What Kind of Commitment Does It Take?  Luke 14:25-35  He wants our undivided affection.  He wants us to count the cost before making a commitment.  He wants us to be willing to surrender it all for Christ.  He wants us to be effective witness for Christ.

What Can I Expect When We Make a Difference in the Lives of Others?  Luke 19:1-8 The Transformation of Zaccheus  There are people who are interested in spiritual truth.  Some may have unethical character.  Some may be desperate in their pursuit of inner peace.  Some may be curious in learning more about Christ.

What Can I Expect When We Make a Difference in the Lives of Others?  Luke 19:1-8 The Transformation of Zaccheus  How can we make a difference in the lives of people?  Reject the temptation to “write-off” people  Take initiative to be personal and spend time with them  Be willing to face criticism

What Can I Expect When We Make a Difference in the Lives of Others?  Luke 19:1-8 The Transformation of Zaccheus  What can we expect when we make a difference in others.  A change of attitude  Actions are consistent with inner change  A desire to correct past mistakes

Introduction  Why do some believers seem more committed than others?  Renewing our minds play a huge part in cultivating a greater commitment to Christ.  Being in His Word, allowing God to speak to us, is part of that process of renewing our minds so that we can be transformed and avoid being susceptible to the influences of this world.  Being transformed allows us to become influencers through our service to others.

Main IdeaMain Idea  Intentionally allowing our minds to be changed through spiritual renewal keeps us committed to Christ and motivates us to serve Him.

Question to AnswerQuestion to Answer  What can I do to stay committed to Christ?

Romans 12:1-8Romans 12:1-8  1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

By Renewing Our MindsBy Renewing Our Minds  Romans 12:1  It helps us control our body as a means of worshipping God.  1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

By Renewing Our MindsBy Renewing Our Minds  Romans 12:2a  It helps us escape the corruption that is in this world.  2a Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

By Renewing Our MindsBy Renewing Our Minds  Romans 12:2b  It helps us know what God’s will is.  2b Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

How Do We Know When Our Minds Have Been Renewed?  Romans 12:3  When we have a proper view of ourselves.  3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

How Do We Know When Our Minds Have Been Renewed?  Romans 12:4-6a  When we recognize the different gifts that God has given  4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6a We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.

How Do We Know When Our Minds Have Been Renewed?  Romans 12:6b-8  When we serve the Lord with these gifts  6b If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Conclusion  The key to renewing our minds is by being in God’s Word.  If we are not in God’s Word them our thinking, our values, and our attitudes is being influenced and shaped by the things around us, things of this world.  Let’s make sure that we are renewing our minds so we can stay committed to Christ.

Decision TimeDecision Time  Commit to renewing your mind by being in His Word daily?  Commit to memorizing Scripture. Consider Psalm 119:11:  I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.