1. WHY ON EARTH AM I HERE? PART 4 CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST

2. Romans 8:29 …From the very beginning God decided that those who came to him… should become like his Son... TLB

3. “so become more and more in every way like Christ who is the Head of his body, the Church.” TLB, Ephesians 4:15

4. * My third purpose in life is to become like Christ, which is Discipleship.

5. 1. GOD USES TRUTH TO TEACH US TO BE LIKE CHRIST. Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. NIV

6. Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. NIV

7. 2. GOD USES TRIALS TO TEACH US TO TRUST HIM. Romans 5:3 we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. NIV

8. My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death NIV, Mark 14:34 “Abba, Father, … everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” NIV, Mark 14:36.

9. 3. GOD USES OUR TEMPTATIONS TO TEACH US TO OBEY HIM. Matthew 4:1 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil”.

10. * It is not a sin to be tempted. * Everyone is tempted in similar ways. * We never outgrow temptation. * Every temptation is an opportunity to make the right choice and grow. * When you are tempted, you need the help of other believers.

11. 4. GOD USES TRESPASSES TO TEACH US TO FORGIVE. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. Luke 11:4 NIV

12. “Father, forgive them,” Luke 23:34, NIV * Each time you are hurt and you forgive, you become a little more like Jesus.

13. Matthew 16:24 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” NIV

14. * God has forgiven you of all your sins. * God is in control. Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” NIV

15. * Are you allowing God’s works to be displayed in you?