Becoming Like Jesus (1)

Romans 8:29; “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.” NKJV

It is the will of God that as you run your Christian race here on earth, you become more like Jesus. That you would conform to the image of Jesus in all areas of your life. Let us consider some biblical principles that allow you to become more like Jesus in your walk with Him

1. Surrender and Submission:

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) – “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”

Ephesians 5:21; “submitting to one another in the fear of God.” NKJV

• Submission and surrender to God are important aspects of Christian faith. According to the Bible, submitting to God’s will and purpose for our lives is essential to becoming more like Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ himself set an example of godly submission by submitting to God’s will and doing everything God wanted him to do while on earth. When we submit and surrender to God, we say yes to God taking full control of our lives. This brings peace and freedom in Christ Jesus. Submitting to God is important because it is a way of acknowledging His sovereignty over our lives and recognizing that He knows what is best for us. It helps us become more like Jesus Christ by promoting humility, obedience, and dependence on God. When believers submit to God’s will, they are able to experience His grace and power in their lives, which helps them become more like Jesus

• There is also the mutual submission to one another as on to God that God expects from us. By submitting to others, believers learn to put the needs of others before their own, just as Jesus did when he humbly served his disciples by washing their feet. In addition, submission helps believers develop a Christ-like character by cultivating virtues such as humility, patience, and self-control. Submission also helps believers develop a spirit of obedience and trust in God, which is essential for spiritual growth

2. Transformation Through Renewing the Mind:

Romans 12:2 (ESV) – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

• Transformation through renewing the mind is a process that helps us become more like Jesus. It is also known as “sanctification”. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit within us, which gives us the power and ability to change. According to Romans 12:2 you have a choice in the matter. You can choose to be transformed by renewing your mind. The word of God is one of the main ways we become more like Jesus.
• When we know what God has to say about something through His word, we can pray about things according to His will. We can also act in obedience, doing those things we know He commands us to do. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing the division of the soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
• When you know the word of God for yourself and you abide in His word, the result is conviction. And what can result from conviction? True transformation

3. Walking in Obedience:

1 John 2:6 (ESV) – “whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”

• Walking in obedience to God is an important aspect of Christian faith. It helps us to become more like Jesus by drawing us closer to God, demonstrating our faith and trust in Him, opening us up to fully receive everything He has for us, helping us hear Him more clearly, proving there’s only one true God for us, and demonstrating that we are looking towards heaven, rather than striving for things on this earth
• Obedience is an act of worship, and it is critical to remember that believers are not justified (made righteous) by obedience but by grace. Salvation is a free gift of God, and we did nothing to earn it. True Christian obedience to God flows from a heart of gratitude for the grace we have received from the Lord. Therefore anytime you choose to obey God, you are saying “Thank You God for saving me by grace”. At all points of our lives whether it’s convenient or not we must be determined to obey His word and uphold His values.
• In Jesus Christ, we find the perfect model of obedience. As his disciples, we follow Christ’s example as well as his commands. Jesus said, “I came to do the will of My Father”. And so our mindset is to also do His will here on earth. Our primary motivation for obedience is love: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”. And so if you claim you love Jesus, then you reflect that in your speech and actions by keeping His commands (His word)

4. Love and Compassion:

Ephesians 5:2 (ESV) – “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

• In the Bible, compassion is described as a deep feeling of sympathy and sorrow for others who are suffering, and a desire to help them1. Jesus himself was known for his compassion and love for others, and he often demonstrated this through his actions and teachings.
• When we walk in love and compassion, we become more like Jesus by showing kindness, empathy, and understanding towards others. We learn to put others before ourselves and to serve them with humility and grace. We also learn to forgive others and to show them the same mercy and compassion that Jesus showed us.
• In addition, walking in love and compassion helps us to develop a deeper relationship with God. When we show love and compassion to others, we are reflecting the love and compassion that God has for us. This helps us to grow in our faith and to become more like Jesus in every aspect of our lives.

5. Humility:

• Verse: Philippians 2:5-8 (ESV) – “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant…”
• Walking in humility (which also implies having a heart humility) is an essential aspect of following Jesus and becoming more like Him. You can “work” in humility without having a humble heart. However you cannot “walk” in humility without having a humble heart before God. The Bible teaches us that humility is a virtue that God values and rewards. Jesus Himself modelled humility by taking on the form of a servant and humbling Himself even to the point of death on the cross
• Humility involves putting others before ourselves, serving others, and recognizing our dependence on God. By walking in humility, we can become more like Jesus and grow in our relationship with Him.

6. Service and Sacrifice:

Mark 10:45 (ESV) – “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

• Service and sacrifice are two fundamental principles that help us become more like Jesus Christ
• True service to God grows out of genuine love for Jesus Christ and of love and concern for those whom He gives us opportunities and direction to help. Love is more than a feeling; when we love others, we want to help them. All of us must be willing to serve, no matter what our income, age, or social position
• The Christian Educators Academy explains that sacrifice is a fundamental part of our faith. From giving to charity to giving up certain pleasures, we are called to live a life of selflessness and service to others. Through sacrifice, we become more like Christ, who Himself made the ultimate sacrifice for us.
• Fulfilment in Sacrifice: Sacrifice can bring a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose to our lives as we align our wills with God’s and serve His purposes
• In Romans 12:1-2, the apostle Paul urged Christians to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Sacrifice is not about earning God’s Favor, but responding to His grace with gratitude and obedience. Sacrifice involves giving up something valuable for the sake of God and others, and ultimately points to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the redemption of humanity
• Through “service”, we show love and concern for others, while “sacrifice” helps us align our wills with God’s and become more like Jesus Christ. By following these principles, we can grow closer to God and become better disciples of Jesus Christ.

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“

Prayer: Holy-Spirit help me to be more like Jesus Christ my Saviour, reflecting His glory and power here on earth, in Jesus Name

Feast of Light Word Ministry