Pursuing Christlikeness

To desire Christlikeness, we must recognize the disparity between who we are and who Jesus is.

We must allow the Spirit of God to use the Word of God to diagnose our spiritual condition.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.Psalm 139:23-24

True growth begins with a healthy dissatisfaction of the status quo.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.Romans 7:18

Being like Jesus is a journey, not a destination.

Not as though I had already attained.

Every victory and every trial is an opportunity for growth.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.James 1:2-4

Sanctification requires full commitment and maximum effort.

Follow after. Press on. Run after. Flippant obedience to the Word and casual commitment to Jesus will yield disappointing results.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?Luke 6:46

But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.Luke 6:49

Christlikeness requires a daily discipline.

Past failures are under the blood of Jesus and opportunities to grow.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;2 Corinthians 4:17

Past victories are building blocks for the future.

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.1 Samuel 17:37

While God has called us to salvation, full knowledge of Jesus is the true prize.

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.John 17:3

Pursuing Christlikeness is better with others.

Sanctification is a journey undertaken by mature Christians.

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;Philippians 1:27

Mature followers of Jesus are always looking for others to join the journey.

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.2 Timothy 2:2

Are you intentionally pursuing Jesus?

How committed are you to your growth and sanctification?

Are you allowing your past to dictate your future?

Who are you on the journey with?