Real, Biblical Conversion

2000037

Topic # 2055 (conversion)

Introduction:

A. What do you think of when you hear the word convert?

1. Hot show on HGTV?

2. We talk a great deal about conversion in Lord’s church – and rightly so.

3. Most often conversion is taught from the view of what one must do in order to be saved.

B. As a result – many could be led to believe that conversion involves no more than following through a series of basic steps.

1. Hear, Believe

2. Repent, Confess

3. Be Baptized

C. Some have followed through w/the above steps – but in doing so have failed to realize that a change is necessary from w/in the heart.

1. Not committed to change from within? A change for the better? Wasted his time in going through the steps of salvation.

2. A commitment to change ones life for the better MUST be made when one obeys the gospel.

3. It has been said; conversion is separating ourselves from the course of this world, and devoting ourselves to the conduct of the word of God.

D. 1 Thess. 1:5-10 – a view of conversion of the saints at Thessalonica.

1. In these verses (8-10) we have a view of real, biblical conversion.

2. We will do well if we examine the changes made in their lives to see if our own hearts are true to God.

3. Here, I believe, we see conversion in its truest sense.

E. What is involved in real, biblical conversion?

I. Real Change Involves:

A. A commitment to turn away from a sinful life. (1 Thess. 1:9)

1. Any real conversion will involve a turning away from past sins.

2. 1 Thess. 1:9 – note – they had turned away from idols to serve God. Totally, undeniably, absolutely, w/o a doubt – they changed – they ceased their sinful behavior!

3. This is true repentance!

a) Involves much more than a simple sorrow for sin!

b) Just sorrow for sin doesn’t always lead to salvation. (Mt 27:3-5 – Judas)

4. Am I willing to disavow my old life of sin? Do I realize that my old life of sin has put me in the place I’m in?

5. Eph. 4:22-24 – need the kind of heart that seeks to be x-formed. Our lives will be characterized by the attempt to be rid of sin & it’s destructive hold on the soul

B. A Turning to God (1:9)

1. Turning from sin = only half the battle. Only part of the change that is required.

2. Paul says – they turned to God. The one true and living God.

a) They realized they needed Him. They turned to Him so their salvation would be secure.

b) We must do the same! We must learn to depend on God!

c) Hard to get across in society.

3. Jer. 10:23 – must look to God to guide us. That’s done through the application of His word.

a) Serving God will make us better, stronger, more complete people!

b) Gal. 5:22-25 – put on the fruit of the spirit.

4. The Christian who has turned to God (been truly converted) will & can measure spiritual growth. Are you a stronger & better Christian than you were:

a) Last month? Last year? 5 years ago?

5. God’s people will be characterized by their willingness to serve Him!

a) They’ll want to grow closer to the Lord

b) They’ll go out of their way for others & the Lord’s work

c) They’ll do their best to be God’s kind of person

d) Does this describe you? Have you turned to the Lord?

C. 1:10 – Looking forward to Christ’s return.

1. They eagerly looked for His coming – approaching each day as if it might be the last.

2. 1:10 – wait for His Son from Heaven…

a) Can you honestly say that you are anxiously awaiting the Lord’s return?

b) We must be aware lest we get caught up on the thinking that there is safety in delay – no sense of urgency

c) 2 Pet. 3:2-4; 9-12

3. Those who are truly converted long for Christ’s return.

4. Don’t you believe such thinking will have a significant impact on our lives as Christians?

a) motivate us to better service – hardworking

b) enthusiastic

c) loving, caring, concerned for the souls of others

5. Let us so live our lives that we may joyously anticipate His return.

a) How is your relationship with Christ?

II. What can motivate one toward real, biblical conversion?

A. Recognizing our relationship with Jesus will deliver us from the wrath to come.

1. No one can save you & me but Christ – Jhn. 14:6

1. Jhn. 8:24; Jhn. 10:9-10 – Jesus is the door!

2. Want to go to heaven? Must obey the gospel! Follow His plan!

2. The wrath to come is real!

1. 2 Thess. 1:7-9

2. Rev. 21:10; 14-15

3. We need to draw closer to Christ. We owe Him a tremendous debt.

1. draw closer to Him & His word

2. Let us live for him – 2 Cor. 5:15-18; 21

B. The Scriptures. Read the word of God!

1. Psa. 19:7-11

2. The precepts, principles, encouragements, & warnings contained w/in the God’s word can have a direct impact on one’s life.

3. Are you “into” the word of God? 1 Thess. 2:13

C. Self-examination.

1. Hard thing to do. Easy to be critical of someone else.

1. But need to look at ourselves! Psa. 119:59-60

2. take a long, honest look at ourselves

3. Not always pleasant.

2. Jeremiah (Lam 3:40) has said: “Let us search out and examine our ways and turn back to the Lord.”

3. 2 Cor. 13:5

4. When we get an accurate view of how we are – that can be motivation to convert ourselves to the Lord.

D. Fellow Christians and teachers in the Lord.

1. Jesus gives Paul’s mission to him b/f his obedience to the gospel – Acts 26:18 – notice words “to turn.”

1. this done through the teaching of gospel

2. Paul’s example

3. His continued dedication.

2. 1 Thess. 1:9 – this played a role in the Thessalonian conversion.

