Are You A Revolutionary Part 2

(This message was inspired by George Barna and his book, Revolution. I also found Sermon Central contributor, J. Martin’s messages on this topic helpful.)

Are you a Revolutionary? Are you in a close orbit with God? Our Scripture last week and again this week are the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1-2.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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 12:1-2

In this portion of Scripture, Paul gives the readers a word of caution. He tells us to not conform, do not be fashioned after this world. Why would Paul caution us like this?

There is a distinction between our world now and the world that is yet to come. It was true when Paul first penned these words and it still holds true today.

The world system of today is an evil one. It is dominated by the god of this world, which is Satan. His greatest desire is to blind the minds of people so they cannot see the things that God has planned for them.

Paul cautions us and admonishes us to be transformed. The Greek word is metamorphoo. It is were we get the word metamorphosis.

This word is also used in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with an ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

George Barna gives an awesome definition of transformation.

He writes, “Spiritual transformation is any significant and lasting transition in your life wherein you switch from one substantial perspective or practice to something wholly different that genuinely alters you at a very basic level. “Transformation,” as Barna uses it, “is a significant spiritual breakthrough in which you seize a new perspective or practice…”

What is supposed to happen when you are transformed by the power of God? You are supposed to be changed and you are supposed to never be the same again.

This is the kind of thing we are called to experience. It is a transformation that it life changing. That is they way our relationship with God is supposed to be.

The other word that is key to this series is the word Revolution.

Last week we started looking at some of Webster’s New World Dictionary’s definitions for the term revolution.

Definition 1 – Movement of a body in an orbit or circle.

This is the definition that we focused on last week. We looked at the planets and how the revolve around the sun. We learned that a planet that is a long way from the sun will be extremely cold and a planed that is close to the sun will be really hot.

Last week I challenged you to be like the planet closet to the sun. That is the hottest planet. We need to be on fire for God and we need to be revolving around God, in a very close orbit with God.

The other definitions are:

Definition 4 – A complete or radical change of any kind.

Definition 5 – Overthrow of a government or social system, with another taking its place.

Barna defines the Revolutionary as a person who will “Do whatever it takes to get closer to God and to help others do the same. Obliterate any obstacle that prevents you from honoring God with every breath you take. Be such an outstanding example of the Christian faith so that no one will question your heart or lifestyle.”

Are you that kind of person? Today we are going to look at another definition and how it relates to us as Christians.

PRAY

Father we ask for Your anointing on us today. Place Your anointing on me as Your messenger today. Make each of us revolutionist.

Open our eyes so that we may see Your Word. Open our ears so that we may hear Your Word. Open our minds so that we may understand Your Word. Open our hearts so that we may receive Your Word today. AMEN

The definition that we are going to look at today is Definition 5 – The overthrow of a government or social system, with another taking its place.

Whether or not we like to admit it, this is what is taking place today in the spiritual lives of many Americans.

The Christian faith is not about going to church. Anyone can go to church but not everyone can be The Church.