Divine Makeover

Divine Makeover

Opening Remarks:

Imagine that a fashion expert gave you personal instructions on what to wear, what not to wear, and how to accessorize. How would you feel about that? You would feel great about how you look!

There is nothing wrong with wanting an attractive appearance, but real beauty isn't something we put on. It's given to us by Christ, who makes us holy.

Youth, if you are embarrassed about how your mom or your dad dress and do their hair, you may be able to get them on Oprah Winfrey's makeover special….the producers will take these frumpy parents of yours behind the set and for an hour. Then make-up artists, and hairstylists, and fashion designers will work their magic, and when the curtain parts at the end of the show, out will come two people who look like celebrities.

Some persons may not want a makeover for fashion but would love a change in car, career, or house.

Let me share with you some quick facts you will find intriguing from the (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2021)

 The top 5 Cosmetic Surgical Procedures last year were as follows:

1. Breast augmentation (300,000)  

2. Liposuction (246,000)

3. Nose Reshaping (218,000)

4. Eyelid surgery (209,000) 

5. Tummy Tuck (129,000)

A total of 17.5 million cosmetic procedures • 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures • 15.7 million cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures, and 5.8 million reconstructive procedures have been performed in the last year alone.

Breast augmentation continues to be the top cosmetic surgical procedure. It has been since 2006, with notable gains in 2022, including 

• Buttock augmentation w/ fat grafting – up 10% 

• Breast Reduction – up 11% 

• Hair Transplantation – up 19%.

40-54-year-olds make up most cosmetic procedures – 49% of the total and about 7.7 million the total cosmetic procedures.

55 years and over comprised of 4.1 million total cosmetic procedures 

These numbers sound like a lot, and these figures are just for the United States alone. 

Did you know… • $40.67 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures in the U.S last year? Each year this figure is increasing more and more. 

Females account for 92% of all cosmetic procedures.

These statistics point out persons who try to beautify the outside, but what about beautifying our inside. Therefore, the program today is entitled Divine Makeover.

WELCOME

SCRIPTURE READING AND PRAYER

OPENING SONG

MAIN FEATURE:

Humans require a makeover. Not the physical ones mentioned in the opening remarks. But a divine makeover that only Jesus can give. The type he gave to the woman at the well, Saul turned Paul, Noah, Moses and all the men and women in the Bible.

PAUL says here that his first assessments of Jesus' life was based on external judgments…and in Paul's learned opinion, Jesus had not measured up to the Pharisee's expectation of what a Messiah should look like or what a Messiah should do.

Paul at that time was greatly mistaken. 

Belt of Truth

In Bible times, the girdle about the waist held together with the soldier's garments, which might otherwise hamper his movements while marching or engaging in combat. The spiritual significance is that God does not simply want us to point at the truth; He wants us to wear it and have it wrapped about us. Not only does the belt hold everything in place, but it also serves to carry the sheath that holds the sword of the Spirit for ready access. Some people have the sword of God's Word, but they come to reckless conclusions without the belt of truth.

Many confused Christians have fled naked and ashamed when challenged by the enemy because they had not secured the belt of truth. Never forget that wearing the belt of truth also means wearing Christ, for He is "the way, the truth, and the life." John 14:6. This is why Paul said, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27, emphasis added.

Breastplate of Righteousness

 This vital article of defence protected the front torso and all of the vital organs from a mortal wound.

Shield of Faith

 The warrior's shield was his first line of defence. The enemy is constantly firing volley after volley of those flaming arrows of carnal desire. The purpose of this shield of faith was to deflect the enemy's fiery darts and prevent them from ever making contact. Unfortunately, multitudes of Christians fall on the battlefield and fail to overcome evil because they wait until they are immersed in the fires of temptation before making any effort to resist. At that point, it is often too late. As soon as you recognize a fiery dart sailing toward you, there is no time to lose. So hold up that shield of faith and do everything in your power to keep as much distance as possible between you and the temptation. If we yield without a fight, we are in reality, inviting temptation.

Helmet of Salvation

Your body has seven sacred openings from the neck up: two nostrils, two ears, two eyes, and one mouth. (Our biggest problems usually come from what enters and exits the mouth. This might be why the Lord gave us only one-see James 3:5.) Only in eternity will we appreciate how pivotal to each person's salvation were their choices concerning what they allowed to enter their minds through these vital senses. Therefore, we must firmly strap the helmet of salvation in place and guard these avenues to the soul.

Gospel Shoes

 In the Bible, the foot symbolises the direction or "the walk" of a person's life. Having our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace gives us good footing and prevents backsliding, as well.

Sword of God's Word

 The sword was the most common weapon in battle, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul asks, "Whoever goes to war at his own expense?" 1 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV. God pays the bill for the entire arsenal. All that we need was purchased at Calvary with the blood of His own dear Son. Just as Jonathan so loved David that he gave him his armour, sword, robe, and indeed his very throne (1 Samuel 18:3, 4), so Jesus gives us all we need to be assured of total and final victory.

Special Music

Lesson Study

Closing Remarks:

Today we looked at the high cost of plastic surgery in the United States and the alarming number of persons who pay for these surgeries because they want a makeover. You were also reminded that God wants to give us a divine makeover which is to put on the whole armour of God.

The last of the armaments was really an attitude. Any general knows that victory almost always depends upon which army has the element of surprise. In the story of Gideon, the soldiers were chosen based upon their watchfulness, and they caught the enemy sleeping and won through surprise. Even the best of armour is almost useless if the soldiers are found dozing. We are commanded to be "watchful to this end with all perseverance." Ephesians 6:18, NKJV.

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." Matthew 26:41.

Brethren today I admonish you to take up the offer for a divine makeover from the Lord. Take up the whole armour and attitude of readiness so you can overcome Satan and his fiery attacks. 

Closing Prayer

Sabbath School is now adjourned until next Sabbath