Week 3: Become Like Him
Text: Matthew 18:1-6, Matthew 22:34-40
Objective: Discuss the transformation that occurs when we become more like Jesus.
Thesis: God's ultimate goal is our transformation into the likeness of Jesus, evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Outline:
- Opening Illustration:
- Metaphor of a sculptor shaping a masterpiece.
- Scripture Reading:
- Matthew 18:1-6, Matthew 22:34-40
- Application:
- Identifying areas where we need to grow to be more like Jesus.
- Practical steps for spiritual growth (community, accountability, spiritual disciplines).
- Conclusion:
- Encouragement to embrace the process of becoming like Jesus.
- Reminder that transformation is gradual and requires patience and perseverance.
Introduction
- Theme: Spiritual discipline of becoming more like Jesus
- Scripture: Matthew 18:1-6 and Matthew 22:34-40
- Purpose: To understand how humility, love, and ethical living are essential in our journey to be like Christ.
1. Redefinition of Greatness (Matthew 18:1-6)
- Verse: Matthew 18:1-4
- Greek Word Study: Στρέφω (strephō) (stref'-o) – “Change”
- Emphasizes a fundamental transformation in attitude
- Significance:
- Redefinition of Greatness: Jesus highlights humility, simplicity, and dependence over status and power.
- Value of Humility: Believers are likened to children, who depend entirely on God.
- Application:
- Challenge societal values of power and status.
- Embrace a counter-cultural attitude of humility and service.
- Reflect on how we can embody childlike humility in our daily lives.
2. Responsibility to Protect and Nurture (Matthew 18:5-6)
- Verse: Matthew 18:5-6
- Greek Word Study: Σκανδαλίζω (skandalizō) – “Stumble”
- Highlights the seriousness of influencing others negatively
- Significance:
- Responsibility to Protect: Jesus warns against causing others to stumble, especially the humble and vulnerable.
- Identification with the Humble: How we treat the lowly reflects our attitude toward Christ himself.
- Application:
- Actively protect and nurture the faith of others.
- Be mindful of our actions and their impact on the vulnerable.
- Foster an inclusive and welcoming attitude towards all.
3. Centrality of Love (Matthew 22:34-40)
- Verse: Matthew 22:37-40
- Greek Word Study:
- Καρδία (kardia) – “Heart”
- Ψυχή (psychē) – “Soul”
- Διάνοια (dianoia) – “Mind”
- Highlights the comprehensive nature of our love for God
- Significance:
- Centrality of Love: Love is placed at the core of the Christian ethic.
- Unity of Commandments: True religious devotion is inseparable from ethical behavior towards others.
- Comprehensive Devotion: A holistic, undivided commitment to God.
- Application:
- Reflect on how we can love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
- Understand that loving our neighbor is an expression of our love for God.
- Implement practical ways to love others as ourselves, promoting justice, kindness, and empathy.
4. Practical Implications and Spiritual Discipline
- Humility and Dependence:
- Embrace the humility and dependence exemplified by children.
- Recognize our need for a fundamental transformation in attitude (strephō).
- Protection of the Vulnerable:
- Be vigilant in our responsibility to protect others from stumbling (skandalizō).
- Nurture a welcoming and inclusive community.
- Comprehensive Love:
- Integrate the love for God and neighbor into our daily lives.
- Foster a holistic commitment to God that encompasses our heart, soul, and mind.
Conclusion
- Unified Theme: Becoming more like Jesus requires a commitment to humility, protection of the vulnerable, and comprehensive love for God and neighbor.
- Call to Action:
- Reflect on personal attitudes and behaviors.
- Commit to the spiritual discipline of embodying these values in everyday life.
- Strive to create a community that mirrors the kingdom of heaven through humility, protection, and love.
