7/31/13

From Gary... Created to Love

I have made so many "dog" posts this week, I should probably call this week- DOG WEEK!! Well, here is another picture of a dog and a video to go along with it. Both are cute, but God finished his creation on the sixth day. Other than that, I loved the video!!! Over the past few months, I have changed to a "dog lover" and that is a good thing. They do take a lot of time and in some ways, its just like having babies all over again. Since the video mentions creation, the following seemed appropriate...

Genesis, Chapter 1

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep and God’s Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.

3 God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day”, and the darkness he called “night”. There was evening and there was morning, the first day.

6 God said, “Let there be an expanse in the middle of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. 8 God called the expanse “sky”. There was evening and there was morning, a second day.

9 God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. 10 God called the dry land “earth”, and the gathering together of the waters he called “seas”. God saw that it was good. 11 God said, “Let the earth yield grass, herbs yielding seeds, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with their seeds in it, on the earth”; and it was so. 12 The earth yielded grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, with their seeds in it, after their kind; and God saw that it was good. 13 There was evening and there was morning, a third day.

14 God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs to mark seasons, days, and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the expanse of sky to give light on the earth”; and it was so. 16 God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the expanse of sky to give light to the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. 19 There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

20 God said, “Let the waters abound with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of sky.” 21 God created the large sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

24 God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind”; and it was so. 25 God made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. God saw that it was good.

26 God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. 28 God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food. 30 To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;” and it was so.

31 God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

God didn't make a dog on the ninth day because he finished everything on the sixth. However, that HE did make dogs is truly a blessing. At least until that little creature pees or poops on the rug... But, after I finish the "clean up" I remember how much I am loved and take it from there. Love does things like "clean up" and in a very short time, I seem to forget all about it. God created ME that way...

From Jim McGuiggan... WHAT JESUS DIDN'T DO

WHAT JESUS DIDN'T DO

He didn’t plead God into a good mood

He didn’t bribe God into being gracious and kind

He didn’t purchase grace from God for man

He didn’t come to wring his hands and commiserate

He didn’t come with a “I suppose I must” attitude

He didn’t come with a “hope I can do something” spirit

He didn’t come with a “if this isn’t working I'll walk away” spirit

He didn’t come to signal God “had become nicer than he used to be”

He didn’t come to say God had changed his purpose toward humanity

He didn’t come to be conquered by the evil powers

He didn’t come to condemn the world

He didn’t stay dead

He didn’t come to turn us into “lotus eaters”

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... That's Jesus for you

That's Jesus for you

"Today you will be with me in Paradise!"

Who said that?

"Before this day is out, you'll be with me in Paradise."

Who said that? What day was that?

The massive crowds were singing his praises, the church leaders urged their flocks to come with them to hear him, his friends glowed in admiration and pride for their hero, the people with the power supported his cause, good women laughed out loud at the spectacle of it all and the power to heal flowed from him like Niagara! No wonder he thought it was a heavenly day—the world was glorious, his message had been understood and the nations rejoiced in it. No wonder he could speak words of assurance to a desperate man! The world was at his feet.

That was the day?

Hardly!

"Today…Paradise!"

Today! While the legionnaires of the Empire ruled the country and the world, dealing out misery and death as the way to peace and prosperity—that day he said "this very day!"

Today! While lunatic leaders who didn't know what they were doing yet knew how wise it was to railroad an innocent man to death to maintain the status quo.

Today! While he hung on a public gallows, thirsty, streaked with spit and sweat and blood, rejected by his own people, dismissed as another failed rebel by Rome, deserted by his closest friends and abandoned by his Holy Father?

Arrrgh! What nonsense he spoke!

He spoke as if he was in control. But how could he be in control, for pity's sake, when there he hangs on a public gallows, with a raging thirst and helpless women sobbing their hearts out?

Yes, it's awfully sweet. The way he spoke tenderly to that poor wretch. How it warms the heart. It has that soft chamber-music sound, like something Mendelssohn wrote. It's like something you'd expect in a quiet bedroom; a sad dying one hears a word of warm assurance. "Today you will be with me in Paradise."

But it wasn't a whispered promise in a quiet bedroom, was it? It might even have been half-shouted so that it could be heard above the surge of voices and weeping and hoarse yelling and jeering.

