Plain, Simple, Powerful — First Jesus

“I deliberately kept it plain and simple: first Jesus and who He is; then Jesus and what He did—Jesus crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2 (MSG)

Do you want a quick fix—or true transformation?

Does Jesus Have Your “YES?” — Say “Yes” To Transformation

”Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1–2 (NIV)

The “old you” cannot go where God wants to take the transformed “new you.”

Transformation Begins With An Offering

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV)

1.         Our Motivation: Mercy That Moves Us

Grace: Receiving something we don’t deserve — Mercy: Not receiving what we do deserve.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1–2 (NIV)

2.         Our Response: Worship That Alters Us

“The problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps crawling off the altar.”

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Transformation Requires Renewal

”Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1–2 (NIV)

1.         Do Not Conform — Resisting the Mould

“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould.” Romans 12:2 (J.B. Phillips)

“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” Colossians 2:8 (NLT).

The heart drifts to where the eyes dwell.

2.         Be Transformed — Renewing Your Mind

”Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life… Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians 4:22–24 (NLT)

“We have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV)“The Bible is not there simply to inform you; it is there to transform you.” — N. T. Wright

Transformation is not about becoming someone else, but becoming who God always intended you to be.

Transformation Is A Journey

“He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Cross-bearing means:

Self-denial — dethroning my ego.

Obedience — choosing His way over mine.

Perseverance — continuing regardless of the cost.

“The Christian life is a long obedience in the same direction.”" — Eugene Peterson

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22–23 (NIV)

A First “Yes” to Jesus as Lord and Saviour