Christlikeness
Christlikeness14
Christlike at Heart
By David Wilkerson1MAT 5:16JHN 15:16ROM 8:291CO 6:192CO 3:18GAL 5:22EPH 4:15PHP 1:11COL 3:102PE 1:5David Wilkerson emphasizes that our core purpose in life is to bear fruit by reflecting the likeness of Christ, which goes beyond merely winning souls to Christ. He explains that true fulfillment of God's purpose is not measured by our achievements but by our transformation into Christ's image. Wilkerson warns against being distracted by outward appearances, like the grandeur of the temple, and encourages believers to focus on their spiritual growth as the true temple of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, our activities and relationships should flow from this central purpose of becoming more Christlike at heart.
Developing a Consistent, Godly Life
By K.P. Yohannan0ROM 8:281CO 6:121CO 9:271CO 11:1GAL 2:20PHP 2:122TI 2:3HEB 5:8K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of dying to self in order to develop a consistent, godly life, arguing that many seek instant spiritual victories without the commitment to discipline. He highlights that true godliness requires a choice to crucify the flesh and follow Christ's example of self-denial and obedience. Yohannan warns against the allure of instant Christianity, urging believers to embrace the hard work of spiritual growth through practical disciplines. He encourages respect for others, responsibility in tasks, emotional control, and systematic prayer as essential components of a disciplined Christian life. Ultimately, he calls for a passionate pursuit of Christlikeness over a comfortable, self-serving existence.
Even as He Is Pure
By A.B. Simpson0MAT 5:20ROM 8:292CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 1:6COL 1:27HEB 12:141PE 1:161JN 3:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God aims to reproduce the purity of Christ within us, highlighting that the Christian life is not merely an imitation but a new creation in Christ. This union with Christ allows His nature to be imparted to us, enabling us to live Christlike lives as a natural outgrowth of His life within us. God demands perfection, not lowering His standards but elevating us to meet them through His grace. The righteousness required is greater than that of the scribes and Pharisees, and through sanctification, we are counted as righteous. Simpson concludes with a prayer for Christ to live His life through us.
Philippians Chapter 2 the Christian Temper as Exemplified in Christ
By A.B. Simpson0JHN 13:3PHP 2:5A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of embodying the mind of Christ as described in Philippians 2:5, illustrating how Jesus exemplified humility, voluntary surrender, and complete obedience. He explains that Christ's conscious dignity allowed Him to serve others selflessly, and that true Christian character is formed by allowing Christ to live through us. Simpson highlights that our transformation into Christ's likeness is not achieved by our efforts but by yielding to His indwelling presence, which empowers us to reflect His attributes in our lives. The sermon calls believers to embrace their identity as children of God and to let Christ's life flow through them, leading to a life of humility and service.
Christ Is the Answer
By K.P. Yohannan0PHP 2:3JAS 4:10K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that true humility cannot be manufactured by human effort; it must come from a deep understanding and relationship with Christ. He asserts that Christ is the answer to our struggles with humility, and that by humbling ourselves before Him, we allow Him to work within us. This transformation leads to genuine humility that reflects in our relationships and daily interactions. Each moment we choose to respond to His promptings is an opportunity to embody the humility of Christ. Yohannan encourages a commitment to practice humility as outlined in James 4:10, promising that it will enhance our love and compassion for others.
New Life Baptist Church - Part 8
By Paul Washer3.1K1:23:41MAT 5:3Paul Washer emphasizes the profound characteristics of true discipleship, focusing on the need for humility, mourning over sin, and a deep hunger for righteousness. He illustrates that genuine Christianity is not merely about external actions but about an internal transformation that reflects Christ's character. Washer challenges the congregation to examine their lives and relationships, urging them to embody gentleness and compassion, especially in their interactions with others. He reminds believers that true blessing comes from recognizing their dependence on God's grace and the importance of being Christ-like in their daily lives.
Running Toward the Goal
By A.W. Tozer0PHP 3:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true Christians resist the world's influence not out of mere rebellion, but because they recognize the emptiness of its promises. Having experienced the fleeting pleasures of society, they seek the lasting joy that comes from the Lord. The ultimate goal for believers is to be conformed to the image of Christ, who serves as the perfect model for their lives. This desire to emulate Christ fuels their rejection of worldly conformity, as expressed in Paul's testimony to the Philippians about counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ and pressing toward the heavenly prize.
