Like the Original

Introduction

During the month of January, we’ve been talking about Authentic Faith.

Genuine. Heartfelt. Fruitful. Consistent. Character. Integrity.

Cain began the month speaking about Real Faith in the Real World.

We’ve also talked about effective discipleship: which involves:

Severing entanglements; training daily; always in prayer; rallying together, and turning outward.

Last week we spoke on integrity. If you don’t have this, you don’t have a thing.

It begins with the small things; is accomplished on the inside, and is your best friend.

Why is all of this so important and how is it connected to victorious faith?

During December we talked about how we live in a world that rejects truth, certainty, and objectivity in matters of morality and spirituality.

World is extremely cynical and suspicious toward religion in general … which largely falls within the greater problem of disrespect for all who are in authority.

The problem of cynicism is a lesson in itself… but to be fair, there are countless examples where Christian believers have fueled this:

Scandal all around … you pick the stream of Christianity: Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical … its everywhere. High profile stuff.

Examples of misconduct among religious leadership … all across the spectrum.

Sexual abuse; verbal abuse; emotional abuse; manipulation.

Besides that, what do many churches stand for anymore?

Caving on long held, biblical beliefs.

Changing with the times .. catering to whims … allowing the unsaved to determine how the church is go forward.

Sleek marketing … pandering … church is almost like a business.

Those who are searching see that … it impacts them.. and further fuels their cynicism.

While not all of this is fair, we need to be aware of the potential for problems and resolve not to contribute to it.

This is why this series, I think, is so practical.

What speaks to people? What impacts them profoundly in this day/age?

Authenticity. A person who is true to his ideals, character, and service.

It really stands out. It always has. It’s one of the most powerful things about Christianity...

➟ ➟ ➟ .

Your life has a purpose.

5.15 - You have been called to project light.

5.16 - You can be the stimulus for other people giving glory to God.

It doesn’t matter who you are or how long you’ve been a Christian, you can do this.

Who are we reflecting? Have you ever read 5.14-16 in connection with the rest of the sermon on the mount?

These verses are a purpose statement. Serve as a bridge between the beatitudes and the rest of the sermon, where Jesus tells us how to get it accomplished.

And much of the rest of the sermon tells us how to get it accomplished.

➟ ➟ ➟ From the inside, we become just like Jesus … just like the original by:

5.21-26: managing our anger.

5.27-30: bridling our lusts.

5.31-32: staying true in our marriage.

5.33-37: letting our word be our bond.

5.38-42: trusting in God to retaliate against those who harm us

5.43-48: loving our enemies

6.1-4: giving to the needy

6.25-32: resisting anxiety

6.33: seeking the kingdom first

➟ ➟ ➟ This is authentic Christianity. If you want to see the blueprint of what the original is, God’s intention for what the Christian life looks like … look no farther than .

Truly, I don’t think we spend enough time here.

It’s easy for us to spend time in the epistles … looking at matters of doctrine … comparing our practices to the practices of others … how we got it right … and they got it wrong … and never come to the proper understanding of personal transformation that Jesus stressed in the gospels.

Many people get things right in doctrine and procedure … but their hearts have never been transformed to be like Jesus.

This is problematic.

This can be damaging to the cause.

We must be aware of it.

➟ ➟ ➟ So… today we’re going to talk about our first priority as God’s sons & daughters.

Our willing participation in the transformation process God is working in us.

Our cooperation. Our surrender. Our allowance. …of His work.

For the purpose of becoming like Jesus. Like the original.

We’ll do this by examining two basic passages … one from the negative .. and another from the positive.

This will involve the greatest of commitment … the giving of everything … even our very life.

We’ll look at & - to get a basic understanding of what it means to be a disciple.

We’ll look at and see how discipleship does not come without a cost.

: Defining Discipleship

➟ ➟ ➟ 10.24 - a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. Understanding this passage is basic to our Christianity.

Understanding this passage is basic to our Christianity.

Jesus is our teacher. We are His students. We learn from Him. We are under Him.

As disciples, we are learners. The teacher is the one who knows. One who does not know is not above the one who knows.

A

As servants, Jesus is our master. We are under Him. We submit to Him. We don’t call the shots.

Believers go on record publicly affirming their decision to follow Jesus, learn from Him, and submit to Him, following His commands. He communicates His wisdom and we carry out His wishes.

➟ ➟ ➟ - here’s the same teaching from a more positive perspective.

What is the first perspective a disciple has toward his teacher?

One day, he/she will be like His/her teacher.

What does it mean to be a disciple? To be like Jesus. To be just like the original. He’s the pattern. He’s the example in everything.

How do we do this?

➟ ➟ ➟ - whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (Purpose statement restated.)

You are a believer growing toward Christlikeness.

If you say you are a Christian & Jesus is your teacher, you are His student and should manifest His life.

