Caterpillars Can’t Migrate

Written By Adam Dragoon

Sermon Summary

Transformation is at the heart of the Christian journey, just as a caterpillar must become a butterfly to fulfill its purpose. The same DNA exists in both, but only through metamorphosis can the caterpillar achieve what it was created for. In the same way, God has callings and purposes for each of us that are impossible to fulfill unless we are transformed by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is not a superficial change or a new set of behaviors, but a deep, supernatural work that changes us from the inside out, enabling us to live out God’s will in ways we never imagined.

The first step in this journey is refusing to be conformed to the world. The world’s morals, entertainment, financial priorities, speech, ambitions, and sense of identity are fundamentally different from those of Christ. To follow Jesus means to stand apart, to resist the pressure to blend in, and to allow God’s standards to shape every area of life. This is not about isolation from the world, but about living in it as salt and light, maintaining a missionary mindset that seeks to influence rather than be influenced.

Transformation happens through the renewing of the mind. Just as the caterpillar’s metamorphosis is a mysterious, internal process, so too is the renewal God works in us. Our thought patterns, attitudes, and perspectives must be changed by God’s truth. This involves recognizing and rejecting old ways of thinking—whether shaped by pain, bitterness, or worldly values—and allowing the Holy Spirit to create new pathways in our minds. As our thinking changes, so do our actions, unlocking new levels of spiritual potential and obedience.

The purpose of this transformation is to know and do the perfect will of God. God’s will is not always spelled out in black and white, but as we are transformed, we become able to discern and walk in the unique calling He has for each of us. This is not a matter of mere duty, but of relationship—knowing God’s heart so intimately that His desires become our own. Ultimately, while we must surrender and respond, it is God who does the transforming work, leading us from glory to glory into the likeness of Christ.

“God has callings and purposes for each of us that are impossible to fulfill unless we are transformed by the Holy Spirit.”
— Pastor Adam

Watch/Listen

Message Study Guide

Youtube chapters

  • [00:00] - Welcome

  • [00:45] - The Caterpillar and the Butterfly: A Picture of Transformation

  • [02:30] - The Impossibility of Self-Transformation

  • [04:10] - Romans 12:2: The Call to Be Transformed

  • [06:00] - Do Not Be Conformed: What It Means

  • [09:08] - Areas of Temptation: Morals, Entertainment, Finances, Speech

  • [12:30] - Living in the World Without Being of the World

  • [15:00] - The Tension of Christian Nonconformity

  • [16:45] - Metamorphosis: Unlocking New Levels in Christ

  • [18:29] - The Reality of Supernatural Change

  • [19:05] - Outward Change vs. Inward Transformation

  • [22:00] - The Renewal of the Mind: How Transformation Happens

  • [26:18] - Thinking Differently About God’s Provision

  • [28:59] - The Science of Thought Patterns and Spiritual Renewal

  • [31:03] - The Purpose: Proving God’s Perfect Will

  • [33:21] - Discerning and Living Out God’s Will

  • [35:20] - Surrender and Relationship: The Path to Knowing God’s Will

  • [40:34] - The Uniqueness of God’s Will for Each Life

  • [41:48] - The Call to Salvation and Transformation

  • [45:16] - Altar Call: Responding to God’s Invitation

Key Takeaways

  1. Transformation is Essential, Not Optional - Just as a caterpillar cannot fulfill its destiny without becoming a butterfly, we cannot fulfill God’s calling for our lives without a supernatural transformation. Our own efforts, desires, or resolutions are insufficient; only the Holy Spirit can bring about the deep change required to unlock new spiritual capacities and destinies. This transformation is the foundation for everything God wants to do through us. [17:35]

  2. Nonconformity to the World is a Mark of True Discipleship - To follow Christ means to resist the pressure to adopt the world’s values, behaviors, and priorities. Whether in morals, entertainment, finances, speech, or ambition, we are called to be distinct, reflecting the character of Jesus rather than the culture around us. This nonconformity is not about withdrawal, but about living as a visible contrast—salt and light—in a world that desperately needs God’s truth. [09:08]

