"Three Marks Of A Transformed Life"

Three Marks of a Transformed Life

February 6, 2011

I. Introduction:

A. Storms to Transformation? (crises/storms the leading means of spiritual growth)

B. Why use “marks of” and not “steps to” when talking about transformation?

1. “Steps to” infers self-effort – my doing.

2. “Marks of” infers divine-effect – God’s doing.

C. God is our transformer.

1. See Galatians 4:19.

a) What does the word “formed” mean?

 “Formed” = “That which is shaped through the adjustment of parts.”

 Only God can properly “form” us.

 Only God can realize who He already says we are (new creations).

 I see a colorless, cocooned worm; God sees a vivid, vibrant butterfly.

b) When God transforms us it leaves a mark on us (woodworking, lyric writing).

II. Three Marks of a Transformed Life.

A. See Romans 12:1-8.

1. The first mark of a transformed life is surrender.

a) See v1; highlight “living sacrifices”

b) A transformed life is marked by willing surrender.

 My willing surrender to God is to be based upon His total mercy to me.

 To willingly surrender means I put God’s agenda first.

o STORY: General William Booth (power of a surrendered life).

 QUESTION: Is your life totally surrendered to God?

2. The second mark of a transformed life is renewal.

a) Sees v2; highlight “renewing of your mind”

b) A transformed life is marked by thinking that is being continually renewed.

 Renewed thinking aligns my thoughts with the Word of God.

 The world wants to “press my thinking into its mold.”

o EX: consumerism, success syndrome, immorality, pleasure principle.

 QUESTION: Is your thinking being changed by God?

3. The third mark of a transformed life is ministry.

a) See verses3-8.

b) A transformed life is marked by servant ministry.

 Ministry is where I put my faith into action.

 Is your faith being put into action?

III. Closing:

A. How do you need to respond?

1. Is your life totally surrendered to God?

2. Is your thinking being changed by God?

3. Is your faith being put into action?

4. Are you trying to transform yourself?

ILLUSTRATION: William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was once asked to disclose his secret for success. He hesitated a second and the tears

formed in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks, and then he said, “I will tell you the secret. God has had all there was of me. There have been men with greater

brains than I, men with greater opportunities; but from the day I got the poor of London on my heart, and a vision of what Jesus Christ could do with the poor of

London, I made up my mind that He would have all of William Booth there was. And if there is anything of power in the Salvation Army today, it is because God

has all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will, and all the influence of my life.”

The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.