WEEK 4: DISCIPLESHIP: YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE JESUS

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2 Rick Warren said, You were created to become like Christ. From the very beginning, God s plan has been to make you like his Son, Jesus. This is your destiny God announced this intention at Creation: Then God said, Let us make human beings in our image and likeness. Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV) continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

3 Paul, through the power of the Spirit, is calling all Christians to WORK OUT our own salvation as God WORKS IN us and makes us like Jesus. This is his purpose for our lives. You were created to become like Jesus.

4 I. THREE TOOLS GOD USES TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS 1. The first tool God uses to make you like Jesus is the.

5 I. THREE TOOLS GOD USES TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS 1. The first tool God uses to make you like Jesus is the BIBLE. 2 Timothy 3:16-17a (TLB) The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.

6 I. THREE TOOLS GOD USES TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS 2. The second tool God uses to make you like Jesus is the.

7 I. THREE TOOLS GOD USES TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS 2. The second tool God uses to make you like Jesus is the SPIRIT. 1 Corinthians 3:18 (TLB) But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.

8 I. THREE TOOLS GOD USES TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS 3. The third tool God uses to make you like Jesus is.

9 I. THREE TOOLS GOD USES TO MAKE YOU LIKE JESUS 3. The third tool God uses to make you like Jesus is LIFE. Romans 8:28-29a (NLT) We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son

10 II. THREE CHOICES THAT WILL HELP YOU BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS 1. You can choose a.

11 II. THREE CHOICES THAT WILL HELP YOU BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS 1. You can choose a CHANGE OF MIND. Ephesians 4:21-24 (NLT) Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God truly righteous and holy.

12 II. THREE CHOICES THAT WILL HELP YOU BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS 1. You can choose a CHANGE OF MIND. Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV) How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

13 II. THREE CHOICES THAT WILL HELP YOU BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS 2. You can choose to on God s Spirit moment by moment.

14 II. THREE CHOICES THAT WILL HELP YOU BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS 2. You can choose to RELY on God s Spirit moment by moment. John 15:4-5 (NLT) Take care to live in me, and let me live in you. For a branch can t produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can you be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in me and I in him shall produce a large crop of fruit. For apart from me you can t do a thing.

15 II. THREE CHOICES THAT WILL HELP YOU BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS 3. You can choose to your circumstances the way Jesus would.

16 II. THREE CHOICES THAT WILL HELP YOU BECOME MORE LIKE JESUS 3. You can choose to RESPOND TO your circumstances the way Jesus would. James 1:2-4 (TLB) Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

17 Romans 8:29 (MSG) God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. God went to great lengths to make us like Jesus. Will we choose to be like him?