Called: Why Am I Here?

Part Four - Called to Become

February 18, 2024

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?"

• Mark 8:36-37 (English Standard Version)

"Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

• Psalm 37:4 (New International Version)

1) To truly delight in the Lord, our goal is to become more like Christ every day.

2) To become more like God, we need to know who He is.

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

• Hebrews 4:12 (English Standard Version)

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

• Hebrews 4:16 (English Standard Version)

"Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split."

• Matthew 27:50-51 (King James Version)

"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

• Matthew 11:28 (New American Standard Bible)

3) To become more like God, we need to think and act like Him.

"God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him."

• 1 John 4:16 (New English Version)

"By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

• John 13:35 (NIV)

4) If we are going to become like Christ, we must remember our reward when difficulties come.

"Dear friends, don't be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. Instead, be really glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory in that coming day."

• 1 Peter 4:12-13 (The Living Bible)

Key Points:

• The trial WILL end
• Jesus will be with us and will never forsake us.

"And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever."

• 1 Peter 5:10 (New Century Version)

"The one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved."

• Matthew 24:13 (NASB)

"The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

• Galatians 5:22 (NLT)

God tells us that only through him, can we attain the true desires of our heart.

5) If we are going to become like Christ, we need to turn away from things that do not please God.

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

• Mark 1:15 (ESV)

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

• John 14:15 (New King James Version)

He may withdraw our awareness of his presence from our lives until we make things right.

"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption."

• Ephesians 4:30 (New Living Translation)

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

• Psalm 51:12 (NIV)

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