He looked at the rage and the stupidity, the hunger for power and the vested interests and knew exactly what he was looking at and still claims that the future lay with him!

If we can't rejoice with that dying thief we're lacking something we desperately need to be fully human but we need to go beyond what these words of Jesus meant for that poor soul. We need to remember the day on which he spoke such words and what they mean for the world.

He looked at a world that will crucify people—good and bad—and insisted that the future lay with him. He was making a claim and not just a promise! Can you beat that? That Jesus for you!

Don't let the world fool you! Look at it and acknowledge it as brutal and rapacious and treacherous as it is and can be. And then, if you listen really hard you'll hear:

"Today…Paradise."

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... SEEING HIS FACE

SEEING HIS FACE

I can’t confess a level of holiness or affection for Jesus that leads me to be ecstatic at the very thought of seeing his face. There are things I can say about him that have the full consent of my heart but there are other faces that generate in me a level of tender affection that I don’t feel about Jesus at present. To name no more just let me mention Ethel and Jim and Linda and George, our children—the thought of these fills me with an affection I don’t feel for God or Jesus. I’m not sure that that’s a defect though I often think it must be. Surely, I tell myself, since he has been so good to me down the years I should feel affection for him above all others. I feel many things toward him but affection isn’t how I’d characterize them. The lack of such a feeling is what it is and he knows it and knows how to respond to it. However he judges it is how it should be understood. I accept that.

Within my present limits I can fully acknowledge my own utter dependence on him and my conviction that all of us without exception are and can be nothing without him. My feelings for him and my attitude toward him come to me through what I know of him through the scriptures and life’s blessings and experiences. Right now there are faces I am more eager to see than his dear face but I am looking forward to seeing the face of him who has made all other faces beloved to me.

I look forward to seeing the face of him who gave me my Ethel and all the joy and the richness of her presence in my life!

I look forward to seeing the face of him who gave us our children who have enriched and blessed us.

I look forward to seeing the face of him I have to thank for friends who would not let me go and helped me stay on my feet in perilous and painful times.

I look forward to seeing the face of him who blessed me (as he has blessed millions) with forgiveness and the assurance of life with him and those I have come to know and love through him.

I look forward to seeing the face of him who called me (as he has called millions of others) to a place of service and to a mission in human history that stuns the imagination.

I look forward to seeing the face of him who has given me (as he has given millions of others) the assurance and confidence that I will see my Ethel again, all fresh and new and well and deathless and joy-filled and that we can “hang-out” together forever.

All that and more I feel. It may not be “affection” but it’s something and it’s heartfelt and saturated with gratitude.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Jim McGuiggan... King Jesus: What does he do?

King Jesus: What does he do?

The gospel isn’t a description of how we are to live life if we are to get the best out of it. It isn’t even a set of instructions telling us how we’re to live to make sure we will have a good post-mortem experience. In fact, the gospel isn’t about us at all except as a direct consequence. It’s about God and about what he has done, is doing and will complete in Jesus whom God has made Lord of All.

The gospel isn’t a private message addressed to individuals who want to be wise and good and it isn’t the wise and mostly correct theological formulations we come up with though these are ways to get at the gospel and ways to give voice to it various facets. The word itself says it is good news—it’s always good news. It’s always “news” because, as William Willimon said, “It is not common knowledge, nor what nine out of ten average Americans [or Brits] already know. Gospel doesn't come naturally. It comes as Jesus.”

By the time the wise ones of the Western world in the 18^th and 19^th centuries had thrown out miracles, divinely guided history and insisted that all religion was the result of the evolution of man’s body and mind—by that time the Bible was hardly worth the paper and ink it takes to print it. But what were these wise people to do with Jesus Christ when they did all that? They knew they couldn’t simply dismiss him but they knew they couldn’t accept him as the NT presented him so with their new found self-confidence they got to work on the biblical witness. They carefully cleaned off the surface portrait they said the NT offered and came back to tell us that they’d found the true and original one underneath.

It turned out that the real Jesus was an ordinary but lovely human who taught very wise things and wanted us all to be nice to one another. Fancy that—the real Jesus turned out to be like themselves!

