CORRECT FAITH PRODUCES TRANSFORMATION

Introduction

All behavior is the result of a belief.

There is no neutral theology, because what we believe will always produce a lifestyle as a result.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

All change begins in the mind; to change the mind is to change beliefs.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

When you are set free from false beliefs, you are also set free from your habits.

How am I set free from beliefs? By knowing the truth.

“Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6)

The biblical term for a change of mind is repentance, from the Greek metanoia, which means a change of mind.

Our faith determines our conduct; if your faith is based on the truth, you will have behavior that is consistent with that truth.

To know what a person truly believes, we do not need to hear them speak, but simply observe them.

Every wrong behavior, every sin—or rather, behind every sin there is a great lie.

Truths That Will Transform Your Life

Live in repentance / a renewed mindset

“Now He told them this parable: *Which of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.*” (Luke 15:3–7)

The only action of the sheep was to allow the shepherd to carry it home; we only need to allow the Lord to lead us. The path will always lead to repentance—be open to it.

Live by the righteousness of Christ

Peter committed the same sin of betrayal as Judas, but he chose to live by the righteousness of Christ.

“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2)

“No, pastor, with me it’s different; I’m in a process...”

Reject human introspection

The devil tries to lead you to look only at yourself and your own flaws, but the Holy Spirit leads us to look at Christ.

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.” (Romans 7:18)

Example: When Peter looked at Christ, he did not sink.

Rest in your representative

God has always worked through representatives. David defeated Goliath, but the victory belonged to all of Israel, because that is whom he represented.

The priest represented the people before God each year.

“For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, so that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” (Hebrews 5:1)

In those days the people trusted in priests, but today God makes us priests so that we may be participants in His work.

Trust in Jesus as your representative. If Jesus is accepted before God, then we also are accepted.

Conclusion

- Our minds are renewed.

- Our behavior is transformed.

- Our lives glorify God.