Transformed Into the Image of Jesus
To change radically in inner character, condition, or nature. In Romans 12:2 the
apostle Paul exhorted Christians, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind”. The world order as alienated from God, in
rebellion against Him, and condemned for its godlessness. It is this world, (I Corinthians
3:19) “for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God”; as opposed to that which is
to come. The ruler of this world is satan, I John 5:19 “the whole world is under the
control of the evil one”. Christians are not of this world, even though they live in the
world and participate in its activities (John 17:11,16), the believers is regarded as dead
to the world (Galatians 6:14), the Christian is to be separated from the world (James 1:
27) “to keep himself unspotted from the world.
One’s relationship with the world is an indicator of one’s relationship with God. Those
who love the world are void of love for God the Father (I John 2:15), the Bible says
“Friendship with the world is opposition toward God (James 4:4). Followers of Christ
should not be conformed, either inwardly or in appearance to the values, ideals and
behaviors of a fallen world. Believers should continually renew their minds through
prayer and the study of God’s Word, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and so be
transformed and made like Christ (II Corinthians 3:18) “we all, with open face beholding
as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to
glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord”.
Transformation is the spiritual process of molding the believer into the image of Jesus.
Since it is God’s desire and plan to have many sons, each believer has to be
conformed to the prototype, Jesus (Romans 8:29) “For whom He did foreknow, He also
did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn
among many brethren”. Whereas transformation involves an inward, life-imparted
change in our essential constitution, conformation entails outward pressure that works
the4 image of Christ into His children. Christians are children of light and of the day,
not of the night or darkness (I Thessalonians 5:5). Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 “you are
the light of the world”. He applies to them words that are also applied to Himself. It is
their function to live as redeemed people.
They are to show the quality of life proper to the people of God and in this way act as
light to the people of the world. They are to let their light shine before the world in such
a way that people will see their good deeds and so come to praise God. It is important
for those in this position to make full use of the light they have. Christians have been
illuminated by the light that is Christ, who dwells within His people. Light dispels
darkness; when you go into a darken room and turn on a light (even a candle) the
darkness goes away (every time). We being light (Ephesians 5:8) “for you were
sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord, walk as children of light”. We
are to go into the world around us and dispel the darkness. Being light means, showing
others the revelations you received from God and His Word (Galatians 6:1-2)
“brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one
in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, less you also be tempered.
Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. He who follows Christ
will have light of life, which indicates what Jesus has in mind. Those who respond to the
light may be characterized as “sons of light” (John 12:36). Ephesians tells us how to
shine our light by putting on the new man (Ephesians 4:22-5:11). Light is closely linked
with God; in fact, God is described as light: “No longer will you need the sun or moon to
give you light, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and He will be your
glory. The sun will never set, the moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your
everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:19-20). Light is a natural symbol for what is pleasant, good,
or uplifting, or what is associated with God. Light is associated with justice, light is
connected with good behavior. “the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which
shines brighter and brighter until perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).
Sermon by: Harriet Bond
Date: November 3, 2006