Becoming Like Jesus: Discipleship in Daily Life
The most important thing God gets out of your life is the person you become. — Dallas Willard
Following the Right Example
If you paid any attention to college football this year, you may have heard about the quarterback from Nebraska, Dylan Raiola. He gained notoriety because he mimicked another quarterback—even down to the opening hype ceremony. Anybody know which QB Raiola sought to replicate? The one and only, Patrick Maholmes.
His dedication to following Maholmes’ every move demonstrates something profound: When we admire someone deeply, we naturally begin to reflect their habits, mannerisms, and mindset.
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to the same kind of devotion—but instead of imitating an athlete, our model is Jesus Himself.
The Big Idea: Knowing Jesus Leads to Becoming Like Him
When you know Jesus deeply, you will want to become like Him.
Scripture Focus:
- Romans 8:29 – “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:49 – “And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear (earlier translations say, ‘so let us bear’) the image of the heavenly man.”
What Should We Understand?
God’s plan and purpose for you is to become like Jesus. This transformation isn’t meant to be a struggle—it becomes natural when we spend time with Him. The more you experience His presence, the more captivated you will be by His character. Becoming like Jesus isn’t about striving; it’s about abiding.
Illustration:
Think about a role model you admire. The more you watch them, listen to them, and learn from them, the more you begin to adopt their habits and ways of thinking. The same is true with Jesus—the more time you spend with Him, the more you will reflect His image.
Why Does This Matter?
Many of us struggle with a gap between who we say we are and how we actually live.
1 John 2:6 reminds us: “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
That gap begins to close as we conform to Jesus’ likeness—not just in theory, but in daily life.
Illustration:
A mirror only reflects what stands in front of it. If Jesus is in front of you, you will reflect Him. If other things take priority, you will reflect those instead.
How Do We Become Like Jesus?
1. Be with Jesus and die to self
- Romans 13:14 – “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
2. Believe that you can become more like Christ
- 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
3. Train yourself in godliness
- 1 Timothy 4:7 – “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.”
Practical Steps to Grow in Christlikeness:
- Fasting – Helps crucify the flesh and depend on God.
- Serving – Teaches humility and sacrificial love.
Challenge: What’s one habit you need to start (or stop) to become more like Jesus?
Why Should We Commit to This?
- To bring glory to God – Your life bears fruit when you become more like Jesus.
- To experience fulfillment – Seeing spiritual growth is a joyful and humbling experience.
- To draw others to Jesus – Your transformation will inspire others to seek Him.
1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Illustration:
People are always watching you. Is the way you’re living making others want to know Jesus?
Closing Challenge
Be honest: Are you truly becoming more like Jesus?
Take a moment to reflect: Where is God calling you to grow?
Commit this week: Spend intentional time with Jesus—when you’re with Him, you’ll want to be like Him.
Final Prayer:
“Jesus, make me more like You. Help me to desire Your presence, to reflect Your character, and to walk as You walked. Transform me from the inside out. Amen.”
Let’s talk it over on social.