Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Conformed To The Likeness – Romans 8:29 – Growing As Disciples
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (NIV)
Like Him
I have a plan for your life. Do you want to hear what it is? Yes, I would. My plan is that you will become like my Son. I want to mold and shape your life so that you look a lot like Him. When people see you, I want them to see my Son in you. I’d like that very much. That is the desire of my heart. Yes, I know. Where do you think that desire came from? From you, I’m sure. What makes you so sure of that? Such a dramatic change of desire within me could have only come from you. For so much of my life, my desires were very much in step with everyone else in this world. How so? I lived exclusively for my own pleasure. I did what felt good. All my thoughts, words, and actions were molded and shaped by the world’s value system. They’re not now? No, I now know that you are in the process of changing me. Do you like what I am doing in you? Yes, I do. Tell me about that.
I like that you are changing my heart and mind. Your work is obviously an inside job. Why do you think that? I’ve noticed that there are a lot of sinful things that I don’t do or say anymore. It’s not because I’ve gotten better at keeping a lid on them either. No, it’s because you have been changing me on the inside so that I look and act different on the outside. You got that right. What have I been using to transform your heart and mind?
You have been molding me and shaping me by your word. You have given me such a hunger for your word. I have been thinking deeply about it day and night. Yes, I know. That pleases me. How do you think my word has been working in you? Your word changes my thoughts. It’s like your Holy Spirit uses your word to push my old thoughts out of my heart and mind. It seems like the Holy Spirit is using your word like a sword to fight in me, for me, and through me. Sometimes old patterns of thought and action don’t leave without a battle. You are winning the battle over my heart and mind one day at a time. For that I am so very thankful.
I know that you have been impatient about the changes I’ve been making in your life. You’ve wanted them to come more quickly. Yes, I have. That desire is good. Yet, I want you to trust me. It would be the devil’s trick for you to become discouraged. He wants you to give up and fall back into your old patterns of living. Keep your eyes on me. It is me that is changing you day-by-day and moment-by-moment. By the way, when do you think my work in you will be complete and finished? When I’m living with you forever in heaven. Yes, that’s right.
Father, I welcome your work in me. Mold my life so that I become like your son in all I think, say, and do. Help me to stand against the world’s efforts to conform me into its image. I want people to see Jesus Christ living in me. Amen
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
Identity – Romans 8-29 – Conformed To The Likeness – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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