  3. The Mind is the Battleground for Transformation - God’s process of change begins with the renewal of our minds. Our thought patterns, shaped by past experiences, pain, or worldly influences, must be reformed by God’s Word and Spirit. As we allow God to change the way we think, new behaviors and possibilities emerge, breaking old cycles and enabling us to live in freedom and obedience. [28:59]

  4. Knowing God’s Will Flows from Knowing God’s Heart - Discerning and doing the will of God is not merely about following rules or seeking specific instructions. It is about cultivating a relationship with God so deep that His desires become our own. As we are transformed, we begin to love what He loves, hate what He hates, and naturally walk in the unique purpose He has for us. [33:21]

  5. Transformation is God’s Work, But Requires Our Surrender - While we must be willing vessels, the actual work of transformation is accomplished by God. Our role is to surrender, respond, and cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s leading. True change is not self-generated, but the result of God’s grace working in us, moving us from glory to glory into the image of Christ. [40:34]

Bible Reading

  • Romans 12:2 [NKJV]- “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Observation Questions

  1. According to Romans 12:2, what are the two commands Paul gives to believers regarding the world and transformation?

  2. The sermon compared the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly to the Christian journey. What are some specific differences between a caterpillar and a butterfly that were mentioned, and how do these differences illustrate spiritual transformation? [[16:45]]

  3. What are some areas of life the sermon listed where Christians are tempted to conform to the world? [[09:08]]

  4. In the sermon, what is described as the “battleground” for transformation, and why is this significant? [[28:59]]

Interpretation Questions

  1. Why does Paul say that transformation is necessary to “prove” or “discern” the will of God? What does this mean for someone who wants to know God’s purpose for their life? [[31:03]]

  2. The sermon says that nonconformity to the world is not about isolation, but about being “salt and light.” What does it look like to live in the world without being of the world? [[12:30]]

  3. The pastor mentioned that transformation is not just about outward change, but a deep, supernatural work. Why is it important that transformation happens from the inside out, and not just by changing behaviors? [[19:05]]

  4. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of transformation, and what is our responsibility? [[40:34]]

Application Questions

  1. The sermon gave examples of areas where Christians are tempted to conform: morals, entertainment, finances, speech, ambition, and identity. Which of these areas do you find most challenging to resist conforming to the world, and why? What is one practical step you could take this week to stand apart in that area? [[09:08]]

  2. The pastor said, “If you are still connected to the old life, if you still have the same desires…that’s a problem.” Are there any “old life” patterns or desires that you feel God is prompting you to surrender? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit to transform that area? [[19:05]]

  3. The sermon described the renewal of the mind as a process of changing thought patterns, especially those shaped by pain, bitterness, or worldly values. Can you identify a specific thought pattern that needs to be renewed in your life? How might you begin to replace it with God’s truth? [[28:59]]

  4. The pastor said, “God is more interested in having a relationship with you than you just performing a bunch of duties for him.” How does this perspective change the way you approach seeking God’s will? Are there ways you have focused more on “doing” than “knowing” God? [[35:20]]

  5. The sermon emphasized that transformation is God’s work, but requires our surrender. Is there an area where you have been resisting God’s transforming work? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week? [[40:34]]

  6. The pastor challenged the church to “be weird” because “normal is going to hell.” In what ways do you feel pressure to “blend in” with the world, and how can you embrace being different for Christ? [[12:30]]

  7. The sermon ended with a call to those who are uncertain about God’s will for their life. If you are in a season of uncertainty, what is one way you can seek to know God’s heart more deeply this week? [[33:21]]

  • Every monarch butterfly begins as a caterpillar, and a caterpillar is, if you think about the DNA, the same as the butterfly. They all have the same DNA, don't they? It is the same creature. It is the same what? But from caterpillar to butterfly, there is a momentous transformation that takes place. We've all seen that video of how the caterpillar wraps itself in a cocoon, and some time goes by, and when it comes out, it is transformed into this amazing creature.

