Living Like Christ:

Introduction:

In a world so touched by sin, it can be challenging to maintain a life dedicated to God.

In a world full of challenges, the challenge of Christianity is to become more like Jesus Christ.

2) In a world full of challenges, the challenge of Christianity is to become more like Jesus Christ.

But how do we become more like Jesus Christ? That is the question before us this morning. If we are going to be like Jesus, we must

3) But how do we become more like Jesus Christ? That is the question before us today. We must…

Believe what Jesus believed.

a. Believe what Jesus believed (transformed mind).

Live as Jesus lived.

b. Live as Jesus lived (transformed character).

c. Love as Jesus loved (transformed relationships).

Love as Jesus loved.

Serve as Jesus served.

d. Minister as Jesus ministered (transformed service).

Lead as Jesus led.

e. Lead as Jesus led (transformed influence).

Truly, in order to become more like our Lord and imitate His holiness, we must choose to embrace His way in every one of these areas.

4) Truly, in order to become more like our Lord and imitate His holiness, we must choose to embrace His way in every one of these areas.

5) In this lesson, we will notice the various passages that address the imitation of Jesus, and then examine how we can practically apply the teaching of His holiness.

In this lesson, we will notice the various passages that address the imitation of Jesus, and then examine how we can practically apply the teaching of His holiness.

Discussion:

The Call to Christ-Likeness.

Jesus calls all men everywhere to follow Him: , , ; ; .

A. Jesus calls all men everywhere to follow Him.

1. In , Paul wrote, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

In , Paul wrote, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

“God desires for all men to be saved.”

2. “God desires for all men to be saved.” God wants everyone to follow Jesus Christ and “know the truth.”

God wants everyone to follow Jesus Christ and “know the truth.”

B. Jesus stated in , “If any man desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Consider that words of Jesus in , He said, “If any man desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” His call to imitate His own Holiness may be spelled out like this…

C. His call to imitate His own Holiness may be spelled out like this…

His call to imitate His own Holiness may be spelled out like this…

His call to imitate His own Holiness may be spelled out like this…

1. Contemplation- “If any man will come after me…”

Contemplation- “If any man will come after me…”

a. The little word “if” is a condition word.

The little word “if” is a condition word.

b. Not everyone will answer the call as it comes through the gospel.

Not everyone will answer the call as it comes through the gospel.

i. In , Jesus said, “"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

In , Jesus said, “"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

ii. True Christian living is hard. That is why many people take the easy way, the wide way.

True Christian living is hard.

iii.But taking the difficult way is worth it.

But taking the difficult way is worth it.

c. Before we chooses to follow Jesus, we should seriously count the cost.

Before we chooses to follow Jesus, we should seriously count the cost.

i. In , Jesus said…

In , Jesus said…

ii. There is going to be a cost of personal relationships, verse 26.

There is going to be a cost of personal relationships, verse 26.

iii. There is going to be a cost of personal goals and desires, verse 28.

There is going to be a cost of personal goals and desires, verse 28.

Renunciation- “Let him deny himself.”

iv. There is going to be a cost of personal possessions, verse 33.

2. Renunciation- “Let him deny himself.”

Jesus calls men to come and die to self so that they might live for Him.

a. Jesus calls men to come and die to self so that they might live for Him.

In , the word of God says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

i. says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

We must be able to say, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”-.

b. We must be able to say, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”-.

Dedication- “Take up his cross.”

3. Dedication- “Take up his cross.”

The true follower of Jesus realizes that difficult times will come in his pursuit of godliness and holiness.

a. The true follower of Jesus realizes that difficult times will come in his pursuit of godliness and holiness.

We must be determined to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter the circumstances.

b. We must be determined to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus no matter the circumstances.

Consider , “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

i. says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Through the good times and the bad, one can trust that the Lord will see Him safely through if he keeps his eyes “fixed on Jesus.”

c. Through the good times and the bad, one can trust that the Lord will see Him safely through if he keeps his eyes “fixed on Jesus.”

Direction- “Follow me.”

4. Direction- “Follow me.”

Following Jesus is about discipleship.

a. Following Jesus is about discipleship.

To be a disciple, it to be a learner, a student of Christ.

b. To be a disciple, it to be a learner, a student of Christ.

When we choose to follow the Lamb “where ever He goes,” We will arrive where He is, in Heaven itself ().

c. When we choose to follow the Lamb “where ever He goes,” We will arrive where He is, in Heaven itself ().

The Character of Christ-Likeness.

When contemplating the holiness of Christ, we might be tempted to focus solely on His sinless life.

But Holiness goes beyond sinlessness, to the overall unique nature of God and Christ.

