Conformed To His Image

Introduction

Romans 8: 28-30

1 John 2: 15-17

These passage of Scripture has been preached many, many times but I wonder if Christians ever really spend much time thinking about the implications of it. If God expects, indeed has pre- determined, that you will be conformed to the image of Christ, then I think it would be wise to do a little checkup and see if it is, indeed, happening in our lives.

This concept of being conformed to the image of Jesus is serious business. This involves a radical process which produces a radical change. The problem is that most people don't like change that much. This is especially true when it comes to radical change. But, change is coming. It must come if God's process of redemption is taking place in your life.

Let's ask ourselves this important question: What does it mean to be "Conformed to His Image?"

I. Conformed To Be Like Him In Essence

In other words, you will be like Him spiritually. This conforming process has not to do with be like Him in appearence and everything to do with the spiritual life that He uses to change into the person He means for us to become.

II. Conformed Through Change

You are NOW undergoing a change! Change is something which is already settled. You may be writing a book, but God already knows the last chapter. We change physically over the years - it is a physical transformation. You are changing mentally - you learn new things and forget some things - it is a mental transformation. But Jesus is working in every redeemed person to change you into His image for your life. He is seeking to get you to the place that you conform to His person and will.

III. Conformed Through A Battle

The process of conformation is a battle. This battle takes place in a spiritual arena within your life. It is a battle for your soul. It is a battle between God and Satan. There is a name for this process and it is called Sanctification. That means that a believer is worked upon by God to grown in grace and become more Christ-like in thought and behavior. Satan works on you to keep you from growing in Christ. This is spiritual warfare!

IV. Conforming That Can Be Measured

Now how can be measure whether we are being conformed into the image of Christ? What does the Bible say?

Conformation can be measured in three areas. You can measure the victory of your conformation by the degree to which you have relinquished authority in three areas of your life. These are found described in 1 John 2:15-17:

¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

A. Lust of the Flesh

B. Lust of the Eyes

C. Pride of Life

Conclusion

To relinquish means to subjugate your will to the will of God in these areas. It is a voluntary thing done out of obedience to Christ. The battle will rage between you and God until you have given your will over to His through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only avenue whereby you can be conformed, and you will never see God until this process is completed.

Your happiness in life will be measured on the scale of how much you are willing to give up to God. Because, you see, He is going to win the battle, and once you have given your heart to Jesus the conformation process begins. But be sure you lose to God by giving Him your heart through faith in Jesus, because that results in eternal life. If you lose to the devil, and reject Christ, that results in eternal death.