Sermon Central
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A Changed Person
Contributed by Daniel Austin on Mar 1, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: We are all called to repentance; we are called to change. Change we see in our mind, our will, our affection, our attitude and our relationship with God the Father.
A Changed Person
09/21/08 AM
Text: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Introduction
Last Lord’s day our lesson covered change we must believe in, the change preached by John the Baptist, Jesus, the Apostles, and Disciples down through the last two thousand years: Repent!
We know that there are only two paths to eternity. One is a broad way which leads to destruction, the other is a narrow way that few choose to follow but it is the only way to God, the way that leads through Jesus to eternity in Heaven. We learned last week that the change we must believe in, the change of repentance, requires we change mentally, emotionally, even in our physical selves but most importantly we change spiritually. In our lesson today we will examine the ways that these changes are evident in our lives.
I.The New Creature
A.A Mind Set On Things Earthly Becomes A Mind Set On Things Spiritual
Romans 8:5 (NASB) 5For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
1.This is a change of mind
a.We must mind the concerns of the eternal world more than the concerns of the physical.
b.We must make heaven our scope and aim, make it our constant care and business to secure our title to and qualifications for heaven eternal.
2.Colossians 3:1 - 2 (NASB) 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.
a.To seek heavenly things is to set our affections upon them, to love them and let our desires be towards them.
b.Our thoughts should be foremost about the things where Christ now dwells, where our final home is to be, where our great interests are.
Matthew 6:19 - 20 (NASB) “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;
B.One Who Follows Man’s Ways Becomes One Who Follows God’s Way
1.This is a change in will
a.We acknowledge that we do not know best
Proverbs 14:12 (NASB) There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
b.Isaiah 55:8 - 9 (NASB) For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.
c.We choose to let God direct our path
Proverbs 3:5 - 6 (NASB) Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
d.Romans 8:14 (NASB) For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
C. One Who Loves The World Becomes One Who Loves God
1.This is a change in affection
a.We are to love God first and most of all
Matthew 22:36 - 38 (NASB) “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “This is the great and foremost commandment.
b.God’s love is the motivation of our own
1 John 4:19 (NASB) We love, because He first loved us.
2.Our love of God is shown in obedience
John 14:15 (NASB) “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
D.A Friend Of The World Becomes A Friend Of God
1.This is a change of attitude
a.James 4:4 (NASB) You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
b.The “friendship of the world” is the love of that world; of the maxims which govern it, the principles which reign there, the ends that are sought, the amusements and gratifications which characterize it as distinguished from the character of God. It consists in setting our hearts on those things; in conforming to them; in making them the object of our pursuit.
c.The difference between the world and God is so vast that as we move toward the world we alienate ourselves from God.
Matthew 6:24 (NASB) “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.
