John 8:31-32; 13:34-35; 15:1-8

Introduction:

1. Though we could spend years discussing each detail of the process of being conformed to the image of Christ, we will look at a sample of things Jesus used to verify we are His.

2. These elements flow from the mind to the heart to the use of the body.

3. We will see these dovetail into one another forming a cohesive whole.

Discussion:

I. Abiding in Christ and His Word

A. This is the well-spring from which all the rest flows.

B. The term for abide is translated as to remain, stay, persist, endure, lodge, etc. (BDAG).

C. Notice the interplay of Christ and His word: we abide in His word, and His word abides in us (John 15:7; Colossians 3:16); we abide in Him, and He abides in us (John 15:4-7).

II. Loving as He Loved

A. Jesus’ next mark of a true disciple is loving as He loved.

B. This is one of the more challenging components of abiding in Him and His word.

C. The nature of the love of the Lord is so much deeper than what the world calls love.

1. It requires keeping the commandments of God (John 14:15; 1 John 5:1-3).

2. It demands taking action to provide for needs (1 John 3:17-19; cf. James 2:14ff).

3. It is a love that serves, a love like His (John 13:34-35; recall John 13:1-17).

4. His love reaches the point of willingly dying for its object (John 15:12-13; 1 John 3:16).

III. Bearing Fruit

A. Our final mark of a true disciple is the tangible outworking of the first two as seen in the deeds we do day-by-day (John 15:5-8; Luke 3:8; Galatians 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:8-9; Philippians 1:9-11).

B. If we claim to abide in Christ and His word, we must produce the fruit (deeds) revealed by Christ’s life and His word; this is the essence of conforming to His image.

C. After all, we were created in Christ for this purpose (Ephesians 2:10; 4:17-24).

Conclusion:

1. The specific fruits we are to bear are revealed in the whole of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

2. We must seek His kingdom and righteousness first, if we are to conform to the image of Christ (Matthew 6:33).

Further Food for Thought

1. Often there is a disconnect between the head, heart, and deeds in these pursuits.

2. How do you suppose we can mitigate this tendency in our lives?

3. Can you think of some strategies to turn what we know into who we are?