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Changed by Jesus

 

Titus 3:3-7

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

It is important that we clarify what we mean by regeneration. As Christians, God has done something for us, in us, and through us.

Justification - What God has done for us (Jesus dying on the cross in order to atone for our sins)

Regeneration - What God does in us (giving us a new heart with new life)

Good works - What God does through us (as changed people, we live out of our new heart a life in obedience to God)

 

Defining regeneration: Spiritual change wrought in the heart of man by the Holy Spirit in which his inherently sinful nature is changed so that he can respond to God in faith and live in accordance with His will. It extends to the whole nature of man, altering his governing disposition, illuminating his mind, freeing his will, and renewing his nature.

In other words, regeneration is injection of life into something (or someone) that was once dead!

 

The heart
When we talk about the heart, we mean more than the physical organ. In the Bible, the heart is talked about as the sum, centre, total, and essence of a human being. The heart is who a person is at their deepest level. The heart:

• is mentioned more than 900 times in the Bible
• is the root cause of everything in a person's life (actions, words, thoughts, deeds, motives)
• Jeremiah 24:7
• Ezekiel 36:26-27
• once the heart changes then the life changes
• John 3 – Nicodemus “born again” (Jesus adapts the "new heart" analogy with being "born again", meaning that to be saved one must be regenerated, injected with new life from God
• Ephesians 2 and Colossians 2 (we are physically alive but spiritually dead, in need of regeneration)

*Note: Some testimonies (stories of what God has done in people's lives) are shared below by people in our church to help practically show how the new heart really does change people's lives.

What comes with the new heart?

 

1. New Master

We are no longer in control of our lives, but God is. He is now our Lord and Guide, and we seek to follow Him and none other.

Matthew 6:24 No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other…

 

"Sometimes I'm dumbfounded by the things I do...and I love it. I'm a natural penny-pincher and always have been. I could tell you stories of my saving and investing as a child that would make you laugh at my geekiness. But God has implanted in me a spirit of generosity that sometimes even shocks me. As much as I love to have money in the bank and save wherever I can, I find even greater joy in giving my money away. It's something that's hard to explain, especially to non-Christians, because the Spirit of God working inside me is literally in direct opposition to my natural tendencies. When I see a need, or even an unfulfilled desire, in someone else because of a lack of funds, there's something inside of me (the Spirit of God!) that drives me to do whatever I can to satisfy it. Sometimes I don't listen, and I usually regret it. When I do listen though, it brings me more joy than any bank account figure or possession ever could. I know that without the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I'd be very selfish – and probably have a lot more money!But I'd have no joy - and that joy is definitely worth any price."

 

 

2. New Creation

Along with the new heart, we are made new creations by Jesus...we are brand new people!

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

 

Before Christ was in my life, I was self centered, and without direction. I chose a college program that was not right for me. I enrolled at university and still struggled with decisions. Eventually, I decided to work and leave school. I spent much time and money in my search for fulfillment, buying expensive clothes, travelling, and trying transcendental meditation. I read many motivational and self help books. One day Billy Graham came to the Toronto area where I was living; I attended and gave my life to Christ. The difference was immediate; while on the city transit, some passengers were ridiculing the crusade and I felt peace and was not defensive as when I was involved in transcendental meditation. I returned to SSM and began attending church. The focus of my life was now Jesus and the direction came as I realized that I owed my life to Him and recognized my purpose in living for Him. He has given me the desire of my heart for a husband and family. I am fulfilled by using my gifts for Him and I live by the verse; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6

 

 

3. New Identity

As believers, we find our identity in Christ. People find their identity in many things (their families, careers, their hurts etc.), and this is not proper. The question is, how do you identify yourself? What is at the centre of your life, where you find meaning and purpose? The answer needs to be Jesus! Just like a dirty pair of clothes, you can drop your old identity and "put on" a new one in Jesus.

Col 3:9-10 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old selfwith its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

 

I can remember at the beginning of my coming to know Christ, I truly believed that Jesus died on the cross for sinners (bad people) and that surely I was not one of them. Because I had never really been a “bad person” and didn't do things that I saw all my friends doing, I somehow thought I must be already pleasing to God..... When the Holy Spirit began a work in me, I soon realized how filthy I actually was. My eyes had been blinded to so much - I seemed to compare my “small sins” like jealousy and greed to much bigger and surely much worse sins and somehow believed that mine were insignificant. When God changed my heart, I realized how mistaken I was. I began to look at others and myself so differently. I would purposely go to hear others share their testimonies because I liked to hear about people who came “out of the gutters” so-to-speak and then changed their lives because of Jesus Christ. People like a motorcycle gang member named Ace Clark, and other similar stories of dramatic turnarounds used to thrill my heart, but soon I knew that my testimony was equal in significance. It doesn't matter what or where we come from, it only matters where Jesus has taken us. Although my outward actions seemed good compared to the sins of others, I came to know that my secret inner sins were equally as loathsome to God.I see my need and other people’s need for Jesus with different eyes now; I truly do. Thank you Jesus.

