You Were Created to Become like Christ
Newbreak’s Sermon Study Guide is an in-house resource that serves sermon-based Life Groups and/or individuals who want to reflect further on how the message contributes to their spiritual formation. In this week’s study, we will see that God’s purpose for our lives is something that only can be accomplished by banding together. We are excited to share with you what God did in 2022 and what he is leading us to do in 2023!
You Were Created to Become like Christ
“God doesn’t just want you to _______________ about Christ, he wants you to _______________ like Christ. This has been God’s plan for you since the beginning of time.”
From the very beginning God decided that those who came to him – and all along he knew who would – should become like his Son. (Romans 8:29)
God wants us to grow up...like Christ in everything. (Ephesians 4:15)
Three Tools to Help Us Grow
God uses _______________ to teach us to _______________ him.
“Trials are situations designed by God to draw us closer to him. They stretch our faith and grow our character.”
Problems and trials...are good for us – they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. (Romans 5:3-4)
Every _______________ has a _______________. “
The purpose for problems is to make you like Jesus Christ and to build character in your life.”
The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. (Mark 14:34)
“Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine!” (Mark 14:36)
“Jesus surrendered to God’s plan. God wants you to surrender to his plan, too. He is teaching you to trust him in the Gethsemane of trouble.”
Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
God uses _______________ to teach us to _______________ him.
“Temptations are situations designed by the devil to draw us away from God. God doesn’t cause temptation. He never tempts us to do evil. But God can use even our temptations to make us more like Jesus if we cooperate with him. Why? Because every temptation involves a choice. We can choose to do evil, or we can choose to obey God. When we choose to obey God, we take another step in our spiritual growth. Our character is shaped by our choices.”
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1) “It is not a sin to be tempted.”
[Jesus] was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! (Hebrews 4:15b)
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. (1 Cor. 10:13a)
If you love me, obey my commandments. (John 14:15)
And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (1 Corinthians 10:13b)
“Ultimately, it all comes down to your choices. Will you choose to obey the temptation or will you choose to obey God? Every time you choose to obey God, you become more like Christ.”
God uses _______________ to teach us to _______________.
“Trespasses are situations designed by other people to hurt us.”
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. (Matt. 6:12)
People passing by shook their heads and hurled insults at Jesus...and the elders made fun of him...Even the bandits who had been crucified with him insulted him in the same way. (Matthew 27:39-44)
Jesus said, “Father, forgive these people! They don’t know what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34) They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. (1 Peter 2:23)
“If you’re going to become like Christ, you have to learn to forgive.”
Remember that God _______________. ...forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. (Ephesians 4:32)
Remember that God _______________.
“You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people, which is being done.” (Genesis 50:20)
We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! (Romans 8:17b)
Questions for Group Discussion or Personal Reflection
- How is the “What on Earth Am I Here For?” campaign helping you to grow in Christlikeness?
- What problem in your life has brought about the greatest growth in your character? How has a trial or tribulation helped you to trust God more fully?
- What difficulty are you now facing that God can use to strengthen your walk with Him?
- What lessons have you learned through the temptations that you’ve faced and God has helped you overcome?
- When has a choice you made taken you away from God? When has a choice drawn you closer to Him and shaped your character in a godly fashion?
- What tools has God placed at our disposal to resist temptation? Which do you find most useful?
- Why is it so hard to forgive? What keeps us from forgiving others?
- When has someone forgiven you? What effect did it have on your life?
- How does knowing you’ve been forgiven by God affect your own willingness to forgive others? How does knowing God is in control impact your willingness to forgive others?
- Is there anyone to whom you need to extend forgiveness right now? How might you do it?
Assignments
- Memorize Ephesians 2:19b.
- Read chapters 22-28 of The Purpose Driven Life. Pick your favorite quote and share it.
- Pray daily for yourself, group members, and church.
- Visit Purpose Driven and read for daily inspiration.