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Transformation Requires Discernment [Sermon]

February 1, 2011 — 3 Comments

Drive west on East Broad Street through Griffin, Georgia and you’ll see a prominent sign. It’s hanging above the street 24-hours per day, 7-days per week for a simple but important reason. If you hit the bright yellow sign and keep driving, you’re inevitably going to hit the bridge behind the sign.

“If, then.” We use the simple principle of cause-and-effect every day of our lives.  It’s what the Bible refers to as  discernment.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:1-2)

To discern is “to perceive by the sight or some other sense; to recognize or apprehend; to distinguish mentally; to recognize the true value of a thing or opportunity.”  Living a God-centered, Christ-saturated, Spirit-led life begins with my willingness to discern.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.   Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  (Ephesians 5:15-17)

This sermon is all about discerning God’s will for our lives.

For more sermon outlines and recordings, be sure to visit the Sermons archive.

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D.A.R.E. to be Transformed (Sermon)

January 14, 2011 — Leave a comment

In these first two weeks of 2011, I’ve given you a glimpse into our focus for the year at  Laurel Canyon. We hope to establish and affirm throughout 2011 that  real transformation is possible.  You  can lead a  Romans 12 kind of life, for your lasting joy and for God’s eternal glory.   You  can be everything God created you to be, if you put  D.A.R.E. into wholehearted practice.

Here’s a recap of the relevant posts from the last two weeks:

I figured I’d wrap this series of posts up with a link to the sermon I preached on January 2, 2011 that introduced the entire theme.  Each first Sunday morning of the year at Laurel Canyon, we hand out a booklet that outlines our practical plan for personal and congregational growth in the coming year.  You can download a PDF copy below.

Thanks for your interest, and may the everlasting God be gracious to us and daring in his use of us as we grow in our efforts “to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29).  To him be the glory.

For more interactive outlines and mp3 recordings, be sure to visit the Sermons archive.

NOTE: Advertisements on the above player are randomly generated by the service provider and do not necessarily imply endorsement of the material advertised. Readers are always encouraged to apply the “Berean test” (Acts 17:11) to all that they see and hear.
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Engaging at Home

January 13, 2011 — 1 Comment

This week has been all about engaging the world around us as living representations of the will of Christ, for the glory of God.  We’ve looked at some practical ways we can engage:

Today we focus on engaging at home.

As a spouse, what can you do  to cultivate a daily atmosphere of progressive transformation for the good of your marriage and the glory of God?

  • Resolve to spend at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted, untelevised, unplugged, quality time with your spouse each   day (Eph 6:33).
  • Humbly evaluate your God-given role, seek his wisdom and strength, then dedicate yourself to serving as the spouse God would have you to be (Eph 5:22-33; Tit 2:1-8).
  • Pray with your spouse every day (1 Thes 5:16-18).
  • Pray for your spouse every day (1 Pet 3:7).
  • Periodically ask if your spouse’s needs and expectations are being met and what you can do to love them in more God-glorifying ways (1 Cor 7:1-5).  You might consider these 15 questions to help you evaluate the state of your marriage.

As a parent, what can you do to cultivate a daily atmosphere of progressive transformation for the good of your children and the glory of God?

  • Recognize and joyfully accept the challenging responsibility that comes with being the parent of a God-given child (Eph 6:1-4).
  • Pray with your children every day (Rom 12:12).
  • Pray for your children every day (James 5:16).  You might consider these 31 ways to pray for your children.
  • Take advantage of daily opportunities to point the minds of your children in God’s direction (Deut 6:4-9).
  • Correct your children, with the ultimate goal of saving their souls (Prov 19:18; 29:15).
  • Help them prepare and hold them accountable for their Sunday and Wednesday Bible class opportunities (Prov 22:6).

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.   Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  (1 Pet 4:8-9)

In an effort to serve others through hospitality, why not plan now to invite someone each month of this year into your home or out for a meal?

