Conforming to the Image

God’s Purpose

God’s Purpose For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29

God let His Son identify with humanity and He was: 1. Man’s idea of God Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:9

God let His Son identify with humanity and He was: 1. Man’s idea of God (Jn 14:9) 2. God’s ideal of man.

God’s Purpose B. When God made Adam He was God’s ideal man. C. When God made Eve she was God’s ideal woman. D. Sin came – all was changed – soon sin became so dominant that man became ungodly.

God’s Purpose E. God sent His son to show how men in a world corrupted by sin and suffering in the consequences could be what God wanted them to be. F. It will be done by “conforming the image” of Christ. 1. “Conform”: signifies having the same form as another.

Conforming demands a transforming

Conforming demands a transforming Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17

Conforming demands a transforming Transforming by renewal of mind 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Conforming demands a transforming Emphasis on the Mind 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2

Conforming demands a transforming Rules, Rituals – without a change of heart – will not produce a Christ-like life 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. Matthew 15:7-8

The Process of Conforming

The Process of Conforming 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

The Process of Conforming 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

The Process of Conforming 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:1-11

Become Heavenly Minded 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:19-20

Put to Death Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5

Put away attitudes and actions that are unlike Christ 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, Colossians 3:7-9

The Process of Conforming “Renewed unto knowledge” – after image of him that created Him.

Lessons for Us Today

Christian conformity Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Failed conformity Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Conclusion We would do well to remember the words of the Apostle Paul. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2