    But here's what I want you to understand, and I want you to think about for a moment: if the caterpillar never becomes the butterfly, can it make that journey even if it wanted to? It could not. I mean, it's pretty miraculous to think about these little bugs flying thousands of miles to Mexico, but what is absolutely impossible is for a caterpillar to get to Mexico. That's not going to happen. A caterpillar cannot even make it to the next tree over to munch on the leaves over there. A caterpillar is a glorified worm. It may have a few stubby little legs and some hair poking out, has no eyes, can't see. I mean, this is wonderful food for all the birds out there. These caterpillars, even if they had a dream in their heart—"I want to go to Mexico one day and reproduce"—if that desire is there, it is impossible.

    What I’m telling you tonight is that in order to make that migration, in order to make that journey, there must be transformation. There must be a change because a caterpillar cannot get there even if he wants to. And I want to make a point to you from the scripture tonight: I believe the Apostle Paul would agree that there are things that God wants you to do that you are unable to do unless you are transformed. There are callings on your life, there is ministry ahead of you, there are jobs that you are called to do, but if you remain as you are, you will not be able to do that. We must experience transformation by the Holy Spirit so that we can do the thing that God called us to do.

    Everybody with me so far? So that's why we're calling this message: Caterpillars can't migrate. Let’s read the scripture: Romans chapter 12, verse 2. Paul says these words: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

    Let's pray: Lord, we come by the blood of Jesus. Lord, let our hearts be open to the word of God tonight. I’m praying, Lord, for revelation, for understanding—that you would reveal your heart for your people. I pray, God, that you would show us what you are calling us to, and give us the inspiration, God, to understand that your Holy Spirit has been given to us so that we may be transformed by the renewing of our mind. I pray tonight, God, that you would transform someone in this place, and we give you glory in Jesus’ mighty name. People would say, "Amen."

    So, if we are going to experience transformation, step number one in this journey is that we cannot be conformed to this world. Paul’s first statement here in this verse says: "Do not be conformed to this world." Now, remember our context here. What was the very last thing that Paul said before this? He said that our reasonable service is to become living sacrifices for the Lord Jesus, right? To become living stones. God does not want corpses; he wants living sacrifices. And so he is showing us what it means tonight to be a living sacrifice. What does it actually look like?

    Well, to be a living sacrifice—someone whose life is laid down for the Lord Jesus—first of all, it means that we cannot be conformed to this world. The Greek word behind that word "conformed" means to fashion oneself according to, to mold into a pattern. The Amplified Bible says it like this: "Do not be conformed to this world—age fashioned after or adapted to its external superficial customs." In the New Living Translation, it says: "Don't copy the behavior and the customs of this world." Finally, the Message translation says it like this: "Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking."

    You’ve heard the saying: if it looks like a duck, if it walks like a duck, if it quacks like a duck, if it smells like a duck—then it’s probably a duck, right? And the same thing holds true for people who go to church. If it looks like the world, if it talks like the world, if it acts like the world, if it speaks like the world—then why do we call it a Christian? Because Christians are different from the world. Look at the life of Christ and tell me that he was like the world. Is that true? Jesus was very distinct and a contrast to the rest of the world around him. Both before and since, Jesus stuck out from the world, didn’t he? He made impact, and the world hated him for the life that he lived—a life of perfection.

    So we cannot think to ourselves that I can be a believer, a follower, a disciple of Jesus and still fit in with the rest of the world. That doesn’t fit. That does not compute. That’s why Paul says: "Do not be conformed to this world." There are a few areas I want to point out tonight where Christians are tempted, where believers often falter in this commandment.

    When it comes to moral standards—how many know that the world has a set of morals? Those morals are quite different than the Christian or biblical morals. If we think that we can live according to the world’s morals, if we think that we can determine right and wrong based on what the world says is right and wrong—that’s exactly what we are not called to do. The world has shifting definitions of who you can sleep with, or even what gender you can be, or what constitutes marriage. The world has a thousand different answers to what God’s word says. But God's word has one answer for those things, and we are called to uphold biblical standards.

