams© (November 2025) by Zondervan. Used by permission of Zondervan, www.zondervan.com.
Dr. JP Foster serves as Senior Pastor at Faithful Central Bible Church, one of the largest and most influential congregations in Southern California. His leadership and Biblical exposition have impacted thousands both in the Los Angeles area and around the world, as he encourages people to build their lives on the foundation of God’s word. Dr. Foster has spent the past seven years teaching courses in Biblical Interpretation, Spiritual Formation, and Hermeneutics at Biola University, Talbot School of Theology.
Dr. Matt Williams is professor New Testament professor and Director of Accelerated Masters Programs at Biola, where he was awarded professor of the year in 2004. He has a broad ministry experience, including six years as a missionary professor to the Spanish Bible Institute and Seminary in Barcelona, Spain. He previously taught at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity International University and North Park University and Seminary. He teaches and preaches at various churches and conferences throughout the U.S. and Spain.
