A. INTRODUCTION: 10 TRANSFORMING WORDS
1. Words of Discipline - Outward
? Now – Opportunity’s Door
? Barriers – To Strengthen
? Roots – Growth in Character
? Vision – To See Yourself
? Purpose – Anchor of Determination
2. Words of Spirituality - Inward
? Indwelling – Presence
? Walking - Daily
? Discipline – Growth Steps
? Faith – Expecting Answers
? Serve – All Ways, All The Time
B. GOD USES BOTH THE INNER AND OUTER PERSON
1. Created – two parts. “The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7).
2. Two parts can be destroyed. “Fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mark 10:28).
3. Our soul relates to God. “O God, my soul is cast down in me” (Psalm 42:6).
4. Our soul and body are interrelated. “We who have fled to Christ for refuge have … a strong trustworthy anchor for our soul” (Hebrews 6:18-19, NLT). “You shall love the Lord your God with all the emotions of your heart, with all the understanding of your mind … with all the strength of your body” (Mark 10:38, Amplified).
5. Physical discipline. “Habitually doing the right thing in the right way, for the right purpose, at the right time.”
6. Spiritual discipline. Say yes to Christ, indwelt by Christ, serving Christ, worshiping Christ.
C. WHEN CAN YOU SAY YES?
1. Children. “I write to you little children” (1 John 2:12) a potential total life.
2. Youth. “I write to you youth . . . because you have strength to overcome” (1 John 2:13).
3. Older. “I write to you mature” (1 John 2:13), wise and experience.
D. WHAT KINDS OF PEOPLE SAY YES?
1. Rich young ruler. “One thing you haven’t done” (Luke 18:22). Barnabas sold a field and bought the money… (church). (Acts 4:36).
2. Politician/Matthew. “Follow Me … and he got up and followed Him” (Mark 2:14).
3. Religious leader/Nicodemus. Prepared Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39).
4. Widow. “Cast in mites” (Mark 12:42).
5. Children. “Let the children come” (Mark 10:14).
6. Beggar. “When he heard that it was Jesus … have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47). “Go thy way, thy faith hast made thee whole” (Mark 10:52).
E. THE MEANING OF WRONG WORDS
1. Maybe. Other things are more important than Jesus.
2. Excuses. “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family” (Luke 9:61, NLT). “No one who put his hand … and looks back … is fit” (Luke 9:62, BBJ).
3. Wait. It is not about Jesus; it is about you.
4. Some other occasions. It is not about circumstances; you say no to Jesus.
5. No. It is not about your ability, you reject Jesus.
F. WHAT DOES YES MEAN?
1. Yes, means saying no to the past way of doing things (Mark 2:13-17).
a. Matthew was actively working his trade. “Sitting” (v. 14).
b. “His collection both” (v. 14). His prized earned position.
c. Influential focus. “With many tax collectors and disreputable sinners (v. 15).
2. Yes, means immediately yielding to Jesus (Acts 9:1-30).
a. Paul instantly obeyed. “Immediately … was baptized” (9:18).
“Immediately … I went to Arabia” (Galatians 1:17).
b. Transforming actions. “Straight way he preached Christ” (9:20). “All who heard him were amazed” (9:21).
3. Yes, gives you purpose and energy to do it.
a. Because Jesus told you to do it. “Whatsoever He says, do it” (John 2:5).
b. Because you want it. “Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and do it” (Ezra 7:10).
c. Because you pray. “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:14).
d. Because you work whole heartily. “Do it heartily to the Lord (Colossians 3:17).
e. Because Jesus calls you. “Faithful is He who calls you … do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
G. SAY YES TO CHARACTER AND TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH
1. It takes two wings to fly. “Watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41).
2. It takes two legs to walk. “Walk … I will give you” (Genesis 13:17).
3. It takes two poles to get energy for battery. “Pray in the spirit … boldly explain” (Ephesians 6:18, NLT).
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.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
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