Sermon Tone Analysis

What Is The Difference?

Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus?

9-23-07

*Colossians 3:1b-2*

Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

What does it mean “above”?

What is the importance of focusing on the “above”?

The Bible makes clear that upon entering into a relationship with Christ, your old self dies and a transformation takes place in your life.

Today we are going to look at that transformation.

Introduction:

Chrysostom a 5th century bishop in Constantinople wrote to a friend when he was in exile: When I was driven from the city, I felt no anxiety, but said to myself, “If the empress wishes to banish me, let her do so; the earth is the Lord’s.

If she wants to have me sawn asunder, I have Isaiah for an example.

If she wants me to be drowned in the ocean, I think of Jonah.

If I am to be thrown into the fire, the three men in the furnace suffered the same.

If cast before wild beasts, I remember Daniel in the lions’ den.

If she wants me to be stoned, I have before me Stephen, the first martyr.

If she demands my head, let her do so; John the Baptist shines before me.

Naked I came from my mother’s womb; naked shall I leave this world.”

When you have been raised with Christ, there is a transformation that comes about in your body.

When your old fleshly sinful self dies a transformation begins in you that is not finished until you are with Christ in heaven.

Remember, God is relational.

Body:

 

Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus.

Because…

1.

Your *Attitude* has been transformed

/ /

*/Quote/*/ by William James, /

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.”

*Let me expand on this quote*

 

As Christians, I pray that we are all striving to be more Christ-like.

* *

*Matthew 6:33 (NIV) \\ *33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

* *

*Philippians 4:8 (NIV)* \\ 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

What exalts Christ?

Does lust, anger, rage, malice, gossip, cursing, idolatry… NO!!!!

*Illustration:** *

Earl Nightingale said,

Think of it this way: Your total environment is a reflection of you as a person.

The house and neighborhood in which you live, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, the job you do, the people with whom you regularly associate.

Your total environment is an exact and merciless mirror of you as a human being.

Now if you feel your environment can stand some improvement, you have only to improve your attitude.

And your world will gradually change to reflect the changing person.

Here’s how to change your attitude: Beginning now, begin to act like the person you most want to become.

* *

*2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)* \\ 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Everything needs to be seen in the view of eternity.

* *

*1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)* \\ 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

*Application:*

Dan Murphy came to our Wed night Bible Study a few weeks ago and asked if we could pray for his dad because he had been laid off his job.

But his request was unique.

He asked for strength for his family during this transition time in his family’s life.

Dan fully affirmed that God was in control and there was no reason to be scared.

He said God will provide for us.

That evening Dan displayed more trust in faith in Christ then I have seen in any Christian for quite some time.

I challenge you to have faith like Dan has faith.

What did Christ say when he was crucified?

What did Stephen say when was stoned?

Forgive them.

Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus.

Because…

2.     Your *Behavior* has been transformed

 

*Hebrews 11:24-25 (NIV)*

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.

Moses had everything, but was willing to sacrifice it all for God.

He clearly was viewing things through eternity.

*1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)*

12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

*Why do we as Christians try to reinvent the wheel?

*As humans we are always trying to get the bigger and better things, or with electronics, sometimes is the smaller more powerful thing we want.

But when it comes to Christianity, the message has not changed.

The way you live your Christian life will either draw people to Christ or push people away from Christ.

That is a very serious statement that each and every one of you needs to think about.

*Matthew 5:16 (NIV)*

16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

*Romans 16:17-20 (NIV)*

17 I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.

Keep away from them.

18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites.

By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

* *

*Illustration*

            You all know what it is like to stumble around in the darkness of your own house, bumping into things sometimes knocking things over.

You are trying to find a light switch so you can see.

That is exactly what every person in this world is doing thabnt doesn’t know Christ.

They are trying to find Christ, and you are the instrument in which he desires to shine through.

Every Christian ought to have a Christ-like focus.

Because…

3.  Satan will try to destroy you.

*1 Peter 5:8b*

            “The devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

*Who do you think Satan tries to attack the most?

*

·        Is it the unbeliever who cares less about God?

o   No, his allegiance is already towards Satan.

·        Is it the Christian who lives the double life?

One way at church another at home and at work.

·        Or, is it the Christian that knows his old self is dead and is allowing Christ to constantly transform his attitude and behavior.

Which one is the biggest threat to Satan’s kingdom and which one is bringing the most glory to God’s kingdom?

 

“Satan he yields no ground to emotion or sincerity.

He retreats only from before the authority only from before the authority the believer has through his union with the Lord Jesus Christ and the absolute truth of the Word of God.”