Godliness - Image of God

Godliness is God like character.

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over [g]all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that [h]moves on the earth.”

When God created trees, He did not say let us create in His image.
When God created sea creatures and birds, He did not say let us create in His image.

When God created animals, cattle, He did not say let us create in His image.

But when it came to mankind, God said let us make man in Our image.

Mankind got the privilege of being in the image of God, that none of the creation has it.

So a dog cannot reflect Gods image.

a cow , a goat, a fish or any other animal cannot reflect Gods image because it was not made in the image of God.

Only mankind can reflect Gods image.

But mankind has fallen to reflect Gods nature, the image of God.

Every human has fallen.

So God has to send His only Son to demonstrate how a man can live as an image of God.

Colossians 1:15

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

So, God is invisible. But Jesus is the image of the invisible God.

So when Lord Jesus lived on earth, mankind has not seen God, God is invisible.

But they had seen Jesus, because He is the image of the invisible God.

When Lord Jesus calms the storm, disciples were greatly afraid and said

Jesus is reflecting the authority in the sense of image of God.

Mark 4:41

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

John 14:7-9

7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.”

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.

Philip is saying Show us the Father who is invisible.

But Lord Jesus says you have been with me.

The Words  speak to you

and the Works.

Two most important things in a mans life.

is not your degree, not your looks, not what you wear, not your wealth, not your riches, not the car you drive.

Words and Works

The image of God is revealed in these 2 things:

Words and Works.

Jesus never spoke on His own Authority.

Today, are you concerned about all these things that dont reveal the image of God or  are you concerned about revealing the image of God through your Words and Works.

When an person who doesnot know God sees you,that person should see the Father.

I always like the example that Pastor gives of Auto Raja.

auto raja example.

Paul says follow me.

1 Corinthians 11:1

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Paul says I reveal the image of God, and you follow me, because of the image.

Especially when temptations come, we really dont care about image of God.

Temptation is not because of sin.

Temptation is because of the devil.

Temptation existed even before sin entered the world.

There were 2 gardens where temptation has revealed.

Garden of Eden

The first Adam was tempted but he could not overcome, he could not reflect the image of God in that moment.

Garden of Gethsemane - temptation

Even Lord Jesus faced temptation

Temptation - In times of temptation , revealing the Image of God shows , that will be a great impact on peoples lives.

Now in this fallen world, not everyone can reflect the image of God, but God uses Church to reflect His Image

Ephesians 3:10

10 to the intent that now the [d]manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the [e]principalities and powers in the heavenly places,

Godliness - God like character.

1 Timothy 4:8

 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

if you are a kingdom person, you are eyes are always set on reflecting image of God.

Recently when doing a plank challenge, it was like a training. Slowly builiding up,

20,30,45,1, 1.30,2,2.30,3,3.30,4,4.40, 5

Godliness has 3 attributes

1) Contentment

6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, [d]and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content

2) Power

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But know this, that in the last days [a]perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, [b]unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

3) Persecution.

2 Timothy 3:12

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

As we step into this new year,

Can you make a commitment, saying I will reflect Gods nature, the image of God through  my Words and Works.

Psalm 49

Dominion
To rule, to exercise authority.
Reflect God's character

Take responsibility
Work with excellence

When God created Adam,

Fruitful, multiply, fill the earth.

Have Dominion.

--Field
Everyone is given a field.
It could be your home. Family, workplace.

Do you have a Dominion in the field

Missing man
Missing woman

Intercessory prayer
Giving a ride.

Abraham
In blessing I bless you.

In you all Nations will be blessed.

Ruth Bible study 2

V6 - V22

The abundance or lack is based on the visitation of the Lord.

But when there is lack, do you run away from presence of the Lord or do you still linger in his presence.

When there is feasting, so many people will come, but when there is fasting prayers , very few will come.

Lord visited by giving them bread.

Sometimes when there is lack or problem, we withdraw from God's presence or God's people, and try to deal in loneliness.
We appear as if the whole worlds problems are upon us.
We appear as if nobody else has problems.

So many people in Bethlehem, but only why this family came to moab.

Nothing shall separate us from love of Christ.

V8-9

The Words of Naomi, her words are centered around the Lord.

Too many of us , when speak we center our words on manyother factors.

Example: black Friday deal, Walmart gave super deal.
The Lord opened the deal for my sake.

But since we are too consumed with the things of the World, we don't realize Gods hand in our provision.

Fellowship:

Her people, her gods,
When a person is moving to a place it symbolizes not only the people, but the gods they worship.

If you enter certain people, you talk their language, you do what they do, you follow their practices, and all the pagan practices.

