Key Points:
- Christian Life Goal: To be like Jesus Christ in character and conduct. (Romans 8:29)
- Imitation of Christ: Christians are called to imitate Jesus fully—His love, patience, kindness, humility, and godliness. (Ephesians 5:1; John 13:15)
- The Seal of God: The faithful bear God’s seal—living holy lives, free from defilement by false doctrines or unchristlike attitudes. (Revelation 14:1)
- Character Development: The Christian life involves daily growth in virtues such as faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)
- Challenges: Living Christlike is not easy; it requires enduring insults and trials with meekness and kindness.
- The Power of Transformation: Through the Holy Spirit, believers are transformed progressively into Christ’s image by beholding Him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
- The Danger of a “Cheap” Christian Character: A careless or hypocritical Christian life harms the witness of the gospel.
- Importance of Prayer and Abiding in Christ: Daily prayer for grace to live like Jesus is essential.
Quotes Referenced:
- Ellen White on the tragic consequences of unchristlike behavior.
- Moses’ worship of God’s character as merciful, gracious, longsuffering.
- The early church at Pentecost receiving power from the Holy Spirit to live godly lives.
- The necessity of cultivating a winsome (attractive) Christian character that draws others to Christ.
Closing Prayer & Hymn:
- The sermon concludes with a prayer asking God to cleanse hearts and fill believers with Christlike love and character.
- The congregation sings hymn #492 “Like Jesus”, a prayerful dedication to growing daily in Christlikeness.
Conclusion
This service effectively combines heartfelt worship, inspiring testimony of healing through faith and lifestyle changes, and a powerful sermon calling believers to daily imitate Jesus Christ in character and life. It encourages personal transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in scripture.