And his teaching, when all the myths and silly claims that his followers conjured up were thrown out, turned out to be the kind of thing that any intelligent and decent person could have agreed with. In fact, it was the kind of thing they would have jotted down on a note pad if they’d been asked how life should be lived. You know, treat others as you would like them to treat you; that sort of thing. Hmmm, well, whatever else that is it isn’t “gospel” and it isn’t what galvanized the early believers into taking on the world powers in a no-quarter-given war.

In Acts 2:23, 36 Peter told his listeners that God had made Jesus “Lord” despite the fact that they and their leaders tried to prevent it! (See Psalm 2 and Acts 4:23-28 for a development of that truth.) Later, faced with something like the Jewish Supreme Court, Peter and John wouldn’t give an inch and insisted that God had exalted Jesus and made him Prince and Saviour (Acts 4 & 5:30-32).

The “heralds,” whose job it was to publicly proclaim “good news,” proclaimed things they said were true and were good news whether the hearers liked them or not. The Priene Inscription makes that very clear when it speaks of the emperor Augustus.

Paulus Fabius Maximus proconsul of a Greek province wanted to honour Augustus, Rome’s first emperor. His birthday was celebrated on 23^rd of September (the beginning of the civil year). The inscription (dated about 9 B.C.) reads,

“It is a day which we may justly count as equivalent to the beginning of everything...Whereas the Providence which has ordered the whole of our life, showing concern and zeal, has ordained the most perfect consummation for human life by giving to it Augustus, by filling him with virtue for doing the work of a benefactor among men, and by sending in him, as it were a saviour [soter] for us and those who come after us, to make war to cease, to create order everywhere...and whereas the birthday of the God [Augustus] was the beginning for the world of good news [euaggelion] that have come to men through him...Paulus Fabius Maximus, the proconsul of the province...has devised a way of honouring Augustus hitherto unknown to the Greeks, which is, that the reckoning of time for the course of human life should begin with his birth.”

The proconsul wasn’t saying that Augustus was a saviour if people believed on him and he wasn’t asking their opinion about the emperor. He was announcing that with the birthday of Augustus providence had given humanity a saviour, a peace-bringer, a benefactor and one who gave order to their lives. This he announced was “good news”; he wasn’t calling for a debate or agreement.

Peter insisted that Jesus was Lord before the Sannhedrin and told them it didn’t really make any difference to him what they thought about that matter (see Acts 4:19-20 and Acts 5:28-29). And when Paul entered the Roman city of Philippi (constituted an imperial province by Augustus himself) he said that God had made JESUS Lord (Philippians 2:5-11); it wasn’t an invitation—it was a counter-claim! Rome hung him on a cross as a failed rebel against Roman dominion (2:8) but God raised and exalted him to the place of “Lord” (kurios, a title claimed by the Caesars) above all kings and lords.

Paulus Fabius Maximus said the coming of Augustus was the beginning of “good news” for the world and Paul denied that, saying that the coming of Jesus was the beginning of good news for the world; Jesus was the true saviour, peace-bringer, benefactor and it is in Jesus that all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).

Whatever Westerners say when they or their loved ones are faced with serious disease and death or some calamity, in practice the Enlightenment view of Jesus seems to have the upper hand in our lives. Jesus lived way back then, was a nice person, wise in many ways like Buddha and has affected Western society in many good ways but he isn’t much help in the 21^st century and the person who isn’t of much help to us (individually or nationally) can politely be sidelined.

Of course if he were doing something it would be difficult to confine him to little rented halls and run-down church-buildings where little handfuls of people gather in a ceaseless search for forgiveness for their sins. But what does he actually do? Even his “faithful” lament that their prayers are mostly unanswered. (Click here)

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Bill Dayton.... FINDING TRUE CONTENTMENT

FINDING TRUE CONTENTMENT

In the 23 Psalm, David refers to Jesus as our Good Shepherd. We are the Lord’s beloved sheep (John 10:14), and as such we are to live our spiritual lives totally dependent on Him. In verses 1-3 we learn that as the Lord’s own, He desires us to be completely content and satisfied. David writes” …He leads me beside the still waters.” (vs. 2). In the natural world, any animal is made aware of water lack by thirst. Thirst indicates the need of the body to have its water supply replenished from a source outside itself. Now, just as the physical body has a capacity and need for water, so Scripture points out to us clearly that the human personality, the human soul has a capacity and need for the Spiritual water provided by our Lord that leads to life everlasting. (John 4:14).

