Become Like Jesus

Today's "Big Idea"...

To "become like Jesus" is to live for your EULOGY, not for your RESUME.

A. How Do We "Become Like Jesus"?

"The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher." (Luke 6:40)

1. For centuries this process of becoming like Jesus has been known as the process of SPIRITUAL FORMATION.

How It Does NOT Happen...

1. You cannot WILL your way to Christlikeness.

2. You cannot STUDY your way to Christlikeness.

3. You cannot ZAP your way to Christlikeness.

2. Spiritual formation is the

LIFELONG JOURNEYof COOPERATING WITH the Spirit of God, in the work of being transformed and conformed into the image of Jesus.

"(We are) being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18b)

"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son..." (Romans 8:29a)

a. This work of transformation is GOD'S work it is NOT OUR work.

WE don't transform OURSELVES. GOD transforms US.

b. Our role is not to DO the transforming. Our role is to POSITION OURSELVES to BE transformed.

B. What Can a Follower of Jesus Do to Cooperate with God in this Process?

1. PURSUE spiritual TRUTH ...

2. ENGAGE IN spiritual PRACTICES ...

3. PARTICIPATE IN A spiritual COMMUNITY ...