PEOPLE AND CHANGE Matthew 21:28-29 I. Introduction. A. Change is a difficult process. 1. "I don't like change!" 2. Change is a natural process. B. Some are skeptical about whether people can really change. C. Others question whether people will change. D. Idea behind gospel: people change. E. Bible word: repentance. II. Body. A. Humans can change. 1. In fact: Even God has changed(mind). Genesis 6:6; Exodus 32:14. a. Not as man: I Sam. 15:29. b. God does no evil. 2. Idea behind Jesus' sacrifice, the gospel, etc. 3. Preaching & teaching w/o value unless this is true. 4. Even in OT: Ezekiel 14:6. 5. Message of John: Matthew 3:1-2. 6. Message of Christ: Matthew 4:17. 7. Message of the NT: Acts 2:38. B. Humans do change. 1. Jesus' illustration: Matthew 21:28-29. 2. Some change for proper reason---some for other reasons. 3. Saul was a persecutor: became an apostle. a. Acknowledged his own change: I Tim. 1:13. b. Preached: Acts 17:30. C. Humans will change. 1. Nineveh did: Matt. 12:41. 2. Given the opportunity: many will change. 3. Every faithful Christian is proof of this. 4. Again: design of the gospel--to produce change. 5. Wasted effort on our part, otherwise. 6. Must have a frame of mind to be willing to do this. 7. Change is necessary even after becoming a Christian: Revelation 2:5. D. Some humans won't change. 1. In Jeremiah's day: Jer. 8:6. 2. In the days of Christ: Matt. 11:20-21. 3. Among the early churches: Revelation 2:21. 4. Often among most miserable: know they should, but live with a troubled conscience. 5. Stubborn? Psalm 78:8. 6. Seared conscience? I Timothy 4:2. 7. Hardened heart? Hebrews 3:13(Note). 8. If a person will not change: it is that person's fault! Acts 7:51. E. People change for varied reasons. 1. Some feel pressured by others. 2. Some out of pure fear. 3. Real reasons: a. Conviction: Acts 2:37. b. Desire to do God's will: Acts 8:36. c. To be prepared: II Peter 3:13. 4. Note: II Cor. 7:10. F. Change is a process from within that is started from without. 1. Appeal to the heart by the gospel. 2. One cannot "meditate" out of sin. 3. Whether one reads the truth or hears the truth: change starts when one is taught. 4. A teacher may instruct: the learner must react! 5. One does change(daily)--whether acknowledged or not. G. The result of change should be seen in a person's life. 1. It was in Paul's conduct. 2. It was in Peter's behavior. 3. It was in the young man who went to work. 4. All change will be accompanied by evidence. Matt. 3:8. III. Conclusion. A. Do you need to change? B. Need help in making a change?-jy