SF508 - MORE THAN A DECISION (Romans 12 1-2)
SF508
MORE THAN A DECISION
Romans 12:1-2
INTRODUCTION
A Public Crisis In Commitment
Why are 100 million Christians in America not making a difference?
Why do we have more empty pews than full ones?
If the Bible is God’s Word, why do so many know so little about it?
If God really answers prayer, why do so few pray?
If there really is a heaven and hell, why do so many neglect to witness?
Why is it that we never seem to have enough money to carry out God’s work?
“God’s people, most of them, have made a decision about Jesus...but have never made a commitment to Him” Charles Stanley
A Private Crisis In Commitment
No victory, unfulfilled...
“The key to spiritual victory and true happiness is not trying to get all we can from God but in giving all that we are and have to Him.” John MacArthur
COMMITMENT DEMANDS SACRIFICE (1)
Conscious Sacrifice
“Urge” - gentle command
More than a decision to do something, it is a commitment to a person.
Marriage Vows
Complete Sacrifice
“Bodies” = refers to the total person
According to the Word of God to make a commitment means to turn something over to someone.
We grow in the degree of our commitment not in the depth of it.
“Commitment to Jesus Christ means the commitment of my total person.” Charles Stanley
Consecrated Sacrifice
“Present” = (paristemi) a technical term for a priest’s placing an offering on the altar i.e. surrendering or yielding up.
Dynamic sacrifice
“Living” = willingness to surrender to Him all our hopes and plans...
Deliberate sacrifice
“Holy” = that which has been deliberately separated unto God for His service, implies availability
Delightful sacrifice
“Pleasing” = the result of this type of commitment
COMMITMENT DEMANDS SEPARATION (2a)
“Conformed” = (suschematizo) outward expression that does not reflect what is within.
“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold.” J.B. Phillips
Separation From Worldly Pleasure
Who defines “fun” in your life?
We are motivated by comfort and convenience.
Separation From Worldly Pressures
Who defines success in your life?
What motivates you to serve?
The cross is enough!
Separation From Worldly Philosophies
Who defines truth in your life?
COMMITMENT DEMANDS SUBMISSION (2B)
Submission Of Your Mind (Attitude)
(Philippians 2:5) Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
“Transformed” = (metamorphoo) denotes a change in the outward appearance that begins on the inside
“Renewed” = our minds are renewed by God’s Word
(Psalms 119:11) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
(Colossians 3:2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Submission Of Your Will
“Test and approve” = means to understand and accept as right. This comes as a result of a renewed mind.
Then we know that His will is...
“Good” = God cannot ask us to do anything that is not for our eternal good!
“Pleasing” = acceptable, God’s will is always acceptable
(1 John 5:3) This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
“Perfect” = He sees the entire scope and His will cannot be improve upon!
APPLICATION
Jesus died for you. Right now He si asking you to live for Him.
Total commitment is God’s demand!
What is your response?