Monday, August 25, 2025
His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. By these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire. 2 Peter 1:3-4
How We Are Transformed to Look More Like Jesus
We are all going somewhere. We are all on a spiritual journey. When you look back on your journey how does who you were then compare to who you are now? Have you changed at all and if so, for better or for worse? Our journey is not a straight path with no obstacles or cliffs along the way. Our journey is a messy, winding, twisted path that crisscrosses and drops off along the way. But every bump and bend along the way of our path are important parts of our journey.
We are in a series on what spiritual movement looks like as a disciple of Jesus and what the strategy is for making disciples here at NSBC. At the center of the core values here at North Side Baptist Church is holistic discipleship. As individual followers of Jesus and as a church, our call is to make disciples - one who has trusted Jesus by faith, is following and being transformed by Jesus, and is on mission for Jesus by leading others to do the same. The discipleship pipeline is a path where we as a church help lead every generation toward a fully-formed life with Jesus. A discipleship pathway is our personal path that moves us toward spiritual maturity. In order to grow towards spiritual maturity, we must move.
As we become believers, we have a choice. We get to decide whether we will move and grow in our relationship with Jesus or if we will just sit in the pew and wait for the day we get to see him face to face. Yesterday we learned the next step in the discipleship pipeline is transformation. Transformation does not happen unless we move. We must surrender and follow Jesus to be transformed. Following Jesus leads to learning to live and love like him, stepping where the Spirit steps, leading to transformation, glorifying him, and pointing others to him. That is a lot happening at the same time! As Pastor Jim told us yesterday, it is a partnership between us and God and us and other believers.
What does transformation look like? As we grow Jesus transforms our mind and reshapes our desires. to reflect his. This Spirit-led formation is ongoing sanctification that reflects Jesus in everything we think, say, and do. He will be reflected in our character, desires, and everyday lives. This is how Jesus transforms us to look more like him over time. When we walk the Jesus way, it will be evident to those around us as they will see this transformation in our lives.
We have everything we need for transformation through his divine power. The work of transformation is the work of Christ in us. Peter tells us how we can follow Jesus into this transformation: For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election, because if you do these things you will never stumble. 2 Peter 1:5-10
The work of transformation in us is from Jesus but we move into rhythms of growth by using the tools he has given us – his Word, other believers, and his promises. Peter also says in verse 10 that if we do these things, we will never stumble. When we walk with him, immersed in his word and standing on his promises, we will step where he steps, without stumbling.
Remember the pathway on the journey. Most people are focused on the finish line but the journey is the most important part.The journey is where transformation takes place. Pay attention to where you are and what God may be trying to teach you in this moment. You are on a journey and you are being transformed if you have surrendered and stepped out onto the winding path.
How is Jesus transforming you to look more like Him every day?
Which of the virtues that Peter lists need to be more evident in you?
Will you ask God, through His Holy Spirit, to do a work in you to reflect Jesus more fully in your character, desires, and everyday life?
