Have You Been Converted?

Have You Been Converted?

1999042

Introduction

A. The discussion that arose b/t disciples about being the greatest in kingdom – often discussed & hot topic.

1. Mk. 9:34; Lk. 9:46-48 – dispute arose on way toward Capernaum – and evidently continued after arriving there. Jesus answers their question: desire to be first: shall be last.

2. Lk. 22:24 – just b/f death of Jesus. Jesus answers: greatest one is the one who serves – not expects to be served.

B. Base text today found in Mt. 18:1-5.

1. discussion here same one in Mk 9 & Lk. 9.

2. Answer of Jesus; v. 4 – one how humbles himself & b/c as little child – shall be the greatest. Must strive to become one who is of a humble/forgiving/contented disposition.

3. 19:3:

a) Jesus here sets a prerequisite for salvation.

b) In order for one to enter the kingdom – he must be converted.

C. What does it mean to be converted?

1. is being converted….simply persuading one to obey the gospel by heeding the steps of salvation?

a) H, B, R, C, B?

b) Is this still conversion? Is this all that Jesus talking about?

c) Certainly one must do the above to enter the kingdom. But…usually when we talk about someone’s conversion – we simply mean their obedience to the plan of salvation.

2. As a result, some have stopped there. Some: emphasis in Lord’s church has been – to get people to point of obeying gospel – “dunk-em” & be done w/them.

3. Here to tell you: this not all that involved in conversion.

a) conversion is an ongoing process – leading one toward maturity in Christ.

b) Converted in Mt. 18:3 comes from strepho. Means: ”literally…to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse.”

c) Root of word means “revolution.”

d) Idea presented: a complete turn around/a change for the better.

4. Idea of a “change for the better” presented in Js. 5:19-20.

a) a turn toward Christ – away from worldly lusts, passions, thinking.

D. In context of Mt. 18:3-5 – Jesus teaching disciples that they needed to:

1. change their attitude & desires from primarily the physical toward the spiritual.

2. Just as Jesus was heavenly – those who serve Him are to be spiritually minded.

E. Same true for us today.

1. obeying simple plan of salvation not all there is to it! If you that that once you “got wet” in baptistery that that’s all Christ expects you to do – you’re sadly mistaken!

2. Going to talk this AM on what it means to be converted. It is my assertion – that true conversion does not come over night – but does come through patience & diligence in seeking to grow up in Christ.

F. What does it mean to be converted?

II. True Conversion Involves Having the Mind of Christ.

A. One who has mind of Christ – has humble disposition. A spirit that esteems interests of others ahead of his own.

1. Phil. 2:1-5 – notice what the HS says to Christians:

2. A humble disposition – contrary to many in world. Contrary to ways of the world.

a) world says: worry only about you. YOU are YOUR god!

b) Don’t go out of way for others – b/c you’ll just get hurt.

3. this humble, sacrificial attitude demonstrated by life of Jesus – Phil. 2:6-8.

4. Lack of humility or the disposition thereof – one of the main problems many face b/f they b/c truly converted. This = learned behavior! Takes diligence/patience to get oneself this way.

5. Mt. 18:4-5 – something that had to be learned by apostles.

B. How does one develop a mind like Christ?

1. through one’s immersion into the Word of God. Ultimately through the application of knowledge gained.

2. This is what it means to be led by the Spirit in Rom. 8:9-11; 14.

C. True conversion involves a complete change in one’s mindset.

1. a turning away from way we once were. Toward way that God would have us to be.

2. How is your mindset?

a) do you have a humble disposition? Are you working at it?

b) Are you willing to sacrifice for the Lord & for others?

c) Are you being led by the knowledge you have gained from the word of God?

3. The change in mindset – key to your life as a Christian!

II. True Conversion involves acting like Christ.

A. one who begins to alter mindset for better – will begin to notice a change in his actions.

1. will live his life w/a consciousness of the presence of Jesus.

a) Observe Gal. 2:20. 2:19 – Paul living to/for God.

b) This demonstrated in actions

c) Involves the cessation old habits/ways b/f one was a Christian.

1) perhaps a change in language, dirty jokes, etc.

2) might involve end in lustful activity

3) might involve dropping of social drinking, smoking, gambling, etc.

2. involves one’s diligent desire to emulate Christ in everything we do.

B. 1 Pet. 2:21-23

1. While we are not perfect…we must not be content w/our setbacks & must determine to keep pushing forward for God in our actions/habits.

2. Worldly mindset: That’s just the way I am. Often used to rationalize sinful behavior!

a) Bible say: you can change for the better!

b) Alcoholic can change; sex addict can change; person w/temper can change.

c) Must not seek to justify SINFUL behavior – but seek to rid it from our life!