When sheep are thirsty they become restless and set out in search of water. If not led to the good water supplies that are pure and clean, they will often end up drinking from polluted pot holes where they pick up parasites and disease. And in precisely the same manner, our Good Shepherd, made it clear that thirsty souls can only be fully satisfied when their great need is fully quenched by drawing on the living water found in Him. Jesus stated in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they SHALL be filled (satisfied).” At the great feast in Jerusalem He stated boldly: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” (John 6:35). “To drink” in spiritual terminology simply means to “take in” or “to accept.” This implies that a person assimilates the life of God in Christ to the point where it becomes a part of him. The Word of God is pure (Proverbs 30:5) and fills all our deepest needs.

Our Lord loves to see His children contented, quiet, and at rest. If we find ourselves becoming restless, anxious or in Spiritual need, He is waiting and watching by the still waters.

From Mark Copeland... Finding Our Function In The Body (Romans 12:3-8)

                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

               Finding Our Function In The Body (12:3-8)

INTRODUCTION

1. In our text, we find Paul expressing several principles concerning
   the church...
   a. Christians are one body in Christ
   b. As one body, we are individually members of one another
   c. The members do not have the same function
   d. We should serve in whatever function God has given us ability

2. The last two principles often cause one to ask...
   a. "What is my function in the body of Christ?"
   b. "How do I determine what function(s) I have?"

3. It may help to compare it to choosing a vocation...
   a. There are principles used in determining one's aptitude and
      vocational direction
   b. These principles may help one determine what our functions might
      be in the body of Christ

[For example, when people contemplate career choices, one thing they do
is acquaint themselves with job descriptions.  So let's...]

I. EXAMINE THE FUNCTIONS

   A. PROPHECY (Preaching)...
      1. The Greek word propheteia is defined as "the speaking forth of
         the mind counsel of God" - Vine's
      2. Originally, this referred to the gift of the Spirit by which
         one was inspired to reveal God's truth
      3. Today, the service most akin to prophecy is preaching
         a. Where one proclaims the counsel of God as already revealed
         b. By expounding upon the Word of God, not through direct
            inspiration

   B. MINISTRY (Serving)...
      1. The Greek word diakonia means "to serve"
      2. It is often used to describe any sort of service
         a. E.g., the service offered by Timothy - 2Ti 4:5
         b. E.g., the service offered by Phoebe - Ro 16:1-2
      3. In a more official capacity, it is used to describe those
         qualified and appointed to serve as deacons (diakonos)

   C. TEACHING (Instructing)...
      1. Involves instructing others of the Word of God
      2. There are variations of this function
         a. Private teaching - e.g., Ac 18:26
         b. Older women teaching the younger women - Tit 2:4
         c. Teaching in more formal sense, which not all were to do
            - cf. Jm 3:1

   D. EXHORTING (Building up)...
      1. The ability to build up and strengthen others
      2. Some may do this publicly (e.g., preachers, teachers) - e.g.,
         Barnabas
      3. Others may be adept to it more privately and daily - He 3:12-13

   E. GIVING (Sharing)...
      1. Some people find themselves abundantly blessed
      2. I.e., God has given them "seed for sowing fruits of
         righteousness" - cf. 2Co 9:8-11
      3. Thus it is within their ability and responsibility to give and
         bless others - 1Ti 6:17-19

   F. LEADING (Shepherding)...
      1. This likely refers to the work of elders (pastors, overseers)
         - cf. Ac 20:17,28; 1Pe 5:1-2
      2. They have the responsibility of watching out for our souls - He 13:17
      3. They must meet specific qualifications to serve in this
         function - cf. 1Ti 3:1-7; Tit 1:5-9

   G. SHOWING MERCY (Loving)...
      1. Perhaps this service is best illustrated in Mt 25:35-36
      2. Can involve visiting the sick, the dying, the bereaved;
         ministering to those in prison, etc.

[I doubt Paul's list is meant to be exhaustive; but it illustrates that
there is a great variety of functions in the body of Christ.  With an
understanding of the options of service available, how do we know which
one(s) we may be best suited for?  Those in career counseling would
suggest that one...]

II. EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES

   A. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES...
      1. E.g., training programs offered in teaching, preaching,
         evangelism, etc.
      2. E.g., experienced brethren (going with them as they fulfilled
         their service; "job shadowing")
      3. Even if you prove not to have the potential for a certain work,
         you gain understanding and appreciation for what others do

   B. TRY SERVING IN ALL AREAS OPEN TO YOU...
      1. Be willing to try everything you can
      2. You may have a talent you did not know you had!
      3. You may find yourself to have many talents!

   C. DON'T GIVE UP AFTER THE FIRST FEW TRIES...
      1. Failures may be due to inexperience, not lack of potential
      2. Only with time and many efforts can we know what might be our
         forte

[As you explore the opportunities given you, be open to advice and
counsel from others...]

III. INQUIRE FOR ADVICE

   A. OTHERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE OBJECTIVE...
      1. Pride can get in the way - cf. Ro 12:3
      2. Others may see our strengths and weaknesses more clearly
      3. They may see where weaknesses are due to inability and not
         inexperience

   B. ESPECIALLY MATURE CHRISTIANS...
      1. Such as elders
         a. Who must be multitalented men of experience
         b. Part of their role as elders
      2. Other older Christians are often very helpful

CONCLUSION

1. The more diligent one can be to...
   a. Examine the functions of service in the body of Christ
   b. Explore the opportunities to learn and serve in the different
      functions
   c. Inquire for advice from others
   -- The sooner one should be able to discern what is their function in
      the body of Christ

2. Then the challenge becomes one of being diligent in utilizing our
   function...
   a. As Paul admonishes his readers in our text - cf. Ro 12:6-8
   b. As Peter admonishes his readers in his epistle - cf. 1Pe 4:10-11

Brethren, there is much work to do.  Let us be diligent to do it "with
the ability God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified
through Jesus Christ..." - 1Pe 4:11

From Mark Copeland... Be Transformed (Romans 12:1-2)

                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                        Be Transformed (12:1-2)

INTRODUCTION

1. In Ro 12:1-2, Paul makes the following plea regarding transforming
   our lives:

   "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
   you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to
   God, [which is] your reasonable service. 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."

2. As we consider this text, several questions come to mind...
   a. What does it mean to be transformed?
   b. What is the goal of transformation?
   c. What should motivate us to undergo transformation?
   d. What does one do in order to experience transformation?

[Starting with the first question ("What does it mean to be
transformed?"), let's consider . . . ]

I. THE DEFINITION OF TRANSFORMATION

   A. THE WORD... 
      1. The Greek word is metamorphoo (met-am-or-fo'-o)
         a. Lit., "to change into another form" (Vine's)
         b. From which comes the word "metamorphosis"
         c. Used to describe a change of form (e.g., when a caterpillar
            becomes a butterfly)
      2. In the NT, this word is used to describe:
         a. What happened to Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration - Mt 17:1-2
         b. What is to happen to Christians in their service to God - Ro 12:1-2

   B. THE CONCEPT...
      1. The idea being commanded by Paul is this:
         a. Christians are "to undergo a complete change, which under
            the power of God, will find expression in character and
            conduct"  (Vine's)
         b. I.e., we who are "caterpillars" are to become "butterflies"
      2. Note that Paul uses the passive voice
         a. Indicating that "transformation" is something we allow to be
            done to us
         b. Not something we do by our own power alone
         c. Rather, we submit to God's power and by His grace...
            1) We are "changed into another form"
            2) We become a "new creation" - cf. 2Co 5:17

[But this leads us to our second question ("What is the goal of
transformation?")...]

II. THE GOAL OF TRANSFORMATION

   A. TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST...
      1. As expressed by Paul - 2Co 3:18
      2. As predestined by God - Ro 8:29
      3. The purpose of being a disciple (to become like his teacher)
         - Lk 6:40
      4. The goal of Christian living - cf. Col 3:9-10

   B. TO LIVE LIKE CHRIST...
      1. To present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, acceptable to
         God
         a. Is this not what Jesus did on earth? - cf. He 10:5
         b. So we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices - Ro 12:1
      2. To prove that God's will is good, acceptable, and perfect
         a. Was this not Jesus sought to do on earth? - cf. Jn 6:38
         b. So we are to demonstrate that God's will is right - Ro 12:2

[Such is the goal of being transformed; indeed, it is the goal of being
a Christian!  Yet why do many never experience the transformation God
offers?  Why do they remain "caterpillars"?  Perhaps they lack the
proper motivation...]

