Forming Christ in Us.

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,

Galatians 4:19 NIV

How is it that we still need to allow Christ to be formed in us, when as in some of my previous posts we saw that it's Christ in Us the hope of Glory? Then also how is he/ this formed in us? What does mean actually, having Christ formed in us, how do we attain this? Is this the goal and purpose of discipleship? Let's seek out the answers together. 

I would start off by suggesting that to do so we would be dedicated followers and diciples of Christ, so let's start looking there.  A disciple in the ancient biblical world actively imitated both the life and teaching of the master. It was a deliberate apprenticeship which made the fully formed disciple a living copy of the master. It is not the same as being a student in the modern sense. This then implies that the aim is to be Christ like or imitate him, his lifestyle and actions in both word, thought and deed.

This process of transformation is commonly known as sanctification. It begins at new birth, when our spirits are brought to new life in Christ, from spiritual death, and darkness into light by God. From then on, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It's not working to be saved but to produce the salvation and life that was imparted to us by God on the day we were saved. It's work is in many parts but invloves renewing of our mind, conquering our flesh and sin that resides within, hidden, waiting to try to drag us back to death and darkness.

What are the Christ like qualities that we strive to imitate? His commitment to spending time in prayer and devotions in the word clearly.  His sinlessnes, purity, his Love of God and man. His compassion, obedience, and zeal for God. His uncompromising attitude to dead religion and works. His dedication to the word, authority, and works of the Kingdom of God.  His counter cultural approach towards the downtrodden, disenfranchised, despised and weak members of society (especially women and children).

More than just trying to imitate the characteristics of Jesus that we admire like his speech, attitude towards sin, righteousness, holiness, prayer etc. Discipleship to Jesus means abandonment of the self. We as disciples are not called to be strong heroes of the faith, rather, they are called to accept their own failure, to accept themselves as they really are—weak human beings who continue to fail. Yet they continue to persevere in seeking the will and purpose of God in their lives.

The primary issue is surrender, Adam in the garden of Eden, chose to abandon Gods plan and instructions, effectively he declared My will be done. Jesus as the second Adam in the garden of Getsemane reversed the decision and boldly declared NOT my will be done but yours in deference to his Father, thus setting us the greatest example of how we aught to follow him. 

Wow that's a tall order, I know that I fall short of remotely looking like Jesus, and I acknowledge that I am incapable of doing so in myself, that's why I need God to do this work within me through the community of believers. I have said this before and continue to declare that we need to be in accountable relationship, of confession and repentance in order to make an impact on our pursuit to KNOW Christ in Us. 

We need to build a healthy fear of God within these relationships, this and accountablity help keep us on track.  In this modern world not many speak on the Fear of God, so what is it?

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

Revelation 14:6‭-‬7 NIV

So we see from this verse that the Fear of God is part of the Gospel, along with, Grace, Mercy and forgiveness. 

If we were to contrast this next verse against this, we may assume that fear is not required, however it's because of the work of Grace transforming us that we have no reason to fear, because we are LIKE Jesus.

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.

1 John 4:16‭-‬17 NIV

There are fears and phobias that cripple us and the primary response is to flee from the object of fear. Whereas the Fear of the Lord causes us to run towards God.

If you, O Lord , should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?  But with you there is forgiveness,  that you may be feared.

Psalm 130:3‭-‬4 ESV

The forgiveness of God gives us a right understanding of Fear. The contrast is the law, and it's demands, that we are unable to keep, vs the Grace and Mercy of God which enables us to understand how much I don't deserve his Forgiveness actually but by his Grace I come into his presence like I have never sinned. However the Fear of God is a positive influence on our lives, it helps us run towards God and to stop sinning, concider the next verse. 

Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

Exodus 20:20 NIV

The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27 NIV

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT

The work of Grace in us, produces a healthy fear of God to turn us away from sin. The Fear of God, is hand in hand with his dicipline. The consequences of our actions often lead to Gods dicipline. The point is to correct and restore, and to give us a motive for NOT to sin anymore. 

Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:9‭-‬11 NIV

Let us not be careless like Esau and lose our inheritance in God for a quick moment of pleasure.  We have to love God more than the momentary pleasure sin gives.  This next scripture is a strong warning.

See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son.

Hebrews 12:16 NIV

God the Father has an inheritance for each of us planned in his Kingdom, both now and into eternity, let's lay hold of that, just as Paul urges.  I don't have this squared away, neither did Paul.  I am convinced it's a life long process, level on level, glory by glory until we attain it. If we press on and trust God and participate with him he will finish the work he has started in Us.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12‭-‬14 NIV

Is all this easy, an emphatic NO, but it is worth it. Get accountable to someone if your not already, walk to Journey through life, endure dicipline and ask God to give you a healthy fear of God, trust Him as  Father that loves you, His Son.