Holy Spirit Series
Our Change Agent
By Terry S. Parks copyright 2000

2 Corinthians 3:17-- Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
One of the primary purposes of our salvation, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit is to give us "liberty". Liberty from what? Liberty from the bondages of the flesh, the world, and the devil. Freedom to walk by the Spirit and be transformed into the image of Christ. Liberty from self; not liberty to do anything we desire, but liberty to take on Christ-likeness.
True liberty is to live as we should, not live as the world and the flesh wants. Christ sent the Holy Spirit to indwell believers, empowering us to this end. Christ came in the likeness of man, so man could be transformed to the likeness of Christ. Christ-likeness is the destination of every Christian, bringing a slice of heaven on earth. In John 3:13, Jesus says, "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." He says this while talking to Nicodemus in Israel. In John 20:21, Jesus says, "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." As He was in this world, so are we to be.As the body of Christ, the Church is simply an extension of the Christ.
As we abide in Christ though the power of the Holy Spirit, praying in the Spirit, meditating upon Him, and communing with Him, we are changed from one level of glory, (honor, dignity), to another, by the Spirit of the Lord. Notice, this is a process not an event! The transformation is from glory to glory.
Contemporary Christians are plagued with a mind set that says, "Zap me God... just do it. Hit me with the anointing and change me". While that may happen occasionally, it is not the norm. Changes that come this way are seldom lasting. The kingdom of God works through the eternal principle of "seed-time and harvest".We are "baptized" into Christ (Romans 6). That is, immersed in Him, "abiding in the Vine", and becoming one with Him. As we immerse ourselves in fellowship with the Holy Spirit,our change agent, and helper, this will transform us to His image and likeness so we won't need to ask, "What would Jesus do", we will just do it!
The Greek word for "transformation" is "metamorphoo", from which we get the word "metamorphosis". A metamorphosis takes place when something changes from one form to another. Our transformation is a work of the Spirit, not a work of the flesh. We can not fast our way into His image, or otherwise "beat ourselves" into His likeness. This we could then take credit for. But as we live in the ever-present knowledge of His presence, eventually we take on His nature, attributes, and characteristics, just as a piece of cloth soaking in a dye solution eventually is forever bonded to the same.
Roman 8:26--Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
One primary way our "Helper", the Holy Spirit, helps in this transformation process is through praying in tongues. As the above passage indicates, we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Holy Spirit in us does, and makes intercession for us. It is important to note here that Paul wrote "we are predestined to be conformed (pressed into the mold) to the image" of Christ (vs. 29)-- relative to "Holy Spirit intercession". This agrees with 2 Cor. 3:18.
As we pray in tongues, we are also "edified", or built up in our spirit-man, which also assists in our transformation. As we pray in the Holy Ghost, we are making a divine exchange. We are making intercession according to the will of God, and we are being transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit of the Lord as our spirit-man is edified, placing no confidence in the flesh. Notice below...
Jude 20-- But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 1 Corinthians 14:1-- Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
I have heard this scripture in 1 Corinthians 14 quoted numerous times in a very negative way. There is nothing negative about anything in these verses. When one is speaking in other tongues, he is speaking to God, not men (or the devil!), and he edifies (builds up) himself. Now granted, in the congregational setting it prophecy is more beneficial because the entire body may receive edification, but do not discredit the purpose of tongues. While Paul does place more value on prophecy in the presence of others, he also says "I wish you all spoke with tongues".
We are predestined to be transformed, and conformed to the image and likeness of the Christ. This is not a physical image and likeness, but a spiritual one, therefore it may only be produced as a work of Holy Spirit. Because it is not physical, it can not be attained by natural works, or by affliction of the body. As we grow in our spiritual walk, the deeds of the body will lessen their grip on us. The Holy Spirit, Our Change Agent, helper, and comforter, brings about this great work the more we yield to Him, and cooperate with Him. This is simple submission. Notice the following verses...
Romans 8:13- For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Christ was the first-born among many brethren, and as He was sent into this world, He also sent us. We are His representatives, His ambassadors, and His body. The only way we can fulfill this mission is by conforming to His nature and image. He did not leave us as helpless orphans to fend for ourselves in this, but gave us the mighty Helper, the Holy Spirit, through whom we become partakers of His divine nature. Through the Holy Spirit and His gifts, we are set at liberty from the limitations of this flesh, so we might become the Sons of God!

Terry S. Parks, Pastor
The Rock of Roanoke Church
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