When we put on Christ in baptism (Ga 3:27), we rise to walk in newness of life (Rm 6:4). We all have much to learn as we begin our new walk with God. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord (2Pe 3:18) so we can become like Him.  We must grow up in all things into Him (Ep 4:15). God calls us to bring every thought into captivity to Christ (1Co 10:5), so we can be filled with the fullness of Christ (Ep. 4:13). 

We must not follow the Corinthians. They were carnal and babes in Christ (1Co 3:1). They had not matured into Christ's image. Where there is envy, strife, and division, people have not learned to love like Christ. They remain spiritual infants (1Co 3:3).  

Put On the New Man

Faithful Christianity requires learning to live like Christ. We must put off our old life and become a new creation (2Co. 5:17, Gal. 6:15). We begin by putting on Christ in baptism (Gal 3:27). We must continue this for the rest of our lives (Rom 13:14). 

The early church had inspired teachers until the completion of the New Testament. God gave the apostles, prophets, and evangelists to equip the saints for ministry (Ep 4:11-12). All the saints in the church must learn how to become ministers, or servants, like Christ. Faithful Christians strive to grow into a perfect man to become the fullness of Christ (Ep. 4:13). 

Christ is the fullness of the Godhead bodily.  Whatever God is, so is Christ. Do you want to understand the Father? Look at Jesus. If you see Jesus, you see the Father (Jn 14:9).

As disciples of Christ, we have a calling to grow up into all things in Christ (Ep 4:15). This means that when people see us, they should be able to see Jesus. 

The transformation into the image of Christ is a lifelong journey. Maturing Christians learn to lay aside deceitful lusts (Ep 4:22) and weight and sin (Heb. 12:1) and renew their inward man daily (2Co 4:16, Pro 4:18). Like Christ, Christians learn to impart grace with their words (Ep 4:29). We do not feel bitterness toward those who have wronged us; instead, we wish for their salvation (Rm 10:1). God calls us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to others as He has forgiven us (Ep 4:32). 

A sound church consists of dear children of God who imitate their Father and big brother, Jesus (Ep 5:1). 

Our Lord is the truth (Jn 14:6). Those who love Him will search for truth in every detail of life and walk in truth in every part of their lives (3Jn 4).  

The church is the pillar and ground of truth (1Tim 3:15). Anytime any church compromises with any truth of God's Word, it fails to imitate the Logos, the Word, Who is truth. 

God is love (1Jn 4:8, 16), so everyone who follows Him will also become love like Him. We learn to love everyone, even our enemies (Mat. 5:44-45), because our God loved us while we were yet His enemies (Rom. 5:10, 1Jn 4:10). As we grow in love, we grow closer to the image of God and thereby show we truly are His disciples (Jn 13:35).

For Christians, Christ is our life, and we have a real hope of glory (Col. 3:4). What greater glory than having our bodies transformed to be like the King of kings and Lord of Lords? All who have this hope as an anchor for their soul will strive to purify themselves as He is pure (Phil. 3:21, 1Jn 3:3).  

God calls His children to put on the new man. It must have tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Col. 3:12). This is discipleship and learning to be like Jesus. Who is more tenderly merciful than Jesus? Who is as kind as He?

We grow in meekness and longsuffering to become more like our Lord. He is the One who is perfectly meek (Matt. 11:29) and longsuffering towards us beyond comprehension.

Questions? Comments?