What does "we shall be like Him" mean for our daily lives? Our Certain Future: Like Him at His Appearing • 1 John 3:2 promises that when Christ is revealed “we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” • This likeness is comprehensive—moral, spiritual, and physical (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:49). • God’s goal has always been conformity to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). Present Implications: How Tomorrow Shapes Today • Identity clarity — you already are a child of God; live from that settled status, not striving for it. • Hope infusion — certainty about the future fuels courage and steadiness now (Hebrews 6:19). • Purity pursuit — “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure” (1 John 3:3). What Being “Like Him” Means Practically • Moral resemblance – Choosing truth over falsehood (Ephesians 4:25) – Walking in love, mirroring His self-giving (Ephesians 5:1-2) • Character alignment – Developing humility (Philippians 2:5-8) – Forgiving as He forgave (Colossians 3:13) • Missional living – Serving others, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28) – Proclaiming reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20) • Bodily stewardship – Anticipating a glorified body motivates honoring God with the present one (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Motivations for Holy Living • Love for the Father who already calls us His children (1 John 3:1). • Gratitude for grace that guarantees future glory (Titus 2:11-13). • Reverent anticipation of meeting Christ face to face (2 Corinthians 5:10). Living Examples in Scripture • Moses, his face shining after glimpsing God’s glory (Exodus 34:29-30) — a foretaste of transformation through beholding. • Stephen, radiating Christ-likeness even while persecuted (Acts 6:15; 7:60). • Paul, pressing on because of the upward call (Philippians 3:12-14). Summary: Daily Life in View of Coming Transformation Because we will be like Him, believers gladly: • Live distinctly, reflecting Christ’s purity. • Endure trials with hope, knowing glory approaches. • Love sacrificially, mirroring His heart. • Serve faithfully, motivated by certain reward. The promise of future likeness is not passive information; it is active motivation, shaping every choice until faith becomes sight. |
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