TOPIC: WHEN WILL YOU CHANGE? P2

Definitions:

1. An act or process through which something becomes different.

2. When we are “transformed” by the renewing of your mind

3. Biblically, this is the process of a Christian becoming more and more like Jesus Christ in all things. In other words, when we increasingly become more like the people that God created us to be.

What to change from:

1. Change from your sinful Habits like lies, back-biting, backstabbing. Proverbs 14:34 (34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.)

2. Change from Spiritual laziness, laziness to pray, laziness to fast, laziness to attend fellowship.

3. Change from the life of pride, Self-worship, ego, boasting of what you have done etc.

4. Lust of money, material things, opposite sex and same sex, alcohol, worldliness.

5. Change from the life of unforgiveness, not letting go, hatred, anger, animosity, bitterness, grudge etc. Change from the life of unfaithfulness to God, in your service and duty to God.

How to know a changed child of God

1. He will have a Desire for the Word of God always

One of the first signs of a transformed life is a desire for God’s Word. 1Peter 2:2 (2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:)

When we are born again, we hunger for the Word of God because it is our spiritual food that sustains us and gives us strength to live for Him. The Bible is not just a book of stories or rules; it is the living and active Word of God that transforms us from the inside out (Hebrews 4:12 – 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.)

Having a desire for God’s Word means that we prioritize time for the Bible. We read it, study it, and meditate on it. We allow it to speak to our hearts and transform our minds. As we spend time in the Word, we begin to see God for who He truly is, and our love for Him grows.

2. He will have the Heart to worship God

Another characteristic of a transformed life is a heart of worship. John 4:23-24 (23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.)

When we are transformed, we begin to see God for who He truly is and we respond with adoration and praise.

3. He will have the Spirit of Love in him.

A transformed life is marked by a spirit of love. John 13:35 (35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.)

When we are transformed by the love of Christ, we begin to love others as He loves us.

This kind of love is not based on our feelings or circumstances; it is a choice we make to put others before ourselves. We love even when it’s hard, we forgive even when it hurts, and we serve even when it’s inconvenient.

4. He will have a Renewal of mind

A transformed life is characterized by a mind of renewal. Ephesians 4:22-24 (22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.)

When our minds are renewed, we begin to think like Christ and our actions reflect His will.

Renewing our minds means that we replace the lies of the world with the truth of God’s Word. We reject the lies that we are not good enough, that we are worthless, or that we need to conform to the world’s standards.

5. He will live a life of obedience to God in all things

A transformed life is a life of obedience. 1 John 2:3-6 (3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.)

When we are transformed, we desire to obey God’s Word because we love Him and want to please Him. Obedience is not just about following rules; it’s about having a relationship with God. We obey His Word because we trust Him and believe that His way is best. Obedience is not always easy, but it is always worth it. When we obey God, we experience His blessings and His peace.

6. He will have a Heart of forgiveness

A transformed life is marked by a heart of forgiveness. Colossians 3:12-13 (12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.)

When we are transformed, we are able to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for a healthy relationship with God and others. When we hold onto bitterness and resentment, it only hurts us in the end.

When we forgive, we release the other person from the debt they owe us, and we free ourselves from the burden of unforgiveness. Forgiveness is a choice we make, not a feeling we wait for. When we forgive, we reflect the love and grace of God.

7. He will grow in the spirit of Service to God and His work

Finally, a transformed life is characterized by a spirit of service. Mark 10:45 (45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.)

Service is not just about doing good deeds; it’s about living out the love of Christ. When we serve others, we show them that they are valuable and loved by God. We serve with humility and kindness, not seeking recognition or reward. Service is a way we can make a difference in the world and bring glory to God.

Conclusion:

A transformed life is marked by a desire for God’s Word, a heart of worship, a spirit of love, a mind of renewal, a life of obedience, a heart of forgiveness, and a spirit of service.

These characteristics are not something we can achieve on our own, but through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. As we continue to walk in the Spirit and abide in Christ, He will transform us into His image and we will live a life that brings glory to God.