2. Become Like Jesus

Introduction

WWJD Trivia

When faced with a large crowd that was hungry, what did Jesus do to provide food for them?

He ordered pizza for everyone

He multiplied a few loaves of bread and fish

He dismissed the crowd to go find food for themselves

On one occasion, Jesus was upset with what was happening in the temple. What did he do?

He preached a sermon on proper etiquette

He organized a protest march

He overturned the tables of the money changers and sellers

In the town of Bethsaida, Jesus encountered a blind man. What method did he use to heal the man’s blindness?

He touched the man’s eyes with his hands

He spat on the ground, made mud, and applied it to the man’s eyes

He simply spoke a healing command

If Jesus had a social media account, what kind of posts do you think he’d share?

Inspirational quotes with the comment, “If you believe in God, repost this”

Memes and funny cat videos to lighten the mood

Jesus wouldn’t have social media because he’d be too busy helping people in person

If Jesus’s ministry were happening today, which of the following economic issues do you think he’d prioritize?

Economic equality and helping the poor

Lower taxes, smaller government, and the freedom people need to thrive and prosper

Finding the right balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship

Jesus’s ministry is happening today… through us. We’re in a series about how to follow Jesus, and today we’re talking about becoming like Jesus.

What does it mean to become like Jesus? To act like Jesus… But not just to act like Jesus—to react like Jesus.

Subject: How do we become like Jesus? How do we learn to react like Jesus?

Body (Romans 12:1-2)

If you want to become like Jesus, learn to think like Jesus. If you want to learn to react like Jesus, grow in your ability to see the world the way Jesus sees the world.

Exposition (Rom 12:2)

Don’t think the way society thinks. Think the way Jesus thinks. Don’t see the world the way pop culture sees the world. See the world the way Jesus sees the world.

This is what Paul wrote to the Philippians, “You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had” (Phil 2:5, NET). Not the self-serving, self-centered, self-promoting, self-indulgent, self-absorbed attitude of the culture around us. But Paul actually said, “Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself” (Phil 2:3, NET).

How do you know? You have to get to know Jesus and the truth he lived by.

Illustration: Jack’s homework question: “How did the main character’s perspective change in the story? Give two evidences in support of your answer.”

Application

What would Jesus think about politics in our society? Give two evidences in support of your answer… I want to know the Jesus of the Bible, not the Jesus of my imagination.

This is why we’re doing a Reading the Bible Together class.

If you want to become like Jesus, learn to heed the Spirit. If you want to learn to react like Jesus, grow in your resolve to follow the Holy Spirit’s promptings.

Exposition

Romans 12:1… “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” = surrender your will to God. Give up your “right” to yourself. See 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20. Resolve to follow Jesus no matter what.

Romans 12:2… What is he talking about here? Your conscience. God has given every human being a radio transmitter with a direct link to the Holy Spirit. As the Scriptures renew your mind, your conscience becomes tuned to the Spirit’s frequency, and you begin to recognize God’s will.

Illustration: The Holy Spirit prompted me: Don’t just wave from your mailbox. Ask your neighbor how he’s doing as he walks past your drive.

Application: A Fool-Proof 10-Week Plan to Become Like Jesus

Conclusion: What happens when (not if) we fall short?

I used the word “learn” in my main points on purpose. It’s a process, not a decision. It’s something we learn over time, not something we download and install.

It’s no coincidence that God reveals himself in Scripture as our Father. Parenting provides a beautiful example of what happens when we fail.