29 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. – Romans 8:29 NLT
The goal of spiritual formation is for us to become a person who is like Jesus.
19 We love Him because He first loved us. – 1 John 4:19 NKJV
Are you becoming more loving?
20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. – 1 John 4:20-21 NKJV
35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35 NKJV
20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galations 2:20 NLT
40 Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher. – Luke 6:40 NLT
This is our goal: To be with Jesus in such way that, over time, we become more like him.
Being Jesus’ disciple is our responsibility.
Becoming more like Jesus is the Holy Spirit’s responsibility.
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
Learning, Practice, Suffering – Over time
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Our character is formed primarily through imitation.
19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. – John 5:19 NKJV
46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” – Luke 6:46-49 NLT
What you repeat is what you become.
10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, – Philippians 3:10 NLT
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. – Hebrews 5:8 ESV
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV