A Tea Bag In Hot Water “A Transformed Life”

Introduction Topic – A Transformed Life A tea bag will teach the lesson God wants us changed (transformed) transformed Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Introduction Some Questions to Ponder: – What does God mean by change? – Why do we need to change? – What does God expect of us? CHANGE – Some might turn me off here – I am not talking about adding a piano – I am talking about personal change

Introduction Are you discontented? Feelings of Doubt? Missing God’s best? Could you do better?

PROCESS of Change Most of you are Christians, born-again, have a personal relationship with God But, the flesh is still present. Look at the tea bag. – Put the tea bag in hot water – let it steep – The water becomes the flavor of the tea Our lives are like that

PROCESS of Change The hot water experiences that surround you – draw out the flavor of your heart Three simple examples will illustrate what I am trying to say tonight

PROCESS of Change PIGS – play in the mud, dirty, eat “slop” Select one – clean it up, dress it, set it in your recliner 1 st Chance – out the door, back to the mud puddle

PROCESS of Change Why did the pig return to the mud? Cleaned up – it is still a pig. “Pouring perfume on a pig, won’t make it a lady.”

PROCESS of Change Your old car is clanking, sputtering, blowing blue smoke Much improved looks – But it still clanks, sputters, and blows blue smoke Why? The engine is bad

PROCESS of Change You have a lemon tree in your back yard You want oranges Pick all the lemons Tie on some oranges Now you have an orange tree

PROCESS of Change Next year – Lemons again You can’t just change fruit You must change trees

PROCESS of Change Matthew 7:16-17 Matthew 7: You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

PROCESS of Change Matthew 7:18-20 Matthew 7: A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

PURPOSE of Change Why do we NEED to change? Romans 12:1a –Urges – “I beseech you” Romans 12:1b – Reasonable - which is your reasonable service Romans 12:2a – Command - And do not be conformed to this world,

PURPOSE of Change Romans 12:2b – Purpose - that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 1 Timothy 2:20b - useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

PURPOSE of Change God uses circumstances in our lives to humble us Then he can use us He does not: – Perfume the pig – Paint the clunker – Change the fruit

PURPOSE of Change God seeks to change the very heart and soul The purpose of change is not surface, cosmetic It is to change our very essence

PERSONS of Change Man’s Part Man’s Part – Present your body as sacrifice – Be transformed – Renew your mind Surrender 3 facets of your life – Your Body, Your Mind, Your Will

PERSONS of Change God’s Part God’s Part – God will save us – He will love us – He will forgive us – He will adopt us – He will accept us

Invitation to Change Are you in hot water? God is not cruel He is trying to change you This is the transformed life

Invitation to Change metamorphosis The word for “transformed” in Romans 12:2 – is metamorphosis Change from this To this