Classic Sermon Outlines (continued)
CLASSIC SERMON OUTLINES — Matthew Henry living in the soul by faith that makes the body a living sacrifice (Galatians 2:20). Holy love kindles the sacrifices, puts life into the duties.
3, A holy sacrifice. There must be real holiness which stands in an entire rectitude of heart and life, by which we are conformed in both to the nature and will of God. Our bodies must not be made the instruments of sin and uncleanness, but set apart for God and put to holy uses.
B. The Arguments Favoring the Presentation.
1. The mercies of God. God is a merciful God, therefore let us present — our bodies to Him. He will be sure to use them kindly and knows how to consider the frames of them for He is of infinite compassion. We receive from Him every day the fruits of His mercy (Lamentations 3:22).
2. The acceptability of it to God. The great end to which we should labor is to be accepted of the Lord (II Corinthians 5:9), to have Him well | pleased with our persons and performances. Now these living sacrifices are acceptable to God; while the sacrifices of the wicked, although fat and costly, are an abomination to the Lord.
3. The reasonableness of the presentation. God does not impose upon us anything hard or unreasonable, but that which is altogether agreeable to the principles of right reason. God deals with us as with rational creatures and will have us so to deal with Him. Thus must the body be presented to God.
II. RENEWAL OF THE MIND.
A. The Meaning of Renewal of the Mind.
See to it that there be a saving change wrought in you and that it be carried on. Conversion and sanctification are the renewing of the mind; a change not of substance, but of the qualities of the soul.
1. Conversion. It is the receiving of new dispositions, inclinations, sympathies, and antipathies; the understanding enlightened, the conscience softened, the thoughts rectified and the will bowed to the will of God; the affections made spiritual and heavenly: so that the man is not what he was (II Corinthians 5:17).