III. THE MOTIVATION FOR TRANSFORMATION

   A. THE MERCIES OF GOD...
      1. In our text, Paul appealed to transformation based on God's
         mercies - Ro 12:1
      2. What mercies of God had Paul discussed earlier in his epistle?
         a. Freedom from sin - Ro 6:16-18
         b. Gift of eternal life - Ro 6:23
         c. Peace with God - Ro 5:1
         d. Access to the grace of God - Ro 5:2
         e. Saved from the wrath of God - Ro 5:9
      -- Should not God's mercy move us to repent and seek
         transformation? - cf. Ro 2:4-5

   B. THE LOVE OF CHRIST...
      1. Elsewhere, Paul revealed the motivating power of the love of
         Christ - 2Co 5:14-15
      2. Such love compelled him to live for Jesus - cf. Ga 2:20
      -- Does not the love of Christ move us to live FOR Him and LIKE
         Him?

   C. THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE...
      1. The alternative to being transformed is being conformed to this
         world - Ro 12:1
         a. The word conformed (suschematizo, soos-khay-mat-id'-zo) as
            used here implies that which is "transitory, changeable,
            unstable" (Vine's)
         b. I.e., at the most we can only be an imitation, a cheap copy
      2. If not transformed, we will either be conformed to...
         a. The world
            1) Act like the world, be like those in the world
            2) In which we will bring shame to the name of Christ
         b. Other Christians
            1) Outwardly we may act like Christians, appear like them
            2) But it will be just a cheap "copy", which eventually
               reveals its true nature!
         -- Is that what we want? To bring shame to the name of Christ?
            To be "plastic" Christians, or to be the real thing?

[Why not let the mercies of God and the love of Christ motivate us to
seek transformation?  The process is not as difficult as one might
think...]

IV. THE PROCESS OF TRANSFORMATION

   A. IN THE BEGINNING...
      1. Remember, transformation is a passive process ("be
         transformed") - Ro 12:2
         a. We cannot change ourselves by our own strength or
            meritorious works
         b. As Paul vividly illustrated his dilemma prior to his
            conversion - Ro 7:14-24
         -- We must submit to God's working on us!
      2. It begins when we are baptized into Christ!
         a. For there we experience the working of God - Col 2:11-13
            1) Spiritually circumcised as our sins are removed
            2) Buried then raised with Christ
            3) Made alive with Christ, forgiven of all trespasses
         b. For there we experience the renewal of the Spirit - Tit 3:5
            1) Saved by the mercy of God
            2) Involving a washing of regeneration and renewal of the
               Holy Spirit
         c. For there we rise to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-8
            1) Having been buried with Christ by baptism into His death
            2) Having been crucified with Christ that we might be free
               from sin
            3) Having been raised to live with Christ
         -- When joined with faith and repentance, baptism becomes the
            starting point in which true transformation can take place!
            - cf. Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38

   B. RENEWING THE MIND...
      1. The process of transformation continues as we renew the mind
         a. As indicated in our text - Ro 12:2; cf. also Ep 4:20-24
         b. Unless there is a renewing of the mind, any change in our
            lives will be superficial
      2. Renewing the mind is made possible by where we set our minds
         a. Setting our minds on things above - Col 3:1-2
         b. Setting our minds on the things of the Spirit - Ro 8:5
         c. I.e., feeding our minds with the Word of God, prayer,
            fellowship, etc. - Ac 2:42
      3. With our minds "renewed" we can experience a true
         transformation!
         a. By putting off the old man and putting on the new man - cf.
            Col 3:2,5-10
         b. By living according to the Spirit - cf. Ro 8:5,13
      4. The process of transformation is really quite simple
         a. Set your minds on things above in order to renew your mind;
            for example...
            1) Meditate and contemplate on God and His Word
            2) Keep your mind in communication with God via prayer
            3) Involve your mind in spiritual worship via frequent
               assembling with others
            4) Center your mind on Jesus via the Lord's Supper
            ...and your mind will gradually be renewed!
         b. With renewed minds, it becomes possible to put off the old,
            and put on the new!
            1) To put off the old man with its sins
            2) To put on the new man patterned after the example of
               Christ
      5. Modern studies in self-improvement confirm this truth
         a. We become what we think
         b. We can change attitudes and behavior by filling our mind
            with positive mental images
      -- In our efforts, we are not alone; God is at work with us! - cf.
         Php 1:6; 2:12-13

