A Fresh Start

Carl Fitzgerald

Romans 12.1-2

Introduction:

A. Metamorphosis: (def.):

a complete change of form, appearance, character.

The form resulting from any such change.

B. The world of today is a world with antichrist sentiment.

C. It is an age of impurity, greed and self-worship.

D. This politically correct philosophy

teaches that Gods Word is filled

with intolerance and hate speech.

E. Paul reminded the church at Philippi

to: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report,

if there be any virtue, and it there be any praise,

think on these things,

Philippians 4.8

I. The Power of Success.

A. The formula is simple and readily available in God’s Word.

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.” Psalm 1

B. This power is the transforming power

that is given by the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3.18

C. It is the Spirit that changes us.

D. It is the Spirit that helpeth our infirmities….

E. To experience this change is to pass from death unto life.

II. The Problem of Self

A. Self-power is Satan motivated power.

Solomon noted that the eye is not satisfied with seeing,

or is the ear filled with hearing. Ecclesiastes 1.8

B. Believing that everything is O.K. is to ignore the need

of preparing to one day meet God face to face.

C. In our text Paul identifies the necessity of a proper self –examination.

D. This plea is directed to Christians.

E. We are not to be foolish but to redeem the time,

for the days are evil.

Galatians 5.16

III. The Process of Surrender

A. The presentation of an O.T. sacrifice

was required to be pure,

to be as blemish free as possible.

B. The believers’ presentation of himself also requires purity.

We must confess our sins seek forgiveness

before offering ourselves to His service.

C. Paul wrote to (6:11) Roman: ??

Likewise reckon ye yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,

but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

D. Paul observed”

Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world,

why, as though living in the world,

are ye subject to ordinances.”

Colossians 2.20

E. Paul noted: “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” 2 Corinthians 6.17

IV. The Path of Service.

A. Everyone who claims to bear the name of Jesus

should depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2.19

B. Luke wrote in Acts 20.19

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind,

and with many tears,

and not temptations which befall me by the lying-in wait of the Jews.

C. With good will let us serve God and not men. Ephesians 6.7

D. As we have opportunity let us do good unto all men. Galatians 6.10

E. David observed:

He that goeth forth weeping will bear precious seeds. Psalm 126.6

IV. Conclusion:

A. Let us prove this text in our lives.

B. We should stop whining and ask God to make good His promises.

C. Only a child of God can know of the joy in absolute surrender to God.

D. Like David, let us pray:

Restore unto me the joy of {my} (thy) salvation.

E. Psalm 51

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:

a broken and a contrite heart,

O God, thou wilt not despise.

Late Pastor Carl Fitzgerald-Grace MBC

Spring, TX

--