To Be Transformed

To Be Transformed

071209 AM

Text: Romans 12:1-2

Introduction

ILL: (Story of newly baptized disciple's concern over reaction from co-workers; next Lord's day when asked how things went, response was “it was no problem, no one noticed the difference.”)

Merriam-Webster: To change in character or condition. In Christ we are raised in newness of life (Romans 6:4) and we are no longer to be as we once were, conformed to the image of this world, but transformed into the image of our Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18.)

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Transformation is a process that begins in our minds:

I. It Begins in Our Thoughts (attitude and heart)

1. With what we fill our minds.

Colossians 3:1-2 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

2. With how we shape our attitude

Philippians 2:1-8 Let this mind be in you...

John 6:38 "For I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent Me."

Romans 12:3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

3. With where we place our heart

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

II. It Becomes Our Words

1. Our words matter to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29 (NASB) Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Colossians 4:5-6 "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."

2. Our words reveal our character and matter in judgment!

Matthew 12:33 - 37 (NASB) “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. “You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. “The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

III. It Shows in Our actions

1. Jesus (speaking to the Jews): John 8:44 (their father)

Philippians 1:27 let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ,

Philippians 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Matthew 7:12 "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

2. Jesus even told us to do better than the standard of the world:

1. Matthew 5:41--"go the second mile."

2. Matthew 5:39--"turn the other cheek."

3. Matthew 5:44--"love your enemies."