Grinch, Part 2
-How To Become Like Christ-
Ephesians 4:20-24
“ 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Turn to Luke 2
First Step- Make Room for JESUS.
(Verse 6-7) While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him...” (Rev. 3:20)
Second Step- Change Your PERSPECTIVE.
Greek word (metamorphosis) found in Romans 12:2; 2 Cor. 3:18
(Verse 8-11) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors…” (2 Corinthians 5:18, 20 NIV).
Third Step- Start some new ACTIONS.
(verse 16-20) So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them...The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJ
“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” 1 John 4:4
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
Remember Simeon! There are those whose dying hope is to see Jesus for who He is. You and I are called to be Jesus with skin on to those around us.
Prayer for today
God, help me to become strong in my faith in Jesus Christ. May your grace be upon me and help me to grow in wisdom & stature so that I may become like Christ. May I have favor with both God and man. Today I declare that "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." In Jesus name, Amen! (see Luke 2:40; 2:52; 4:18)