   C. WHAT HINDERS MANY CHRISTIANS...
      1. If it is so easy, why do many Christians remain "caterpillars"?
         a. Were they not regenerated at their baptism? (yes)
         b. Don't they have the promise of God's help? (yes)
      2. The problem is likely a failure to renew the mind
         a. Can a mind be renewed on a starvation diet? (e.g., irregular
            Bible study)
         b. Can a mind be renewed on a junk-food diet? (e.g., trashy
            movies and novels)
      3. Why many Christians do not experience transformation...
         a. They become what they think, and much of what they think
            upon is not becoming!
         b. They spend more time watching things of the devil than
            reading things of the Spirit!
      -- Our attitudes and behavior is but a reflection of what goes
         into our minds!

CONCLUSION

1. We have been called to be "transformed" into the image of Christ...
   a. We have all the motivation we need (God's mercies and Christ's
      love)
   b. We have the opportunity to start anew by the washing of
      regeneration
   c. We must allow our minds to be renewed by setting them on things
      above
   -- Are we submitting to "brain surgery" by the Great Physician...?

2. God wants to give us a complete "make over"...
   a. He has provided the means (Jesus' blood)  to remove the deformity
      of sin
   b. He provides the tools (Bible study, prayer, fellowship) to fashion
      a new person
   -- Are we making good use of the mercies of God?

In light of God's wonderful grace, this is our "reasonable" service.
Shall we not prove to the world that God's will is "good, acceptable,
and perfect"...?

From Mark Copeland... Freedom From Sin (Romans 8:1-25)

                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                       Freedom From Sin (8:1-25)

INTRODUCTION

1. How seriously do we take the problem of sin...?
   a. The guilt of sin?
   b. The power of sin?
   c. The corruption of sin?

2. Do we really appreciate the freedom from sin...?
   a. That we can experience now in our lives?
   b. That we can look forward to in the future?

[In Ro 8:1-25, Paul writes about the freedom from sin that one finds in
Christ.  To appreciate more fully the blessings we have in Christ,
consider that there is first...]

I. FREEDOM FROM THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN (1-4)

   A. THE CONDEMNATION OF SIN...
      1. Everyone is guilty of sin - Ro 3:23; 1Jn 1:8
      2. Even if one committed just one sin (if such were possible!)
         - Jm 2:10-11
      3. Unforgiven sin separates us from God - Isa 59:1-2
      4. The ultimate condemnation is death (esp. the 'second' death)
         - Ro 6:23; cf. Re 21:8
      -- That all are guilty of sin is the main point of Romans 1-3

   B. THERE IS FREEDOM....
      1. From condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus - Ro 8:1;
         cf. Ga 3:27
         a. For in Christ there is propitiation, redemption,
            justification - Ro 3:24-26
         b. For in baptism there is death to sin, newness of life - Ro 6:3-8
      2. Who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the
         Spirit - Ro 8:1,4
         a. Explained more fully later in the chapter (and in this
            lesson)
         b. Also in Paul's epistle to the Galatians - cf. Ga 5:16-26
      3. Made possible by:
         a. The law (principle) of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus
            - Ro 8:2
            1) Which sets one free from the law of sin and death - cf.
               Tit 3:4-7
            2) The law of sin and death which enslaves, mentioned in Ro 7:21-25
         b. The death of Christ - Ro 8:3-4
            1) Doing what the Law of Moses could not do
            2) Condemning sin in the flesh
            3) Fulfilling the righteous requirement of the Law for us
      -- That justification (no condemnation) is found in Christ is the
         theme of Romans 4-7

[Thus the freedom from sin that we enjoy in Christ involves freedom from
the condemnation of sin.  But there is more!  There is also...]

