Lesson 87: How to Become More Like Jesus Christ
The goal of discipleship is not merely knowing more facts about Jesus Christ.
It is not merely:
attending more services;
learning Christian vocabulary;
developing better habits;
or appearing more religious.
Those things may have value.
But the greater question is:
“Am I becoming more like Jesus Christ?”
God desires believers to become increasingly like His Son in:
character;
holiness;
love;
truthfulness;
humility;
obedience;
compassion;
service;
courage;
and faithfulness.
Paul writes:
“For whom he did foreknow,
he also did predestinate
to be conformed to the image of his Son,
that he might be the firstborn
among many brethren.”
— Romans 8:29, KJV
God’s purpose is not merely to improve our outward behavior.
He is conforming His people to the image of Jesus Christ.
Christlikeness Is God’s Purpose
Romans 8:28 is frequently quoted:
“And we know that all things work together for good
to them that love God,
to them who are the called
according to his purpose.”
— Romans 8:28, KJV
The next verse helps define the good toward which God works:
“To be conformed to the image of his Son.”
The good is not always:
greater comfort;
more money;
less opposition;
or immediate success.
God may use even painful circumstances to expose what is unlike Christ and form what reflects Him.
The trial is not good merely because it hurts.
God is good because He can work through it for holy purposes.
Christlikeness Does Not Save Us
A sinner is not saved by successfully imitating Jesus.
No one can produce enough Christlike conduct to erase sin.
Jesus Christ alone:
lived without sin;
died as the sacrifice for sins;
rose from the dead;
and reconciles sinners to God.
We are saved through faith in Him, not through becoming morally impressive.
Christlikeness is the fruit of salvation.
It is not the price paid to obtain salvation.
Christ Is More Than an Example
Jesus is our example.
But He is not merely an example.
If He were only an example, sinners would remain condemned and powerless.
We need Jesus as:
Saviour;
Lord;
Mediator;
High Priest;
and the giver of life.
We do not become like Christ by admiring Him from a distance.
We must belong to Him.
His life works within His people through the Holy Ghost.
We Do Not Become Divine
Becoming like Jesus Christ does not mean becoming God.
Jesus is the eternal Son of God.
Believers remain created human beings.
We do not acquire:
deity;
omniscience;
omnipotence;
or the authority that belongs uniquely to Christ.
Nor should anyone claim to possess Christ’s unique office as:
Messiah;
Saviour;
or Lord of all.
We become like Him morally and spiritually as God forms His holy character within us.
Some Works Belong Uniquely to Christ
Jesus’ death upon the cross was a sacrifice for sins.
Our suffering cannot atone for anyone.
Jesus is the only Mediator between God and men.
We do not replace Him.
Jesus spoke with divine authority because He is the Son of God.
We must speak under the authority of His written Word.
Following Christ requires careful distinction between:
what He alone could accomplish as Saviour;
and the character and obedience He commands His disciples to follow.
A Disciple Becomes Like His Master
Jesus said:
“The disciple is not above his master:
but every one that is perfect
shall be as his master.”
— Luke 6:40, KJV
The word perfect carries the idea of being fully trained or brought to maturity.
A disciple learns from the master until the master’s teaching and pattern become visible in him.
If we are learning from Jesus, His influence should increasingly appear in:
our words;
our reactions;
our priorities;
our relationships;
and our treatment of people.
You Become Like What You Follow
People are shaped by what they repeatedly admire and observe.
A person may begin copying:
the speech;
attitudes;
values;
or reactions
of those who influence him.
This is one reason believers must keep their eyes upon Jesus.
If the heart is continually absorbed with:
celebrities;
political personalities;
angry commentators;
wealth;
or worldly success,
those influences may begin shaping conduct.
Ask:
“Whose manner of life am I learning?”
Know the True Jesus
A person cannot become like Jesus while following an invented version of Him.
Some imagine Jesus only as:
gentle and accepting.
Others emphasize only:
His authority and judgment.
The Jesus of Scripture is:
holy;
loving;
truthful;
compassionate;
courageous;
meek;
obedient;
patient;
and just.
He welcomed sinners while commanding repentance.
He showed mercy while refusing falsehood.
He served humbly while speaking with authority.
Study the whole biblical Christ.
