July 19, 2026
Becoming Like Jesus
Human beings are competitive.
Signs you are competitive:
You want to ‘beat’ others at everything.
You only play if there is a winner or a loser.
You constantly compare yourself to others.
You enjoy it when someone says, “You can’t do that.”
You struggle to accept someone better than you.
The primary focus of followers of Jesus is to become like Jesus.
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
(Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24-26; Galatians 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7)
Church …
Jesus is Lord. – Philippians 1:1-11
The Gospel is changing the world. – Philippians 1:12-18
If Jesus is your Lord, suffering is not wasted. – Philippians 1:19-30
Humility is what Jesus is like. – Philippians 2:1-11
So, shine like a star. – Philippians 2:12-30
Remember, Jesus is everything. – Philippians 3:1-11
Philippians 3:12-21
Three instructions to “become like Jesus”
1. Be determined. – Philippians 3:12-14
“Press on”
“Straining forward”
God is not done with us.
Don’t let the past define you.
There is a prize.
Am I determined to become like Jesus?
2. Look for and follow Godly examples. – Philippians 3:15-19
Maturity is not perfection; it’s growth.
Following Jesus is modeled as much as it is instructed.
We may be the greatest obstacle.
Am I allowing bad examples to shape my thinking?
3. Live as citizens of Heaven. – Philippians 3:20-21
We don’t live life to the fullest; we live life in waiting.
Our hope is in Jesus’ promised return.
In heaven, we’ll be all God created us to be.
Am I living right now like Jesus could come today?
Our future with Jesus should shape our present priorities.
The race isn’t against each other. It’s to become like Jesus.