    We are not called to conform to whatever the latest flavor of the month is in the world of entertainment. We cannot simply give our eyes and ears to everything that the world pukes out on your television screen. Whatever is the latest, most popular Netflix documentary—you listen, you need to have some ability to say, "No, I’m not watching that. I’m not going to." If you’re going through your fridge and find some old produce turning all different colors, you’re not going to say, "Oh, that looks tasty." And yet, this is what many people do when they flip on Netflix. "Oh, what’s the most popular thing today?" I don’t know what it is, but I can tell you it’s probably not biblical.

    When it comes to morals and ethics, you’re probably going to consume or watch or listen to something that violates God’s principles. Finances—how many know the world is driven by greed? Debt and dishonesty and materialism are not according to God’s word. We are called to be biblical stewards, having integrity. Even in the Old Testament, God demanded that scales in monetary transactions be honest. Yet so many today think that the rules can be bent—that I don’t have to be honest about how, where, and when I treat people.

    Our speech, our language—how many know the world is full of profanity, gossip, slander? A world of iniquity is wrapped up in this little tongue, isn’t it? A spark that can cause a forest fire—that’s normal. That’s what everyday people are talking like. But we are not called to conform to that. We are called to tame this little fire and reflect the character of Christ.

    Ambition—do we pursue selfish dreams or status the way the world does? No. Instead, we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. What is his will for my life? Not what do I want to get out of life or out of others. That’s what the world says. The world is transactional: "What can I get out of this relationship?" The biblical way to treat people is much different.

    Identity and self-worth—the world is obsessed with image, comparison, pride. There’s a commandment from the Ten: "Do not covet your neighbor’s house, your neighbor’s wife, your neighbor’s car." I don’t think that’s in the original, but it’s there. Why are we so drawn to covetousness? Because the world says that I gain identity and value by the things I own. If my neighbor owns something I don’t, or has a better thing than I do, then I don’t have enough value in comparison. But that’s not how the Word of God teaches us. We do not conform to that view of life. We find our identity in Christ, in salvation, in the blood that was shed for us.

    That’s why Paul can say: "Let us not be conformed." No, he didn’t say it like that. He said: "Do not be conformed. Don’t let yourself be shaped and molded by the way that the world thinks, by the way that your unsaved family thinks." Don’t let your mind be swayed by what they say on television, podcasts, Fox News, CNN. We are not led by our thoughts, our perceptions, or the way we see ourselves or God. We have to see him through a different lens—biblical.

    We are called tonight, as Jesus said, to live in the world without being of the world. And there is an inherent tension that comes with that idea. Jesus prayed, right? He prayed for his disciples in the last supper. In John 17, verse 15, he said: "I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one." Can you feel the tension in that prayer? The tension between living in a fallen, broken world, which we all have to do—because you can’t live anywhere else—you can go to heaven, and that tension is gone. But we are called to be in this world, and at the same time, resist the evil one.

    John said in 1 John 2:15: "Do not love the world or the things in the world." Well, that’s hard for us, isn’t it? Because we are in the world. As I’ve said before, it’s okay for the ship to be in the ocean; it’s not okay for the ocean to be in the ship. It is good, it is right, and it is necessary for the church to exist in the world. We are not called to be monks or to hide away in monasteries on a mountain, hoping that sinners never come near us. No, we are supposed to be salt and light—only effective when in contact with darkness and corruption. The power is in the contact, the effectiveness, the fruitfulness.

    So much of the church has lost influence because we think church is supposed to be a hideaway, that Christianity is supposed to remove us from the filth of the world. No. We have a missionary mentality: going into broken places, into the world. We don’t hide behind four walls. We go out to the sinners. Jesus said: "I do not pray to remove them from the world, but Lord, keep them, protect them." And that means living in this world, there will be tension. You will feel it. You will have a tension between being in this world and resisting what the world says.

