Has Jesus Changed You?

I. Introduction: When Peter and John came before the Jewish leaders, the leaders were amazed at their boldness and ability. The Sanhedrin realized that the change was a result of their time spent with Jesus.

II. Text: Acts 4:1-13

III. The change of the apostles.

A. The apostles were not trained religious leaders, but common people from among the Jews.

B. Peter and John were both fishermen, Matthew 4:18-22. Peter realized that he was a sinner, Luke 5:4-8. John had a bad temper, Luke 9:51-55.

C. Jesus molded them into great men of faith and transformed them into something greater than they had been before.

D. Peter became a leader among the apostles and a great preacher who preached the first sermon on the Day of Pentecost when the church was established. John was transformed from a “son of thunder” to an apostle of love.

IV. How were they changed?

A. As said above, there was a change in their nature

B. Through Jesus they gained boldness in the face of opposition.

C. In the garden of Gethsemane they all fled from Jesus, Mark 14:50.

D. Peter even denied the Lord when it was obvious that “he had been with Jesus,” Mark 14:66-72.

E. The change was obvious to the people in the courtyard; they knew that he was one who had been with Jesus. He cursed and swore to prove that he had not been with Jesus. Here in Acts 4 they were speaking boldly for Jesus in the presence of those who once intimidated them. It was obvious that the apostles had been with Jesus, and we, knowing their background, can see the great change performed.

V. As Christians we can develop a deep and lasting relationship with Christ

A. Though we cannot be with Jesus in the way the apostles were, we can still be with Christ and changed by the experience

B. Study – 1 John 2:3-6

C. When the word abides in us, and we keep the commandments of God, we are allowing God to shape us into the image of His son. We can know more about God by meditating on His word to “learn of Him.”

D. Prayer – We are able to talk with God, share ourselves with Him and be mindful of his presence in our lives.

E. Godly living – By living as Christ lived, enduring suffering and tribulation, and knowing the joy of the blessings of daily life, we can draw closer to Christ. We should see Christ living in us and around us.

VI. There should be a visible change in our lives that others can see

A. Change in our appearance.

B. Our language will be characterized by good speech, not filthy language, Colossians 3:8. Our tempers will be in control, Colossians 3:8. We will dress modestly despite the world’s standards, 1 Timothy 2:8-10.1 Peter 4:3-5 – we will live holy despite the criticism of others We will not go to places that are inappropriate or do anything that would bring disgrace to the name of Jesus

C. Change in our attitude.

D. We will have confidence in God and His promises We will have reverence for God, His name, and His commands We will have a penitent heart that is willing to repent when wrong,

E. Our lives should be such that others can see us and say, “He/She has been with Jesus.”

VII. Conclusion: Jesus wants to be with you but will not force you into a relationship with Him. Will you accept that great invitation and experience a relationship that will change your life?