Conversion
Introduction:
As Jesus’ earthly ministry draws to a close, He sets out
on His final journey to Jerusalem. In our account, He
instructs His disciples about true greatness and that
humility is essential to true conversion.
Text:
Matthew 18:1-4 “At that time disciples came to
Jesus, saying, ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of
heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set
him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to
you, unless you are converted and become as little
children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of
heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this
little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’”
NKJV
Mark 10:13-15 “Then they brought little children
to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples
rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it,
He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the
little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for
of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you,
whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little
child will by no means enter it.’ ”
NKJV
Theme:
What does conversion really mean?
Body:
I.
What it does not mean
A.
It does not mean that radical changes are necessary in
every area of your life.
If any of these [Scriptural marriages, Jobs, Hobbies,
Recreation . . .] involve unethical or sinful practices,
then they would have to cease. Note: Jesus’
words in Luke 3:7-14. “8
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance.
11
. . . . He who has two tunics, let him give to him who
has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.
13
. . . Collect no more than what is appointed for you.
14
. . . Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be
content with your wages.”
NKJV
B.
IT does not mean that one has reached the point where
they never sin again. (I John 1:6-10) “8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us.”
NKJV
II.
What it does mean
A.
Become like little children.
·
Trusting – Believe God and His promises [every word
completely]. (Psalm 84:12) “O Lord of hosts, Blessed is
the man who trusts in You!”
NKJV
(Romans 4:20-21) “He did not waver at the promise of God
through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving
glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had
promised He was also able to perform.”
NKJV
·
Humble – Understand they are helpless without God and
cannot achieve the kingdom by their own merit or effort.
(Matthew 5:3) “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
NKJV
(Isaiah 66:2) “For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,’ Says the Lord. ‘But on
this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a
contrite spirit, And who trembles at My word.”
NKJV
(Proverbs 3:34) “Surely He scorns the scornful, But
gives grace to the humble.”
NKJV
Humility involves submission. (James 4:6-7) “But
He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists
the proud, But gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore
submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from
you.”
NKJV
B.
Genuine commitment to Christ – Life of service
(John 12:24-26) “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a
grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it
remains alone, but if it dies, it produces much grain.
He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his
life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If
anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am,
there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him
My Father will honor.”
NKJV
(Colossians 3:1-2) “If then you were raised with Christ,
seek those things which are above, where Christ is,
sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on
things above, not on things on the earth.”
NKJV
Plan on spending the rest of your life living for and
serving Christ. Serve Christ by serving others.
C.
Have the willingness to make any necessary sacrifice.
(Matthew 10:37-39) “He who loves father or mother more
than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or
daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who
does not take his cross and follow after Me is not
worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and
he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”
NKJV
We must be willing to pay any price!
D.
Allow Christ to live in you. (Galatians 2:20) “I
have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who
live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now
live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who
loved me and gave Himself for me.”
NKJV
Before conversion to Christ, one usually lives the way
he pleases. After conversion, he lets Christ rule his
life. Excellent example: Paul
submits his will to Christ’s will. The words before
King Agrippa: Acts 26:17-20 “19
Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the
heavenly vision,
20
but declared first to those in Damascus and in
Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and
then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to
God, and do works befitting repentance.”
NKJV
Invitation:
Conversion comes about through God’s Word. (Psalm
19:7) “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the
soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the
simple;” Note these important and challenging
words. (Acts 26:18, 20) “18
to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness
to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they
may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among
those who are sanctified by faith in Me.”
NKJV
Bobby Stafford
August 16, 2015
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