Gospel Moments (11): Made in the Image of God (Part Five)

What does it mean to you
that you have been created
in the image of God?

It is important that we don’t
follow our own ideas
and inventions
but that we take what is plainly
stated in God’s Word
to heart.

As one who was created
in God’s image
we are commanded
to put off our old ways,
our old thinking,
to reflect God and His glory.

When we follow our old ways
of thinking, cling to our desires,
trust in ourselves,
we distort God’s image.

When we worry about
what others think of US…
When we compare
OURSELVES to others…
When we seek attention,
accolades, or
glory for OURSELVES…
We are focusing on OUR
OWN image.

We are to put off the old
put on the new self,
created after the likeness
of God in true righteousness
and holiness.

We must take our eyes off of self,
turn them onto Jesus,
and keep them there
by God’s grace.

Jesus is the exact image of God.
Jesus perfectly reflected
His Father.

Hebrews 1:3-4
He is the radiance of the
glory of God and the exact
imprint of his nature,
and he upholds the universe
by the word of his power.
After making purification for sins,
he sat down at the right hand
of the Majesty on high,
having become as much
superior to angels as the
name he has inherited is
more excellent than theirs.

Ask the Lord to meet
you right where
you are.

Tell Him simply what causes
to take your eyes off of Him?

Fear?
Insecurity?
Selfishness?
Unbelief?

Do you listen to the lies of the
enemy?

Bravely and plainly
tell the Lord
where you see yourself failing
and confess your sins,
your weaknesses,
your shortcomings, your failures.
Put your faith in Him
and not yourself…
trust in His power
trust in His forgiveness,
trust in His love…
and ask Him to cleanse you
from all unrighteousness.

Hebrews 12:1-2
let us also lay aside every weight,
and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder
and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set
before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is
seated at the right hand
of the throne of God.

What is that sin that clings so
closely that is keeping you
from reflecting the image of God?

Draw near
to Jesus in faith.

Believe that His blood
is enough to
cleanse you from all
unrighteousness.

Pray through the
following hymn asking the
Lord for His help believing that
He will do it.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will
grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion-
For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you-He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.