Larry Siegle · Romans 12:1, 2
Link to sermon video: Characteristics of Change – L Siegle
Reformed, Conformed, Transformed
“Characteristics of CHANGE”
(Romans 12:1, 2)
Thesis: The PROCESS God uses to transform ordinary lives into something He can use for His glory.
INTRODUCTION
1. The title of this series is, “Reformed, Conformed, Transformed”
2. The time of this message is, “Characteristics of CHANGE”
2. Redemptive history has been completed, but God continues to move in our lives (John 5:19, 20; 6:28, 29).
THE “TIMES OF SILENCE”
1. There is a growing number of people who actually believe that God has “gone out of business” and that for the past 2,000 years has been “silent”—not even a postcard, letter, or heavenly “soundbite” from Him.
a. This is the unfounded notion that the Bible—is an ‘outdated’ ancient historical book, rooted in mythology, fantasy, and fables—none of which speaks to the sophisticated “generations” of the 21st century.
b. The historical occurrences that are documented in the pages of Scripture are just stories that things that did not actually happen, or from a purely scientific mindset, could not actually happen—that of miracles.
2. However, from a purely human perspective, nobody in the early 1900’s could have imagined a world that was transformed by the industrial revolution (the invention of cars, electricity, airplanes all across the sky).
a. Even what has occurred over the past sixty years with the ability to travel into space, the use of cell phones, the ability to communicate with others all around the world over the Internet, and recent advancements in artificial
intelligence—these things would have been seen as miracles just a few “generations” ago.
b. If our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents could return today, they would be astounded by what we think of as normal.
3. It comes as no surprise that God, speaking to the Hebrew believers confirmed that Jesus is the final Word that speaks to the world then and to the world today (Heb. 1:1-4).
a. By no means is the Bible some “dead letter” (Heb. 4:12, 13)—it is both living and active and speaks to every area
of our lives and equips us to live a victorious life in a world that does not know God.
b. The word of God endures and is everlasting (Isa. 40:6-8; I Pet. 1:20-25).
c. Jesus came into the world as the Word personified—the embodiment of who God is (John 1:1-3)
1) Christ is the Creator and the Giver of life itself—and the light to empower us, guide us, and direct our steps (Psa. 119:105).
2) The Father planned the creation, the Spirit empowered it, and the Word (the Son) created it (Gen. 1:1-3).
3) Everything was spoken into existence by the Word (Psa. 119:89-91, 105; 33:6-13).
EMPOWERED TO “CHANGE”
1. Jesus promised “eternal life” to those who believe and who obey (John 3:16, 36)—faith in Christ produces the response of obedience to Him (John 14:15; Heb. 5:8, 9).
2. Obedience is not simply about “change” on the outside that comes through repentance (Acts 3:19).
a. The people of Israel we discussed last week from the prophecy of Hosea had a whole list of things that needed to “change” in order to restore relationship with God (Hos. 3:5; 4:1-3)—God had a case against the sinful actions of a
people who had forsaken their relationship with God and were facing the consequences of their actions (Gal. 6:7-10).
b. The religious leaders then and now have robbed people of the abundance that God has promised (John 10:7-10).
THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL MISSES THE POINT
1. There are teachers today who talk about the abundant life as though it could be measured by health, wealth, and material riches—which totally misses the kind of abundance that God has promised His children in the new covenant.
2. Whatever we have during our physical life (much or very little), this is not how God measures the abundance He promises.
a. God promised and has given to us access to “every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3)—this is where “eternal” life and abundance are given to us—happiness and peace of heart and mind.
b. This is where God has equipped us with “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3, 4; Eph. 4:7)—we have received the abundance of “grace” as God’s glorious “gift” through the redemptive work of Christ.
PLANNING EVERYDAY LIFE
1. “Covenant life” means walking with God every day, and trusting in Him as the One who provides “all of our needs” (Phil. 4:19), and as we plan our daily lives through prayer (James 4:13-17).
EIGHT ASPECTS OF “CHANGE” THAT WE SOMETIMES MISS
1. There are eight aspects of “change” found in Romans12:1, 2:
Here are the eight things:
Motivation of God’s Mercy: The primary motivation for presenting one’s body as a living sacrifice is God’s mercies, not just the act of sacrifice itself. God’s mercy is Him withholding the righteous judgment we deserve. Our obedience is a response to His mercy.
Kind of Sacrifice God Accepts: God desires a “living sacrifice” that is holy and acceptable. This implies dying to self, sinful passions, and desires to live for God.
Spiritual Worship: Offering our bodies as a holy and acceptable sacrifice is defined as spiritual worship. True worship must be spiritual, involving the Spirit of God, and can give a spiritual dimension to our physical resources like our bodies, time, and money when offered to God.
How to Be a Living Sacrifice: Verse 2 explains how to be a living sacrifice: do not be conformed to this world. The “world” here refers to an “age” or system opposed to God, and aligning with its patterns hinders true spiritual worship.
Transformation Resists Conforming: You cannot resist conforming to the world unless you are transformed by the continual, daily renewal of your mind. This renewal provides the mental capacity and strength, by the Spirit of God, to effectively resist worldly conformity.
Renewed Mind for Discerning God’s Will: The mind must be renewed so that, by testing, we may discern what is the will of God. Discerning God’s will is not automatic; it requires effort and knowledge of God’s word, which renews the mind.
God’s Will is Discerning by Constant Testing: The will of God is discerned by constant testing against the truth found in God’s word. There’s a logical progression: renewal of mind leads to testing, which leads to discerning.
God’s Will is Clearly Explained: God’s will is explicitly described as good, acceptable, and perfect. The word “acceptable” is repeated, indicating that what we offer to God as a living sacrifice must be acceptable, which is only possible when our minds are renewed and our lives transformed.
CONCLUSION
1. “Change” according to God’s Word involves the process of understanding ALL that is embedded in redemptive history—from beginning to end.
2. Whatever “adjustments” we can make in our daily lives (as a DIY project) cannot produce the supernatural results that comes from the imparted “covenant life” that believers have as a “present possession”
3. Believers “in Christ” (who enter into “new covenant” life with Him) have become part of God’s “new creation” (II Cor. 5:17-21).
4. “In order to change the man, you must first change the world by which the man is determined”
5. This is the “purpose of the ages” (Eph. 3:11) that has been accomplished “in Christ Jesus” and in which we now stand as believers.
Outline (Word document): OUTSIDE_IN2.docx