Like Christ

 

Hosea 10:12 says. “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

God rains righteousness on us AS we Abide IN Christ-Jesus. So, how do we do that? We carefully examine the characteristics of JESUS, and then we apply them in our own lives.

All Scripture texts are in the Authorized King James Version only.

Abiding In Christ Part 1:

Jesus is devoted to the things that are of God. Colossians 3:2  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Jesus weighed every thought. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Jesus is thankful. Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Jesus rejected profane tales. 1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Jesus is wise. Psalms 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Jesus pleased The Father. John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

Jesus is loving, forgiving, compassionate and more. Colossians 3:12–17 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;  forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Jesus is tolerant, forbearing and patient with others, even when they are different or weaker. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Jesus is supportive, sharing strength and courage in their afflictions and troubles. Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 

Jesus is sincere. 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Jesus is zealous. Titus 2:13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Jesus is a teacher; what we learn from Him, we share with others. Matthew 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Jesus is temperate. His example for us is to not lose control and give in to lust and extremes of society’s ills. Titus 2:11-12  For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Jesus encourages us to be our very best and win God’s approval. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. 

Jesus is submissive. Ephesians 5:21 submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Jesus is humble. Philippians 2:8 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Jesus is thoughtful. Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Jesus promotes peace. Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

Jesus is prudent. Proverbs 22:3 A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Jesus kept no record of wrongs, was not envious, proud or boastful but respectful and protective.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

Jesus chose HIS words carefully. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Jesus pointed people in the right direction. Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Jesus is dependable. Colossians 1:10 that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Jesus encourages singleness of mind rooted in love. 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Jesus sets an example. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Jesus is not proud and doesn't concern Himself with every matter. Psalm 131:1 Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

God doesn't want us to merely read the word, He wants us to be changed by it. Open your heart to the ways of Jesus and apply yourself to become more like Christ. James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

This verse exhorts us to be carefully aware of all the circumstances we face, AND to give careful consideration of all the probable consequences of our actions.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

God is compassionate, loving – full of grace and mercy; however, we know that there will be those who will not inherit eternal life. It is not because God has failed, but because the heart of the person loved his own way instead Abiding in Christ Jesus.

Abiding in Christ begins with the renewing of our minds, but, it doesn’t stop there; We must follow Christ’s Leadership and put on His Attire as though we are soldiers going into battle. All Scripture texts are in the Authorized King James Version only.

Abiding In Christ Part 2:            

Jesus is a leader. 1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Jesus knew how to dress. Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Jesus is righteous. Proverbs 13:6 Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

Jesus is  fearless. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Jesus is truth. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus has a patient-endurance. James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Jesus knows we all face similar battles. He exhorts us to be kind to one another, patient through trials and consistent in prayer. Romans 12:10-12 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Jesus wasn't deceitful. 1 Peter 2:22 “who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:”

Jesus exercised self-control. Proverbs 25:28 He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Jesus rejected evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Jesus is courageous. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

Jesus was approved unto God. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Jesus went after – and obtained the eternal treasure. Proverbs 2:3-5 yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

Jesus made himself available to others and formed lasting friendships. Matthew 4:18-20 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 

Jesus strengthens His children. Psalm 119:28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

Jesus is enthusiastic. Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Jesus is optimistic and patient. Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Jesus walked in agreement with God’s Holy Word. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Jesus knew His purpose. John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

Jesus did not labour in vein. John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Jesus is reliable. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Jesus listened. He was not easily angered. James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Jesus is trustworthy. Luke 16:10-12 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? 

Jesus opposes what was false. 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

Jesus knew when to walk away. Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

Jesus finishes what He starts. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 

Jesus goes the distance with us. Matthew 5:41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Jesus, knowing man is quick to rush into evil, made it a habit of washing other's feet. John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 

Jesus knew what face to put behind other's evil behavior. Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Jesus is a warrior and will deliver His Children from the hand of the evil one. Exodus 15:3 The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.

Jesus doesn't fight battles on a human level. Matthew 5:39 but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Jesus doesn't feel the need to defend himself and didn't have to prove who HE was. Matthew 26:63 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus is always  with us. Psalm 46:7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Jesus requires us to believe in Him. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. This is what starts the qualifying process of our eternal calling. 2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: Falling away has it’s consequences, so it is imperative that we continually Abide in Christ-Jesus. 

