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CHRISTLIKENESS: More of YOU Father, and less of me

by linzy bruno
10/27/2022 / Bible Studies

Key Verse--

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)

Theme Verses--

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1)

^“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

The Christian term, ‘Christlikeness,’ presents an extraordinary and beautiful concept: believers growing up in the faith; becoming more like HIM.

Also See: 2Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:5, 8:29 & 12:2, Ephesians 4:15, 2Peter 3:18

Galatians 5:22-23 defines Christlikeness and illustrates the fruit of the Spirit. In this passage and parallel passages, several Bible authors define Christlikeness in great detail to paint believers that bright and shining picture of the potential we all have as born-again followers of Christ; encouraging us to surrender all to the Authority of Christ and let God do what He wants to do within our souls.

These anointed men of God make it clear, we start out as babes, only able to take in the milk of the Word, which are those passages that tell us how much we are loved and cared for by God. He watches over us. He’s our Provider. But we are on a journey of growth, with God’s anointing and favor. With God we already have the victory; we just need to walk it out; (as opposed to independence from God, in which we already have the failure.)

Therefore, as babes in Christ, we require the milk of the Word to nourish us so that we can grow and mature Christ. The milk of the Word includes those more readily understood and easily embraced passages describing God’s Love and availability towards us. However, as we grow up, God calls us ‘sons’ and ‘daughters.’

More mature believers are much more equipped to handle the more challenging moments of life. We are enabled to take things in stride, and in difficulty look to the Lord for those ‘changes for our good,’ as Paul depicts in Romans 8:28:

"And we know that all things work togetherfor good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:280

Moreover, we become more loving and patient toward others, apologize more quickly and without hesitation, learn to forgo vanity, jealousy and other frivolous matters of the flesh, and are also more generous and giving; joyful and positive…..

We become kinder, more meek and gentle—

^“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Kindness, wrapped in a meek countenance, that is a gentle spirit; beautiful in the sight of God.

The best definition of meekness is strength under pressure. A control of oneself; often mistaken for weakness.

Both Paul and Peter and the writer of Hebrews instructed their churches in the milk and meat of the Word--

^“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1Peter 2:2-3)

^“I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;” (1Cornithians 3:2)

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)

BibleGateway defines Christlikeness as—

“The process by which believers are conformed to the likeness of Jesus Christ, especially in relation to obedience and trust in God. Through the Holy Spirit, God refashions believers in the image of his Son, who is set before them as a model of the form of the redeemed life.”

Notwithstanding the weakness of the flesh, those who strive in the Spirit will thrive in the Spirit.

Jesus said My Yoke is light. All believers need is to simply remain steadfastly in Him.

^“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Furthermore, when we strive for Christlikeness, we have so much more joy; regardless of circumstance, grow closer to God, are not easily offended, nor insist on our own way, speak up more kindly and more often when rebuke is needed, and have healthier minds and bodies, as we enjoy a deeper connection to our own spirit within and less of one to our mind, will and emotions; those things that can be such stumbling blocks in the pursuit of this desired growth.

Not to mention, we get to enjoy those treasures prematurely, that we are building up for ourselves in Heaven with a highly blessed inner life and a new definition of the word “thrill.”

Perhaps best of all, we allow ourselves this freedom to escape the unconsecrated version of ourselves and are relieved from the burden of upholding our own reputations, no longer interested in controlling what people think of us, having found richness in Him.

All we will know is pity for them who deny the great abundance of His Inheritance, while we can rejoice in His Riches—

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2Corinthians 8:9)

Also See Matthew 13:10-12

Character or Christlikeness – Proclaim & Defend (proclaimanddefend.org)

NKJV

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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