"called To Conform To The Image Of His Son" Romans 8:29

Please stand and hold up your Bible and repeat after me.

This is my Bible.

I am what it says I am.

I can do what it says I can do.

I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.

Today I will learn more of the word of God.

The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.

I will never be the same.

I will never be the same.

In Jesus Name

Amen?

Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.

"Called to Conform to the Image of His Son"

Introduction: Good morning, church! Today, we are going to unpack a beautiful and deeply profound verse from Romans 8:29.

Turn with me to the Book of Romans and say, "Amen" when you are there.

Let’s read it together:

“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.” (Romans 8:29, NIV)

This verse is more than just a statement; it’s a declaration of purpose, a glimpse into the heart of God, and an invitation to transformation.

Today, we will reflect on the incredible truth that God has a plan for us—not just to save us, but to shape us, to mold us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

1. The Sovereign Plan of God: Foreknew and Predestined Romans 8:29 begins with the words, “For those God foreknew.” Think about that for a moment. Before the foundation of the world, God knew you. He knew every detail of your life, every joy, every struggle, every victory, and every failure. Nothing in your life has caught Him by surprise. His love and His plans for you have been in motion from eternity past.

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his foreknowledge is not merely intellectual; it is relational. God didn’t just know about you—He chose you. And what did He choose for you? “He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

God’s purpose for your life is not simply to survive this world, not just to exist, but to be transformed. He has a vision for you—a vision of wholeness, of spiritual maturity, of being shaped into the likeness of Jesus. This is the purpose He has called you to, and it is nothing less than the greatest calling you will ever have.

2. The Purpose: To Be Conformed to the Image of Jesus The second part of Romans 8:29 reveals God’s ultimate goal for us: “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” The word “conformed” here carries a powerful meaning. It means to be molded, shaped, or transformed into a likeness that reflects Jesus Christ. This is not a superficial change but a deep, transformative process that touches the very core of who we are.

So, what does this look like? It means that our thoughts, our attitudes, and our actions should begin to mirror Christ's. It means His love becomes our love, His compassion becomes our compassion, His humility becomes our humility. We are to walk in His steps, love as He loved, forgive as He forgave, and serve as He served.

But let me be clear—this transformation is not immediate. It’s a lifelong process, one in which God’s grace empowers us every step of the way. You don’t have to have it all figured out today. God knows where you are, and He meets you there. He is committed to His work in you, and He won’t stop until you look more like Jesus.

3. The Encouragement: You Are Not Alone in the Process It’s easy to look at the high standard of Christ’s image and feel discouraged. We can ask ourselves, “How could I ever be like Jesus?” The truth is, on our own, we can’t. But the good news is this: we are not on this journey alone.

In John 14:16, Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit, saying, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever.” The Holy Spirit is the one who empowers us to become more like Christ. It’s through the Spirit that we are able to grow in patience, kindness, gentleness, and all the fruit of the Spirit.

When we feel weak, He strengthens us. When we fall, He picks us up. When we doubt, He reminds us of God’s promises. The transformation process may be challenging, but the Holy Spirit walks alongside us, guiding, convicting, and comforting us every step of the way.

4. The Hope of Glorification: Our Final Destination Romans 8:29 concludes with an incredible truth: “that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” This is not just talking about Jesus being the first to be resurrected; it’s also pointing us to our future hope. As we are conformed to the image of Christ, we are becoming part of God’s family. One day, we will be glorified with Him—perfectly conformed to His image, without sin, without pain, without tears.