Behold Christ in Scripture
Paul writes:
“But we all, with open face
beholding as in a glass
the glory of the Lord,
are changed into the same image
from glory to glory,
even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:18, KJV
In Scripture, believers behold the glory of the Lord.
As they behold Him, they are:
“changed into the same image.”
The transformation is:
progressive;
and produced by the Spirit of the Lord.
We must look at Christ carefully enough for His character to correct our own.
Do Not Read the Gospels Only for Information
When reading about Jesus, ask:
“What does this reveal about who He is?”
“What does He love?”
“What does He hate?”
“How does He treat weak people?”
“How does He respond to hypocrisy?”
“What does He do under pressure?”
“How does He speak to the Father?”
“What must change in me?”
Knowledge of Christ should become submission to Christ.
Beholding Is Not Empty Visualization
Biblical beholding does not require inventing mental scenes and treating imagination as revelation.
The Holy Ghost has given Scripture.
Read what God has actually revealed.
Consider Christ’s:
words;
works;
suffering;
obedience;
death;
resurrection;
and present glory.
Let Scripture control the picture.
Transformation Is the Spirit’s Work
Paul says transformation occurs:
“by the Spirit of the Lord.”
Human effort alone cannot create Christlikeness.
A person may modify behavior to protect reputation.
He may become polite, organized, or disciplined for natural reasons.
The Holy Ghost works more deeply.
He exposes:
motives;
desires;
pride;
selfishness;
and hidden sin.
Then He produces character that honors Jesus Christ.
The Spirit Uses the Word
The Holy Ghost does not normally transform believers apart from Scripture.
He inspired the Word and uses it to:
reveal Christ;
convict of sin;
renew thinking;
and direct obedience.
Do not separate:
the Spirit of God
from the Word of God.
Claims of spiritual transformation that contradict Scripture are false.
Learn Christ
Paul writes:
“But ye have not so learned Christ;
If so be that ye have heard him,
and have been taught by him,
as the truth is in Jesus:”
— Ephesians 4:20–21, KJV
Christian transformation is described as:
learning Christ.
We do not merely learn principles.
We learn the Lord whose truth governs those principles.
His teaching is not detached from His person.
To reject His authority while admiring selected sayings is not true discipleship.
Put Off the Old Man
Paul continues:
“That ye put off concerning
the former conversation the old man,
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;”
— Ephesians 4:22, KJV
The old man refers to the former sinful pattern of life.
Christlikeness requires putting off what contradicts Christ.
That includes:
lying;
bitterness;
pride;
lust;
selfish ambition;
corrupt speech;
and unforgiveness.
You cannot preserve the old life carefully while asking God to make you like Jesus.
Be Renewed in the Mind
Paul says:
“And be renewed
in the spirit of your mind;”
— Ephesians 4:23, KJV
Behavior grows from beliefs, values, and desires.
The mind must be renewed.
You may need to replace:
“I must be recognized”
with:
“I am called to serve.”
You may replace:
“I have a right to retaliate”
with:
“Christ calls me to overcome evil with good.”
The renewed mind learns to interpret life according to Christ.
Put On the New Man
Paul continues:
“And that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created
in righteousness and true holiness.”
— Ephesians 4:24, KJV
Christian change is not only stopping wrong conduct.
It is putting on righteous conduct.
Stop lying—and speak truth.
Stop stealing—and work so you can give.
Stop corrupt speech—and use words that build others.
Stop bitterness—and practice kindness and forgiveness.
Christlikeness requires replacement, not merely removal.
Put On the Lord Jesus Christ
Paul writes:
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make not provision for the flesh,
to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
— Romans 13:14, KJV
To put on Christ is to bring conduct beneath His identity and lordship.
Before responding, ask:
“Does this fit someone clothed with Christ?”
“Would this reaction display His character?”
Do not use the question as an exercise in imagination alone.
Use Scripture to determine how Jesus calls you to walk.
Christ Must Be Formed Within
Paul told the Galatians:
“My little children,
of whom I travail in birth again
until Christ be formed in you,”
— Galatians 4:19, KJV
Paul desired more than outward conformity.
He wanted Christ formed within them.
External rules may restrain conduct temporarily.
God desires truth in:
the heart;
the motive;
and the inward disposition.
A person may speak gently while inwardly despising someone.
Christlikeness reaches both speech and heart.