B. But Holiness goes beyond mere sinlessness, to the overall unique nature of God and Christ.

To be holy as Jesus is Holy is to mirror every aspect of His life to the best of one’s ability. Therefore...

C. To be holy as Jesus is Holy is to mirror every aspect of His life to the best of one’s ability.

Imitating Jesus involves becoming as He is: .

D. Imitating Jesus in holiness involves becoming as He is.

1. In His day, rabbis (teachers) were known for teaching the Hebrew Scriptures, and they would gather disciples whom they would teach and groom to be men of piety and devotion to God.

In His day, rabbis (teachers) were known for teaching the Hebrew Scriptures, and they would gather disciples whom they would teach and groom to be men of piety and devotion to God.

Eager disciples sought to become like their teachers. Therefore, they would live with them and follow them every day.

a. Eager disciples sought to become like their teachers. Therefore, they would live with them and follow them every day.

The first century Jews spoke a blessing that expresses the commitment of a disciple to stay in the presence of the one he followed: “May you always be covered by the dust of your rabbi.”

b. The first century Jews spoke a blessing that expresses the commitment of a disciple to stay in the presence of the one he followed: “May you always be covered by the dust of your rabbi.”

That is, “May you follow him so closely that the dust his feet kicks up is what covers your clothing and lines your face.”

c. That is, “May you follow him so closely that the dust his feet kicks up is what covers your clothing and lines your face.”

As Disciples of Jesus, we should want to follow Him so closely that His character begins to “cover” us.

2. As Disciples of Jesus, we should want to follow Him so closely that His character begins to “cover” us.

In , Paul wrote, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

a. In , Paul wrote, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

E. Imitating Jesus involves serving as He served.

Imitating Jesus involves serving as He served: 15.

In , we read of how Jesus filled a basin full of water, girded Himself with a towel and washed His disciple’s feet.

1. In , we read of how Jesus filled a basin full of water, girded Himself with a towel and washed His disciple’s feet.

He explained that He did such for the purpose of demonstrating to them what Kingdom living is truly about.

2. He explained that He did such for the purpose of demonstrating to them what Kingdom living is truly about.

3. He said, “For I have given you and example, that you should do as I have done to you” ().

He said, “For I have given you and example, that you should do as I have done to you” ().

Jesus was not insisting that His disciples practice washing as a religious ceremony, but rather that they should choose to serve one another at each and every opportunity.

4. Jesus was not insisting that His disciples practice washing as a religious ceremony, but rather that they should choose to serve one another at each and every opportunity.

F. Imitating Jesus involves loving as He loved.

Imitating Jesus involves loving as He loved: ; ; ; .

1. As Jesus was preparing His disciples for His trip to the cross, He said, “A new commandment I give to you. That you shall love one another; as I have loved you. That you also love one another. By this all men shall know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another” ().

As Jesus was preparing His disciples for His trip to the cross, He said, “A new commandment I give to you. That you shall love one another; as I have loved you. That you also love one another. By this all men shall know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another” ().

The Hebrew Scriptures commanded love and respect for one’s neighbor. ()

2. The Hebrew Scriptures commanded love and respect for one’s neighbor. ()

Still, the love of Jesus goes farther than loving one’s neighbor as self.

3. Still, the love of Jesus goes farther than loving one’s neighbor as self.

He laid down His life willingly for all of us. Jesus said in , "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."

4. He laid down His life willingly for all of us.

Jesus said in , "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."

a. Jesus said in , "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."

We too, must be willing to demonstrate the same kind of love. In the Word tells us, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

5. We too, must be willing to demonstrate the same kind of love.

a. says, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Imitating Jesus involves obeying as He obeyed: ; ; .

G. Imitating Jesus involves obeying as He obeyed.

The mindset of Jesus was one of submission to His Father’s will. In , Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

1. The mindset of Jesus was one of submission to His Father’s will.

a. In John6:38, Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

During His most distressing hour, knowing the cross was drawing near, Jesus prayed that perhaps there was another way.

2. During His most distressing hour, knowing the cross was drawing near, Jesus prayed that perhaps there was another way.

However, He said, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” ().

3. However, He said, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” ()

In , Jesus requested that we should have the same commitment that He demonstrated-“even as I have kept My Father’s commandments.”

4. In , Jesus requested that we should have the same commitment that He demonstrated-“even as I have kept My Father’s commandments.”

Imitating Jesus involves thinking as He thought: ; .

H. Imitating Jesus involves thinking as He thought.

One of the greatest sections of Scriptures is , where Paul encouraged, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…”

1. One of the greatest sections of Scriptures is , where Paul encouraged, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…”

What is involved in this thinking like Jesus?