➟ ➟ ➟ - read from the perspective discipleship.

Many have the “go therefore” down in 28.19, but fail to understand they’ll never be an effective evangelist if they’re not practicing 28.20.

➟ ➟ ➟ - let the word …dwell in you richly.

We need to be so dominated by Jesus that we become more like him every day. An ascension toward Christlikeness.

➟ ➟ ➟ - this is the ultimate goal. We will be like Him. We will see him as He is.

Everything in your Christian life is heading toward this moment.

All the way through life … you’re becoming like Him. Just like the original.

But while we live on earth, this has some serious implications. If we become more and more like Jesus, how will the world view this?

➟ ➟ ➟ Back to - when Jesus is saying a disciple is not above his teacher or a slave is not above his master, it is in the sense of persecution.

Context:

10.16 - sheep among wolves.

10.17 - flogged in the synagogues.

10.18 - drug before pagan courts.

10.21 - family is going to want you dead.

10.22a - hated by all kinds...

10.22b - endurance required...

Why would a disciple expect to receive different treatment than what Jesus received? The more you become like Jesus, the more the world will treat you like it did Him.

The entire context of is one of persecution, hostility, and death.

It’s an amazing call to discipleship where Jesus is saying, “I want you to come and be my disciple and be like me. I want you to get ready to pay the supreme price.”

If you’re not willing to pay that price, then you don’t need to come.

- The Price of Discipleship

➟ ➟ ➟ 10.25a - It is enough.

A true servant is content not to go above his master. He is satisfied to be like his Lord. That is enough.

True disciples seek nothing more.

Not in Christianity for what they can get out of it.

Not trying to escape what Jesus experienced.

It is enough. Sufficient.

➟ ➟ ➟ - Paul’s desire: becoming like Him in his death.

This is not about being loved by the world. Acceptance. Notoriety. Well liked by everyone. It’s about being like Jesus. Christlikeness.

➟ ➟ ➟ 10.25b - an illustration:

The master of the house? Jesus.

If they call Him Beelzebul, what do you expect they’ll call you?

This had already begun with Jesus:

; - cast out demons by Satan

Are we willing to pay the price?

➟ ➟ ➟ - the more you become like Christ, the more you’ll get it.

➟ ➟ ➟ Is this really being communicated?

What are we teaching? Our kids? Seekers? The World?

Are we leaving impression that people can come to Jesus for what they can get?

Has our immense wealth, intellectualism, and materialism corrupted our message?

As a largely comfortable people, are we preaching a gospel of comfort and low expectations?

Low expectations seems to have permeated our culture. Everyone gets a trophy. Achievement, hard work, initiative, dedication, and sacrifice are principles that seem to be in the process of being lost.

It’s carrying over into Christianity.

How many American Christians look very like the world?

Clothing choices? Entertainment? Recreation? Music? Places they go on the internet?

Why do so many in the church today simply float along? No direction? No urgency? No enthusiasm? No engagement in personal study and devotion?

➟ ➟ ➟ How many of us are truly hungry?

Want to come here & be challenged? Led into deep/meaningful communion with the word … and not just creed rehearsal?

➟ ➟ ➟ What will happen when the real challenges come? They’re already here. Why are we losing our young people to the world? #’s are frightening.

Do we understand the type of commitment we made?

If you’re just floating along … no real change; no real difference from the world...

You haven’t made the type of commitment you should have … and you should be convicted. It should hit you squarely between the eyes.

➟ ➟ ➟ - Use this passage as a gauge for your spiritual life.

Use this as a moment to gauge your spiritual life. The more you are like Jesus, the more the world will treat you like they treated Him.

Have I lost my taste? How do I know if I have?

The more you are like Jesus, the more the world will treat you like they treated Him.

If you’re not getting much resistance from the world, it could be that there is not too much similarity to Jesus.

And it could be that you’ve actually become a hindrance to the cause of Christ. Christians who give no thought to the purpose of being like the original … can be toxic to the cause.

Conclusion

➟ ➟ ➟ Seems like of strange, but more hated by the world … there will also be more people who will be attracted by your spiritual testimony.

They’ll see your authenticity. They’ll see your heart .. where you’ve fully committed to being just like the original … ie., Jesus Christ.

They’ll want the same things you possess:

joy, peace, freedom from guilt.

The soothing sense of forgiveness; the hope of eternal life.

A growing consistency that reflects the character of Jesus. It’ll be seen in your kindness, compassion, forgiving spirit, and genuine love for others.

➟ ➟ ➟ - we read from here a few moments ago. It’s our purpose statement:

When you recognize the purpose s

Your life has a purpose.

5.15 - You have been called to project light.

5.16 - You can be the stimulus for other people giving glory to God.

➟ ➟ ➟ You can be just like the original!

Does this appeal to you? Can we help you? Come to Jesus today!