It is possible for us to become more like God. Let that sink in. God desires for us to become more like Him. I'm not sure we fully appreciate the invitation we have been given. In Paul's first letter to Timothy he says this, "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe." God encourages us to train ourselves in Godliness. What does that mean?
First, we must be able to distinguish between myth and truth. The easiest way to do this is to learn what is true. The apostle John was concerned with truth. He used the word true or truth 41 times in his gospel. At one point he records Pilate saying this, "Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”" Truth is found in God and in His Word because it is inspired by Him. God as the creator of this universe is the foundation for truth.
Second, we must ask God where in scripture are there disciplines we can practice to help us train to be more like him. All training involves practice, it is the method used to get better. Paul tells Timothy, "for to this end we toil and strive..." Training involves sacrifice, work, and committment. In week 4 of our 201 level discipleship class we explore various spiritual disciplines we find in scripture; some of those are: Bible reading, meditation, memorization; as well as prayer, worship, serving, giving, and fasting just to name a few. Fasting is a discipline that Jesus expects from his followers; Matthew 6:16 records Jesus as saying, “And when you fast,..." If Jesus expects it, we should employ it; no it's not easy, but it is effective. When done correctly, it holds the promise of making us more Godly!
I am especially proud of all of you who have joined in prayer and fasting as we ask God to have His way in our lives, our church family, and in our building plans. As a byproduct of our renewed focus on God, we will be changed in the process! Don't give up, stay committed to searching the heart of God.
Pastor Matt