Transforming to the Image of Christ
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TITLE: Transforming to the Image of Christ
SUBJECT: Change/Repentance
PROPOSITION: Being a Christian requires a person to change his life. How do we do this? We must recognize: 1) Everyone Has Problems, 2) Our Past Does Not Define Us, 3) Winning Requires Effort, and 4) Transformation Takes Time.
OBJECTIVE: The hearer should be motivated to make changes in his or her life and to help others make changes in their lives as needed.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Romans 12:1-2
2. About the Text:
1) Tell the story of Evan Gattis.
2) The Bible has a lot to say about change.
3) We don’t want to be conformed to the world Satan has created.
4) We want to be transformed through the renewal of our minds.
5) How do we do this? How do we change?
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION: Being a Christian Requires a Person to Change. How do we do this?
I. Everyone Has Problems
1. With Evan Gattis it was substance abuse, anxiety, and depression.
1) Some may have backgrounds of bad relationships that end in divorce.
2) Some may be involved in substance abuse.
3) Some grow up in poor family conditions.
2. The Bible teaches that we all have problems.
1) Sin is the fundamental problem that affects everyone (Romans 3:23).
2) Sometimes we are the sinners (Jeremiah 17:9-10).
3) Sometimes we receive the consequences of others’ sins (Matthew 18:15).
3. I must acknowledge my own sin to do something about the problem.
1) It isn’t enough to just point the finger at others to fix the problem.
2) I must first fix the problem in me.
3) This requires repentance on my part (Acts 17:30).
II. Our Past Does Not Define Us
1. Evan Gattis could have wallowed in a place of self-pity, but he chose to move on.
2. Many let their past define them, and they can’t escape it.
1) This takes the form of false identity and pride.
2) We will be offended at others who see our issues.
3) Jesus said, “And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” (Matthew 11:6).
4) Matthew 15:12-14 – “Then His disciples came and said to Him, ‘Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?’ But He answered and said, ‘Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.’”
3. Instead, we should not let our past define us – Philippians 3:7-14.
III. Winning Requires Some Effort
1. Evan Gattis had to work to get to where he was going.
2. Salvation requires faithfulness to God.
1) “You be faithful until death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).
2) 1 Corinthians 15:58 – Perseverance
3) Hebrews 6:12 – “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
4) One of the fruit of the spirit is faithfulness – Galatians 5:22.
IV. Transformation Takes Time
1. Evan Gattis transformation didn’t happen overnight. It took at least 10 years.
2. Transformation takes time in our lives also.
1) The Lord is working on us. Sometimes we must be patient and wait on him.
2) Isaiah 40:28-31.
3. We must exercise patience in this regard.
1) James 5:7-8 “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
2) Luke 8:15 – Good soil bears fruit with patience.
CONCLUSION:
1. Transforming to the image of Christ requires us to . . .
1) Recognize our Problems and Take Responsibility of our Lives
2) Not Allow Our Past to Define Us
3) Making Some Effort so that We Can Finish the Race
4) Wait on the Lord because Transformation Takes Time.
2. Invitation