Christlike Obedience Seeks the Father’s Will
Jesus said:
“My meat is to do the will of him that sent me,
and to finish his work.”
— John 4:34, KJV
Doing the Father’s will nourished and governed Christ’s earthly mission.
Becoming like Jesus means learning to value obedience above personal preference.
Ask:
“What does God desire?”
Not only:
“What do I feel?”
“What will people approve?”
“What is easiest?”
“What will bring recognition?”
Christlike obedience submits desire to the Father.
Christlike Prayer Depends Upon God
Jesus prayed consistently.
He withdrew from crowds.
He prayed before important moments.
In suffering, He poured out His heart to the Father.
Hebrews says:
“Who in the days of his flesh,
when he had offered up prayers and supplications
with strong crying and tears
unto him that was able to save him from death…”
— Hebrews 5:7, KJV
Christlike strength is not prayerless independence.
The Son’s earthly life displayed complete dependence upon the Father.
Christlike Humility Serves
After washing His disciples’ feet, Jesus said:
“For I have given you an example,
that ye should do
as I have done to you.”
— John 13:15, KJV
Christ knew who He was.
He still took the place of a servant.
Becoming like Christ includes willingness to perform service that is:
low;
hidden;
inconvenient;
or unnoticed.
A disciple should not continually ask:
“Is this important enough for me?”
He should ask:
“Will this serve others and honor God?”
Christlike Love Sacrifices
Jesus did not love merely through kind words.
He gave Himself.
We cannot repeat His atoning sacrifice.
But His self-giving love becomes the pattern for our treatment of others.
Christlike love costs:
time;
comfort;
attention;
resources;
and personal preference.
It seeks genuine good rather than emotional approval.
Christlike Compassion Sees People
Matthew says of Jesus:
“But when he saw the multitudes,
he was moved with compassion on them,
because they fainted,
and were scattered abroad,
as sheep having no shepherd.”
— Matthew 9:36, KJV
Jesus did not see crowds merely as numbers.
He saw needy people.
Christlikeness refuses to use people as:
audiences;
supporters;
customers;
or opportunities for personal importance.
It sees persons with eternal souls.
Compassion Does Not Remove Truth
Jesus’ compassion moved Him to:
teach;
heal;
call;
and send laborers.
He did not merely feel sorrow.
Compassion acted according to truth.
Becoming like Jesus means caring enough to:
help;
pray;
teach;
warn;
or protect.
Sentiment without truthful action is incomplete.
Christlike Truthfulness Does Not Flatter
Jesus never lied to gain approval.
He did not soften truth merely to preserve popularity.
He spoke directly to:
religious leaders;
disciples;
rulers;
and crowds.
Yet His truth was never motivated by insecurity or sinful cruelty.
Christlike truth seeks the Father’s glory and the hearer’s real good.
Christlike Courage Is Not Recklessness
Jesus knew when to speak publicly.
He also withdrew when the appointed time had not come.
He answered some questions.
He remained silent before others.
Courage does not mean reacting to every challenge.
Christlike courage obeys the Father with:
wisdom;
truth;
and self-control.
Christlike Meekness Is Strength Under Control
Jesus described Himself as:
“meek and lowly in heart.”
He possessed all authority.
He did not use power selfishly.
Meekness does not mean weakness or fear.
It means strength submitted to God and used rightly.
The Christlike person does not need to dominate every conversation or retaliate against every insult.
Christlike Response to Unjust Suffering
Peter writes:
“For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us,
leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin,
neither was guile found in his mouth:
Who, when he was reviled,
reviled not again;
when he suffered, he threatened not;
but committed himself
to him that judgeth righteously:”
— 1 Peter 2:21–23, KJV
Jesus did not return sinful insult for insult.
He entrusted Himself to the righteous Judge.
Following Christ in Suffering Does Not Mean Remaining in Abuse
First Peter does not command people to conceal crime, remain in immediate danger, or provide continued access to an abuser.
Jesus Himself sometimes withdrew from violent crowds.
Paul used lawful protections.
Christlike conduct may require:
seeking safety;
reporting wrongdoing;
or establishing boundaries.
The principle is that believers do not answer evil with evil.
Christlike Forgiveness Is Costly
Jesus forgave.
He taught His followers to forgive.
Forgiveness refuses personal vengeance and releases the debt to God’s justice.
