Summary
This sermon is the second part of a series called "What Do You Want?" Pastor Chris explores the difference between transactional faith and transformational faith by walking through John chapter 6, where Jesus feeds thousands of people and then teaches in the synagogue at Capernaum. Using the story of C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman as an illustration, Pastor Chris shows how relationships that begin in a practical or transactional way can become deeply transformational through shared suffering and commitment. Jesus, in John 6, repeatedly cuts through the crowd's transactional agenda, offering them not just bread but Himself, the Bread of Life. Pastor Chris challenges the congregation to move beyond a faith that only engages with Jesus when something is wanted or needed, and instead pursue a transformational relationship with Him. Three key truths about transformational faith are offered: it is a lifelong process, it is challenging every day, and it is the most fulfilling life a person can live. The sermon closes with a call to prayer, both for personal faith growth and for a specific vision the church is pursuing, trusting God to provide in ways that go beyond human expectation.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hands and open hearts. We ask that you would quiet the noise in our minds and the distractions around us so that we can truly hear what you want to speak to us today. As we dig into your Word together, we pray that you would move beyond our agendas and our expectations. Help each person in this group to be honest about where they are in their faith journey. Give us the courage to ask hard questions and the humility to receive your answers. We invite your Holy Spirit to lead this conversation and to do something in each of us that we could not manufacture on our own. In Jesus name, amen.
Ice Breaker
Think of a relationship in your life that has genuinely changed who you are as a person. Without going too deep, can you share who that person is and one simple way they have shaped you?
Key Verses
John 6:25-27
John 6:35
John 6:53-56
John 6:67-69
Philippians 3:7-11
Questions
Pastor Chris described two kinds of faith: transactional and transformational. In your own words, how would you explain the difference between the two?
When Jesus told the crowd, "You want to be with me because I fed you," He was identifying a transactional motive. Have you ever caught yourself approaching God primarily because you wanted something from Him? What was that like?
The crowd kept asking Jesus for miraculous signs even after witnessing the feeding of thousands. Why do you think it is so easy to keep demanding proof from God rather than simply trusting Him?
Jesus said, "I am the bread of life." What do you think he meant by that, and what does it look like practically to let Jesus be the thing that truly sustains you day to day?
In verse 66, many disciples walked away when Jesus' teaching became too difficult to accept. Have you ever hit a point in your faith where you were tempted to walk away? What kept you going, or what brought you back?
Peter responded to Jesus by saying, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life." What does that kind of commitment look like in a season when following Jesus feels confusing or costly?
Pastor Chris said that transformational faith is a process, not perfection, and that it is challenging every single day. Which of those two realities, the process or the daily challenge, do you find harder to accept, and why?
Pastor Chris shared that the question people are asking today is not whether the Bible is real, but whether the Gospel actually works. How have you seen the Gospel of Jesus bring real peace or purpose into your own life or someone else's life?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you have been relating to God in a transactional way, perhaps only praying when you need something or pulling back when things do not go the way you expected. Make a deliberate decision to shift your posture in that area. Spend five minutes each day this week simply sitting with God in that area, not asking for anything, but telling him you trust him and that you want to know Him more than you want a specific outcome. Write down what you notice by the end of the week.
Key Takeaways
• Jesus consistently cuts through transactional agendas and offers people what they truly need, which is Himself, the Bread of Life, rather than simply what they think they want.
• Transformational faith is a lifelong process that begins where everyone begins, in transactional faith, and grows through consistent decisions to trust Jesus even when His ways are confusing or costly.
• God works through decisions, not doubts. Choosing transformational faith is an act of the will, not just a feeling, and it requires stepping into uncertainty with trust.
• The most fulfilling and purpose-filled life available to any person is one lived in transformational relationship with Jesus, where anxiety and fear are replaced not by easy circumstances but by His presence.
• Community and prayer are essential to growing in transformational faith. We are not meant to carry the journey alone, and inviting others into our faith walk reflects the heart of Jesus for the world around us.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for this time together and for the truth of your Word that cuts through our agendas and speaks directly to our hearts. We confess that it is easy to slip into transactional faith, coming to you only when we need something and pulling back when life gets hard or confusing. But today we choose something different. We choose to pursue you, not just what you can give us. We ask that you would continue the work you have started in each person here. Where there is fear, bring courage. Where there is doubt, build faith. Where there is a pattern of transactional thinking, begin a transformation. Help us to hold on to you in the difficult seasons and to trust that you are doing something far greater than we can see. We love you, and we want to know you more. In your name we pray, amen.
