Changing the Leopard’s Spots Jeremiah 13:23 Changing the Leopard’s Spots The phrase is likely unfamiliar to younger folks. It is usually stated as “A.

Slides:

Advertisements

Similar presentations

(Part 2). Luke 8:13; Gal. 5:4 1 Cor. 10:12; Heb. 3:12 Luke 8:13; Gal. 5:4 1 Cor. 10:12; Heb. 3:12 Romans 5:1-2 2.

Advertisements

The Appeals of Baptism.

The Awesome POWER of Prayer—GOD answers The Awesome POWER of Prayer—GOD answers – Prayer has power because God is God! – The power that answers our prayers.

How Do You “See” Yourself? This morning’s lesson was “How Do You ‘See’ the Bible?” We started with Matthew 13:13 and the understanding that we “see” on.

Remember Who You Are Number 15: You are a Child of God 1 John 3:1 Psalm 8:3-5 What is man?

1 No Regrets Regret: “Sorrow or remorse, especially over one’s acts or omissions… sorrow over a person or thing gone, lost, etc.” -Webster.

Confronting Our Sin It’s something we all have to do; because we all have, do, and likely will, sin- Rom.3:9,19,23 But the real question is: “How will.

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

God’s Abundant Grace “abundant grace was upon them all” Acts 4:33.

If you were personally responsible for making one resolution for the congregation’s spiritual health and well-being, what would it be? Think about it.

Infancy & Immaturity. Introduction  In this lesson, we consider the Biblical concepts of infancy and immaturity, as communicated by several related Greek.

Zealous for Good Works Titus 2:14. Introduction We seek salvation through Christ, but we should also consider what He wants us to do with the life that.

The Christian Family: The Role of Wife/Mother Having previously looked at: The Importance of Making God the Priority of Our Families, Implementing God.

Have you ever considered that although: Many details are given regarding the birth of Jesus, cf. Luke 1-2; And obviously a substantial amount of information.

The “Less Honorable” Parts of the Body 1Corinthians 12:12-31 Which ones are they? Why are they vital? What’s the duty toward? What’s the point of it all?

Here’s the question: Here’s the problem: Man, because of his own sin (Rom.3:23), is separated from God, Isa.59:1-2. By the Law of God, this makes him.

THE CHRISTIAN’S OBLIGATIONS TO JESUS CHRIST 2 TIMOTHY 2:10 TEXT.

CALVINISM. TULIPTULIPTULIPTULIP otal Depravity nconditional Election imited Atonement rresistible Grace erserverance of Saints.

+ I’m convinced most of us would dearly love to help others to know and obey the truth because we want them to be saved. We’ve heard lessons before (recently.

The Central Foundation Of Our Christian Lives

Biblical Evidences Toward Bearing One Another’s Burdens Gal.6:2.

What is it that might hinder our prayers that connects us with the throne of God in heaven? Many have been frustrated with their cell phone because they.

One of my favorite modern “western” movies is “Quigley Down Under.” In it, the hero, Matthew Quigley, had several great lines. One of them was: “God created.

Comfort Doctrines (4). Comfort Doctrine  A teaching that gives false spiritual comfort to one who does not want to be held accountable for sinful activity.

Matthew 19:26. -God’s grace, Eph. 2:1, 4-9; Acts 15:11; 2 Tim. 1:9 -Redemption in Christ, Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:6-7 -Our faith, Rom. 4:13-16; Acts 15:9; Eph.

“The Second Touch of Christ’ Mark 8: /05/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles

Bible Question Box Forgiving those who sin against us.

Who is a Faithful Christian? Philippians 3:12-16.

Purity in God’s Word!. What is purity?  Matt. 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”  Pure from Greek, καθαρός (katharos) which means, “pertaining to.

After every sermon the most important question that every preacher should ask his audience is: Are you a Christian yet? Have you been baptized already.

The Church You Read About in the Bible, #3 Form and Function This series of lessons has two primary objectives: 1)To help us stay or become the church.

{ Accepting More Responsibilities Last Sunday morning, you were very kind in your comments and compliments of the sermon on “Accepting Responsibility,”

Jesus encouraged His disciples to see “the whiteness of the fields…” He had been speaking to a woman of Samaria at a well concerning “water springing.

The Life of Jesus (39) The Cross of Christ (5) Three Crosses.

“Give Me the Bible” We often sing it, do we really mean it? Psalm 119:

Causing Growth in the body Ephesians 4:16. Eph. 4:16 Always good to reflect: where have we been, how can we grow. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors,

Ephesians 2:8-9 Does this passage say everything about salvation, or is there more?

Baptism Illustrated Baptism is illustrated in various ways in the scripture. Each illustration shows a different aspect of baptismal benefits. Interesting.

If asked this question most people in the United States would probably say yes, but they would not be telling the truth. DO YOU BELIEVE THE BIBLE ?

Is it the same as “acceptance”? Generally, tolerance is an attitude of sympathy or indulgence toward opposing views. Logically, tolerance cannot be the.

Sometimes we encourage “bad behavior" in children because we think it’s cute … it isn’t- don’t do that. Bad behaviors are like making “ugly” faces- they.

“Don’t let it bother you!”. 2 Samuel 11:25 David has committed adultery with Bathsheba and now plots to destroy Uriah (her husband). ( 1-5 ) David seeks.

How the Holy Spirit Works in Our Lives

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17.

God’s Riches: Our Blessings Ephesians 1:3. Theme: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, & faithful in.

MINDSET OF A DISCIPLE LUKE 5:1-11. …BUT AT THY WORD I WILL…  In letting down the net:  Peter voices doubt, but was willing to follow the Lord’s word.

Important Truths About The Grace Of God

Excusing Certain Types of Sins (1). Comfort Doctrine: A teaching that gives false spiritual comfort to one who does not want to be held accountable for.