    We have to be here, but we do not have to conform. That’s why, as Dave preached on Sunday, it’s a spiritual battle every day of your life. AW Tozer said: "The world is not a playground; it is a battleground." And if you don’t win this fight, we’re not even going to talk about being transformed. We have to decide: you know what? I need to be weird. Why? Because normal is going to hell. Normal is broken families, divorce, abuse, selfishness, all ten commandments broken—that’s normal in the world. So I don’t want to be normal. Somebody on YouTube might clip that out, but if normal is going to hell, I don’t want to be normal. I want to be different. Don’t you?

    That’s why he commands: "Do not be conformed." So let’s look at being transformed. In Greek, the word is metamorpho—the same root as our English word "metamorphosis." The thought is: this is not just a coat of paint. When Paul says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed," we need transformation. From caterpillar to butterfly, the mark that something has been transformed is that new levels have been unlocked.

    Think about when that butterfly pops out of the cocoon. Same creature, right? But the DNA has transformed it into something capable of doing completely new things. All of a sudden, it has wings—the wings are now the prominent feature. It can flap them, it’s colorful, beautiful. It can hop off a branch and fly to the next tree. And not only that, but it can go all the way down to Mexico for a vacation. Praise the Lord! The caterpillar could not do that, even if it wanted to. But the butterfly—new levels have been unlocked.

    And I want to tell you, I believe God has new levels to unlock in your life. The Holy Spirit wants to touch areas of your heart and mind to enable new things—new capabilities, new destiny, new future—things you may have never expected to find yourself doing. Have you ever found yourself, maybe on outreach, knocking on a door, thinking: "Oh my gosh, I never thought I’d be doing something like this"? There are a thousand ways God can unlock your potential.

    Have you ever had God deal with you, to witness to someone? Not in church, not on outreach—maybe just pumping gas, and God speaks to you. "There’s a guy over there. See him?" And you say, "Yeah." And God says, "Go witness to him." And I’m not prideful enough to say I obeyed every time. No, I haven’t. But there have been times I’ve thought, "God, I’m busy." Oh, too busy to rescue someone from hell? Okay. But God, I don’t have any flyers. Oh, so you can’t communicate the gospel without a flyer, preacher? I’ve had God deal with me. And I don’t want to do it. But God has called me to do it because he has enabled me by his Holy Spirit.

    He has created in me a metamorphosis—not just a change of outward appearance, not just a new set of clothes. I am a new person in Christ. He who is in Christ is a new creation. If you are saved, this is necessarily true. But if you are still connected to the old life, if you still have the same desires—I'm not saying we never struggle with sin—but if nothing has changed in your life, that’s a problem. If you’re still a caterpillar trying to act like a butterfly, that’s not going to work very well. If you’re telling yourself, "I want to float to the next tree," you’re still a caterpillar. It’s not going to make it.

    This is like the story of the seven sons of Sceva. They were acting like butterflies, but they were only caterpillars. And the demons called them out: "Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you?" This is what happens. The New Living Translation says: "Let God transform you into a new person." The Message says: "Fix your attention on God, and you’ll be changed from the inside out." That’s the point of metamorphosis: it’s not something you can do on your own. It’s such a transformation that, even if you wanted to, you couldn’t. It’s supernatural. It requires the Holy Spirit.

    Here’s the problem: this metamorphosis can get stuck. We can go only so far with God. Consider the children of Israel. They were delivered out of Egypt, weren’t they? They were freed from bondage. Yet, for 40 years, they still had a bad thought process. They were still stuck in the slave mentality. They still desired the food of Egypt, the leeks and onions. They still complained against Moses. They still worshiped golden calves. They were out of Egypt, but Egypt was still in them. I’ve seen people who go to church, call themselves Christians, sometimes wear suits and ties or dresses on Sunday, looking nice. They’re out of Egypt, but something has not been changed. There’s an old mentality still at work.

    That’s why Paul says we still need to be transformed. There’s a problem in the penal system called recidivism. It’s a tragic thing to think about, but it means: when people go to prison, in theory, the reason is to change their lives. They serve their time, they’re reformed, they change, and they can be normal in society. But the statistics tell us otherwise: 70% of released prisoners are rearrested within three years. Why? Because a prison does not reform the heart. It doesn’t change the mind.

