Christianity Is A Transformational Movement Lesson 10 Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Karl Marx called Christianity “the opiate of the people.” He blamed Christianity for the lack of social progress as defined in his Communist ideology. But history proves otherwise.

2. Biblical Christianity has a transformational energy. “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6).

a. Transformation comes from the bottom up, i.e., individuals are transformed who in turn transform their culture.

b. Only when there is a Christian majority with Christian influence, can Christianity come from the top down, i.e., votes and laws.

c. Jesus rejected an opportunity to organize an army and become an earthly king sitting on an earthly throne. “Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone” (John 6:15).

d. Jesus wants to rule individuals and sit on the throne of their hearts.

3. Christianity has always been a transformational movement in seasons of revival, correcting moral problems and recovering positive social values.

4. The source of Christianity’s power to transform cultures is found in followers of Christ who are connected to Christ. “They realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

5. Jesus transforms from within before He changes a person from without. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed, behold all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

6. It takes two wings to fly and it takes two powers to live for Christ. First the transformational power of Christ in us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Second, I must discipline my behavior to conform to Christ’s command. “If any man comes after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

B. DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL CHARACTER

Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes. He identified nine aspects of the extraordinary character of the ordinary Christian (Matt. 5:3-12). Character is habitually doing the right thing in the right way.

1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Totally dependent upon God.

2. “Blessed are those who mourn.” Brokenness over sin.

3. “Blessed are the meek.” Yielding my agenda to God’s will.

4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Passion for God.

5. “Blessed are the merciful.” Treating others as God treats you.

6. “Blessed are the pure in heart.” Serving God with no ulterior motives.

7. “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-21).

8. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness.” Standing for truth and morality.

9. “Blessed are those persecuted for Jesus’ sake.” Loyalty to Christ.

C. OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL STRONGHOLDS

1. Transformational disciples impact the culture as the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13).

2. Transformational disciples have a credible witness sharing the gospel as the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16).

3. Transformational disciples overcome revenge by going the second mile (Matt. 5:38-42).

4. Transformational disciples overcome hatred by loving your enemies (Matt. 5:43-47).

D. ESTABLISHING SPIRITUAL PRIORITIES

1. Transformational disciples make God’s agenda their agenda. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

2. Transformational Christians accept others without judging them. “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Matt. 7:1-2).

3. Transformational Christians live by the golden rule. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).

E. APPLYING CHRISTIANITY TO LIFE

1. Separation. A transformational Christian doesn’t follow the crowd. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).

2. Fruit bearing. A transformational Christian does good work. “By your fruits you will know them” (Matt. 7: 20).

3. Future-oriented. “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock” (Matt. 7:24-25).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.