2. What is involved in this thinking like Jesus?

Thoughts of selflessness (made Himself of no reputation).

a. Thoughts of selflessness (made Himself of no reputation).

Servitude (took on the form of a servant).

b. Servitude (took on the form of a servant).

Humility (humbled himself).

c. Humility (humbled himself).

Obedience (became obedient to death).

d. Obedience (became obedient to death).

Because Jesus humbled Himself, His Father exalted Him.

3. Because Jesus humbled Himself, His Father exalted Him.

The same promise holds true for those who choose to think as Jesus thought. tells us, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

4. The same promise holds true for those who choose to think as Jesus thought.

a. says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”

Imitating Jesus involves Suffering as He suffered: , , ; .

5. “Let this mind be in you…”

I. Imitating Jesus involves being willing to suffer as He suffered.

The first epistle of Peter is a book that chronicles suffering.

The first epistle of Peter is a book that chronicles suffering.

1. The first epistle of Peter is a book that chronicles suffering.

Peter urged those whom he wrote not to be grieved by various trials, but rather to see them as a means of refinement.

2. Peter urged those whom he wrote not to be grieved by various trials, but rather to see them as a means of refinement.

Consider , “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

a. say, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

He made it clear that if anyone did “suffer as a Christian, he should not be ashamed but rather glorify God in the matter” ().

3. He made it clear that if anyone did “suffer as a Christian, he should not be ashamed but rather glorify God in the matter” ().

In addition, Peter wrote that Jesus serves as our “example” regarding suffering, .

4. In addition, Peter wrote that Jesus serves as our “example” regarding suffering, .

“Example” is extremely helpful for understanding how Jesus serves as our model.

5. “Example” is extremely helpful for understanding how Jesus serves as our model.

When children learn to write, they are typically given a chart of some sort that contains the letters of the alphabet perfectly printed on it.

a. When children learn to write, they are typically given a chart of some sort that contains the letters of the alphabet perfectly printed on it.

They are then to look at the letters and seek to reproduce them.

b. They are then to look at the letters and seek to reproduce them.

At first, their attempts are usually crude and illegible, but over time, their copies begin to look more and more like the models.

c. At first, their attempts are usually crude and illegible, but over time, their copies begin to look more and more like the models.

When we seek to emulate the Lord, we may find our attempts to be rather unimpressive. However, as we choose to consistently grow in “His grace and knowledge” (), we will find our attempts to become more and more effective.

6. When we seek to emulate the Lord, we may find our attempts to be rather unimpressive.

7. However, as we choose to consistently grow in “His grace and knowledge” (2n Peter 3:18), we will find our attempts to become more and more effective.

Let us follow Jesus’s example in mistreatment and in every way.

8. Let us follow Jesus’s example in mistreatment and in every way.

Imitating Jesus involves walking as He walked: ; ; , , ; , .

J. Imitating Jesus involves walking as He walked.

John wrote, “He that says He abides in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked” ().

1. John wrote, “He that says He abides in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked” ().

In scriptures, the word “walk” often refers to conduct or manner of living.

2. In scriptures, the word “walk” often refers to conduct or manner of living.

, “walk worthy of the calling.”

a. Ephesian 4:1, “walk worthy of the calling.”

, “walk in love.”

b. Ephesian 5:2, “walk in love.”

, “walk as children of light.”

c. Ephesian 5:8, “walk as children of light.”

, “walk circumspectly.”

d. , “walk circumspectly.”

The faithful patriarch Enoch was described as one who “walked with God” ().

3. The faithful patriarch Enoch was described as one who “walked with God” ().

Obedient Noah was also said to have “walked with God” ().

4. Obedient Noah was also said to have “walked with God” ().

The disciples that learn from Jesus, learn how to walk with the Heavenly Father.

5. The disciples that learn from Jesus, learn how to walk with the Heavenly Father.

Carrying Out Christ-Likeness

William Barclay told of one talking to a great scholar about a younger man. He said, “So-and-so tells me that he was one of your students.” The professor replied, “He takes my classes, but he is not one of my students.”

1. It is possible to sit in a professor’s class, yet never learn and apply the knowledge.

It is possible to sit in a professor’s class, yet never learn and apply the knowledge.

It is possible to outwardly obey the truth, attend services, go through the motions of congregational life and still not be a genuine, sincere learner of the Lord.

2. It is possible to outwardly obey the truth, attend services, go through the motions of congregational life and still not be a genuine, sincere learner of the Lord.

Imitating Christ means that we will allow him to be seen in every aspect of our lives-home, church, community, workplace, school…etc.