3. Back to 1 Pet 2. Involves keeping cool when tempted/persecuted. Notice esp. v. 23.

a) one thing to keep yourself pure when times easy.

b) How do we react when under fire?

c) V. 21 – leaving…example…follow….Him!

d) Often: this = learned behavior. As one grows up in Christ – will learn to keep actions right.

4. Lk. 9:51-56 – involves a turning away from seeking revenge/retribution.

a) James/John seek retribution b/c village rejected them.

b) Notice: 9:55-56.

c) Involves having disposition to turn such matters over to God.

d) Controlling one’s actions in this way foreign to many in world.

C. True conversion will involve a complete change in our actions. Do you have a consciousness of Christ in your life?

IV. True conversion involves a love for spiritual things.

A. Col. 3:1-5 – sets the record. The HS says we MUST attune ourselves to the Spiritual!

1. v. 3 – old man who primarily concerned w/living for moment put to death upon our obedience to the gospel.

2. Developing interest of the Spiritual by the earnest expectation of the reward. 3:4. We are living through Him! Only natural that we would look forward to spiritual.

B. As one converts to godly ways – the importance of spiritual food increases.

1. Bible study & chances to get together are met w/enthusiasm.

2. Desire to be together w/other Christians is increased.

3. Sin & questionable practices b/g to look detestable & undesirable.

4. These things are indicative of one who has set his mind on things above.

C. Consider Rom. 8:5-8:

1. Paul discusses two separate mindsets.

a) one whose mind set on the fleshly

b) one whose mind set on the spiritual.

2. which would describe you? Just b/c you baptized does not mean that you have automatically set yourself on the spiritual!

a) takes work/diligence!

b) 1 Cor. 15:58; Rom. 12:11

3. Observe 8:6

a) death here = eternal death. No hope in it! One who lives in this way – no chance to get to heaven!

D. True conversion involves a love for spiritual things in religion!

1. too many want to be entertained – tempted to lure people to church by emotional gimmicks/entertainment.

2. Emptiness

3. Some suggest: juice/spice up Bible classes – by making them more fun. Juice/spice up worship … praise teams etc.

4. SUCH DOES NOT CONVERT ONE TO CHRIST! Just converted to the entertainment.

E. How is your love for spiritual things?

V. True conversion involves placing the kingdom first!

A. involves an elevation of priorities in spiritual matters.

1. spiritual priorities have habit of getting placed on back burner.

a) often feel like b/c eternity see so far off/away/displaced from us in this life.

b) Fail to realize brevity of life. Eternity can came suddenly & once we get there – no changing fate.

2. Lord taught us the necessity of the “pecking order” for priorities. Mt. 6:33

a) The Lord’s kingdom: FIRST!

b) How more simple than this?

c) Are YOU seeking the kingdom first?

B. Excuses/procrastination does not pay!

1. Lk. 9:57-62

a) some like first man – who rashly made statement – b/f really thinking about it.

1. 9:57-58.

2. Count the cost. Volunteer for something – then renig or do it regrettingly.

b) some compelled by others to work in kingdom – 9:59-61.

1) But Lord… let me get around to it later…

2) But…._______________

c) Notice 9:62 – one who puts it off/looks back – not fit for the kingdom!

1. Are you a slacker when it comes to the work that goes on w/in the local church?

2. Are you a slacker when it comes to attending Bible class & worship?

3. Are you a slacker when it comes to doing Bible lesson?

4. Are you a slacker when it comes to seeing after needs of your brethren?

5. Are you a slacker when it comes to spiritual growth?

d) again…9:62

C. Lk. 14:26-27

1. Nothing should be more precious to us than seeking/serving the Lord.

a) family/friends come – forsake assembling/fall back in line w/them.

b) Compromise religion

2. must elevate Christ to proper position.

VI. True conversion involves using one’s talents for God.

A. Do you have some ability/talent that could be used for glory of God?

1. everyone has something that they can contribute to God.

2. Mt. 25:15-30 – parable of talents.

a) men: have ability to:

1) sing/teach/preach/pray publicly/personal work

2) encourage young people

b) women have ability to:

1) teach Sunday school classes/personal work

2) teach younger women

3. use God given talents for His glory! According to parable in Mt. – one will answer to God if he fails to use what he has been given.

B. 2 Tim. 2:21 – must be prepared for every good work.

1. takes diligence/training/preparation.

2. Can be a vessel of honor for the Lord! What honor it is to be used in work of the Lord. Indeed a privilege to serve in army of the Lord!

C. One who has been truly converted – will use his talents/abilities for God’s glory.

Conclusion

A. Have you been converted?

1. you may have been baptized – but have you changed? Have you turned around toward Jesus?

