Marks of True Devotion Romans 12:1-8 Marks of True Devotion (Old Sermon Outline) Preached at West Side on April 19, 2009 AM Print Slides: 1,12,13 Romans 12:1-8

Marks of True Devotion Self Sacrifice (1) 2 Corinthians 8:3-5; 12:14 This in contrast to the Animal Sacrifices of the Jews – We surrender SELF!

2 Corinthians 8:3-5 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. Surrender Self as the Macedonians

2 Corinthians 12:14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. Like Paul, considering others first NOTE: Self is the altar upon which every acceptable sacrifice to God is made!

Marks of True Devotion Self Sacrifice (1) Self Alteration (2) 2 Corinthians 8:3-5; 12:14 Self Alteration (2) “Do not be conformed…” (1 John 2:15-17) “Be Transformed…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

We must not love or be enamored with the World 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. We must not love or be enamored with the World

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. Like a butterfly, we are to have a spiritual “Metamorphosis” Accomplished by RENEWING THE MIND

Marks of True Devotion Self Sacrifice (1) Self Alteration (2) 2 Corinthians 8:3-5; 12:14 Self Alteration (2) “Do not be conformed…” (1 John 2:15-17) “Be Transformed…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Self Examination (3) 2 Corinthians 13:5; 10:12,18; James 1:23-25

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? --unless indeed you are disqualified. Proper evaluation is essential to growth

2 Corinthians 10:12,18 (12), For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (18), For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. God’s standard is what counts Remember, it is good to examine self – But only with regard to the proper standard!

We must look into the mirror of God’s word for examination! James 1:23-25 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. We must look into the mirror of God’s word for examination!

Marks of True Devotion Self Sacrifice (1) Self Alteration (2) 2 Corinthians 8:3-5; 12:14 Self Alteration (2) “Do not be conformed…” (1 John 2:15-17) “Be Transformed…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Self Examination (3) 2 Corinthians 13:5; 10:12,18; James 1:23-25 Self Involvement (4-8) Minister, Teach, Exhort, Give, Lead, etc.

Conclusion Are you truly devoted to Christ? Then show it with the marks of true devotion (Sacrifice, Change, Examination and Involvement)