FRUITS OF CONVERSION

By John Cripps and reworked by David Riggs

Intro.
   A. The absolute necessity of conversion is stated by Christ.      
      Matt. 18:3
      1. It is also reiterated  by the apostles.  Acts 3:19
   B. There are many false concepts of conversion: "Get religion,"
      "Have an experience," "a changed life," and so forth.
   C. The only way we can know what constitutes true conversion is to
      study the Word of God.
   D. Conversion is a change brought about by the Holy Spirit working
      through the Word, producing faith, causing one to see the
      seriousness of sin, and leading one to obedience.
   E. One's conversion produces a change which can be observed by
      others.  Fruit is produced.  Luke 3:8-14
      1. It is seen in the Prodigal son who came home, the son who
         repented and went, and in the Ephesians who burned their
         evil books.
   F. Let us consider what the Bible says about true conversion.

I. THOSE CONVERTED ARE "NEW CREATURES IN CHRIST."  2 Cor. 5:17
   A. There is such a radical change - as if one is recreated.  Eph. 
      4:20-24
   B. God's purpose to reshape a life which has been marred by sin   
      into the likeness of His Son.  Rom. 8:29
      1. It does not come instantaneously.
         a. At times, some have been discouraged and defeated
            because they have been taught that those "converted"
            do no evil; speak no evil; think no evil.
         b. As a result, they begin to question whether they have
            been converted.
   C. As long as one lives, there will be a struggle between flesh   
      and spirit.  Gal. 5:16-18
      1. At times, "flesh" will seem to prevail.
      2. We are admonished to abstain from fleshly lusts which war
         against the soul.  1 Pet. 2:11

II. ONE'S PURPOSE OF LIFE IS CHANGED.  2 Cor. 5:14-15
   A. One no longer lives for himself, but for Him who died for him.
      1. A man who was converted put on his shirt, "Under New
         Management."
      2. When asked about it, he explained how he was now under
         Christ and not himself.
   B. Thus, conversion is not an "experience" on which one relies,   
      but is an earnest desire and effort to live by faith in the One
      who died for him.  Gal. 2:20
   C. Each of us should ask ourselves, "What is my purpose in life;
      what are my chief objects and interests?"  Col. 3:1-4

III. THOSE CONVERTED SEEK THE KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS FIRST.   
   Matt. 6:33
   A. What is meant by this familiar statement, "seek first...His
      righteousness"?
      1. It is seeking to be ruled by His law.  John 14:21; 15:13-14;
         1 Cor. 14:37
      2. Desiring to know God's righteousness, and not establishing
         our own.  Rom. 10:1-3
      3. For one to be righteous, he must practice righteousness.  1
         John 3:7; Phil. 3:9-10

IV. HE TAKES DELIGHT IN KNOWING AND DOING THE COMMANDS OF THE LORD.
   A. "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my
      heart."  Psalm 40:8
   B. We delight learning, studying, hearing, teaching, and doing    
      God's will.  Psalm 119:111; 19:8
      1. We can pull ourselves out of depression by prayer, and by
         reading and studying the Word. Psalm 119:92
   C. What is your attitude?  Do you delight in knowing and doing His
      will, or is it that you are not interested?

V. DELIGHT IN WORSHIPING THE LORD.  Psalm 122:1
   A. Our worship is an expression of our love for the Lord.
      1. We should be filled with love and gratitude for what He has
         done for us.
      2. He is worthy of our worship.  Rev. 5:12
   B. When we feel "obligated" (motivated by obligation only), in    
      time we become weary.  Mal. 1:6-8,13
      1. It is difficult to conceive of one who really loves the     
         Lord, and appreciates His sacrifice, to have feelings of    
         weariness.
      2. A young person in love does not have the attitude, "Do I
         have to go and see or be with that one!"
      3. Instead, it is a great delight to be with the person who he 
         or she loves.

VI. WILLING TO SACRIFICE FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST.
   A. Consider the Macedonians.  2 Cor. 8:1-5
      1. First, they gave themselves to the Lord.  Their hearts were
         changed.
         a. They considered that they now belonged to the Lord,
            along with all that they owned.
      2. Such an attitude causes one to ask, "What do I have which
         can be used in the cause of my Lord?"
      3. I am willing to sacrifice my own money, time, and
         enjoyments, so that I can please the Lord and advance His
         cause.
      4. If I belong to the Lord in "body, soul, and spirit," all    
         that I am and possess belongs to Him.  1 Cor. 6:19-20

Concl.
   A. Lack of conversion is at the root of most, if not all, the     
      problems in religion today.
      1. Many have not learned the necessity of changing one's
         relationship through obedience to the gospel.
      2. Many profess to have been converted, but their hearts
         haven't been changed.
         a. They continue in the practices of the past.  They have no
            sense of belonging to Christ, and no sense of shame for
            past sins.
         b. Therefore, their religion is nothing more than
            "convenience" and "formality."
   B. Have you been truly converted by obeying the truth from the
      heart?
      1. First, and foremost, conversion is recognition of Christ as
         Lord.
         a. He is Lord and Master and His will takes priority over
            all else.
         b. People converted to the Lord are able to accomplish
            many things for Him.
         c. Great reward in the next world awaits those who are
            truly converted to the Lord.
   C. Four essentials of conversion:
      1. Faith - changes our intellect (mind).  Acts 16:31
      2. Repentance - changes our will (direction).  Acts 3:19
      3. Confession - changes our allegiance (loyalty).  Romans
         10:9-10
      4. Baptism -  changes our relationship (position).  Acts 2:38