The Crock Pot Theology. Here is some context for the next few months. Beginning in the fall the year 2024, we had a series of messages about being with Jesus. Intentionally taking time to make Jesus our home. And now, for the next couple of months, were going to focus on becoming more like Jesus. Here is how Paul wrote about this; Romans 8: 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. The plan is to become more like Jesus. Objection – “why do I need to be more like Jesus?” But I ask, “why would you not want to be like the greatest human being that ever lived on this planet?” When God is forming you to be more like Jesus you are becoming your deepest and truest self – the person that God had in mind when he willed you into existence. Look at that Scripture again – FIRSTBORN. Jesus is the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. That means that Jesus is the example, the template. He’s the first of many who will be filled with God’s spirit. But how does God make us more like his son? Crockpot theology. The crockpot, or as some call it, the slow cooker, is really a great invention. Raw stuff. Heat. Time. Equals the finished product. For the next couple of months were to be talking about crockpot theology – how God works in us and grows us. How does it work – this crockpot theology? It starts with us consuming raw godly habits; Bible, teaching, prayer, worship, church, godly relationships, etc. Today we start with talking about a crockpot and maybe the best and most concise understanding of how God works in us in all of Scripture. Romans 12:1. Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Paul has just revealed to you how spiritual formation happens in your life. He is revealing the two forces that are working on you right now. The two forces that are trying to tell you what the good life is. The two forces that are vying for your imagination. The two forces that are developing your belief system. The two forces battling for your heart. The two forces that are storming into your home and family and wanting their devotion. These two forces are turning you into somebody, but who are they turning you into? The battle is for your mind. The world wants to conform your mind to think it’s kind of thoughts. God wants to transform your mind was completely new kinds of thoughts. The way God transforms us is by the mind. Our intellect. Our reasoning. Your intellect and your reasoning are connected to your heart where you live out your thoughts. But the world is also after your mind. We need to fight and take back control of our mind. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world… 1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Do you see the logical progression? First, the world has a pattern or a system that seeks to conform you, seeks your allegiance. Secondly, the world is under the power of the evil one. Thirdly, the evil one is a murderer, hates the truth, his native language is lies, and in fact, he is the father of lies. Conclusion: We are being bombarded every day with twisted and contorted lies that have been generated from the pits of hell that seek to conform you. And what is the biggest lie that Satan uses in this world? The biggest lie he tells us and tells the world is that we don’t need God and that we are better off without him. We can do it ourselves. The biggest lie and the mother of all lies is that we can have the good life without God. That God isn’t good or wise. Paul reveals the pattern of this world to conform, but then he reveals that God is in the business of transforming instead of conforming. Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Paul now reveals how God works. He works through something called transformation. The Greek word for transformation is the word metamorphosis. He doesn’t conform through outward pressures, or you trying to strictly obey the law, according to Hebrews, God is writing his law on your heart. He is revealing things to you that are radically changing you. The acid test of whether you are growing and being transformed by God is that you trust him more and you love him more. Our part in transformation comes through the mind. The renewing of our mind. And this is where the crockpot comes in; we have to intentionally start putting things into our life that have this transformational power. On this journey to become more like Jesus you are going to have to choose your ingredients carefully. You may have to change some habits. You will have to change some relationships. You will have to change your practices. You will even have to change the story that you’re living. You have some sort of mental map about how life is supposed to go, the story somebody told you. When you follow Jesus, you get a new story. A sacred story. God’s work is transformation, but you must be involved in the renewal of your mind by intentionally putting in the raw spiritual stuff that will align us with God’s good and perfect will. 5 things that are catalysts for the renovation of your life. Practical teaching Providential relationships Private disciplines Personal ministry Pivotal circumstances Let’s see what GOD can do! Pastor Brian Harrell