Memory Verse: …” For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Rom. 8:29 (NLT).
Text: Colossians 3:1-25
Spiritual Emphasis: You and I were created to become like Christ. From the very beginning, God’s plan has been to make you like His Son, Jesus. This is our destiny. God announced this intention at Creation: “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image and likeness.’”
God’s Spirit working in us:
- We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit: God is waiting for you to act first. Don’t wait to feel powerful or confident. Take the step of faith. Obedience unlocks God’s power. While effort has nothing to do with your salvation, it has much to do with your spiritual growth. This is how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and it is how your character develops – Eph. 4:22-24; 2 Cor. 3:18.
- God uses His Word, people, and circumstances to mold us: All three are indispensable for character development. God’s Word provides the truth we need to grow; God’s people provide the support we need to grow, and circumstances provide the environment we need to practice Christlikeness – Gal. 6:9; 1 Peter 4:10.
- Becoming like Christ is a long, continuous process of growth: Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life – Eph. 4:13; 1 John 3:2.
Question: What specific area(s) of your character are you hoping to work on in becoming more like Christ?
Conclusion:
Your character is essentially the sum of your habits. Emulating Jesus daily involves practicing His teachings through love, humility, service, and devotion. Ultimately, bearing God’s image is about your daily conduct—how you love your family, serve your neighbors, and respond to adversity. Earth is a training ground. Commit today to stop relying on your own strength, lean into the Holy Spirit, and let God reproduce the character of Jesus in your life.
Shalom!
Self-Study: 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 5:1-2; Phil. 1:6; 1 John 3:2; 1 John 2:6; John 13; Gal. 4:19; 1 Cor. 10:31; James 1: 2-4; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Tim. 4:7; Luke 1:38; Phil. 3:14; Gen. 1:26-27; Col. 3:2; Gal. 2:20; Ps. 17:15; Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 11:1; Luke 6:40.
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