II. FREEDOM FROM THE POWER OF SIN (5-17)

   A. THE POWER OF SIN...
      1. The problem of sin is not limited to guilt
         a. As if the guilt of sin weren't bad enough!
         b. Sin also has power to enslave a person so they can't do what
            they want to do!
      2. Jesus described the power of sin - Jn 8:31-34
         a. The freedom under consideration is freedom from the slavery
            of sin!
         b. When one commits sin, they become a slave of sin!
      3. Paul vividly depicted his life under the bondage of sin - Ro 7:14-24
         a. He was "sold under sin"
         b. He could not do what he wanted, and what he did not wish to
            do, he did
         c. He found that "sin dwells in me"
         d. Though he desired to do good, "how to perform what is good I
            do not find"
         e. He was brought "into captivity to the law of sin which is in
            my members"
         f. It made him "wretched", crying out for deliverance from
            "this body of death"
      -- Sin has the power to enslave, and mankind needs deliverance!

   B. THERE IS FREEDOM...
      1. For those who live according to the Spirit, not the flesh - Ro 8:5-8
         a. By setting their minds on the things of the Spirit, not the
            things of the flesh
         b. Whereby they can enjoy life and peace, not death
         c. Whereby they can submit to God and please Him, while those
            in the flesh cannot
      2. For those who have the indwelling Holy Spirit - Ro 8:9-11
         a. A blessing for those who belong to Christ - cf. Jn 7:37-39;
            Ac 2:38; Tit 3:4-7
         b. Providing life to our mortal bodies that were dead because
            of sin - cf. Ro 6:12-14
      3. For those who by the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body
         - Ro 8:12-13
         a. Who are no longer indebted to live according to the flesh
            - cf. Ro 6:16-19
         b. But can now live according to the Spirit - cf. Ga 5:25; Ep 3:16
      4. For those who are children of God, joint-heirs with Christ - Ro 8:14-17
         a. Led by the Spirit of God, by Whom they cry, "Abba, Father"
            - cf. Ga 4:6
         b. Heirs of glory with Christ, if willing to suffer with Him
      -- With help from the Holy Spirit, we can break free from the
         bondage of sin!

[Freedom from the condemnation of sin and the power of sin!  What more
could we ask for?  How about...]

III. FREEDOM FROM THE CORRUPTION OF SIN (18-25)

   A. THE CORRUPTION OF SIN...
      1. Because of sin, mankind experiences physical death - cf.

         1Co 15:22a; Gen 3:22-24
         a. Adam and Eve were cast from the Garden of Eden
         b. Access to the tree of life was lost, thus physical death
            ensued
      2. Because of sin, even the creation was placed under a curse
         - cf. Gen 3:17
         a. Subjected to futility - Ro 8:20
         b. In bondage to corruption - Ro 8:21
         c. Groaning and laboring with birth pangs - Ro 8:22; cf. Isa 24:4-6
      -- The effects of sin has permeated all of creation!

   B. THERE WILL BE FREEDOM...
      1. The glorious liberty of the children of God! - Ro 8:18-22
         a. To be revealed one day - cf. Col 3:4; 2Th 2:10; 2Pe 1:13
         b. Making any present suffering unworthy to be compared
         c. Even the creation will be delivered from the bondage of
            corruption
            1) Note that Paul does not say that the creation will be
               delivered into its own liberty
            2) But into the glorious liberty of the children of God
            3) The present heavens and earth will "pass away", and there
               will be new heavens and a new earth - cf. 2Pe 3:10-14;
               Re 21:1-7
      2. Involving our own resurrection, for which we hope - Ro 8:23-25
         a. The redemption of our body, which we eagerly await - cf. Ac 23:6
         b. Saved for this very hope, for which we wait with
            perseverance - cf. Ac 24:15-16
      -- With the resurrection of the dead, the creation of a new heaven
         and new earth, the corruption of sin will be no more!

CONCLUSION

1. The freedom from sin that is available in Christ involves...
   a. Freedom from the condemnation of sin
   b. Freedom from the power of sin
   c. Freedom from the corruption of sin

2. Unless we receive the freedom from sin found only in Christ...
   a. We remain guilty of sin
   b. We remain enslaved to sin
   c. We remain under the corruptive influences of sin

But by responding to the gospel of Christ with an obedient faith,
freedom from the devastating effects of sin can be ours, with a hope of
glorious liberty when Christ returns...!