January: ______________________________________________

February: _____________________________________________

March: _______________________________________________

April: ________________________________________________

May: _________________________________________________

June: _________________________________________________

July: _________________________________________________

August: _______________________________________________

September: ___________________________________________

October: ______________________________________________

November: ____________________________________________

December: ____________________________________________

Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  ”Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

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Engaging with the Good News

January 12, 2011 — 2 Comments

In Christ,  God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:19-20)

There is a process to gospel transformation. Each person must…

How can you contribute, as a disciple of Jesus, to the growth of his kingdom and thereby glorify your Father in heaven?

  • Consistently remind yourself that every person you ever come in contact with has a soul (Eccl 12:7).
  • Never forget that God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34-35).
  • Appreciate that all will stand in judgment (Rom 14:12).
  • Encourage others to “Come and see” (John 1:46).
  • Recommend specific reasons to visit (John 4:28-30).
  • Continue to feed yourself with the Word of God so that you can grow in your ability to talk with others about your faith (2 Tim 2:15).
  • Pray for opportunities, wisdom and boldness (Acts 4:29-30).

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved… (Rom 10:1)

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Rom 12:12)

You know dozens of people in desperate need of responding to the gospel.   Your heart grieves as you think of brothers and sisters who have turned away from God in unfaithfulness.   But have you prayed for them?   What could happen if you did?  Remember, it is prayer that “plugs us in” to the awesome God of the universe.   With that truth in mind, throughout 2011, pick a different person each month and pray for them every single day.   Pray for receptive hearts, for opportunities, for wisdom, and boldness.   Pray that God might use you to help save them.

January: ______________________________________________

February: _____________________________________________

March: _______________________________________________

April: ________________________________________________

May: _________________________________________________

June: _________________________________________________

July: _________________________________________________

August: _______________________________________________

September: ___________________________________________

October: ______________________________________________

November: ____________________________________________

December: ____________________________________________

Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  ”Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

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Engaging as a New Disciple

January 11, 2011 — Leave a comment

In a series of posts last week, I emphasized that real transformation is possible in 2011. You  can lead a  Romans 12 kind of life, for your lasting joy and for God’s eternal glory. You  can be everything God created you to be, if you put  D.A.R.E. into wholehearted practice:

  • Discernment —  what is God’s will for my life?
  • Adoption —  making my faith my own.
  • Renewal — out with the old, in with the new.
  • Engagement —  living for Christ, every day, everywhere.

This week, I’d like to share with you some of the practical ways we’ve encouraged the disciples at Laurel Canyon to ENGAGE the world around them in 2011.  Yesterday we focused on experienced disciples of Christ.  Today, new disciples.

Engaging as a New Disciple
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

What can  you add, as a relatively new follower of Jesus, to this family of believers so that we can grow together to God’s glory?

  • Remember the will of God, your sanctification (1 Thes 4:3-12).
  • Appreciate the fact that you are in a critical period of your walk with God and that the Adversary of your soul is out to devour you (1 Pet 5:8).
  • 2 Peter 1:5-11 — Make every effort to supplement:
    • your faith with virtue
    • your virtue with knowledge
    • your knowledge with self-control
    • your self-control with steadfastness
    • your steadfastness with godliness
    • your godliness with brotherly affection
    • your brotherly affection with love
  • Make an effort to learn the names of your brothers and sisters in Christ (3 John 13-15).
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for help, or ask for advice from your spiritual family (1 Cor 12:12-27).
  • When (not if) you experience a period of discouragement or doubt, seek help from your brethren (1 Cor 10:12-13).
  • Appreciate the fact that you are a representative of Christ and that people will be watching and listening (2 Cor 3:2).
  • Joyfully contribute, as you may prosper, to the work of the church (1 Cor 16:1-2).

Are you a relatively new disciple of Jesus?  Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  ”Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

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Engaging as an Experienced Disciple

January 10, 2011 — 1 Comment

In a series of posts last week, I emphasized that real transformation is possible in 2011. You  can lead a  Romans 12 kind of life, for your lasting joy and for God’s eternal glory. You  can be everything God created you to be, if you put  D.A.R.E. into wholehearted practice:

  • Discernment —  what is God’s will for my life?
  • Adoption —  making my faith my own.
  • Renewal — out with the old, in with the new.
  • Engagement —  living for Christ, every day, everywhere.

