Conformity to Christ
Conformity to Christ9
Conformity to Christ in Heart and Life
By Thomas Brooks0ROM 8:292CO 3:18EPH 4:13PHP 2:5COL 3:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes that striving for conformity to Christ in both heart and life transforms our existence into a reflection of heaven. He draws a parallel between orators aspiring to emulate Demosthenes and Christians aiming to embody the character of Jesus Christ, as this pursuit leads to true glory and perfection in their lives.
Conformity Unto Christ, and Following His Example
By John Owen0LEV 19:2MAT 11:29ROM 8:292CO 3:18EPH 4:13PHP 2:5COL 3:10HEB 12:31PE 2:211JN 3:2John Owen emphasizes the necessity of conformity to Christ as the ultimate goal of a believer's life, highlighting that true faith and love manifest in a desire to emulate Christ's internal grace and holiness. He explains that believers are called to reflect Christ's image, which is revealed through the Gospel, and that this transformation requires both a spiritual understanding of Christ's virtues and a heartfelt love for them. Owen outlines the dual aspects of this conformity: the internal grace of Christ and the external obedience to His example, stressing that genuine imitation of Christ involves both mortification of sin and growth in grace. He concludes that the life of God in believers is fundamentally about becoming like Christ, which is essential for true Christian living.
Break With This World
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 16:24ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:22PHP 3:20COL 3:1HEB 12:11PE 2:91JN 2:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true Christians, who genuinely love and trust Jesus Christ, must renounce the world and adopt Christ as their model for living. He points out that many believers desire comfort and peace but shy away from the radical commitment required to follow Christ fully. Tozer asserts that the world cannot fulfill its promises, and thus, a true disciple seeks to be conformed to the image of Christ, who serves as the perfect example. This longing for transformation is central to the Christian experience, driving believers to pursue a life that reflects Christ's character.
The Cross and Conformity to Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 6:6ROM 8:291CO 1:181CO 2:22CO 4:102CO 5:17GAL 2:20GAL 3:13GAL 5:24GAL 6:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality of the cross in the believer's journey towards conformity to the image of Christ, explaining that the cross addresses both the sin problem and the natural man's limitations. He highlights that through the cross, believers are not only freed from sin but also transformed into a new creation, enabling them to live by the Spirit rather than by the flesh. Sparks discusses how the cross serves as a dividing line between the old and new creations, urging believers to embrace their identity in Christ and to live out their faith in a way that reflects His character. He concludes by stressing that true value lies not in worldly success but in the measure of Christ formed in believers, as they maintain their relationship with the cross.
Conformity to Jesus
By Andrew Murray0MAT 9:29JHN 13:15ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 2:20EPH 4:13PHP 1:6COL 3:10HEB 12:21JN 3:2Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of being conformed to the image of Jesus, contrasting it with conformity to the world, which hinders spiritual growth. He encourages believers to recognize their calling to imitate Christ and to trust in the Holy Spirit's power to enable this transformation. Murray highlights the importance of understanding God's desires for our lives and the need for divine instruction to truly conform to Christ. He stresses that faith and surrender to Jesus are essential for experiencing this change, as it is through Him that believers can reflect God's glory. Ultimately, he calls for a deep commitment to prayer and communion with God to achieve this conformity.
Philippians 3 Notes of Addresses
By John Nelson Darby0PHP 3:8HEB 12:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the importance of focusing on the glorified Christ as the source of true power and energy in our work. He encourages believers to let go of worldly attachments, viewing them as insignificant compared to the glory of Christ. The sermon highlights the necessity of self-judgment and conformity to Christ, reminding us that despite humanity's failures, faith remains unbroken in the power of God. Darby illustrates that Christ's humility and sacrificial path should inspire us to live in a way that reflects His grace and love, ultimately leading us to choose Christ's place over worldly recognition.
The Wonderful Balance in the Life of the Lord
By T. Austin-Sparks0GAL 5:22PHP 2:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the perfect balance of mind, heart, and will in the life of Jesus, contrasting it with the natural tendencies of people who often lean towards one aspect over the others. He explains that while individuals may be dominated by intellect, emotion, or will, Christ exemplifies a harmonious integration of all three, which is essential for a Spirit-led life. The sermon calls for believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to achieve this balance, which is crucial for the health of the Church and its ability to reflect Christ's nature. Sparks highlights the need for the Church to embody Christ's balance, avoiding extremes that can lead to dysfunction and disunity. Ultimately, he encourages a continual pursuit of conformity to Christ's image, recognizing that true change comes from divine intervention.
Conformity to the World
By Andrew Murray0ROM 12:1Andrew Murray emphasizes the call for Christians to avoid conformity to the world, which stands in opposition to Jesus. He explains that the spirit of the world encourages self-centeredness and a focus on earthly desires, while true conformity to Jesus involves living for God and the invisible. Murray warns that one can appear to live a Christian life yet still be a friend to the world, thus opposing God. He encourages believers to present themselves as living sacrifices and to seek the continuous renewal of their minds through the Holy Spirit to discern God's will. Ultimately, he reassures that through Jesus, believers have the power to overcome worldly temptations and live transformed lives.
Conformed to Image of Christ
By Alan Redpath0ROM 8:292CO 4:17PHP 3:10JAS 1:2Alan Redpath emphasizes the dual nature of serving Christ, where one experiences both profound rewards and significant challenges. He reflects on the necessity of relying on God's strength rather than our own, as true growth and conformity to Christ's image often come through trials and discouragements. Redpath asserts that our Heavenly Father has a divine purpose for each of us, shaping us through our experiences in service to reflect the likeness of His Son. He encourages believers to embrace their struggles, recognizing that they are instrumental in deepening their relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, he assures that the trials faced in service will be worth it when we are welcomed into the presence of the Lord.