The SHOCKING Truth About Becoming Like Jesus: A Journey of Authentic Transformation

In this enlightening exploration, Pastor Bill Brannan reveals the true essence of becoming like Jesus, challenging common misconceptions and offering a biblical pathway to genuine transformation. This blog will delve into the essential elements that facilitate a deeper relationship with Christ and how they contribute to our spiritual growth.

Intro

Embarking on the journey to become more like Jesus is not merely a personal aspiration; it is a divine calling. This calling invites us to reflect on our motives, our understanding of Jesus, and our relationship with the Holy Spirit. As we navigate this transformative path, we will uncover the profound impact of embodying Christ’s character in our daily lives.

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Impact of Becoming More Like Jesus

Becoming more like Jesus has a ripple effect that extends beyond personal transformation. It influences our relationships, our communities, and even the world around us. When we embody Christ’s love, grace, and compassion, we not only enhance our lives but also contribute to a greater purpose.

• Spiritual Liberation: Just as creation eagerly awaits the revealing of the sons of God, our transformation releases others from bondage. As we become more like Jesus, we help to set others free from the chains of sin, despair, and hopelessness.
• Community Transformation: Our actions and attitudes can shift the atmosphere of our communities. By reflecting Christ’s character, we become agents of change, fostering love, unity, and hope in environments that may otherwise be filled with division and strife.
• Hope for the World: Jesus’ teachings and actions provide a blueprint for how we can address injustices and serve those in need. This hope is not just for individuals but for entire societies seeking restoration and healing.

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Draft Model for Spiritual Growth

To effectively pursue becoming more like Jesus, we can adopt a draft model that emphasizes several key components of spiritual growth. This model serves as a guide, helping us to remain focused and intentional in our journey.

1. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: Regularly seeking the Holy Spirit’s presence is essential. This divine empowerment enables us to reflect Jesus in our actions and attitudes.
2. Engage with Scripture: The Bible is our primary source of understanding Jesus’ character. Regular reading and meditation on scripture help shape our thoughts and desires.
3. Participate in Community: Engaging with the body of Christ fosters accountability, encouragement, and growth. Together, we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
4. Practice Prayer: A life of prayer deepens our relationship with God. It is in prayer that we can seek guidance, express our desires, and align our hearts with His.
5. Seek Continuous Revelation: We must remain open to the ongoing revelations of who Jesus is and how He desires us to grow. This involves being receptive to the Holy Spirit’s leading.

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Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our transformation into the likeness of Christ. He is our counselor, guide, and source of power. Understanding His role helps us navigate our spiritual growth effectively.

• Empowerment: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith authentically. This empowerment is essential for witnessing and serving others in Jesus’ name.
• Conviction: Through the Holy Spirit, we are convicted of sin and led toward repentance. This process is vital for our growth and alignment with God’s will.
• Comfort and Guidance: The Holy Spirit comforts us in times of trouble and provides guidance in our decision-making. His presence reassures us of God’s love and faithfulness.

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The Holy Spirit in the New Covenant

The advent of the New Covenant marks a significant shift in how the Holy Spirit interacts with believers. This new relationship is characterized by intimacy and accessibility.

• Indwelling Presence: Unlike the Old Testament, where the Holy Spirit would come upon individuals temporarily, believers today experience the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence. This means He is always with us, guiding and empowering our lives.
• Transformation of Heart: As prophesied in Ezekiel, the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts from stone to flesh. This change allows us to love and serve others genuinely.
• Participation in God’s Mission: The Holy Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts for the purpose of building up the church and advancing God’s kingdom on Earth. We are called to be active participants in this divine mission.

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Continual Revelation of Jesus Christ

A continual revelation of Jesus Christ is essential for spiritual growth. This process involves seeing Jesus more clearly, which directly influences our transformation into His likeness. As we behold His glory, we are transformed from one degree of glory to another.

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The Apostle Paul emphasizes this transformation in 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. He notes that through the Holy Spirit, we have an unveiled face. This means we can approach God without barriers, allowing us to experience His presence and glory in a profound way.

To continually reveal Jesus in our lives, we must actively seek Him through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. Each of these practices opens our hearts to deeper insights about who He is and how we can reflect His character.

The Process of Revelation

Revelation is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing journey. Here are key aspects to consider:

• Daily Seeking: Make it a habit to seek Jesus daily. Prayer and meditation on His word allow for fresh revelations.
• Community Engagement: Engage with fellow believers. Sharing insights and experiences can lead to new understandings of Jesus.
• Openness to Change: Be willing to adjust your perspectives and beliefs as God reveals more of Himself to you.

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Importance of Community in Christ

Being part of a community of believers is crucial for spiritual growth. The body of Christ supports and encourages us in our journey to become more like Jesus. In this community, we share our experiences, struggles, and victories, which helps us grow together.

