5/18/25 - More to the Story Part 3: Become Like Jesus - Pastor Josh Stelly

Sermon Notes

 The Cross-Shaped Life: Choosing to Lose the World's Way to Win God's Way

Luke 6:39–40 NLT- Then Jesus gave the following illustration: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.

Philippians 2:5–8 NLT- You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

The World's Way vs. God's Way

World’s Way

• Accumulate more

• Look out for yourself first

• Climb the ladder

• Build your platform

• Protect your reputation

• Avoid suffering at all costs

God’s Way

• Give generously

• Put others first

• Descend to serve

• Lift others up

• Embrace humility

• Find purpose in suffering

2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT- So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

The Myth of Easy Transformation

There are two myths about spiritual formation we need to address:

The first myth is that "all you need to do is know the Bible."

The second myth is that "you don't need to do anything; it's all God."

"Sanctification is not mystical passivity, as our slogan 'let go and let God' has too often implied, but it is active moral effort energized by prayerful and expectant faith."- J.I. Packer

What do you expect from the church?

What does Jesus command from the church?

Mark 8:34–35 NLT- Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.

Intentional Formation into Cross-Shaped Living

Teaching:

Romans 12:2 NLT- Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Practice:

Galatians 6:9 NLT- So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Community:

1 John 1:7 NLT- But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

Holy Spirit:

Galatians 5:25 NLT- Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Time and Life's Challenges:

James 1:2–3 NLT- Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

Practical Take-Home Assignment: The Daily Cross Journal

• Morning Reflection
• Evening Review
• Weekly Gathering