B. Imitating the holiness of Christ means that we will allow him to be seen in every aspect of our lives-home, church, community, workplace, school…etc.

What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you?

C. What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you?

What if, for twenty-four hours, Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, lives in our house, lives in your daily schedule?

1. What if, for twenty-four hours, Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, lives in our house, lives in your daily schedule?

Your boss becomes His boss, your mother becomes His mother, and your pains become His pains?

2. Your boss becomes His boss, your mother becomes His mother, and your pains become His pains?

Your health doesn’t change. Your circumstances doesn’t change. Your schedule is not altered. Your problems are not solved. Only one thing changes: You are living with Jesus’ heart.

3. Your health doesn’t change. Your circumstances doesn’t change. Your schedule is not altered. Your problems are not solved. Only one thing changes: You are living with Jesus’ heart.

D. What if, for one day, Jesus lives your life with His heart?

What if, for one day, Jesus lives your life with His heart?

1. His priorities govern your actions. His passions drive your decisions. His love directs your behavior.

His priorities govern your actions. His passions drive your decisions. His love directs your behavior.

What would you be like? Would people notice a change?

E. What would you be like? Would people notice a change?

1. Your family-would they see something new?

Your family-would they see something new?

2. Your co-workers-would they sense a difference?

Your co-workers-would they sense a difference?

The less fortunate-would you treat them the same?

3. The less fortunate-would you treat them the same?

Your friends-would they detect more joy?

4. Your friends-would they detect more joy?

5. Your enemies- would they receive more mercy from Christ’s heart than yours?

Your enemies- would they receive more mercy from Christ’s heart than yours?

F. And You? How would you feel?

And You? How would you feel?

1. What alterations would this transplant have on your stress level? Your mood swings? Your temper?

What alterations would this transplant have on your stress level? Your mood swings? Your temper?

2. Would you sleep better?

Would you sleep better?

Would you see the sunsets differently? Death differently? Taxes differently?

3. Would you see the sunsets differently? Death differently? Taxes differently?

4. Would you still be dreading what you are dreading? Better yet, would you still do what you are doing?

Would you still be dreading what you are dreading? Better yet, would you still do what you are doing?

G. Would you still do what you had planned to do for the next twenty-four hours?

Would you still do what you had planned to do for the next twenty-four hours?

Pause and think about your schedule. Obligations. Engagements. Outings. Appointments.

1. Pause and think about your schedule. Obligations. Engagements. Outings. Appointments.

With Jesus taking over your heart, would anything change?

2. With Jesus taking over your heart, would anything change?

H. Adjust the lens of your imagination until you have a clear picture of Jesus leading your life, then snap and frame that image.

Adjust the lens of your imagination until you have a clear picture of Jesus leading your life, then snap and frame that image.

What you see is what God wants.

1. What you see is what God wants.

He wants you to “think and act like Christ Jesus” ().

2. He wants you to “think and act like Christ Jesus” ().

Conclusion:

In our study of imitating the holiness of Christ, we have noted the call to discipleship itself- contemplation, renunciation, dedication, and direction ().

We have investigated what it means to put on the characteristics of Christ- becoming as He is, serving as He served, loving as He loved, obeying as He obeyed, thinking as He thought, being willing to suffer as He suffered, and conducting our lives as He conducted His.

B. We have investigated what it means to put on the characteristics of Christ- becoming as He is, serving as He served, loving as He loved, obeying as He obeyed, thinking as He thought, being willing to suffer as He suffered, and conducting our lives as He conducted His.

Let us strive to be genuine, authentic followers of the Lord.

C. Let us strive to be genuine, authentic followers of the Lord.

We can trust that as we work out our own salvation, God will work in us, conforming to image of His Son ().

D. We can trust that as we work out our own salvation, God will work in us, conforming to image of His Son ().

E. Maybe you are here with us and you are not a Christian. God has shown us and given us the way to salvation. You must…

Maybe you are here with us and you are not a Christian. God has shown us and given us the way to salvation. You must…

1. Hear the saving Gospel, says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Hear the saving Gospel, says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

2. Believe in Christ. says, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Believe in Christ. says, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

3. Repent of sins. says, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

Repent of sins. says, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

Confess faith in Christ. says, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

4. Confess faith in Christ. says, “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

5. Be baptized for the remission of sins. says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Be baptized for the remission of sins. says, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

6. Live Faithfully. says, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Live Faithfully. says, “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Maybe as a Christian, you have not been imitating the Holiness of Christ, and you would like the prayers of the saints, come forward as we stand and sing together.

F. Maybe as a Christian, you have not been imitating the Holiness of Christ, and you would like the prayers of the saints, come forward as we stand and sing together.