3 John 1-5 Getting A Spiritual. Need to Check on Physical Health Visit the doctor to get check-up or treatment Bible contrasts good & bad spiritual health.

What must I know to be saved?. Who Jesus Was And Is Jesus was in the beginning John 1:1-5; Col. 1:16-17; Gen. 1:1-5, 26 Jesus came to earth John 1:14;Phil.

Studies From Paul’s Letter To The Churches In Galatia …

Judging Others Many people know two Bible verses:

Things That Sound Biblical

Perfect, or Perfected? Being Assured of Your Salvation. Matthew 5:48.

Why Don’t Christians Pray (more)? Why Don’t Christians Pray (more)? – Too lazy – Too busy…not enough time in the day…can never remember – Lack motivation.

Immaturity The Problem of Immaturity “Immaturity” is not a problem when: It is in the proper time and place, 1Cor.13:11a, “When I was a child, I used.

I Want to be Sure!.

“The Righteous Shall Live By Faith” Habakkuk 2:4.

Israelites Standing at the Promised Land (Num ) Israelites Settling (again) in the Promised Land (Neh. 1-6) Christians Striving for the Promised.

Col 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching & admonishing one another in psalms & hymns & spiritual songs, singing with.

Is There No Pattern For Worship? John 4: WORSHIP IS TO BE “IN TRUTH” John 4:24; John 17:17.

The Call for Repentance and Seeking the Lord Zeph. 1:1-18 = God’s judgment upon world & Judah Zeph. 2:4-15 = God’s judgment on heathen nations Zeph. 3:1-20.

The High Standard of Evangelism Acts 4: The Message That Must Be Taught Acts 4:12; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 2:38 Acts 16:30-33 John 12:32.

Service is a must and is to God only Matt 4:10 Service to extent of ability Jhn 21:15-18 Salvation and membership go hand in hand Acts 2:41,47; Isa 1:18;

For this or any church to grow, mature, and be what it ought to be to and for God, we need to have and continue pray for:

Opposite of falsehood, Prov 12: 17, 19 (Eph 4:25) Opposite of falsehood, Prov 12: 17, 19 (Eph 4:25) Fidelity, Jer 7:28 (Isa 59:12-13) Fidelity, Jer 7:28.

The Holy Spirit & The Christian.

Bible reading 1 Peter 4:1-5 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV[1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of.

Heb. 11:6; Rom. 10:17; John 14:15; Heb. 5:8-9

Is the Lord ashamed of you?

Presentation transcript:

Changing the Leopard’s Spots Jeremiah 13:23

Changing the Leopard’s Spots The phrase is likely unfamiliar to younger folks. It is usually stated as “A leopard can’t change his spots.” The typical meaning intended is that one can’t change “who he is.” This meaning seems to be supported by the text of Jer.13:23 from which it apparently comes. However, a closer look at the context reveals that it has to do with Judah being so steeped in sin that they cannot change themselves, but must go away into captivity to be brought to repentance, vv.20-27; cf. Eph.2:1-5.

Changing the Leopard’s Spots Most of us have things about ourselves we wish we could change… Type or amount of hair, height, build, or body type, etc. Certainly, there are some attributes about ourselves that we really cannot change, Luke 12: But there are others that we can change, but haven’t, and probably won’t… Like personality traits such as being timid or brash, naïve or cynical, cautious or reckless, hapless or excessively driven.

Changing the Leopard’s Spots There are two items about these matters we should note: 1.Most of us wish we could change things about ourselves (presumably for the better); and, 2.Many of us doubt that we actually can change- it’s the leopard and his spots thing! Obviously, the changes with which we ought to concerned are those that affect our spiritual well being, Luke 12: However, many don’t really believe they can change their spots in this area of their lives- “It’s too much/late for me.”

Changing the Leopard’s Spots So the question becomes, “Can the leopard really change his spots?” The Bible teaches that the answer is “Yes,” With the right information, With the right motivation, With the right effort, And the right assistance. “How do you know? I don’t think I can change that way!” Jesus was “transfigured,” Matt.15:1-8. The same Greek word is used in Rom.12:2 and 2Cor.3:18.

Changing the Leopard’s Spots If we are “the leopard,” how do we “change our spots”? 1.By being made new:  Through God’s grace and washing, Titus 3:5-7;  Through our putting off and putting on, Eph.4: “But I don’t think I can…” No, by yourself, you can’t. But with God you can! 2Cor.5:14-19 Sinners can become saints, 1Cor.6:11!

Changing the Leopard’s Spots If we are “the leopard,” how do we “change our spots”? 2.By growing and maturing:  God wants His babies to mature, Heb.5:12 – 6:8;  His soldiers to develop their skills, Eph.6:10-17; and,  His workers to improve their productivity, 2Pet.1:5-8. This is not optional, 2Pet.3:18. No one can remain a spiritual infant indefinitely. If we do not grow and mature as Christians, and thus do our part to change our spots, we will die spiritually! John 15:1-8

Changing the Leopard’s Spots If we are “the leopard,” how do we “change our spots”? 3.By realizing that our refusal to change affects more than just us.  The immature think and act selfishly without regard for others, 1Cor.13:11a;  But the mature realize the impact of their actions or inaction on others, 1Cor.13:11b;  And accept the responsibility of leadership with their own children, and others, Eph.6:4; 5:1-17; Matt.18:1-11. Christians live in glass houses, what an opportunity! Matt.5:14ff

Can we leopards change our spots? “Yes!”  Through God’s grace and cleansing,  And our continued efforts toward growth and maturity,  Along with the understanding and acceptance of responsibility to Him and those around us! Now, are you ready to let God and us help you change your spots of sin into purity by being washed and transformed?