2. Mt. 18:3 – conversion = a prerequisite to salvation. Not just obeying gospel!

B. do you need to get your life right?

C. I N V I T A T I O N



Have You Been Converted? 1999042 Introduction A. The discussion that arose b/t disciples about being the greatest in kingdom – often discussed & hot topic. 1. Mk. 9:34; Lk. 9:46-48 – dispute arose on way toward Capernaum – and evidently continued after arriving there. Jesus answers their question: desire to be first: shall be last. 2. Lk. 22:24 – just b/f death of Jesus. Jesus answers: greatest one is the one who serves – not expects to be served. B. Base text today found in Mt. 18:1-5. 1. discussion here same one in Mk 9 & Lk. 9. 2. Answer of Jesus; v. 4 – one how humbles himself & b/c as little child – shall be the greatest. Must strive to become one who is of a humble/forgiving/contented disposition. 3. 19:3: a) Jesus here sets a prerequisite for salvation. b) In order for one to enter the kingdom – he must be converted. C. What does it mean to be converted? 1. is being converted….simply persuading one to obey the gospel by heeding the steps of salvation? a) H, B, R, C, B? b) Is this still conversion? Is this all that Jesus talking about? c) Certainly one must do the above to enter the kingdom. But…usually when we talk about someone’s conversion – we simply mean their obedience to the plan of salvation. 2. As a result, some have stopped there. Some: emphasis in Lord’s church has been – to get people to point of obeying gospel – “dunk-em” & be done w/them. 3. Here to tell you: this not all that involved in conversion. a) conversion is an ongoing process – leading one toward maturity in Christ. b) Converted in Mt. 18:3 comes from strepho. Means: ”literally…to twist, i.e., turn quite around or reverse.” c) Root of word means “revolution.” d) Idea presented: a complete turn around/a change for the better. 4. Idea of a “change for the better” presented in Js. 5:19-20. a) a turn toward Christ – away from worldly lusts, passions, thinking. D. In context of Mt. 18:3-5 – Jesus teaching disciples that they needed to: 1. change their attitude & desires from primarily the physical toward the spiritual. 2. Just as Jesus was heavenly – those who serve Him are to be spiritually minded. E. Same true for us today. 1. obeying simple plan of salvation not all there is to it! If you that that once you “got wet” in baptistery that that’s all Christ expects you to do – you’re sadly mistaken! 2. Going to talk this AM on what it means to be converted. It is my assertion – that true conversion does not come over night – but does come through patience & diligence in seeking to grow up in Christ. F. What does it mean to be converted? II. True Conversion Involves Having the Mind of Christ. A. One who has mind of Christ – has humble disposition. A spirit that esteems interests of others ahead of his own. 1. Phil. 2:1-5 – notice what the HS says to Christians: 2. A humble disposition – contrary to many in world. Contrary to ways of the world. a) world says: worry only about you. YOU are YOUR god! b) Don’t go out of way for others – b/c you’ll just get hurt. 3. this humble, sacrificial attitude demonstrated by life of Jesus – Phil. 2:6-8. 4. Lack of humility or the disposition thereof – one of the main problems many face b/f they b/c truly converted. This = learned behavior! Takes diligence/patience to get oneself this way. 5. Mt. 18:4-5 – something that had to be learned by apostles. B. How does one develop a mind like Christ? 1. through one’s immersion into the Word of God. Ultimately through the application of knowledge gained. 2. This is what it means to be led by the Spirit in Rom. 8:9-11; 14. C. True conversion involves a complete change in one’s mindset. 1. a turning away from way we once were. Toward way that God would have us to be. 2. How is your mindset? a) do you have a humble disposition? Are you working at it? b) Are you willing to sacrifice for the Lord & for others? c) Are you being led by the knowledge you have gained from the word of God? 3. The change in mindset – key to your life as a Christian! II. True Conversion involves acting like Christ. A. one who begins to alter mindset for better – will begin to notice a change in his actions. 1. will live his life w/a consciousness of the presence of Jesus. a) Observe Gal. 2:20. 2:19 – Paul living to/for God. b) This demonstrated in actions c) Involves the cessation old habits/ways b/f one was a Christian. 1) perhaps a change in language, dirty jokes, etc. 2) might involve end in lustful activity 3) might involve dropping of social drinking, smoking, gambling, etc. 2. involves one’s diligent desire to emulate Christ in everything we do. B. 1 Pet. 2:21-23 1. While we are not perfect…we must not be content w/our setbacks & must determine to keep pushing forward for God in our actions/habits. 