Philippians 2:3-5 New Living Translation (NLT)lippians 2:3
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
As followers of Jesus Christ we are to live to conform to the image of Christ. When Jesus was on this earth He lived and taught as an example of how we are to live, He was God’s model for us. From the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit brings God’s revelation of Christ to us to conform us into His image.
Why is it important that as followers we reflect the moral character and Christ’s image? So that when the world sees us, they see Christ. We are left here to become Jesus’ hands and feet. We are left here so that when other’s look upon us we reflect Christ in everything we do and say. If we are reflecting Jesus’ image then we are going to be submitted to God in our attitudes by developing an attitude of repentance and be in total submission to God’s will. We will walk in forgiveness, freely giving to anyone who has need. We will act as we know we are the temple of God.
So if we are living to
display Christ’s character we will live a life of self-sacrifice.
Philippians 2:5-8 New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Come on friends we have to truly get a grasp on this. We are living in a world today where we focus on instant gratification, and live to fulfill
our own selfish desires. If we want the latest electronic gadget, we charge it. We have got to have the name brand clothes and designer jewelry. We are focused on me, me, me. Even as Christians we go to church one hour one day a week and sit down in a soft plush comfy pew with our 5 buck coffees from the coffee bar and look at the Pastor and say, “ok, you have one hour now feed me so I can get on with my day”. Check yourself believer, if this resembles you. Does this bring joy to God? Are we displaying Christ-like character 2
4/7/365. Being a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ is not a part-time fascination, it’s a full-time transformation.
In our Women’s Insight Group tonight we are studying on the topic of Real Christians Linger. Today we are so distracted and hurry sick that we are unaware that we serve a God and that we are to live to bring Him joy. Most of the time, He isn’t even thought of until we pillow our heads at night and say a little prayer, let alone live a life to bring Him joy and Christ-likeness brings Him joy.
Check out Nehemiah. Nehemiah 8:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
10 And Nehemiah continued, “Go and cel
ebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
When we bring God joy we are strengthened. Our choices, just like Nehemiah brings God joy. Nehemiah was not part of the religious establishment, he was just like you and I. Nehemiah’s relationship with God motivated Him to do God’s will in this world. God used Nehemiah right where he was and he has placed you where you are to use you right where you are. What was going on here is that Ezra was reading the law and the people started weeping. Why were they weeping; because they realized how far they were from obeying the law. Are you where God wants you to be, are you walking in His plan, are you listening to the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ?
As you read further on in Nehemiah you will see that the people acted upon the words that they heard. We have got to be careful not to become dulled with hearing God’s word. We must pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal how we need to apply scripture to our lives. We MUST do something! Understand, that as long as you have breath it is not too late. God is committed to work in you until Christ is formed in you. You MUST deny your flesh and yourself! Ask God to reveal and confront you with the worldliness of your heart; whatever that may be for you. Then allow the Holy Spirit to conform you into the image of Jesus Christ.
Praise Him!
Reblogged this on Faith Passage.
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