God's Image

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Ephesians 3:20

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Did you know that God has an extra-ordinary destiny and purpose for you.   John 10:10 tells that Jesus came to give us life and abundantly.  The problem is we either don’t believe it or have a wrong concept of what God wants. 

1.        Many people say they love the inspiration of the Bible.  But the Bible isn’t just inspiration it is transformation.  Rom 2:2 says be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Most of us have a mindset problem.  We read the Bible and what it says but we cannot get what it really says.  This message I hope will help set this straight.

a.       The word of God is design to bring about change.  A paradigm shift.  It is design to change us into the image of Christ.  The Bible is communicated knowledge.  It brings us God’s truth into our world.  Communicated knowledge becomes revealed knowledge and this brings transformation.  Talk about faith works.

b.      Here is a reality.  Information can brings inspiration, but only the Bible can bring true transformation.  The Holy Spirit moved men to write the Bible and then He transforms us as we read and apply the Bible.  We are workers together in this transformation.  He works with us and we submit our will to Him.

2.       Now there are three images that we have in our lives. 

a.       There is the projected will.  This is where we project how we desire people to see us. 

b.      There is the perceived image which how people see  us.

c.       Thirdly the actual image.  This is really who we are and how God sees us.

3.        Now Jesus was a perfect example of a person who lived the actual image of both Himself and God. 

a.        Jesus was perceived to be a party person, liar, lunatic, fraud, and blasphemer.  We see in His baptism, the Mount of Transfiguration and in the Temple.  God father said three times, this was His beloved Son in whom he was well pleased.  What a great testimony. 

b.      Those who lived their actual image will hear the words.  Well done God and faithful servant, enter into my rest.

c.       Those who live the actual image of God will be called extra-ordinary, remarkable, beyond understanding. 

4.       The problem with many people including Christians is that they are more concerned about image than substance.  Social media is a perfect example.  We want to appear as smart, interesting, athletic, good looking, wealthy and educated.  That is image not substance.  So here is a question how can a person move from image to substance, two  things, Love and fear.  This almost sound like a contradiction but it is not.

1.        You respond to God’s love.  John 3:16. 1 J John 4:7-8 You do not want to do anything to hurt and jeopardize the relationship.  It is like two lovers desiring to respond and meet each other needs, wants and desires.  Tell someone God loves me and them.

2.       The second is fear and this one I want to camp on for a few minutes.  2 Corinthians 5:9-10New International Version (NIV)  9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.  This is a powerful verse. 

a.        Judgment is about accountability, responsibility and lifestyle.  One day we are going to be judged by the Lord and it is not just about thoughts, words and deeds but attitudes, motive, intentions, obedience and faithfulness.

b.      1 Cor 4:5, says, So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.

c.       This is both a sobering and liberating thought.  If you have something to hid.  No fun.  If you have been keeping short  accounts with God quite the opposite. 

d.      2 Corinthians 5:11New International Version (NIV)The Ministry of Reconciliation

       11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is   

       plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.  You see when you fear or respect

      God as your judge you work hard on the right things.

e.      The more fear or respect for God you have the more you will work on the actual image.  3 John 2 says, I pray that you will be prosperity and health even as your soul prospers.  It begins from the inside out.  Gordon Macdonald called it ordering your private world. 

5.       The less you fear the Lord the more incline you are to work and care on your projected image.    Talk about Peter failed in Gal 1-2 because of that.  Talk about this.

a.       Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

b.      Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.    The Word of God can protect us from our projected image. 

c.       Moses an encounter with God.  In Exodus 3 and when he went to Egypt he wanted the people to encounter God as well.  In Ex 20:20, God tested the people to see if they feared him the right way.  God will test you as well.   The one who has something to hide fears the Lord.  The one who does respect the Lord  desires an encounter with God. 

d.      When we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, kind and strength .  We want to love others, and respect God,  Live a life that pleases Him.  We will walk in unconditional obedience and we know that true holiness begins in the heart. 

e.      Our projected image can lead to deception because we care more about people think about us than God.  This also leads us missing out to God`s blessing.

f.        Wisdom is knowing the difference.    Let us pray.