    What good is our salvation if our mind remains in bondage? If we are not transformed in our actions and words? James said it like this: "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." Jesus said in Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven." You ever chew on that scripture? It’s frightening, isn’t it? There are people who say, "Lord, Lord," but they will not enter the kingdom.

    Leonard Ravenhill said: "We have too many who want to be saved but not sanctified." The point is: Jesus needs to be Savior and Lord—it's a package deal. You can’t have one without the other. You can’t say, "Jesus saved me," but he’s not in charge of your life.

    Transformation means Jesus is my Lord. Okay, so how does this transformation happen? If we want to be reformed, if we want to be transformed, what is the process? How do we see that change from caterpillar to butterfly? In the animal world, it’s a cocoon. That cocoon wraps itself up, and some kind of miraculous process takes place—body parts are changed, and it comes out completely transformed.

    I want to tell you, there is a cocoon-type process in your life too. How does God transform you? Paul tells us: the Greek word is anakinosis, translated as "the renewal of your mind." The Amplified says: "Be transformed by the entire renewal of your mind—new ideals and a new attitude." The Message says: "Readily recognize what God wants from you, and quickly respond to it." The New Living Translation: "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."

    When’s the last time God did that in your life? When’s the last time you realized: "I am not thinking correctly, and I need to change the way I think"? Maybe you’ve been thinking out of bitterness, unforgiveness, pain, abuse, anguish. And God wants to change the way you think about money and resources. Many of us have a small view of what God can do with our finances. We think: "Oh, the pie is only so big, so I have to have tiny slices." But I want to tell you: God is the owner of everything. God can enlarge the pie in your life.

    I’ve seen God do financial miracles. I’ve seen God heal in our minds, in our bodies. Sometimes we limit God's ability to heal us because we rely on modern medicine. But in third-world countries, they don’t have pills for everything. When they get a headache or sore muscles, they pray, and God heals them. We become so dependent on technology that we forget God. Sometimes we need to think differently, don’t we?

    Jesus was trying to get people to think differently. I challenge you: some time ago, God challenged me to memorize the Sermon on the Mount. I want to get there someday—I’m not there yet—but it’s such a powerful message. One thing Jesus was trying to do was to help people think differently about things. You remember the pattern: he would say, "You have heard it said of old..." and then he would say, "But I say to you..." See, the way you’ve been thinking about that was wrong for generations. And I want to help you see what the real intention was.

    Jesus did not come to do away with the law but to fulfill it. So he says: "You have heard it said of old, ‘Do not commit adultery,’" but he says, "But I say to you, whoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery in his heart." Even if he’s never cheated on his wife, if there’s lust in his mind, that’s adultery.

    So you need to think differently. You need to change your pattern of thoughts. People who study the human brain have discovered that thought processes are a series of synapses—electrical currents firing throughout the brain. When you think a thought, those synapses fire, linking one cell to another. That’s how it works physically. The saying "One thing leads to another" is true. Over time, pathways are carved in your mind, so that if I think this, it leads to that, then to that, then to that, and eventually to action.

    Some thoughts lead to regret. Some thoughts the enemy fires at you—he knows if he can get that thought in your mind, it can lead to stress, anxiety, perversion, wickedness. What God wants to do is to transform your mind. If he can change how you think, he can change how you act. Isn’t that true?

    Dallas Willard said: "The renovation of the heart begins with the transformation of the mind." That’s why Paul said in Philippians: "Whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is pure—meditate on these things." Fill your mind with good, godly things. Why? Because that will produce good, godly behaviors.

    Let’s close with the reason why you need to be transformed. There’s a reason your mind needs renewal. There’s a reason we cannot conform to this world: because God needs people to do his will. Let me say it differently: God can do whatever he wants. He’s not limited by your obedience or disobedience. But in his perfect plan, he has chosen to use frail, broken people like you and me. He has chosen to include us in his redemptive plan for the world.