 

 

4. New Mind

With regeneration we are given a new mind that desires truth.

1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation

During my high-school years I was very apathetic about my relationship with Christ. When God finally got a hold of me, and I became serious about my faith, I immediately had a craving to read my Bible. In a span of about 6 months I read my Bible front to back. I learned so much...I never knew how much was in there! I also had a lot of questions, and so I began to buy books from the Christian bookstore to help me understand my Bible and grow in my faith. I used to hate reading; I probably read one or two books in my entire life, but now I read all the time and I buy books by the bunches. I love the new mind!

5. New Desires

When we are regenerated, we are given new hearts with new desires: godly desires to obey God and love others. While we still retain our sinful nature, and we still internally struggle with our conflicting good and evil desires, the key is that our deepest desries are to obey God. In the verse below, note the phrase "the things you want to do." This changes everything! Christians want to love others, read their Bibles, go to church, serve others, meet the needs of the needy, praise God, and be generous. Religious people think we have to, but the truth is true Christians want to. There is a world of difference between the two.

Galatians 5:16-17 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

 

6. New Emotions

Our new heart gives us new emotions, like love, joy, and peace, even though life itself may not lead to these.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…

 

I received the Lord as my Savior as a teenager but suffered from severe, debilitating depression most of my life. I despaired that depression wasn’t ‘taken away’ from me as a Christian, but now realize that it was according to Jesus’ purpose and work. As I was growing in my faith over the years, the depression has taught me humility, dependence on God, and compassion. The shame and suffering I endured was used for correction and guidance: an indication to change my approaches, relationships, and circumstances. In God’s timing, with many ‘co-incidences’, I believe the Lord guided my learning about different aspects of my physical, mental, and emotional health and then, through life-changing events (including being led to Bible Fellowship), he taught me a better understanding of His love and grace. God’s love and grace, more than anything, is what finally brought the spiritual freedom and depression-free life I am enjoying now. Praise His name! Psalm 40:2-3 He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he has put a new song in my mouth, praise unto our God...

 

7. New Community

Our new heart now has a relationship with God and with His family (the Church).

1 John 1:3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:4-5 …In love 5 he predestined usfor adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…

 

I was 27 years old when I became a Christian in Scotland, which made me the only member of my family that was ‘born-again’. As a result, I attended church and bible studies alone as a new believer. Two years after meeting Jesus, my husband and I planned to immigrate to Canada. I confess that at first I was very afraid because we did not know a single person in Canada, and I feared the loneliness that I was sure was inevitable. In time, however, God revealed to me through His Word that I was part of a new family – the Church – and that I would not be alone. I was able to have the courage to leave my blood related family and friends to come to a country where I knew no one with only the God-given reassurance that I had family in Christ who would receive me in Canada. I became confident that I would meet like-minded people who loved the Lord as I did, and by God’s grace, I’m able to say that is exactly what happened. One of the greatest comforts and joys of being a Christian is belonging to the Family of God and enjoying the fellowship that comes with it.

 

 

8. New Power

Many people live life by their own strength, but those who are regenerated have the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives us strength and power even when we don't have enough to make it on our own.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

 

I’ve loved Jesus since I was just a little girl. I had the privilege of learning about him early on in life and having the assurance that He loved me.  Having grown up in the church, I attended many Christian programs and even Christian schools.  I was completely enveloped in a Christian environment and had a lot of teaching about Jesus as a child and young adult. Still, it wasn’t until my faith was truly tested that I came to know how much Jesus really meant to me. There is such a big difference in just knowing about Him and truly knowing Him. It’s unfortunate that it takes deep trials to open our eyes and hearts wide enough to experience his grace and mercy in a real way. When my marriage fell apart and divorce turned my world completely upside down, I found myself in the darkest, most lonely place I’ve ever experienced.  It was there in that pit of despair that Jesus lifted me out of the muck of depression and cradled me in his arms. He assured me that I was never alone and that he would always be there, even at a time when I felt so abandoned. Jesus has been my rock, my hope, my constant source of love and peace. He has guided me through painful experiences, difficult decisions and given me strength that on my own I would never possess. He is the head of my home, the caregiver to my children, the life partner I desire. How thankful I am that I can face an uncertain future with the certainty that He will travel the journey right along with me.

