"Let Jesus Change You" (Sermon 1) Series

“Let Jesus Change The World”

Part 1: Let Jesus Change You

2 Corinthians 5.19

Introduction

1. None of us would be opposed to Jesus making a few changes for the better. Changes at work, changes in your finances, or bigger noteworthy changes.

2. What if these changes started with us and required a degree of discomfort on our part? Would we be less likely to want to see the changes brought about?

3. We should take the following necessary steps to let Jesus change the world beginning with us.

Listen to our text that puts the Gospels power to change in a fragile, imperfect, & often unreliable person.

"that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation" 2 Corinthians 5.19 (NIV)

Body of Message

If we are to let Christ change the world beginning with changes to ourselves we should:

I. Prioritize Christ As He Relates To You.

1. He has to come first, even above your selfish desires. Have you forgotten that you fully

surrendered your heart?

2. It’s difficult for Jesus to be Lord if you’re on the throne. Is there confusion about who is

running things in your life? Maybe money, your spouse, your boss, politics, and you need

a simple reminder that Jesus is Lord.

3. Changing the world becomes possible when we get our selfish interests out of the way.

How can you expect the world to be changed if you are the biggest obstacle to the

changes?

4. Have you given Jesus first place in your life?

5. Remember John the Baptist's words? "He must become greater; I must become less"

John 3.30 (NIV) ; Paul also clearly reminded us, "Do you not know that your body is the

temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not

your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body".1 Corinthians

6.19-20 (NIV).

If we are to let Christ change the world beginning with changes to ourselves we should:

II. Obey His Teaching Regarding You.

1. Just what does the Bible say about you? If you look and it does not have anything to

say, then you are off the hook. You can do as you please if the Bible is silent, however if

Christ makes claims on your conduct you should cooperate.

2. We should put this into practice if we would care to see the change that Christ can bring

to the world. To refuse to observe His instruction on our conduct will result in our becoming

a hindrance to the change He wants to bring.

3. To take a different course for yourself may be more comfortable, but could be considered

disobedience to God. Frankly it is disobedience, worse yet it is sinful.

4. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (NIV).

Proverbs 14.12; "But seek first his kindgom and his righteousness, and all these things will

be given to you as well" (NIV) Matthew 6.33 ; "For by the grace given me I say to every

one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself

with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (NIV)

Romans 12.3.

If we are to let Christ change the world beginning with changes to ourselves we should:

III. Make The Effort To Practice Christian Service.

1. Christ’s plan to change the world with the Gospel requires service on your part.

2. For those who won’t be bothered with Christian service you should know you have no

right to complain about the need for changes in this world. If you are not part of the solution

you are part of the problem.

3. What Jesus asks of us is not impossible. Others have taken up this task. Look around

in the Body of Christ and you can see folks who are serving.

4. One person can make a difference by serving Jesus. You can be that person who Christ

uses to change the world.

5. "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 (NIV); "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will

give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in