Christ Formed In Us (Galatians 4:19)
What Paul desired for the Christians should be our goal as well.
Christ Formed In Us (Galatians 4:19)
What Paul desired for the Christians should be our goal as well.
- The Goal: Be Christ-Like. He wants to see Christ living in them even as seen in his life (Gal. 2:20, 4:12; Phil. 1:20-21). The inward character shown in outward action, a goal to which we should ever strive (Phil. 2:5; Eph. 4:13; Heb. 12:1-2; Phil. 3:13).
- The Means: Be Christ-Like In Mind. Won’t happen by acci-dent; we have to grow in knowledge. Knowledge of our Creator (His existence, nature, and will) (Col. 3:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:3; Eph. 4:22-24) for reformation of our lives starts in our minds (Mark 7:20-23; Phil. 4:8). We must focus on emulating the character of Christ rather than the world (Rom. 12:2; Ps. 19:14; 139:23-24; 119:11, 105). This is gained by knowledge of the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17) for here we learn of His nature, example, and will (Col. 3:10; 1 Pet. 2:21; Rom. 6:13,17; John 14:8-9; Col. 3:16-17).
- The Result: Be Christ-Like In Mission. We will be like Him in our mission (Lk. 19:10; Matt. 28:19-20; Acts 8:4). We first learn and obey what He taught, then take that message to the world in word and action. As such we will imitate Him (Eph. 5:1-2; 1 John 3:16-18) as lights of the world and salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13-16; Phil. 2:15-16), it will be evident that we are followers of Christ (Jn 13:34-35; Acts 4:13; Lk. 6:40).
- The Obstacle/Warning: A Christ-like Ordeal. As we strive to do this, we will suffer, even as He did (1 Pet. 4:1; John 15:18-20; 2 Tim. 3:12). We will endure chastisement for our good (Heb. 12:6, 10; Jms 1:2-4); but God is for us (Rom. 8:28, 31-39) and will reward us (Rom. 8:18; 2 Tim. 2:12; Heb. 11, 12).
