Changed by Jesus

Review

Philippians 2:5–11 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Jesus came down from heaven, born in human form, gave up equality with God and made Himself nothing as a servant. He humbled Himself and died the death we deserved, paying the payment for our sin that we deserved. So that whoever repents of their sins, and Commits their life to King Jesus will have everlasting life.

The righteousness of God is ours the moment we place our faith in Jesus.

If haven’t recognized you are a sinner and placed your faith in Jesus, today is the day of salvation. Please do not wait. Discover Jesus here and now and allow Him to change the course of your life destined for hell.

Say “God I recognize I am a sinner, I believe that you came, you died, you were buried, you rose again, and you are the King. I give my life to following you. Save me and come into my life. Amen

If you have done that or just did that for the first time you become a disciple of Jesus. So what’s next?

We started by defining a disciple from Matthew 4:19 ““Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.””

One that is following Jesus

One that is being changed by Jesus

One that is on mission with Jesus

2 weeks ago we went over what it looks like to follow Jesus

Following has the idea there is a leader and there is one submitted to the leader

We must be submitted to Jesus

We must show up to meet with Him.

personal devotion time reading and praying

worship time

church

youth group

small group

hanging with the right friends

etc

If I am following someone they are influencing me in some way

If you want to be influenced by Jesus you must put in the effort to follow Him

Today I want to talk about being changed by Jesus

The goal of sanctification is to restore in you and me the image of God that sin has broken

Jesus is that image we are being shaped back into.

Following Jesus is designed to change us into that image

But have you notice how human nature tends to resist change?

Resistance to Change

The 1 point in change I want to address is Resistance

reasons why people resist change

Fear of failure

If I am asked to change I might not be good at the new way

Comfort

the new way is hard, I think I’ll keep doing what I’m already doing

What if I can’t do some things I enjoy doing or be with people I enjoy being with

Lack of Clarity

I’m not sure how to change

Selfishness

I like my way, You are asking me to give up me for others, no thanks

Mistrust

Always questioning the motives of the leader

Now I want to say resistance to change really has to do with knowing who is asking us to change

It’s about trust our leader

That’s why I called this series first.

Our leader is not asking us to be something He is not nor do something He has not already done.

Jesus has led by example.

We can trust Him

Fear - we don’t have to fear failure because He says he will complete the work he started in us.

God is faithful and will help you become who He is calling you to be. Don’t resist because of fear

Comfort - You think it was comfortable dying on a cross being beaten to the point of being unrecognizable

The change God asks for may be uncomfortable to our flesh, but it’s always rewarding where it counts

Your leaders are a great example of this. They could be comfortable on their couches right now, but instead they are here. Although it may be the harder option, it’s rewarding watching you grow and mature, it’s rewarding seeing people set free from bondage, but it does take work and getting out of our comfort zones.

Lack of clarity

Clarity comes from God’s word and God’s Spirit. Allow God to have the change in you. Don’t go looking for every rule to follow and become a pharisee even creating new rules, but be changed as you discover areas of your life that don’t look like Jesus.

Story of movies in my life

Selfishness - I have to remind myself of what God says is at the root of me, a deceptive wicked heart. Don’t follow your heart, follow Jesus.

What Jesus calls us to do will be contrary to our flesh and the word. Part of us will not like it. At first this part is big.

Be aware of the flesh and prepare to battle it’s resistance

How to prepare?

Mistrust - You can trust John 3:16–17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

You can trust the one who came to rescue you from your own condemnation by giving his life for you

So do not Resist change that comes from God

The change being made in God’s people is ultimately to show the world God’s love, the gospel living in you and me.

Change is a process and happens over our lifetime on earth.

It’s the result of falling in love

Has anyone ever fallen in love here or think they have?

When you fall in love, you are excited to change for the person and desire to change into what they need.

You cut your hair, clean your room, take a shower, talk nice, spend resources differently, hang out less with the old friends, and the list goes on.

Fall in love with God, the one who is in love with you. He gave His one and only Son he loves you so much.

What are you willing to give Him?

What is God wanting you to change?

There are black and white sins that we should stop doing in our life as Christians, but there are also things we do that are not sinful, but they are wasteful and aren’t producing anything healthy in us. video games, screen time, sports, hobbies,

Don’t take this as I am telling you what to do or what to give to God. Spend time with Him and as He convicts you to change, don’t resist, but be obedient.

Great commission - Teach them to obey.