Matthew 18:3
Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Acts 3:19
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.
"Am I more about being a Disciple or the idea of it"
How can I know?
I. A new creation in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
New does not mean finished
The old pattern is no longer our master.
- Flesh pulls.
- The Spirit leads.
- Faith chooses.
II. A changed purpose
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Taking Inventory
- What do I love?
- What receives my hours?
- What am I seeking?
III. Seek the kingdom first
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
A kingdom-first life
- My preference/His will
- My reputation/His righteousness
- My comfort/ His kingdom
IV. Delight in the commands
Psalm 40:8
I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.
What is your attitude?
V. Delight in worship
Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.”
Worship is a response, not a chore
“I am glad to come.”
VI. Willing to sacrifice
2 Corinthians 8:1-5
The churches of Macedonia gave generously in spite of deep poverty. They gave according to their ability, and beyond their ability, willingly, asking that they might share in serving the saints. They first gave themselves to the Lord.
Changes
- My body
- My time
- My abilities
- My possessions
- All offered to the Lord
Conversion is a continuing direction
Conversion is not a score. It is a direction: never stop turning toward Christ.
Have you been truly converted?
Five questions for the heart
- Have you given yourself fully to Jesus Christ as not only your Savior but also your guide?
- Are you allowing the will of God to mold you into Christ’s image?
- What do you love, and what receives your first attention?
- Do you delight in God’s commands and in worshiping Him?
- Where is the Lord asking you to sacrifice?
2 Corinthians 5:17
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
Discussion
- What is conversion? How is it accomplished?
- What does it mean to be a “new creation?”
- As a Christian, what is to be one’s purpose in life?
- How is one to delight in the commands of the Lord?
- How is one to delight in worshiping the Lord?
- In what ways is a Christian to sacrifice?
- Why must conversion continue after baptism?