It does not require:
denying facts;
removing every consequence;
or restoring trust before repentance and changed conduct.
Christlike forgiveness remains truthful.
Christlike Holiness Is Not Isolation From Needy People
Jesus was:
“holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners,”
yet He ate with sinners and ministered among them.
Holiness does not require contempt for lost people.
It requires separation from their sin.
A believer should be near enough to love and witness, while refusing participation in evil.
Christlike Character Must Appear at Home
It is possible to appear Christlike before a congregation or public audience while remaining:
harsh;
selfish;
controlling;
or neglectful
at home.
Those closest to us often see the clearest evidence of character.
Ask:
“Does my family experience patience, truth, service, repentance, and love?”
Public ministry cannot substitute for private Christlikeness.
Christlikeness Must Reach the Hidden Life
Jesus lived entirely before the Father.
He did not build a public image while protecting secret sin.
Becoming like Christ must reach:
private thoughts;
internet use;
money;
sexual conduct;
motives;
and unseen decisions.
What you choose when no person sees reveals whose approval matters most.
Christlikeness Is Not One Temperament
Jesus displayed:
gentleness toward the weak;
firmness toward hypocrisy;
compassion toward sufferers;
and courage before opposition.
Therefore, Christlikeness cannot be reduced to always appearing:
quiet;
soft-spoken;
or agreeable.
A naturally strong personality must be sanctified.
A naturally gentle personality must also be sanctified.
Both must be brought under Christ.
Do Not Copy Another Christian’s Personality
God may use mature believers as examples.
Paul told others to follow him as he followed Christ.
But no human example is perfect.
Do not attempt to become a copy of:
a pastor;
teacher;
parent;
or admired Christian.
Learn from them.
Test everything through Scripture.
The final pattern is Jesus Christ.
Christlikeness Is Not Performed for Appearance
A person may learn what Christian behavior receives praise.
He may appear:
humble;
patient;
generous;
and spiritual
while seeking admiration.
Christlikeness grows before God.
It does not need every act of service to be announced.
It values the Father’s approval above reputation.
Receive Correction as Part of Transformation
You will not see every un-Christlike pattern clearly.
God may use:
Scripture;
a spouse;
a church leader;
a friend;
or consequences
to expose what needs to change.
Do not ask God to make you like Christ while refusing every uncomfortable correction.
Test correction truthfully.
Receive what is right.
Repentance Is Essential to Christlikeness
Transformation does not occur through admiration alone.
When Scripture shows that your conduct differs from Christ, respond.
Confess specifically:
“I spoke proudly.”
“I acted selfishly.”
“I avoided obedience.”
“I retaliated.”
Then identify the Christlike replacement.
Repentance is not merely feeling disappointed in yourself.
It is turning toward God and changed conduct.
Practice One Christlike Response at a Time
The full character of Christ may feel overwhelming.
Begin with the situation before you.
When interrupted:
practice patience.
When overlooked:
serve without resentment.
When corrected:
listen humbly.
When tempted:
obey the Father.
When suffering unjustly:
refuse sinful retaliation.
Repeated obedience forms a new pattern.
Transformation Is Progressive
Paul says believers are changed:
“from glory to glory.”
Growth occurs progressively.
You may see real change and still find areas of immaturity.
Do not claim perfection.
Do not deny grace already at work.
Thank God for progress.
Continue submitting to transformation.
Christlikeness Will Not Be Completed in This Life
John writes:
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God,
and it doth not yet appear
what we shall be:
but we know that, when he shall appear,
we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is.”
— 1 John 3:2, KJV
Believers are being transformed now.
Full conformity awaits Christ’s appearing.
This keeps us from:
pride;
and despair.
We have not arrived.
God has not abandoned His purpose.
Future Hope Produces Present Purity
John continues:
“And every man that hath this hope in him
purifieth himself,
even as he is pure.”
— 1 John 3:3, KJV
The hope of becoming like Christ does not produce passivity.
It motivates present holiness.
Because we will see Him, we prepare now.
Because complete transformation is promised, we cooperate with His sanctifying work today.
Ministry Should Aim at Christlikeness
Paul described the goal of his labor:
“Whom we preach, warning every man,
and teaching every man in all wisdom;
that we may present every man
perfect in Christ Jesus:”
— Colossians 1:28, KJV
Christian ministry should not aim merely at:
attendance;
excitement;
numbers;
or admiration.