3. Listen to those who teach/preach the gospel. Look to the example of your friends who are seeking to serve the Lord.

4. Investigate the Scriptures.

Conclusion:

A. The Thessalonians had hearts which changed to live for God.

1. This is what it means to have real, biblical conversion.

2. Have you been converted?

B. Have you obeyed the gospel? If not, why not?

C. Do you need to rededicate your life?

D. I N V I T A T I O N



Real, Biblical Conversion 2000037 Topic # 2055 (conversion) Introduction: A. What do you think of when you hear the word convert? 1. Hot show on HGTV? 2. We talk a great deal about conversion in Lord’s church – and rightly so. 3. Most often conversion is taught from the view of what one must do in order to be saved. B. As a result – many could be led to believe that conversion involves no more than following through a series of basic steps. 1. Hear, Believe 2. Repent, Confess 3. Be Baptized C. Some have followed through w/the above steps – but in doing so have failed to realize that a change is necessary from w/in the heart. 1. Not committed to change from within? A change for the better? Wasted his time in going through the steps of salvation. 2. A commitment to change ones life for the better MUST be made when one obeys the gospel. 3. It has been said; conversion is separating ourselves from the course of this world, and devoting ourselves to the conduct of the word of God. D. 1 Thess. 1:5-10 – a view of conversion of the saints at Thessalonica. 1. In these verses (8-10) we have a view of real, biblical conversion. 2. We will do well if we examine the changes made in their lives to see if our own hearts are true to God. 3. Here, I believe, we see conversion in its truest sense. E. What is involved in real, biblical conversion? I. Real Change Involves: A. A commitment to turn away from a sinful life. (1 Thess. 1:9) 1. Any real conversion will involve a turning away from past sins. 2. 1 Thess. 1:9 – note – they had turned away from idols to serve God. Totally, undeniably, absolutely, w/o a doubt – they changed – they ceased their sinful behavior! 3. This is true repentance! a) Involves much more than a simple sorrow for sin! b) Just sorrow for sin doesn’t always lead to salvation. (Mt 27:3-5 – Judas) 4. Am I willing to disavow my old life of sin? Do I realize that my old life of sin has put me in the place I’m in? 5. Eph. 4:22-24 – need the kind of heart that seeks to be x-formed. Our lives will be characterized by the attempt to be rid of sin & it’s destructive hold on the soul B. A Turning to God (1:9) 1. Turning from sin = only half the battle. Only part of the change that is required. 2. Paul says – they turned to God. The one true and living God. a) They realized they needed Him. They turned to Him so their salvation would be secure. b) We must do the same! We must learn to depend on God! c) Hard to get across in society. 3. Jer. 10:23 – must look to God to guide us. That’s done through the application of His word. a) Serving God will make us better, stronger, more complete people! b) Gal. 5:22-25 – put on the fruit of the spirit. 4. The Christian who has turned to God (been truly converted) will & can measure spiritual growth. Are you a stronger & better Christian than you were: a) Last month? Last year? 5 years ago? 5. God’s people will be characterized by their willingness to serve Him! a) They’ll want to grow closer to the Lord b) They’ll go out of their way for others & the Lord’s work c) They’ll do their best to be God’s kind of person d) Does this describe you? Have you turned to the Lord? C. 1:10 – Looking forward to Christ’s return. 1. They eagerly looked for His coming – approaching each day as if it might be the last. 2. 1:10 – wait for His Son from Heaven… a) Can you honestly say that you are anxiously awaiting the Lord’s return? b) We must be aware lest we get caught up on the thinking that there is safety in delay – no sense of urgency c) 2 Pet. 3:2-4; 9-12 3. Those who are truly converted long for Christ’s return. 4. Don’t you believe such thinking will have a significant impact on our lives as Christians? a) motivate us to better service – hardworking b) enthusiastic c) loving, caring, concerned for the souls of others 5. Let us so live our lives that we may joyously anticipate His return. a) How is your relationship with Christ? II. What can motivate one toward real, biblical conversion? A. Recognizing our relationship with Jesus will deliver us from the wrath to come. 1. No one can save you & me but Christ – Jhn. 14:6 1. Jhn. 8:24; Jhn. 10:9-10 – Jesus is the door! 2. Want to go to heaven? Must obey the gospel! Follow His plan! 2. The wrath to come is real! 1. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 2. Rev. 21:10; 14-15 3. We need to draw closer to Christ. We owe Him a tremendous debt. 1. draw closer to Him & His word 2. Let us live for him – 2 Cor. 5:15-18; 21 B. The Scriptures. Read the word of God! 1. Psa. 19:7-11 2. The precepts, principles, encouragements, & warnings contained w/in the God’s word can have a direct impact on one’s life. 3. Are you “into” the word of God? 1 Thess. 2:13 C. Self-examination. 1. Hard thing to do. Easy to be critical of someone else. 1. But need to look at ourselves! Psa. 119:59-60 2. take a long, honest look at ourselves 3. Not always pleasant. 2. Jeremiah (Lam 3:40) has said: “Let us search out and examine our ways and turn back to the Lord.” 3. 2 Cor. 13:5 4. When we get an accurate view of how we are – that can be motivation to convert ourselves to the Lord. D. Fellow Christians and teachers in the Lord. 1. Jesus gives Paul’s mission to him b/f his obedience to the gospel – Acts 26:18 – notice words “to turn.” 1. this done through the teaching of gospel 2. Paul’s example 3. His continued dedication. 2. 1 Thess. 1:9 – this played a role in the Thessalonian conversion. 3. Listen to those who teach/preach the gospel. Look to the example of your friends who are seeking to serve the Lord. 4. Investigate the Scriptures. Conclusion: A. The Thessalonians had hearts which changed to live for God. 1. This is what it means to have real, biblical conversion. 2. Have you been converted? B. Have you obeyed the gospel? If not, why not? C. Do you need to rededicate your life? D. I N V I T A T I O N