THE FRUIT OF CONVERSION

Intro:

    1. The absolute necessity of conversion is stated by Christ (Mt. 18:3).
      1. Many false concepts of conversion: "Religious," "Experience," "Repented," etc.
    2. Only way we can know what constitutes conversion is to study Word of God (see Acts 3:19; Mt. 18:3; J:n. 3:5; Mt. 7:21).
    3. Conversion is a change brought abut by H.S. working through the word of truth, producing faith, destroying the love of sin as one sees the condition he is in, producing love of God (see Lk. 15, prodigal "came to himself"); change of will; change of relation. As result of obedience to gospel, one is in Christ.
    4. CHANGE IS SOMETHING WHICH CAN BE OBSERVED BY OTHERS. "FRUIT" IS PRODUCED (see Lk. 3:8,10-14). "Cease to do evil, do well" (Isa. 1:16,17).
    5. Not enough that one just obeys the first principles. If one is in proper relation to God, "fruit will be evident." What fruit? That which is revealed in the N.T. "Fruit of the Spirit."
    6. DISCUSSION: TEST TO DETERMINE IF I AM REALLY CONVERTED, OR ONLY IN FORM.

Body:

  1. CONVERTED ARE "NEW CREATURES IN CHRIST" (2 Cor. 5:17). Such a radical change, as if "recreated" (see Eph. 4:24).
    1. God's purpose to re-shape life marred by sin into likeness of Holy Son (Rom. 8:29).
      1. Not instantaneous.
        1. At times, those who are discouraged, defeated because they have been taught, "converted" do not do such, do not think evil thoughts, etc. Realize that they still do causes to question whether they have been converted.
      2. Ephesians had been quickened (2:2). Yet, told to "put on new man" (4:24).
    2. As long as life, there will be a struggle between flesh and spirit (Gal.5:16).
      1. At times, "flesh" will seem to prevail (see I Jn. 1:8).
      2. Not excuse for sin. Inconsistent with what Lord has revealed (Eph. 4:20).
      3. Converted have "crucified flesh" (Gal. 5:24). No longer desire to live by such. It is a cause of grief. Determination to put forth more effort to overcome.
        1. There must be shame, grief at sin (Rom. 6:21). WHAT IS OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD PRACTICES OF THE PAST?


  2. PURPOSE OF LIFE IS CHANGED (2 Cor. 5:14). Summary of life: Raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:5). This in now one's purpose.
    1. Not "experience" on which rely, but earnest desire, effort to live "unto the one who died for me" (Gal. 2:20).
    2. No more revealing question than, "What is my purpose in life; what are the objects of my concern?" (see Col. 3:1`-4).


  3. CONVERTED SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM...RIGHTEOUSNESS (Mt. 6:33).
    1. What is meant by familiar statement? Seeking to be ruled by His law, will (Gal. 2:20). Desire to be right in His sight (Phil. 3:9,10).
      1. Does not mean just attending worship services, not doing certain things... but, why do these things.


  4. TAKE DELIGHT IN DOING THE COMMANDS OF THE LORD (Psa. 40:8- "I delight to do thy will O my God: Yea, thy law is within my heart."
    1. Commands not grievous (I Jn. 5:3).
    2. What attitude? Do, but rather not...would enjoy being some other place, doing some other thing, etc.?


  5. DELIGHT IN WORSHIPING THE LORD (Psa. 122:1).
    1. Expression of love for Lord. Should be filled with love, gratitude to Him for His sacrifice. He is worthy of worship (Rev. 5:12).
    2. Many feel "obligated." In time, will become weariness (see Mal. 1).
      1. Difficult to conceive of one who really loves Lord, appreciate sacrifice to have such a feeling. Young man in love doesn't say, "Do I have to go see the one I love?"


  6. WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST.
    1. Macedonians (2 Cor. 8:5). Gave themselves to the Lord. Hearts were changed. They considered that they now belonged to the Lord, along with all that they owned.
      1. Such an attitude causes one to ask, "What do I have which can be used in the cause of my Lord?"
      2. If I belong to the Lord..."body, soul, spirit" (I Cor. 6:19,20), then, all I possess also belongs to Him.


  7. LACK OF CONVERSION IS AT THE ROOT OF MOST, IF NOT ALL THE PROBLEMS IN RELIGION TODAY.
    1. Many have not learned necessity to change relationship through obedience to the gospel.
    2. Many profess to have been converted, but heart not changed. They continue the practices of the past. They have no sense of belonging to Christ, no sense of shame for past sins. Therefore, religion is "CONVENIENCE" to them. They cannot be depended upon.

Conclusion:

    1. Have you been converted: obeyed the truth from the heart? (Rom.6:17,18).
    2. Not just doing "certain commands," but recognition of Christ as Lord. He is the one who commands.
    3. Few converted to the Lord are able to accomplish many things for Him. Great reward in day of judgment awaits those who are truly converted to the Lord.

THE FRUIT OF

CONVERSION

HAVE BECOME "NEW CREATURES" IN CHRIST.

THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS CHANGED.



SEEKS FIRST THE KINGDOM AND ITS RIGHTEOUSNESS.



TAKE DELIGHT IN DOING THE COMMANDS OF THE LORD.



DELIGHTS IN WORSHIPING THE LORD.



WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST.