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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