IDENTITY 1-1-1 January 30, 2011 (Week 4- GROW)

Keys to the Abundant Life

Becoming Like Christ

First Free Will Baptist Church – Church Hill, TN

January 30th, 2011

“speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head –Christ--”
Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV)

My 3rd purpose in life is to GROW to become like Christ

“Discipleship”

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are


called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Three Unexpected Tools

1. God uses TROUBLE to teach us to TRUST HIM.

"...troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces
hope.” Romans 5:3-4 (NCV)

“They came to a place which was called Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, ‘Sit here
while I pray.’ ... He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, 'My
soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death."  Mark 14:32-34 (NKJV)

"Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not
what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:36 (NKJV)

• Remember the reward

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory” 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV)

2. God allows TEMPTATION to teach us to OBEY.



“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
     Matthew 4:1 (NKJV)

"Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan!’ For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord
your God, and Him only you shall serve” Matthew 4:10 (NKJV)

• Keep focused on good thoughts

“…think about the things that are good and worthy of praise.”  Philippians 4:8a (NCV)


• Get a spiritual partner


“Two people are better than one…… If one falls down, the other can help him up….”
          Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NCV)

3. God uses TRESPASSES to teach us to FORGIVE.



“People walked by and insulted Jesus and shook their heads….the Jewish elders were also
making fun of Jesus…the robbers who were being crucified beside Jesus also insulted Him.”
   Matthew 27:39-44 (NCV)

“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" Luke 23:34 (NKJV)


• Remember God has forgiven me



“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ
forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)


• Remember God is in control


“You meant to hurt me, but God turned your evil into good to save the lives of many people,
which is being done.” Genesis 50:20 (NCV)

“In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:5 (NCV)