On Becoming More Lovable
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 136:1ISA 54:10JHN 3:16ROM 5:8ROM 8:382CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:41JN 3:11JN 4:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God desires all individuals to become Christlike, as this transformation allows them to receive His boundless love more fully. He explains that conformity to Christ's nature restores God's image within us, enabling a deeper experience of divine love. Despite the struggle of sinful individuals to accept God's love due to their conscience and moral failings, the Bible consistently affirms God's love for humanity. Tozer encourages believers to trust in God's declaration of love and to embrace the sanctifying grace of Christ to fully enjoy this love.
A Presentation of the Man
By T. Austin-Sparks0REV 1:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of understanding the characteristics of the Man whom God has ordained to judge the world, as revealed in Revelation 1. He stresses that God's ultimate intention is for humanity to be made in His image, and that our spiritual growth should reflect the likeness of Christ. The preacher highlights the necessity of aligning our lives with the qualities of Christ, such as authority, purity, and faithfulness, which are essential for fulfilling our divine calling. Sparks urges believers to examine their hearts and motivations, ensuring they are driven by a desire to glorify God rather than personal ambition. Ultimately, he calls for a deep, transformative encounter with Christ that compels us to pursue holiness and Christlikeness.
Chosen to Bear Fruit
By David Wilkerson0JHN 15:9JHN 15:16GAL 5:22David Wilkerson emphasizes that being chosen by Christ means more than just winning souls; it involves reflecting Christ's likeness in our lives. He explains that true fruitfulness is about becoming increasingly like Jesus, which should be the central focus of all our activities and relationships. Wilkerson argues that God's purpose is fulfilled not through our achievements but through our transformation into Christ's image, highlighting that love for others is the key to growing in Christlikeness. He critiques the self-help mentality prevalent in Christian literature, urging believers to prioritize their calling to love as Christ loves. Ultimately, bearing fruit is defined by how we treat others and embody Christ's love.
Am I Growing More Like Jesus?
By David Wilkerson0ROM 12:22CO 3:18GAL 5:22EPH 4:14PHP 2:5COL 3:12JAS 1:191PE 2:22PE 3:112PE 3:14David Wilkerson challenges believers to assess their growth in grace, emphasizing that true growth means becoming more like Jesus through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He urges listeners to reflect on their reactions to trials over the past year, questioning whether they have responded with faith and love or with anger and self-pity. Wilkerson highlights the importance of maturity in Christ, encouraging self-examination and a commitment to spiritual growth, particularly in how we interact with others, including those who may hurt us. He reminds us that growth in grace is a continuous journey of increasing Christlikeness, driven by the Holy Spirit's power.
Transformed by Beholding
By J.R. Miller0JHN 14:9ROM 8:292CO 3:182CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:24PHP 2:5COL 3:10HEB 12:21JN 3:2J.R. Miller emphasizes the transformative power of beholding Christ, asserting that true Christians yearn to be like Him. He explains that by gazing upon the life of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels, believers can be changed into His image through divine power, not their own efforts. Miller illustrates that this transformation is gradual, akin to a sculptor shaping marble, and that even in moments of discouragement, God's Spirit is at work within us. He encourages Christians to reflect Christ's beauty in their lives, becoming mirrors of His glory for others to see. Ultimately, the sermon reassures that as we continually behold Christ, we will grow in Christlikeness and reflect His love to the world.
Ever Living to Make Intercession
By G.W. North0PSA 122:6LUK 22:32ROM 8:34EPH 6:18COL 4:121TH 5:171TI 2:1HEB 7:25JAS 5:161JN 2:1G.W. North emphasizes the vital role of intercession in the life of a believer, asserting that it is a reflection of Christ's own ministry as He 'ever liveth to make intercession' for us. He explains that intercession is not only for personal blessing but also for the benefit of others, and it is a mark of spiritual maturity and conformity to Christ's image. North highlights that true intercession stems from a heart filled with love and holiness, which prepares individuals to engage in this sacred ministry. He urges believers to recognize the importance of intercession in fulfilling God's purpose and to embody the love of Christ in their prayers for others. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to this spiritual practice, which is essential for the manifestation of God's kingdom on earth.
Called to Christlikeness
By David Wilkerson0JER 4:19JER 9:1JER 9:10JER 11:17JER 30:21JER 32:40David Wilkerson emphasizes the call to Christlikeness through the example of the prophet Jeremiah, who engaged his heart to seek the Lord and shared in God's burden of weeping for His people. Despite being known as the weeping prophet, Jeremiah also delivered messages of hope and glory, revealing the depth of his brokenness and the divine compassion he experienced. Wilkerson highlights that when we share in God's sorrow, we gain insight into His thoughts and the state of our times, ultimately leading us to a deeper understanding of Christ's heart. This connection allows believers to experience both the joy and pain of God's eternal heart, reflecting the essence of Christ in their lives.