Growing in Christlikeness
Introduction
The Christian life is not static; it is a continual journey of transformation. From the moment a person is born again, God begins a lifelong work—shaping believers into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Spiritual growth is not about outward religion or mere moral improvement, but about becoming more like Christ in heart, character, and conduct. The apostle Paul writes, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). This is God’s ultimate purpose for every believer—to reflect Christ in thought, word, and deed.
Romans 8:29 KJV
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
1. The Call to Christlikeness
Christlikeness is not optional—it is the natural outworking of genuine faith. Jesus Himself said, “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master” (Luke 6:40).
To follow Christ means to learn from Him, walk with Him, and allow His Spirit to transform us. Paul urged the believers in Ephesus, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us” (Ephesians 5:1–2). Growing in Christlikeness begins with responding to this call—choosing daily to walk in His steps.
Ephesians 5:1 KJV
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2. The Work of the Holy Spirit
Christlikeness is not achieved by human effort alone. The power to change comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit. Paul reminds us, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The Spirit reveals Christ to us through the Word, convicts us of sin, and produces in us the fruit of righteousness. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22–23)—is the very character of Christ reproduced in the believer’s life.
2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
3. The Role of God’s Word
The Word of God is essential to spiritual growth. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). As we study and obey the Scriptures, our minds are renewed and our hearts transformed.
Paul wrote, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The Word corrects, instructs, and equips us for holy living (2 Timothy 3:16–17). To grow in Christlikeness, we must daily feed on Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and desires.
Romans 12:2 KJV
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
4. The Example of Christ’s Humility and Obedience
Christlikeness is most clearly seen in humility and obedience. Paul describes the attitude of Jesus: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant... and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:6–8).
True spiritual maturity is not measured by position or knowledge, but by a servant’s heart—by our willingness to yield our will to the Father’s. As Jesus said, “I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:30).
To grow in Christlikeness is to adopt this same spirit of humility and submission.
5. The Test of Love
Love is the supreme mark of Christlikeness. Jesus declared, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
Love sums up the law and fulfills the heart of God’s command (Romans 13:10). It is patient, kind, and selfless. John reminds us, “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). To grow in love is to grow in Christ, for “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
John 13:35 KJV
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
6. The Process of Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is a process—a steady progression, not instant perfection. Peter exhorts believers, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Growth requires time, discipline, and endurance. Trials and testing are often tools God uses to refine our faith and build Christlike character. James writes, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:3–4).
Through every challenge, God shapes us to reflect more of His Son’s likeness.
2 Peter 3:18 KJV
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
7. The Goal: Reflecting His Glory
Ultimately, growing in Christlikeness prepares us for glory. Paul writes, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4).
Even now, believers are called to shine as lights in a dark world (Philippians 2:15), reflecting the character of Christ to those around them. The more we abide in Him, the more His beauty and holiness are seen in us. Our growth glorifies God, for Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8).
Colossians 3:4 KJV
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Conclusion
Growing in Christlikeness is the heartbeat of the Christian life. It is a daily surrender to the Spirit’s work, a constant renewing of the mind through God’s Word, and a steadfast walk in love and humility.
Though the journey may be long, the promise is sure—“He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
Let us, therefore, fix our eyes on Christ, the perfect example, and yield ourselves fully to His transforming power, until we can say with Paul, “Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20).