BEING LIKE HIM For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (Romans 8:29 ESV)

…that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11 ESV)

For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (John 13:15 ESV) An example in service Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5 ESV) An example in attitude

But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16 ESV) An example in patience For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21 ESV) An example in suffering

Being Like Jesus Requires Two Things Desire for this end Seeing Jesus as He Is

Consider our greatest obstacle… What was the first sin? Eve’s desire to exalt self, to make self into god Idolatry; creating God in our image

But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. (1 Corinthians 5:11 ESV) Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5 ESV)

“Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them? Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Any one of the house of Israel who takes his idols into his heart and sets the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to the prophet, I the LORD will answer him as he comes with the multitude of his idols, that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols. (Ezekiel 14:3-5 ESV)

In Romans 1, Idolatry is the basis for all other sins V. 20-21- They were without excuse… V. 22-23- Man is made to worship… Calf represents provision Baal was the land master gods/goddesses created after man’s imagination

In Romans 1, Idolatry is the basis for all other sins V. 24-25- With counterfeit gods came counterfeit morality Exchanged truth of God for a lie, like we do? “can’t believe God wouldn’t want me to be happy “can’t believe God would send someone to Hell “can’t believe God would require…

We either change self to match God or we try to change God to match ourselves Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. (Psalm 115:3 ESV)

What are OUR gods today? Self …for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:8 ESV)

What are OUR gods today? Self Knowledge/education Importance Money Possessions CONTROL

As we focus on our Monkey god we can’t see Jesus And we can’t be like a Jesus we can’t even see