The Likeness of Jesus Christ

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

1 John 3:1–3

No one was closer to Jesus while He was on earth than John. Even among the “inner circle” disciples (Peter, James, and John), John sensed a special place in the Lord’s affection. In the Gospel account John recorded, he even referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” I can’t think of a better title or description that any of us could receive—John had a close, personal, meaningful relationship with the Lord that characterized his entire life.

But that’s not all, because John walked closely with Jesus, he was easily identified as being like Jesus. Acts 4:13 records, “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

Though none of us will achieve perfect Christlikeness here on earth, it should be our heart’s fervent desire to become more and more like the Lord. And the way we do that is not mystical or hidden. The more clearly and closely we see Him and the more time we spend in His presence, the more His attributes and nature will show in our lives. The more His Spirit continually fills and empowers us, the more others will see Jesus when they look at us.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Our world today needs the Christians they see to be more like Jesus.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Songs for the Savior CURRENT TV SERIES Songs for the Savior

Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! Psalm 150:1-6 It was Billy Sunday who said we need to “Yank some of the groans out of (our) prayers and shove in some shouts.” And of course, one of the most precious and beautiful ways to praise God is to sing the name of Jesus. I’ll tell you, I just love singing to the Lord. In fact, there are times I even make up songs. Now they’re not fit for human consumption. In fact, they’re not fit for anybody but the Lord! But I’ll be driving down the road sometimes, just singing and praising God. It’s great! Now I realize that most of us aren’t professional recording artists and many might not like to sing. But one clear truth we find in the Scripture is that God wants us to praise him with music. Musical praise isn’t just limited to those on stage with microphones. No, singing praises to God should be done by “everything that has breath!” So next time you’re driving down the road by yourself, turn the radio down and sing a few songs to the Lord. You’ll be amazed how it feels to express your heart to your audience of one! PRAISING GOD THROUGH MUSIC IS A COMMAND FOR EVERYONE. SO USE YOUR VOICE TO EXPRESS YOUR LOVE TO HIM!