 

 

9. New Freedom

Jesus doesn't bring rules, legalism, and restriction...He brings freedom! In Christ, we have freedom from our sins, the penalty of our sins, guilt, shame, our past, and freedom to live a new life by God's grace.

Romans 6:6 We know that our old selfwas crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

John 8:34,36 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slaveto sin… 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

 

10. New Life

In summary, our new heart brings with it new life.

1 Cor. 6:9-11 Or do you not know that the unrighteouswill not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

 

By worldly standards, I had it all: young, strong, good-looks, money, fast cars, girlfriends all the time. Life was good. I still felt like I needed more though, so I tried drugs at 17 and became hooked on hard dugs until age 27. I was the popular man and the life of the party, but my life was a train wreck. I was almost killed in many car accidents; I did a few break and enters; I once held a shotgun to guys head over a drug rip-off; I ended up in intensive care on a drug overdose. I was still cool to others but not to myself. I kept thinking, “Is this what life is all about…party and then die? There has to be more, but what?” I always wanted to know but I didn’t know how to find it. One day a Christian guy told me about heaven and hell and how to get saved. I said that because I was saved from death many times during my car accidents I didn’t need help. Then I started thinking about this placed called hell. What happens if he’s right and I’m wrong? I hate pain because I saw a lot of it in my lifetime. But the thought of eternal pain was terrifying. Plus this man told me that the God who created me loved me enough to die for me, which really struck a nerve. As I looked over my so called good life I realized that I wasn’t all I was cracked up to be. I felt empty, helpless, and hopeless. For once I knew I needed help. The guy had told me about John 3:16, and so one night I verbally asked Jesus to save me and show me a better way. It wasn’t just my lips moving, it was my heart talking. I had no problem seeing myself as a sinner – I could write a book about that. I asked God to somehow show me a way out. Nothing big happened at that moment but I felt and incredible feeling of peace. After that point, my life began to change. I cheated my whole life in school and never read a book, but now I found myself reading and studying the Bible for answers. I always thought Christians were losers, low life and weak-kneed people. Boy was I wrong. The world’s losers are God’s winners, and I am one of them. Now people laugh at me and say – he went religious, the poor guy. I look at them and say, poor lost souls. “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” (Mark 8:36) I’m not “the man” – Jesus is: the true God-man who will eternally love a sinner like me.

 

 

 

James 2 – trees and fruit
James teaches that there are two kinds of people: those who bear fruit and those who don't. Fruit here is a metaphor for good works, evidence of God's presence in one's life. Christians bear good fruit because they are connected to God; non-Christians cannot bear fruit because they are disconnected from God. Many people, in an attempt to please God, try to do good works to please Him, essentially duct-taping fruit to their proverbial tree. God is saying, don't add fruit by your own power...become a new tree! The problem is down in our roots (our hearts, our person) and we need to become brand new trees that then can bear fruit for God.

 

Picture in your mind a kite, and imagine that the kite represents your life. In an attempt to fly the kite, you grab the string and run with it as fast as you can. You will find that your kite won't make it too far! This is what it is like when we try to please God by our own efforts. Consider that the Spirit is compared to the wind in John 3:8...Your kite, in order to come to life, need to be filled with the wind (the Holy Spirit)!

 

Being changed by Jesus isn’t a one time thing…

 

It's been a good many years since I came to know Christ as my savior but since that time in 1959 my life changes every day. Over the years I've learned who Jesus is. I've taken a deep interest in the study of the bible and mostly I've learned how much of a sinner I am and by the grace of God, through His word and His love for me He has enabled me to want to put Him first in my life. Prayer is another important part of my Christian living. Attending special Christian meetings at ladies retreats and conferences also enabled me to learn more about the real meaning of life. Having fellowship and great friendships with other believers has been very important to me. I'm not saying that I gave up my friends that I had before I was saved and started to put Jesus first in my heart.....but I hope that in some way they have seen a difference in my attitudes. My bible verse that I've leaned on is "Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not".Jeremiah 33:3. I would never want my life to be any less than following Christ and I so look forward to the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

 

 

 

Back to Titus 3:3-7

Read this passage again and see if it means more to you.

 

 

Discussion Questions

 

1. Justification (Jesus’ work of atonement on the cross) is what God has done for us; regeneration (the new heart) is what God does in us; good works are what God does through us. Discuss why it is important to see justification, regeneration, and good works in their proper order?

2. The new heart brings with it at least 10 new things. Which ones are the easiest for you to identify with? Which are the hardest? Why?

3. Has studying regeneration changed your view of what it means to be a Christian?
4. Share some of your story of how you have been changed by Jesus.