This week, I’d like to share with you some of the practical ways we’ve encouraged the disciples at Laurel Canyon to ENGAGE the world around them in 2011.  First up, experienced disciples of Christ.

Engaging as an Experienced Disciple
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live,  but Christ who lives in me.”

What can you add, as an experienced follower of Jesus, to this family of believers so that we can grow together to God’s glory?

Are you an experienced disciple of Jesus?  Engage the world around you this week for the glory of God!  ”Present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Rom 12:1).

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Engagement: Living for Christ, Every Day, Everywhere

January 7, 2011 — 6 Comments

Engage (verb) — to involve oneself in or commit to something; to pledge oneself; to assume an obligation or responsibility; to enter into conflict.

Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. (Romans 12:1-2)

Having discerned God’s will for our lives, adopted God’s way of thinking as our own, experienced the renewal that is available by casting off the old man of sin and clothing ourselves with Christ, our responsibility for the rest of our lives is straightforward—engage the world around us as living representations of the will of Christ, for the glory of God.

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Present your bodies as a living sacrifice… (Romans 12:1)

I love Romans 12 because the Spirit does more than simply say, “Be living sacrifices.”  He moves from the straightforward divine expectation to the realm of clear practical application.  What does a living sacrifice look like?  What is the face of transformed engagement?

  • Let love be genuine (12:9).
  • Abhor what is evil (12:9).
  • Hold fast to what is good (12:9).
  • Love one another with brotherly affection (12:10).
  • Outdo one another in showing honor (12:10).
  • Do not be slothful in zeal (12:11).
  • Be fervent in spirit (12:11).
  • Serve the Lord (12:11).
  • Rejoice in hope (12:12).
  • Be patient in tribulation (12:12).
  • Be constant in prayer (12:12).
  • Contribute to the needs of the saints (12:13).
  • Seek to show hospitality (12:13).
  • Bless those who persecute you (12:14).
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice (12:15).
  • Weep with those who weep (12:15).
  • Live in harmony with one another (12:16).
  • Do not be haughty (12:16).
  • Associate with the lowly (12:16).
  • Never be wise in your own sight (12:16).
  • Repay no one evil for evil (12:17).
  • Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all (12:17).
  • So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (12:18).
  • Never avenge yourselves (12:19).
  • If your enemy is in need, provide for them (12:20).
  • Do not be overcome by evil; overcome evil with good (12:21).

Know God.  Love God.  Show God.

Know God with your head.  Love God with your heart.  Show God with your actions.

Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.  Don’t just acknowledge that Christ has a will; involve yourself in it.  Commit yourself—heart, soul, body and strength—to be a living representation of the good news of Jesus.  Pledge your wholehearted allegiance to the King whose kingdom is not of this world.  Enter into holy conflict for the joy of others and the fame of God’s name.

Engage the world around you today as a living sacrifice.

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Renewal: Out With The Old, In With The New

January 6, 2011 — 4 Comments

Renew (verb) — to begin or take up again; to restore to a former state; to replenish, revive or reestablish; to make new.

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7)

By the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, I have been given a fresh start.

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)

God has made me new.  Having discovered God’s will for my life and adopted his way of thinking as my own, I find that my perspective has changed.  By his grace and mercy, I have been renewed.  The old sinful self is put off.

I have been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. (Galatians 2:20a)

A new self has been put on.

And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20b).

Now, the crucifixion of my old self of sin must translate into practical transformation of conduct.

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:17-24)

Christians of the first century needed ongoing encouragement, and so do Christians of the twenty-first century.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Colossians 3:5-10)

In the interest of growth and maturity, with the goal of transformation into the image of your Creator, take some honest inventory today.