It should preach Christ and help people mature in Him.
The eternal value of ministry lies not in building what appears impressive now, but in faithfully serving Christ and preparing people to stand before Him.
A Biblical Christlikeness Pattern
1. Know the Biblical Christ
Study His whole character, teaching, work, and glory.
2. Behold Him Regularly
Read Scripture with the intention of seeing and obeying Christ.
3. Depend Upon the Holy Ghost
Transformation is not produced through human imitation alone.
4. Put Off What Contradicts Christ
Name and reject sinful motives, habits, words, and conduct.
5. Renew the Mind
Replace self-centered thinking with the truth and mind of Christ.
6. Put On the Christlike Response
Practice obedience, humility, love, holiness, service, and courage.
7. Receive Correction
Allow Scripture and mature believers to expose blind spots.
8. Practice Christlikeness in Ordinary Relationships
Begin at home, church, work, and in the hidden life.
9. Accept Progressive Growth
Do not claim perfection or surrender to discouragement.
10. Keep Looking Toward His Appearing
Present transformation will be completed when believers see Christ.
A Christlikeness Examination
The situation in which I respond least like Christ is:
My usual response is:
What that response reveals about my heart is:
The biblical example or teaching of Jesus is:
What I must put off is:
What I must put on is:
The help, correction, or accountability I need is:
The next Christlike action is:
Discipleship Questions
- Why is becoming like Jesus different from attempting to earn salvation by imitating His behavior?
- What is the difference between the aspects of Christ’s life believers should follow and the saving works and divine authority that belong uniquely to Him?
- How does beholding Christ in Scripture lead to transformation rather than mere information?
- Why must Christlikeness become visible in private life and close relationships, not only in public Christian activity?
- In which present situation is your natural response most different from the character and teaching of Jesus Christ?
Closing Exhortation
Become more like Jesus Christ.
Do not settle for Christian information without transformation.
Do not settle for outward discipline while the heart remains proud and selfish.
Do not invent a Jesus who agrees with every desire.
Know the Christ revealed in Scripture.
Behold His glory.
Learn His mind.
Submit to His Word.
Depend upon the Holy Ghost.
Put off what contradicts Him.
Put on righteousness and true holiness.
Serve as He served.
Love as He loved.
Speak truth as He spoke it.
Show compassion.
Obey the Father.
Refuse retaliation.
Remain holy among sinners.
Repent when your conduct does not reflect Him.
Do not pretend you have arrived.
Do not despair because the work remains incomplete.
God is conforming His people to the image of His Son.
Continue looking to Christ until faith becomes sight and you see Him as He is.
A Prayer for Christlikeness
Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to save sinners.
My hope is not in my ability to imitate Him well enough to earn salvation.
My hope is in His death, resurrection, righteousness, and grace.
Yet I desire to become more like Him.
Show me the true Jesus through Your Word.
Protect me from following a version of Christ created by culture, emotion, preference, or imagination.
Through the Holy Ghost, change me into His image from glory to glory.
Expose everything in me that contradicts His character.
Put away pride, selfishness, impurity, harshness, cowardice, dishonesty, bitterness, and the desire for human praise.
Renew my mind.
Form the mind of Christ within me.
Teach me to obey You as Jesus obeyed.
Help me serve without seeking importance.
Give me compassion for people who are lost, weak, hurting, or scattered.
Give me courage to speak truth with grace.
Teach me meekness without cowardice, holiness without contempt, forgiveness without falsehood, and love without compromise.
Make me Christlike at home, at church, at work, online, and when no one sees me.
When I suffer unjustly, keep me from retaliation.
When I receive correction, make me teachable.
When I fail, lead me quickly into repentance and changed conduct.
Thank You that the work is progressive and that full conformity will come when Jesus appears.
Until then, keep forming Christ in me.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next Step
Choose one current situation in which your response differs from Jesus Christ.
Complete these statements:
My Present Situation Is
My Natural Response Is
Jesus’ Character and Teaching Show
I Must Put Off
I Must Put On
The Specific Action I Will Take Is
Read one Gospel passage that directly addresses the situation.
Do not merely ask:
“What would Jesus do?”
Ask:
“What has Scripture revealed about Jesus, and what does He command me to do?”
Then practice that Christlike response through the strength of the Holy Ghost.
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