God's Heart is: That We Become Like Jesus

Who Are You Made to Be?

Genesis 1:27 CSB

27 So God created man in his own image; he created him in the image of God; he created them male and female.

God’s Image is Spoiled By the Selfishness of Sin

The Image of God in which we were created has become spoiled by the selfishness of sinfulness

What Do You Become When You Are Saved?

1 John 3:2 CSB

2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is.

Who Is Christ Jesus We Strive to Copy?

Colossians 1:15 CSB

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

1 Corinthians 15:49 CSB

49 And just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven.

What’s Going On In Us?

2 Corinthians 3:18 CSB

18 We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.

So How Do We Get There?

It’s Not About the What, It’s All About the Why

Video Clip: Michael Jr, “Know Your Why”

https://youtu.be/1ytFB8TrkTo

Strive To Be Christlike

Know Its Christ’s Prayerful Intent

John 17:16–17 CSB

16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

John 17:18–19 CSB

18 As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

John 17:22–23 CSB

22 I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.

Trust In the Plan of God

Romans 8:29 CSB

29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Give Your All and Be Transformed By the Spirit

Romans 12:1–2 CSB

1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Use Human Examples Who Follow Jesus

This is not like following on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tic Toc, or any other social media.

1 Corinthians 11:1 CSB

1 Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.

Don’t Follow What’s Wrong

1 John 3:7 CSB

7 Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

1 John 2:5–6 CSB

5 But whoever keeps his word, truly in him the love of God is made complete. This is how we know we are in him: 6 The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked.

We exist in Christ because of the Love of God.

Allow the Call of God to Be Your “Why”

Romans 8:28–29 CSB

28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:2 CSB

2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when he appears, we will be like him because we will see him as he is.

Make Christ’s Purpose Your Purpose

1 John 3:16 CSB

16 This is how we have come to know love: He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

John 3:16 CSB

16 For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Imitate the Love of Jesus Christ in the World

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Make Your Salvation Work, Imitating God

Ephesians 5:1 ESV

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

Walking in Love

Ephesians 5:1–2 ESV

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Giving Yourself Away for Others