  • What “old self” practices am I continuing to selfishly gratify?
  • What aspects of discipleship have I been leaving undone?
  • Where am I slipping into unholy conformity with the world?
  • Where are the battle fronts of spiritual warfare in my own life?
  • What areas of my daily life need specific attention in 2011?
  • If 2010 was more like a desert than an oasis, how much of that has to do with my allowing the old self of sin to remain in control?
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Adoption: Making My Faith My Own

January 5, 2011 — 7 Comments

Adopt (verb) — to choose or take as one’s own; to make one’s own by selection or assent; to choose and follow; to take on; to assume for oneself; to accept and put into effect.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3)

It’s one thing to discover God’s will for my life.  It’s quite another thing to personally apply what I’ve learned.  The second step to genuine transformation is to adopt God’s way of thinking as my own.

Have you made that choice?  The choice to follow, to assume for yourself, to accept and put into effect?

In John 6, Jesus delivers a “hard saying.”  One day after feeding the five thousand on the shores of Galilee, Jesus rebukes the crowd.  ”Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves” (John 6:26).  He declares himself to be “the bread of life” (6:35), speaks of raising people “on the last day” (6:44), claims to have “come down from heaven” (6:51), and draws a line in the sand between those who are willing to “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood” and those who are not (6:52-58).

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66-69)

Transformation is not a spectator sport.  Transformation does not come as a result of “going to church.”  Real transformation doesn’t rub off on me as a result of having parents, a spouse, or friends who follow Jesus.  Transformation is not the fruit of simply hanging around Jesus, especially when I want something from him.

  • Transformation begins with a posture of desperation.  ”Lord, to whom shall we go?”
  • Transformation demands discernment.  ”What is God’s will for my life?”
  • Transformation requires adoption. The choice to make my faith my own. The personal choice to follow, wherever the Savior I so desperately need leads.

Seek the things that are above today.  That’s where Christ is.  You know what it means to “set” something.  You set your DVR yesterday and your alarm clock last night.  Set your mind on things that are above today, not on things that are on earth.  For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Think like Jesus today.  Love people like Jesus loved people today.  Be committed to holiness like Jesus was committed to holiness today. Wholeheartedly adopt and live for the will of the Father today.  Like Jesus.

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Discernment: What Is God’s Will For My Life?

January 4, 2011 — 8 Comments

Discern (verb) — to perceive by the sight or some other sense; to recognize or apprehend; to distinguish mentally; to recognize the true value of a thing or opportunity.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.   Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  (Ephesians 5:15-17)

If the personal transformation of Romans 12:1-2 is to become a reality for your joy and God’s glory in 2011, you must exercise discernment.  You must consistently and eagerly ask the question, “What is God’s will for my life?”  God’s written revelation to mankind, the Bible, is your compass.  God is your true north—your focal point—and your destination.

As you experience the variations and intricacies of the day, your task is to recognize. Apprehend.  Distinguish mentally.  To recognize the true value of a thing or opportunity. Your task is to discern—to test what you encounter with the guiding power of the living and active word of God (Hebrews 4:12).

  • Temptations will come, but test their deceptive value with the promised cost of indulgence (James 1:13-15).
  • Trials will come, but test their severity with what King Jesus has already endured for your sake (Hebrews 12:3-4).
  • Distractions will come, but test their true worth with the value of the eternal kingdom and your calling (Matthew 6:33).
  • Opportunities will come, but test their potential with a clear recognition of the brevity of earthly life (James 4:13-15).
  • Good things will come, but test your allegiance to them so that you do not treasure the gift as more precious than the Giver (James 1:17).

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

Exercise your God-given power of discernment today.  What is God’s will for your life? Where and when are the opportunities in 2011 to study and grow in your grasp of God’s Word?  If you live in the Columbus, Ohio area, we would love to study and grow together with you in 2011 at Laurel Canyon.

Let’s walk carefully today.  Not in aimlessness but in wisdom.  Let’s make the best use of our time.  The days are evil.  Don’t live like a fool today.  Understand what the will of the Lord is for your life.

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