BE TRANSFORMED
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Definition of “Stuck” (When You Stop Growing)
Stuck is the condition where movement has ceased but life continues.
You’re still showing up, still believing, still functioning—but not being transformed.
Being stuck means:
You know truth but don’t walk it out
You repeat patterns instead of renewing your mind
You defend where you are instead of surrendering to where God is leading
You settle for comfort over conviction
You confuse activity with growth
In spiritual terms, stuck is resistance to change disguised as stability.
Why Many Believers Stay Stuck Even After Salvation
Salvation is instant. Transformation is learned.
Most believers get saved—but never get retrained.
Here are some of the main reasons saints may stay stuck:
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1. They were taught to behave, not to believe
Many churches teach:
* “Don’t do this”
* “Start doing that”
* “Try harder to be holy”
But they never teach:
* Who you are in Christ
* How the Spirit produces change
* How grace actually works
Result:
Saints TRY to live the Christian life in their own strength—and burn out.
Galatians 3:3 NLT — (Paul talking) How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?
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2. They still see themselves through their past
Even after salvation, many believers say:
* “That’s just who I am”
* “I’ve always struggled with this”
* “God forgives me, but I’ll never change”
That’s identity amnesia.
Identity amnesia is when a believer forgets who they are in Christ and starts living from who they used to be.
You’re saved. You’re sealed. You’re in Christ.
But you’re making decisions, reacting emotionally, and interpreting life through an old identity.
In plain terms: Identity amnesia is spiritual forgetfulness.
Not ignorance—forgetfulness.
If you keep identifying as:
* an addict
* an angry person
* a fearful person
you will keep living from that old script—even though God has written a new one.
Ephesians 4:22–24 (NLT)
"throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy."
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3. They confuse conviction with condemnation
Conviction says:
“That doesn’t fit who you are now.”
Condemnation says:
“You’ll never change.”
Many believers live under a constant sense of shame, calling it “humility.”
It’s not humility—it’s unbelief.
Psalm 32:1–2 (NLT)
“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven… whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt.”
If God cleared the record, who are you to keep rereading it?
Lingering shame says, “God forgave me… but not really.”
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4. They expect instant perfection
People expect salvation to erase:
* habits
* thought patterns
* trauma
* coping mechanisms
But God changes direction instantly, not maturity instantly.
When progress feels slow, many quit or assume something is wrong with them.
Philippians 1:6 NLT
"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
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5. They don’t replace old patterns with new truth
Freedom doesn’t come from stopping sin alone. It comes from renewing the mind.
If you don’t replace:
* lies with truth
* fear with trust
* self-reliance with dependence
you’ll cycle back.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
"And 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."
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
How Identity Actually Changes Over Time (Step by Step)
Identity change is progressive, not magical. Here’s how it really works.
Stage 1: New Identity Declared (Instant) (Position)
At salvation:
* God calls you righteous
* You are united with Christ
* You receive a new nature
Even if you don’t feel different yet—you are different.
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
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Stage 2: Mind Renewal Begins (Learning Phase)
Your spirit is new—but your mind is still trained by:
* old habits
* old trauma
* old thinking
* old coping mechanisms
Now you must learn to think like who you already are.
This is where Scripture, teaching, and repetition matter.
Ephesians 4:22–24 NLT " throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, LET the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
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Stage 3: Conflict Exposes the Old Patterns
This is where many people get discouraged.
You think:
“If I’m new, why am I still struggling?”
Because struggle reveals where renewal is needed—not that salvation failed.
Conflict is not proof you’re losing. Its proof change is underway.
Galatians 5:17 NLT
"The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions."
Stage 4: New Responses Start Replacing Old Ones
Over time:
* triggers lose power
* reactions slow down
* temptations weaken
* choices change
Not because you’re forcing it— but because your desires are being retrained.
You don’t just resist sin. You outgrow it.
Philippians 2:13 NLT
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him."
Colossians 3:9–10
"Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." (ESV)
Philippians 1:6
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
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Stage 5: Identity Becomes Instinctive
Eventually, you don’t ask:
“Am I allowed to do this?”
You ask:
“Does this fit who I am now?”
That’s maturity.
Sin feels foreign. Obedience feels natural. Peace replaces effort.
Hebrews 5:14
"Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong."
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One Clear Picture to Remember
* Salvation changes your status
* Renewal changes your thinking
* Transformation changes your habits
* Maturity changes your instincts
Same Christ. Same grace. Different stages.
Final Truth
God is not disappointed with your process.
He is committed to it.
If you’re still fighting—you’re not failing.
You’re learning how to live from a new identity.
Choose To Be Transformed!!!!
2026 Living Word Motto.
LET Jesus, Love and Unity Be the FIX in 2026.