Have You Been Converted?

Introduction.
In Mt. 18:3 Jesus sets a prerequisite for salvation. In order for one to enter the kingdom – he must be converted! What does it mean to be converted? Is it simply following God’s plan of salvation? Or is more involved? "Convert" means "to twist, I.e., turn around or reverse." The idea suggested by the word is a complete turn around – a change for the better! One must change his attitude from the physical to the spiritual! Doesn’t come "overnight!" Comes through patience/diligence in seeking to grow up in Christ! What does it mean to be converted?

I. True conversion involves having the mind of Christ.
   A. Phil. 2:1-5 – must have a humble disposition.
        1. 2:6-8 – also involves a sacrificial attitude!
        2. Mt. 18:4-5 – this had to be learned by apostles!
    B. How does one develop a mind like Christ?
        1. through one’s immersion in the Word of God. This what taught in Rom. 8:9.

II. True conversion involves acting like Christ.
   A. Involves a consciousness of the presence of Jesus – Gal. 2:20
        1. Put away old habits/ways that gripped you b/f becoming a Christian.
        2. Involves a desire to emulate Christ.
    B. 1 Pet. 2:21-23 – can’t be content with weaknesses & setbacks!
    C. Lk. 9:51-56 – involves a turning away from revenge/retribution.

III. True conversion involves a love for spiritual things.
   A. Col. 3:1-5 – this sets the record. MUST attune ourselves to the spiritual.
        1. V. 3 – old man put away! We are living through Him! 3:4.
        2. Convert to godly ways: importance of spiritual food increases.
    B. Consider Rom. 8:5-8 – which mindset do you have?
        1. Just b/c you baptized doesn’t mean your effort can stop.
        2. 1 Cor. 15:58; Rom. 12:11 – involves diligence!

IV. True conversion involves placing the kingdom first!
   A. Involves an elevation of spiritual priorities! Mt. 6:33 His kingdom = first!
    B. Lk. 9:57-62 – excuses/procrastination does not pay!
        1. Count the cost! Volunteer! Get involved!
        2. 9:62 – one who puts off/looks back – not fit for the kingdom!
    C. Lk. 14:26-27 – nothing should be more precious to us than seeking/serving God!

V. True conversion involves using one’s talents for the Lord!
   A. Mt. 25:15-30 – do you have an ability/talent
    B. 2 Tim. 2:21 – must be prepared for every good work!
        1. Takes diligence/training/preparation.
        2. Are you a vessel of honor for the Lord?

Have You Been Converted?
2 Cor. 13:5 – Only the converted shall enter heaven!



Have You Been Converted? Introduction. In Mt. 18:3 Jesus sets a prerequisite for salvation. In order for one to enter the kingdom – he must be converted! What does it mean to be converted? Is it simply following God’s plan of salvation? Or is more involved? "Convert" means "to twist, I.e., turn around or reverse." The idea suggested by the word is a complete turn around – a change for the better! One must change his attitude from the physical to the spiritual! Doesn’t come "overnight!" Comes through patience/diligence in seeking to grow up in Christ! What does it mean to be converted? I. True conversion involves having the mind of Christ. A. Phil. 2:1-5 – must have a humble disposition. 1. 2:6-8 – also involves a sacrificial attitude! 2. Mt. 18:4-5 – this had to be learned by apostles! B. How does one develop a mind like Christ? 1. through one’s immersion in the Word of God. This what taught in Rom. 8:9. II. True conversion involves acting like Christ. A. Involves a consciousness of the presence of Jesus – Gal. 2:20 1. Put away old habits/ways that gripped you b/f becoming a Christian. 2. Involves a desire to emulate Christ. B. 1 Pet. 2:21-23 – can’t be content with weaknesses & setbacks! C. Lk. 9:51-56 – involves a turning away from revenge/retribution. III. True conversion involves a love for spiritual things. A. Col. 3:1-5 – this sets the record. MUST attune ourselves to the spiritual. 1. V. 3 – old man put away! We are living through Him! 3:4. 2. Convert to godly ways: importance of spiritual food increases. B. Consider Rom. 8:5-8 – which mindset do you have? 1. Just b/c you baptized doesn’t mean your effort can stop. 2. 1 Cor. 15:58; Rom. 12:11 – involves diligence! IV. True conversion involves placing the kingdom first! A. Involves an elevation of spiritual priorities! Mt. 6:33 His kingdom = first! B. Lk. 9:57-62 – excuses/procrastination does not pay! 1. Count the cost! Volunteer! Get involved! 2. 9:62 – one who puts off/looks back – not fit for the kingdom! C. Lk. 14:26-27 – nothing should be more precious to us than seeking/serving God! V. True conversion involves using one’s talents for the Lord! A. Mt. 25:15-30 – do you have an ability/talent B. 2 Tim. 2:21 – must be prepared for every good work! 1. Takes diligence/training/preparation. 2. Are you a vessel of honor for the Lord? Have You Been Converted? 2 Cor. 13:5 – Only the converted shall enter heaven!