Sunday Sermon

Intended for His Image Dave Shaner April 17, 2005

Introduction:  Is there enough evidence to convict me of being a Christian? God always wants His children to bear the image of His son.

I. God's intent _____________________________________________.

A. Scriptures:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28

God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male & female he created them. - Genesis 1:27

... is the image of the invisible God... - Colossians 1:15

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - II Corinthians 5:17

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, - Galatians 4:19

B. What has your being a Christian done for your character?

C. Scriptures:

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. - Hebrews 5:11-14

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined & held together by every supporting ligament, grows & builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. - Ephesians 4:15-16

II. Three gifts from God to help you become what he intended.

A. God gives _________________________________________.

1. You cannot produce the character of Christ through will power.

2. Scriptures:

For when we were controlled by the sinful nature, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, & not in the old way of the written code. - Romans 7:5-6

Peter replied, “Repent & be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. - Acts 2:38

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions & desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:22-25

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. - II Corinthians 3:18

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire - I Thessalonians 5:19

3. Everyone here is a work in progress.

B. God gives _______________________________________.

1. Three ways a spiritual family can help you become more like Jesus.

a. They keep you exposed to the __________.

We proclaim him, admonishing & teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. - Colossians 1:28

b. We exist to keep each other __________ on common goals.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds. - Hebrews 10:24

c. The church also holds us __________ when we slip.

2. Hebrews 3:13

Keep each other on your toes.

C. God sends _______________________________________.

1. God cares more about your character than your comfort.

2. His purpose is for you to resemble Jesus.

III. Our __________ is needed to work out what He's working in.

A. Nobody resembles Jesus by accident.

B. Philippians 2:12-13

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear & trembling, for it is God who works in you to will & to act according to his good purpose.

Conclusion: Philippians 1:6

... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

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