Transformation
Romans 12:1-2
Introduction
: Salvlation Series part 2. Part 1 was Regeneration as Initiation. This week I want to you about The Process of Transformation. (Next Week – Evidence of Sanctification)
Question: So What happens after we are ‘born again’ or ‘saved’ as we discussed last week?
Today: Proof of the Progress of Salvation
Romans 12:1 – Transformed by the renewing of our minds….
I. Purpose (of transformation)
12:2, ‘That we might prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable perfect will of God’.
Romans 8:29 ‘For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.’ (NKJ)
Romans 8:5-8 – Set our minds on the things of the Spirit
1 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 8:13, ‘Put to death the deeds of the body by the spirit.’
Image = Likeness
John 12:35 – ‘Walking in the Light’
• To “walk” is, in short, to live one’s life. One’s lifestyle or way of life can be considered a “walk.” The word also indicates progress.
• Walking is related to growth; it is taking steps toward maturity. “Light” in the Bible can be a metaphor for life, happiness, righteousness, or understanding. The Bible is clear that light comes from the Lord God, the “Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). He is the opposite of evil. Putting it all together, “walking in the light” means “growing in holiness and maturing in the faith as we follow Jesus.”
Our Christian duty is to live in the light God gives: “Now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). When we walk in the light, we cannot walk in darkness. Sin is left in the shadows as we let our light “shine before men” (Matthew 5:16). It is God’s plan for us to become more like Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
“Walking in the light” means we consider Jesus as “the light” in this world, and we “walk” in that light by following His precepts, living in His power, and growing in His grace.
Question: What is being ‘transformed’?
o Attitudes
o Pursuits
o Purposes
o Intentions
II. Pursuit (of transformation)
‘Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily1, and follow Me’. ( Luke 9:23NKJ).
Daily Denial
Daily Growth
Daily Progress
Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruit of the Spirit =
III. Pressure / Problem (of transformation)
Hebrews 12:1-2, let him ‘lay aside every weight and sin which so easily entangles us….’
Challenges are the failures, disapointments, natural man and our natural ways!
IV. Pleasure (of Transformation)
Romans 8:2-4 – Living in the Spirit – Brings:
• Joy
• Strength
• Peace
• Confidence
• Satisfaction
• Security
Hold On Tight
Isaiah 35:3; Hebrews 12:12 NKJ Isaiah 35:3 ‘Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees’. NLT Isaiah 35:3 ‘With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees’. NKJ Hebrews 12:12 ‘Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees’, NLT Hebrews 12:12 ‘So take…
Called and Appointed
John 15:12 John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 “Greater love has no one than this, than1 to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 “No longer do I call you servants,…
Onesimus – The NT Hobo
Book of Philemon Introduction: For some, especially the young, the word or term ‘hobo’ might not be familiar. Growing up there was an understanding in my mind that there were actually hobos who would jump onto trains to get them to and from wherever they were going. What is the history of the hobo? They…
Me and My Church
Introduction: There is the Church Universal And then there is the Local Church. Question: What is the Local Church. Place of gathering; The Location (could be at the beach), the structure or the building or the facility where one gathers for: • Worship and teaching: A place to regularly gather for worship, prayer, and hearing…
But The Greatest of These
1 Corinthians 13 Introduction: Valentines Weekend. There is nothing wrong with dinners, chocolates, cards or flowers. When it come to Love, there are all kinds of things uses and pointed to as objects or illustrations: • Books – Romeo & Juliet; Gone with the Wind, etc. • Music / Songs – ‘Endless Love’, Diana…
Champions
1 Corinthians 1:25-26 Introduction: Superbowl Sunday. Champion – noun– a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place: the heavyweight boxing champion. Anything that takes first place in competition. One definition that I found that I like about what it means to be a…
Flood or The Blood
Psalm 32:1-7 Psalm 32:6, ‘Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment’. (Psa. 32:6 NLT) Introduction: Let’s look at a ‘communion text’ as we are contemplating the beauty of celebrating around the Lords Table. NKJ Psalm 32:1 <A Psalm of…
God In The House
NKJ – Psalm 127:1 <A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.> Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of psalms in the Bible, Psalms 120–134, that were sung by Jewish pilgrims…
But Others – When All Else Seems to Fail
Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it gives us assurance…