Being Transformed
Introduction: 1) Americans like to make new year resolutions: #1 resolution: losing weight, more exercise, be a better person 2) Change is difficult, we are creatures of habit, sometimes change is impossible, 3) Good news, God can and wants to help us make great changes (to experience transformation). 4) Theme for this year “BE TRANSFORMED”
Scriptures: Romans 12:1-2
I. Be Transformed in Our Way of Thinking (Head)
A. Our way of thinking is
1. Influenced by others: Parents, friends, culture, education
2. Corrupted by the ways of the world and by sin, we have a worldly perspective
3. Our minds are focused on self (Romans 8:5)
B. The key to changing behavior is changing the way we think
1. Change must start in our thoughts; “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”
2. We will always fail to change behavior if we do not change our thinking
C. How can we change (be renewed) in our way of thinking?
1. We cannot do it by ourselves; we need God’s help
2. We need to come to know Christ, through salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
3. We need to come to know God’s Word. Hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word
Illustration of the hand, each finger represents one of the ways we can grasp God's Word
D. Goal: to have the mind of Christ, a biblical worldview (1 Corinthians 2:16, 2 Cor. 10:5)
II. Be Transformed in the Passions of Our (Heart)
A. What is the Heart?
1. Not our physical heart
2. The center for our emotion, desires, motives, values and will
B. Our Hearts need changing
1. Our hearts have been corrupted by our sinful nature (Jeremiah 17:9)
2. Our hearts can be full of evil, hatred, lust, pride, envy, jealousy etc. (Mark 7:21-23)
C. Only God can change our hearts
1. We must surrender our hearts to God by putting Christ on the throne of our heart
2. Stop making excuses for the sins of your heart; repent of those sins
3. Over time, God can radically change your heart (Ezekiel 36:26)
D. The goal: Love God with all your heart and love others with the love of God
III. Be Transformed in Our Actions (Hands)
A. Without a change in our mind and heart, there will be no significant changes in behavior
1. Any change in behavior is only temporary
2. Any change in behavior is only superficial (just an outward show)
Example of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:25-26)
B. Our behavior will truly change only when our mind and heart are changed
1. Our behavior will progress in accordance with the change in our thoughts and heart
2. Change in behavior will be real and lasting
C. Goal: to have our actions controlled by the Spirit and by serving others
Will You Surrender Yourself To God?