2. Worldly mindset: That’s just the way I am. Often used to rationalize sinful behavior! a) Bible say: you can change for the better! b) Alcoholic can change; sex addict can change; person w/temper can change. c) Must not seek to justify SINFUL behavior – but seek to rid it from our life! 3. Back to 1 Pet 2. Involves keeping cool when tempted/persecuted. Notice esp. v. 23. a) one thing to keep yourself pure when times easy. b) How do we react when under fire? c) V. 21 – leaving…example…follow….Him! d) Often: this = learned behavior. As one grows up in Christ – will learn to keep actions right. 4. Lk. 9:51-56 – involves a turning away from seeking revenge/retribution. a) James/John seek retribution b/c village rejected them. b) Notice: 9:55-56. c) Involves having disposition to turn such matters over to God. d) Controlling one’s actions in this way foreign to many in world. C. True conversion will involve a complete change in our actions. Do you have a consciousness of Christ in your life? IV. True conversion involves a love for spiritual things. A. Col. 3:1-5 – sets the record. The HS says we MUST attune ourselves to the Spiritual! 1. v. 3 – old man who primarily concerned w/living for moment put to death upon our obedience to the gospel. 2. Developing interest of the Spiritual by the earnest expectation of the reward. 3:4. We are living through Him! Only natural that we would look forward to spiritual. B. As one converts to godly ways – the importance of spiritual food increases. 1. Bible study & chances to get together are met w/enthusiasm. 2. Desire to be together w/other Christians is increased. 3. Sin & questionable practices b/g to look detestable & undesirable. 4. These things are indicative of one who has set his mind on things above. C. Consider Rom. 8:5-8: 1. Paul discusses two separate mindsets. a) one whose mind set on the fleshly b) one whose mind set on the spiritual. 2. which would describe you? Just b/c you baptized does not mean that you have automatically set yourself on the spiritual! a) takes work/diligence! b) 1 Cor. 15:58; Rom. 12:11 3. Observe 8:6 a) death here = eternal death. No hope in it! One who lives in this way – no chance to get to heaven! D. True conversion involves a love for spiritual things in religion! 1. too many want to be entertained – tempted to lure people to church by emotional gimmicks/entertainment. 2. Emptiness 3. Some suggest: juice/spice up Bible classes – by making them more fun. Juice/spice up worship … praise teams etc. 4. SUCH DOES NOT CONVERT ONE TO CHRIST! Just converted to the entertainment. E. How is your love for spiritual things? V. True conversion involves placing the kingdom first! A. involves an elevation of priorities in spiritual matters. 1. spiritual priorities have habit of getting placed on back burner. a) often feel like b/c eternity see so far off/away/displaced from us in this life. b) Fail to realize brevity of life. Eternity can came suddenly & once we get there – no changing fate. 2. Lord taught us the necessity of the “pecking order” for priorities. Mt. 6:33 a) The Lord’s kingdom: FIRST! b) How more simple than this? c) Are YOU seeking the kingdom first? B. Excuses/procrastination does not pay! 1. Lk. 9:57-62 a) some like first man – who rashly made statement – b/f really thinking about it. 1. 9:57-58. 2. Count the cost. Volunteer for something – then renig or do it regrettingly. b) some compelled by others to work in kingdom – 9:59-61. 1) But Lord… let me get around to it later… 2) But…._______________ c) Notice 9:62 – one who puts it off/looks back – not fit for the kingdom! 1. Are you a slacker when it comes to the work that goes on w/in the local church? 2. Are you a slacker when it comes to attending Bible class & worship? 3. Are you a slacker when it comes to doing Bible lesson? 4. Are you a slacker when it comes to seeing after needs of your brethren? 5. Are you a slacker when it comes to spiritual growth? d) again…9:62 C. Lk. 14:26-27 1. Nothing should be more precious to us than seeking/serving the Lord. a) family/friends come – forsake assembling/fall back in line w/them. b) Compromise religion 2. must elevate Christ to proper position. VI. True conversion involves using one’s talents for God. A. Do you have some ability/talent that could be used for glory of God? 1. everyone has something that they can contribute to God. 2. Mt. 25:15-30 – parable of talents. a) men: have ability to: 1) sing/teach/preach/pray publicly/personal work 2) encourage young people b) women have ability to: 1) teach Sunday school classes/personal work 2) teach younger women 3. use God given talents for His glory! According to parable in Mt. – one will answer to God if he fails to use what he has been given. B. 2 Tim. 2:21 – must be prepared for every good work. 1. takes diligence/training/preparation. 2. Can be a vessel of honor for the Lord! What honor it is to be used in work of the Lord. Indeed a privilege to serve in army of the Lord! C. One who has been truly converted – will use his talents/abilities for God’s glory. Conclusion A. Have you been converted? 1. you may have been baptized – but have you changed? Have you turned around toward Jesus? 2. Mt. 18:3 – conversion = a prerequisite to salvation. Not just obeying gospel! B. do you need to get your life right? C. I N V I T A T I O N