    So, if we are going to fulfill that plan, we have to know it and do it. Paul ends this verse: "That you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Everybody say: perfect will of God. I want to say tonight: first of all, that there is such a thing as a perfect will.

    Now, I don’t think the perfect will of God is that, when you wake up in the morning, God shines through a glorious cloud in your kitchen and says, "Thus saith the Lord, thou shalt eat cornflakes this morning." It’s okay to laugh. The perfect will of God—there are some things he leaves up to our good judgment. But in God's perfect will, there are some things he does call us to.

    We are called to know the will of God, but also to prove it—that you may demonstrate what is good, acceptable, and perfect. Again, the New Living Translation: "Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." The Message says: "Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it."

    Did you know God has a will for your life? He wants to reveal his will for you. We know that God has a general will—things that are absolutely clear. For example, the Bible says it’s God’s will that you remain sexually pure. That’s black and white. We don’t have to pray about that. Lord, do you want me to remain sexually pure? Or do you want me to go fornicate? No, we don’t have to pray that. We know the will.

    But there are some things in life that are not black and white. There are gray areas. I’m not talking about sin versus righteousness. I’m talking about decisions within our walk with God—about your future, your ministry, how you spend your time for Jesus. Not everything is spelled out clearly. We have to learn: God, what is your perfect will for me?

    The will of God for Pastor Adam Dragoon is different than for you. Esther is an example. She didn’t understand that God had put her in a specific time, in a specific place, for a purpose. And thank God she had a godly relative, Mordecai, who reminded her: "Listen, Esther, if you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, God can raise up a deliverer from somewhere else." But she was there for a reason. The reason you are where you are, with what you have, is because God has a purpose for it. Use it.

    We need to know and prove God’s perfect will for our lives. David prayed in Psalm 143:10: "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God." Did you hear that? "Teach me to do your will." That means it’s not automatic. Ephesians 5:17: "Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Colossians 1:9: "Be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."

    And here’s a little "life hack": some of you are sitting here tonight thinking, "Man, I want to do the will of God. I believe God is transforming me, but I don’t know what that is." For that person, let me give you a hint: I believe that God is more interested in having a relationship with you than just you performing duties. If you want to know God’s will, seek him. Seek his purpose, seek his character. When you become more like him, you’ll start to love what he loves, hate what he hates, hear things the way he hears them, and do things the way he does. Soon, it will become clear what God’s specific, perfect will is for you.

    If you’re in a holding pattern—"Lord, I want to do your will, but I don’t know what it is"—my encouragement is: get to know God more. Know his heart, so you can know his will.

    Let’s close with this: we’re not alone in this. What we’re talking about—transformation, renewal of the mind—is not just something you decide to do. We have a part to play: "I am a willing vessel. Lord, whatever you got for me, I want a part of that." But the actual work of transformation—like the caterpillar—only God can do that. If he were smart enough, the caterpillar could sit with a notepad and say, "I want to fly to Mexico. I want to flap my wings. I want to eat more than just leaves. I want to see something besides being blind all the time." He could write down all his desires, but he cannot bring about that change on his own.

    There have been times in my life when the Holy Spirit has surprised me with transformations. Here’s why: Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He is preparing his bride. He is ridding you of sin. He puts convictions on your heart—whether to do or not to do things. He is the one at the right time, in the right place. Our job is to respond and say, "Yes, Lord, I’ll follow you." But his job is to lead us into transformation.

    That’s why the Bible says we are to change from glory to glory into his likeness and his image. He is the one working this transformation. But he will not do it without your surrender.

    Pastor Mitchell’s favorite quote—my favorite of his—is: "You’ll never know the will of God until you are surrendered to it." It’s profound.

    Let’s bow our heads and close our eyes for just a moment. As we bring the service to a close tonight, and as we think about the perfect, acceptable will of God for you—His will for your life is unique, like a fingerprint. But if we want to experience that will, we cannot get there without transformation. We cannot get there without our minds being renewed.