As Ephesians 4:15-16 explains, we grow into Christ through relationships with one another. Every believer contributes unique gifts that enrich the entire body. When we come together, we experience a fuller revelation of Jesus.

Building Each Other Up

Here are some ways to foster a healthy community:

• Encouragement: Regularly encourage one another in faith. A kind word can help someone see Jesus more clearly.
• Accountability: Hold each other accountable in love. This helps keep us focused on our spiritual goals.
• Service: Serve one another. Acts of service reflect Jesus’ love and humility.

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The Fruit of the Spirit

The fruit of the Spirit is a powerful indicator of our growth in Christ. Galatians 5:22-23 lists these qualities: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Each of these reflects the character of Jesus and serves as a benchmark for our spiritual maturity.

Evaluating Our Growth

To evaluate our progress in becoming like Jesus, we can ask ourselves:

• Am I exhibiting love in my relationships? Love should be our primary motivator.
• Do I have joy in my life? Joy is a reflection of our trust in God’s goodness, even amid trials.
• Is there peace in my heart? True peace comes from knowing Jesus and resting in His promises.

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Significance of Prayer

Prayer is vital for nurturing our relationship with God. It is through prayer that we express our desires, seek guidance, and align our hearts with His. John 15:7-8 highlights the importance of abiding in Jesus and allowing His words to dwell in us.

When we pray, we invite God into our circumstances, trusting Him to work in our lives. This act of faith is crucial for bearing fruit that glorifies Him.

Practical Aspects of Prayer

Consider these practices to deepen your prayer life:

• Consistency: Set aside dedicated time for prayer each day.
• Listening: Spend time in silence, allowing God to speak to your heart.
• Intercession: Pray for others, seeking God’s blessing and intervention in their lives.

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Motivation for Christlikeness

Our motivation for becoming more like Jesus should stem from our love for Him. As we grow in our understanding of His grace, we are inspired to reflect His character in our lives. This desire is not born out of obligation but from a heartfelt response to His love.

Ultimately, our goal is to glorify God in all we do. As we become more like Jesus, we bear witness to His love and grace, drawing others to Him.

Fueling Our Motivation

To maintain our motivation, consider the following:

• Reflect on His Love: Regularly meditate on how deeply God loves you.
• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your growth and celebrate the small victories along the way.
• Stay Committed: Remain committed to the journey, even when it feels challenging.

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Becoming More Like Jesus

(Preaching Outline)

1)      Two weeks ago we suggested that a great New Year’s resolution would be to seek to be more like Jesus every day – which is really embracing God’s calling and destiny.

a)      That idea is something I want to explore more today because it begs certain questions like:

i)        Why should we want to become more like Jesus?  Does motive matter?

ii)      What is Jesus like, so we can evaluate if we are becoming more like Him?

iii)    How do we become more like Jesus?

b)      Today we are going to explore some scriptures which will hopefully provide a basic framework becoming more like Jesus.

2)      What could be the impact of becoming more like Jesus?

a)       Romans 8:19–21 (ESV) — 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

b)      Other scriptural dreams we could have used to frame the mission.

i)        Lord’s Prayer

ii)      Anointed to set at liberty the captives.

c)      Motives

i)        Not to earn God’s love.

ii)      An overflowing fruit of love: worship and gratitude

iii)    For all people! – Love wants to give them the best!

3)      A draft model for becoming more like Jesus:

a)      Model

i)        We must be filled with the Holy Spirit

ii)      We need a continual revelation of Jesus

iii)    We need the body of Christ

iv)    We need to feed on the Word of God

v)      We need a life of prayer

b)      We are going to look at these briefly but not exhaustively.

c)      They are intricately connected to one another.

4)      The Holy Spirit

a)      Luke 24:49 (ESV) — 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

b)      Acts 1:8 (ESV) — 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

c)      Ezekiel 36:26–27 (NKJV) — 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

5)      A continual revelation of Jesus

a)      2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (NKJV) — 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

6)      The body of Christ

a)      Ephesians 4:15–16 (NKJV) — 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

7)      The Word of God – WHAT JESUS IS AND ISN’T LIKE

a)      1 Peter 2:1–3 (NKJV) — 1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

b)      Hebrews 5:14 (NKJV) — 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

c)      Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV) — 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – A GREAT EVALUATION OF BECOMING LIKE JESUS!

8)      Prayer

a)      John 15:7–8 (ESV) — 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

b)      John 14:12–14 (ESV) — 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

9)      Becoming More Like Jesus

a)      Why should we want to become more like Jesus? 

b)      How do we become more like Jesus?

c)      What is Jesus like, so we can become more like Him?