Now let's look at Ruth's commitment
But Ruth said: “Entreat me not to leave you, Or  to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall  be my people, And your God, my God.
Ruth 1:16 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/rut.1.16.NKJV

What is left with Naomi?
No children to take care

No home, no fields to work for to get food.

No familiarity.

But she saw something or orpah could not see.

That is Spiritual life.

She saw that Noami's God is real.

She saw that there might not be luxury, there might not be wordly fun, but just as Ruth have decided this is what I look for.

Peter says where can I go , you have words of eternal life.

Lot although a righteous man has left Abraham.

Elisha decided that he will not leave Elijah.

Your Fellowship with people reveal your true heart for God.

God Causes

God is not surprised at the things that happen in our lives.
In fact, the Lord is only surprised only when faith arises.

When the centurion said to the Lord, Am a man under authority , having soldiers under me

Jesus is marveled at the faith of centurion.

Matthew 8:7-11

9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

But every thing that happens in a believers life does not come as a shock to God.

In fact, recently i was at my workplace on Friday afternoon, there was much burden in my heart to share the gospel. and I found a person in office, and can we go for a walk.

In fact God ordains the steps of a righteous man.

Psalm 37:23

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that [a]God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

God causes all things to work together for good to those love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Who are called according to the purpose of God.

What is the purpose of God in our lives.

1) To parttake in the Divine nature of God which Adam has lost through sin.

2) To have fellowship with God for eternal life. Joint heirs with Christ.

3) While you live on the earth , be a witness of Christ through your life.

4) To inherit the promises of God.

To those who love God 

Loving God is not by rules .

Many think loving God is I finish my Bible reading . I finish my prayer time. I attend daily , I tithe, I fast every Friday.

Your love will be always be revealed in your commitment.

Your commitment is either Yes or No.

It cannot be Maybe.

Today we are living in world of disposals.

Disposable plates, cups,.

You don't like the job , goto new job, 

You don't like the Church and you are not getting importantance in your Church  , dispose it .

commitment  has become a rare thing these days.

If hardships , you quit and goto next thing.

But what sets apart David, the man after God's own heart is this.

His love for God is revealed through his commitment.

When Saul was chasing to kill, still he considered Saul as his king.

He was committed to the authority and even when he got a chance to kill Saul , he didn't kill.

Loving God is through revealing your commitment in everyday walk 

We know  - Do we know that 

God Causes - God moves things, God ordains things.

It does not happen by luck, not a by chance.

Today too many people are dwelling on the idea of  luck.

when a person is going to interview, best of luck.

when something bad happens , bad luck

Touch wood, Knock on wood, Fingers crossed

If a cat comes before you leave somewhere, something bad.

luck - random force

The lotterys that happen around the world, the casinos are all driven by the factor called luck. every time you buy a lottery, you are rejecting the sovereign ways of God and saying luck you are my God and am bowing down 

Frog story

These are all the patterns of the world.

Anytime a believer does these things, it reveals your lack of trust in the Word of God.

Isaiah 65:11
11 “But because the rest of you have forsaken the Lord
    and have forgotten his Temple,
and because you have prepared feasts to honor the god of Fate
    and have offered mixed wine to the god of Destiny,

Do not be conformed to the patterns of the world.

Romans 12:2

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Psalm 105

17 17 He sent a man before them—
Joseph—who was sold as a slave.

Josephs lives was not a path of roses.

his brothers hated him for the dreams and for the favor his father is showing over him.

How did God send Joseph to Egypt. He was hated by his brothers and sold as a slave.

God can send like this. God wants to save people of Israel from famine, and for that God has to send a man ahead of him. not in the way we think, but he sent him as a slave.

Every bad thing that happens in your life and my life is a for a greater good.

Joseph being sold as a slave is not unlucky for him, But God used this bad thing and turned out as good for all the people.

Luke 12:7

6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two [b]copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Joseph was hurt his feet with chains, his neck was burdened with iron.

They hurt his feet with fetters,
[a]He was laid in irons.

In the Journey that God sent him, it may appear that Joseph was hurt by brothers, God is sending him.

After wards, his  faith is tested. 

The Word of the Lord tested him.

Word of God tested him.

The Word of God, tests every believer.

I could imagine that Joseph heard the Word of the Lord from his father.

So when an environment of sin was around him, he kept himself pure and said how can I sin againsty God.

The Word of God will test everyone in the faith.

How did God sent him again 

He was sent to the prison

Before Josepy enters the palace , he has to end up in prison.

Until the time that his word came to pass,
The word of the Lord tested him.

20 The king sent and released him,
The ruler of the people let him go free.
21 He made him lord of his house,
And ruler of all his possessions,
22 To [b]bind his princes at his pleasure,
And teach his elders wisdom.