    Tonight, I believe God wants to renew somebody’s mind. Before we open this altar for prayer, I want to ask: has someone come into this service tonight and you say, "Pastor, I don’t even know if I’m right with God. I don’t know if my sins are forgiven." My heart is separated from God, and my sins are before me. I struggle with sin. I give in to sin. Sin seems to have power over me. That’s because, without Christ, sin does have power over you. Sin is a cruel taskmaster. It leads you to places you don’t want to go, causes you to do things you don’t want to do.

    But tonight, sin has been defeated. Jesus Christ has made it possible—because of his sacrifice on the cross—that you and I can turn to him in faith, trust in him. When we do that, the Bible says: we turn from our sins, trust in Jesus, and our sins are forgiven. This is the beginning of a new life with Christ. This is called being born again—a new life.

    If you have not received that salvation tonight, if you have not been born again, if you don’t have a new nature, a new life in Christ, I want to pray with you. Is there someone here quickly, saying, "Pastor, please pray for me. I need salvation. I want my sins forgiven." Before we do anything else, lift up a hand right now—say, "Pray for me." I need that. Is that you? Quickly, with an uplifted hand, you need a transformation—a new life in Christ. Old things passing away, all things becoming new. Jesus loves you, cares about you, even though we’ve turned away from him so many times. But there is hope.

    Tonight, if you want to come back like the prodigal son, who was in the far country, and he made up his mind: "Maybe my father will have mercy on me if I just make my way home." That’s what’s on your heart. You want to make your way back to the Father. He’s waiting for you. Is there someone here? Quickly, lift your hand—I want to pray for you. God’s dealing with you. The Spirit of God is moving on your heart. You need that transformation—a new life in Christ, forgiveness of sins. Anyone at all? Quickly tonight.

    Thank you. Thank you tonight.

    Now, speaking to the church—speaking to God’s people. If you didn’t raise your hand for salvation, that means you’re claiming to be a follower of Jesus. And to be a follower of Jesus means a few things: number one, it means you are not conformed to this world.

    I want to open this altar tonight for three different needs. The first is for those who find themselves conforming to the world. You are a spiritual chameleon—you like to blend in wherever you go. But that is not the will of God. The will of God is that we not be conformed to this world. At this altar, you will find the strength necessary to be different, to be unique, to be called out from the world and called together for his will.

    Secondly, tonight, there are people here—you’re saved. Thank God, you’re saved from hell. You’ve got your fire escape, your fire insurance—praise the Lord. You’re on your way to heaven. But there are still things left untransformed. Maybe there’s stubbornness in your heart. Maybe there’s a quenching of the Holy Spirit. Maybe there’s a place where the Lord has tried to change your life, but you’ve put up a hand and said, "No, I need to stay where I am." You’re saved, but you’re stuck—like the children of Israel, delivered from Egypt, but their minds still filled with wickedness. You need a renewed mind tonight.

    Third, I want to make a call for those who are uncertain about the will of God. It’s not that you have difficulty being different or need transformation. Maybe tonight, you’re unsure about God’s will for your life. You don’t know it, but you want to know it. I want to open this altar for those who are uncertain—to find certainty in Christ. It’s not a small thing to seek the will of God. I believe God has a perfect, unique will for your life.

    We’re going to open this altar for those three groups: those who need strength not to conform, those who need transformation tonight by the renewal of their mind, and those who are uncertain about God’s will. Let’s stand to our feet. We’re going to open this altar for prayer. Come on, church. Begin to cry out to the Lord. If God is dealing with you, if you sense the Holy Spirit drawing you, come. Ask God for transformation.

    Lord, would you speak tonight to hearts? Lord, would you speak to minds? There are minds that need to change tonight. Attitudes that need to change. Automatic thoughts that need to be transformed. Oh, Jesus, I pray that you would reform your church, renew her tonight, set the captives free. I pray, Lord, break the chains of bondage right here at this altar.

    I want to encourage you: lift up your voice and begin to cry out to the Lord for a few moments as we pray.

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

Written with Love by Pastor Adam Dragoon

 Did you benefit from this message? Support our ministry with a generous donation:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Adam Dragoon
Next

They’re Back: The Daimonia