What we’ve been talking about this week is done over the course of a lifetime. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more we become like Him. I’ve always felt people got it wrong when their goal for Bible study was knowledge.

 

More knowledge happens, but that’s not the goal. The goal is to become more like Jesus. In fact, that’s actually God’s agenda. Maybe verse 28 is familiar to you, but read on through verse 29 in Romans 8:

 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” (Romans 8:28-29 NIV)

 

I underlined one phrase there so you wouldn’t miss it. God wants you to become more like Jesus.

 

I’ve met a lot of people who had a lot of knowledge about the Bible or about Jesus, but they were jerks. One more time, the goal isn’t just more information, it’s transformation!

 

Don’t get frustrated if you’re not exactly like Jesus at the end of these 6 weeks. But, I do hope you are already seeing some changes happening in your heart, your attitude and of course, in your actions.

 

Prayer thought:

Becoming more like Jesus is a process. We need to be careful to not let comparison discourage us from the goal. God is working in you, and bringing you to a place where HE wants you. It most likely will not look the same for you as it does for others. Careful to not look down on anyone that isn’t where you are, or look down on yourself because you are not where they are. Both cases are self-centeredness. If you struggle with either, confess it now, and invite God to keep working in and through you. 

 

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV)