Becoming More Like Christ
The sermon emphasizes the transformative journey of becoming more like Christ through humility, faithfulness, and grace.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the transformative power of bearing the dying of the Lord Jesus in our bodies, allowing the life of Jesus to be manifested in us. By faithfully and humbly obeying God, He increases our faith and strengthens our spiritual sight, revealing more of heaven to us as we draw closer to Him. As we behold the glory of the Lord and seek His compassionate gaze in our weaknesses, we are gradually transformed into His image by the Spirit of the Lord, shining with His radiance.
Text
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
--2 CORINTHIANS 4:10
BUT we as in a glass espy
The glory of His countenance,
Not in a whirlwind hurrying by
The too presumptuous glance,
But with mild radiance every hour,
From our dear Saviour's face benign
Bent on us with transforming power
Till we, too, faintly shine.
--JOHN KEBLE
IF we be faithful and humble, God will increase our faith by enabling us to obey more faithfully, and will strengthen our sight by enabling us to do what we now see. As in our daily walk we come nearer towards heaven, He will open to us more of heaven. And so the veil which sin laid upon our sight being taken away, "we all, with open face, beholding, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord," studying His countenance, watching His looks, seeking to have His gracious and compassionate look cast upon us in the midst of our frailties and infirmities, may catch some faint reflections of its brightness, and be changed into the image whereon we gaze, which we love, which, in our weakness, we would long to copy and transfuse into ourselves; we too may be "changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord."
--EDWARD B. PUSEY
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the significance of Christ's suffering - The transformative power of Christ's life in us
- II points: - The importance of humility in our spiritual journey - Faithfulness as a pathway to deeper understanding
- III points: - The role of God's grace in our transformation - Reflecting Christ's image in our daily lives
- IV points: - The process of spiritual growth - Embracing our weaknesses as part of the journey
- V points: - The vision of heaven and its impact on our lives - Living with an eternal perspective
Key Quotes
“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“We all, with open face, beholding, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, may catch some faint reflections of its brightness.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Till we, too, faintly shine.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Seek to understand Christ's suffering as a guide for your own life.
- Embrace humility as a key to spiritual growth and deeper faith.
- Reflect on the glory of Christ daily to inspire your actions and interactions.