Bible Passage: “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:29 ESV)
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
As we read yesterday, when God saves us through the Gospel, He doesn’t just forgive us and allow us to enter into Heaven. He gives us the gift Himself in the Holy Spirit.
Today, we will discuss how He begins to change us.
From the moment you’re born again, the Holy Spirit starts shaping your heart, your thoughts, and your character to reflect Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:29 tells us that God’s plan for every believer is to be “conformed to the image of His Son.” That means God’s ultimate goal is not your comfort, but your Christlikeness. It is not your happiness (although we will have much more genuine joy), but your holiness. Everything He allows to happen in our lives, whether it be good or bad, is working toward that purpose.
This transformation isn’t instant. It’s a process called sanctification, a lifelong journey of becoming holier by learning to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness. The same Gospel that saved you continues to sanctify you.
We are learning how to become less like the world and more like Jesus Christ. You, as a Christian man, are not growing by gritting your teeth and trying harder. Instead, you are growing by surrendering yourself, abiding in Christ and His words, and allowing His Spirit to renew you day by day.
The closer you walk with Jesus, the more His love, humility, and strength begin to show in your life. You will find yourself doing more holy things, such as forgiving others more easily, serving more gladly, and thinking less of yourself.
People around you begin to see something different in you—not perfection, mind you, but visible progress. What they are seeing is Jesus shining through you.
This is one of the greatest, tangible proofs of the Gospel’s power: it doesn’t just change where you’ll spend eternity, it also changes who you are right now.
The Gospel takes sinners and makes them saints. It takes the self-centered and makes them servants. Instead of loathing others, we will want to love others. Every day, you have the chance to show the world what grace can do in a man’s life.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You love me too much to leave me as I am. Keep molding me into the image of Christ. When I resist or grow weary, remind me that You are patiently at work. Help me reflect Jesus in my words, my actions, and my heart. Amen.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you observe God is shaping you to look more like Jesus right now?
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