In Matthew 10:25 (KJV), Jesus told his disciples that: "it is enough for the disciple to be as his master". And who is the master? Jesus, of course, so that is our aim - to be like him.

Paul said in Gal 4:19: "I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you". The Greek word for "formed" means an inward change; it has nothing to do with outward appearance. Paul also said in 1 Cor 11:1: "be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ". In 1 John 4:17 we are told that we are to be like Jesus in this world. In addition, in Ephesians 5:1 we are told to follow and imitate God.

The question is how do we do this? We get a clue in 2 Cor 3:18. In this verse, the Apostle Paul teaches us that as we behold Christ’s glory, as we fellowship with him in the word, we are changed or transformed into God's image by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is doing a work in us as we continue to behold Jesus and receive revelation or understanding of his word. As we see by faith how God wants to change us and all he wants us to be and do, then that allows the Holy Spirit to bring these things to pass in our lives.  We may not be aware of it but our light is continuing to shine more brightly (Prov 4:18) the more time we spend in his presence.

We grow to imitate the Teacher.

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com