2 Thessalonians 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: As we Abide in Christ, we are counted worthy because we ae fulfilling our calling according to God’s good pleasure in faith. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

The more we seek Jesus, the more we learn from Him; the more we learn from Him, the more we become like Him. 

Matthew 13:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:  who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Those of us who are in Christ are His Treasure – this is a great honor – to be God’s treasure through Christ! Matthew 6:21 says, “for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Now that we know we are His treasure, Jesus ought to be our highest treasure – and like Christ, we ought to see others as His pearl as well.

All Scripture texts are in the Authorized King James Version only. 

Abiding In Christ Part 3:

Jesus bore fruit. Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Jesus related to others. Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. John 11:35 Jesus wept.

Jesus is accepting. Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Jesus is a servant. Luke 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Jesus is lowly. Matthew 18:2–4 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is merciful. Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Jesus is Love. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

Jesus' love won souls. Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

Jesus spread the Gospel. Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Jesus had everlasting joy. John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

Jesus is gentle. Philippians 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Jesus is calm, able to teach. 2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

Jesus is welcoming. Matthew 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Jesus is forgiving. 1 Peter 2:19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

Jesus is fair. Matthew 10:41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

Jesus is our one-true friend. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Jesus is responsible. Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Jesus is cooperative. Ephesians 4:3 endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Jesus is active. 1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Jesus is content. Philippians 4:11–13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Jesus is generous. Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 

Jesus is perfect and holy.  2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Jesus does not accuse or condemn even when someone is guilty. John 8:10-11 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Jesus is hospitable. Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Jesus is loyal. Proverbs 17:17(a) A friend loveth at all times;

Jesus is gracious. James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Jesus is fond of you and desires it to go well for you. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jesus is clean. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

Jesus sticks to His Word. Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Jesus knew He belonged to the Father and conducted Himself appropriately.  Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.

Jesus honored God. 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 

Jesus worked. Psalm 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.

Jesus calls it as he sees it! Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

Jesus knows the source of His strength. Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Jesus showed good judgment. Psalms 119:30 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.

Jesus does not do anything that is offensive to others. Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Jesus is discerning. Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

Jesus is generous. Psalm 112:5 A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Jesus is our friend. Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Jesus didn't gossip or engage in groundless arguments. James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

Jesus didn't call others down. Matthew 5:22 but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Jesus paid what was owed. Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Jesus is everlasting. Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Jesus is faithful. Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Upon leaving this world, these are the words you should want Jesus to say to you.)

Isaiah 53 displays Jesus in a real precious way. We ought to highly esteem him and aim to assume his likeness in thought, action and deed. To have a heart after His own, we need to reflect Jesus in everything we think, say and do. This is an awesome example on how to truly humble yourself before God.

 Isaiah 53  - Who hath believed our report?

and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant,

and as a root out of a dry ground:

he hath no form nor comeliness;

and when we shall see him,

there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Jesus was considered unattractive. Looks was not where HIS strength was yet HE was confident with who HE was.

3 He is despised and rejected of men;

a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:

and we hid as it were our faces from him;

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs,

and carried our sorrows:

yet we did esteem him stricken,

smitten of God, and afflicted.

Jesus suffered and was rejected.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,

he was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace was upon him;

and with his stripes we are healed.

Jesus carried in His Body, the sufferings of others.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned every one to his own way;

and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth:

he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,

so he openeth not his mouth.

Jesus was not bitter about having to suffer, and he exercised full control over HIS emotions.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment:

and who shall declare his generation?

for he was cut off out of the land of the living:

for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Jesus knows the dread of being separate from GOD. (Something HE spared us from.)

9 And he made his grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death;

because he had done no violence,

neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Jesus retained His innocence even when others were violent towards Him.

10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him;

he hath put him to grief:

when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,

he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,

and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Jesus was raised (from death and separation from God) because of HIS obedience.

11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:

by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;

for he shall bear their iniquities.

Jesus makes intercession for those who Abide In Him!

12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,

and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;

because he hath poured out his soul unto death:

and he was numbered with the transgressors;

and he bare the sin of many,

and made intercession for the transgressors.

Jesus is Our Savior AS we make Him Our LORD!

My prayer for you is that you abide in Christ as you become fully aware of all the characteristics of Jesus. The world is lost and is in need more effective Christians who will shine His Light and allow themselves to be used by God. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  

God Bless,