How to Change (Part 1): An Image Problem | Pastor Jacob Sheriff

Message Date: January 14, 2024
Bible

How to Change, Part 1: An Image Problem

Victory Life Church, Central — Sunday, January 14, 2024

Introduction

We exist to see people transformed by Jesus

Romans 8:29 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

As Jesus’s disciple, I am his apprentice in kingdom living. I am learning from him how to lead my life in the kingdom of the heavens as he would lead my life if he were I.” ~ Dallas Willard, Renewing the Christian Mind, pg. 280

The goal of discipleship is for our whole life to look like Jesus. 

The Image of God

Genesis 1:26 (ESV) Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…”

Humans “made in the image of God”: Representation and Rule 

“Image” (eikōn) — Refers to an depiction (image) that represents something or someone.

Humans were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), created to represent him to creation, his character and nature, and to rule the world on his behalf. But sin distorted and corrupted our image-bearing capacity, making us unable to fulfill our destiny of representing him and ruling on his behalf. We turned “inward” in selfishness and pride, and have done great damage to ourselves and the world. 

Adam was the prototype for all of humanity, the “first man” set the template (the forms, the model) for all humanity who would be born of him. Because through him sin and death came into the world, therefore all humans who have followed the first man are copies of the prototype, affected by sin and death. And thus, God’s image has been distorted and corrupted in all humans. And this is why Jesus matters so much…

Colossians 1:15 (ESV) 15He is the image of the invisible God… 

Jesus not only shows us what God is like; Jesus also shows us what we were meant to be. Jesus is the perfect “image” of God, he is the perfect representation (and manifestation) of God and the perfect manifestation of what it is to be human, how our Creator intended humans to be, made in his image. Jesus, as THE image of God,  is the new prototype for humanity. 

Romans 5:12, 14b–15, 17-18 (NLT) 12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned…Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ…17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.

Jesus, as THE image of God, is the new prototype for a new humanity. By his life, death, and resurrection, he becomes the new prototype (model, template, form, “image”) for humanity: establishing a restored and right relationship with God, forgiveness and victory over sin, a new kind of life for humanity. 

Jesus is the prototype for a new humanity. (Colossians 1:15, 1 Corinthians 15:45)

Colossians 1:15 — Jesus is the image of God

1 Corinthians 15:45 — Jesus is the last Adam

But access to this new life and humanity is exclusively through him. This new life in Jesus comes through receiving what he has done for me (grace), and putting our trust in him, becoming his apprentice in this new life. Faith in Jesus is not primarily adopting new beliefs or new behaviors (those come later), but becoming a new person (a “new creation”). 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

Faith in Jesus begins with you becoming a new person, or being “born again” as Jesus says (John 3:3). You become a new person at the center of your being (a new heart, a new spirit). Now as a new person, we are called to follow Jesus in order that our whole life might be like his, our new life would become our whole life. 

The goal of discipleship is for our whole life to look like Jesus. 

Conclusion

Romans 8:29 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Transformation happens in relationship with Jesus (discipleship).