Jesus Our Image

I. Introduction: The Foggy Mirror

• Analogy: A foggy mirror represents how sin distorts our ability to reflect God’s image.

• Key Question: What kind of image of Christ are you reflecting to the world?

• Main Thought: Through Jesus, our identity and purpose as God’s image-bearers are restored.

• Scripture:

  • Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

II. The Problem: Sin and the Distorted Image

• Scripture:

  • Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

  • 1 John 2:16: The three temptations—desires of the flesh, desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—fog our identity and purpose.

• Key Points:

  • Sin distorts both identity (who we are) and purpose (what we are created to do).

  • When our reflection is unclear, we lose direction and meaning in life.

III. The Solution: Jesus Restores the Image

• Scripture:

  • Colossians 1:15-20: Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God.

  • Romans 8:29: We are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ.

• Key Points:

  • Jesus wipes away the fog of sin and restores our identity and purpose.

  • The moment we accept Jesus, our reflection is cleared, though daily growth is part of the process.

IV. The Process: Focus, Fixate, Form, Follow

1. Focus on Christ

   • Scripture: Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

   • Fix your eyes on Jesus daily through Scripture, prayer, and worship.

   • Practical Application: Identify distractions that pull your focus away from Him.

2. Fixate on Christ’s Character

   • Scripture: Hebrews 12:3: “Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

   • Reflect deeply on who Jesus is and allow His love and grace to transform you.

   • Practical Application: Spend time gazing upon Jesus, behold His beauty to develop intimacy with Christ.

3. Form Your Life in Christ’s Image

   • Scripture: Colossians 3:5-10: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you… and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

   • Transformation happens as you allow God to shape your heart, mind, and actions.

   • Practical Application: Identify and put off old habits or sins, replacing them with Christlike actions.

4. Follow Christ’s Example

   • Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2: “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

   • Imitate Jesus by loving others sacrificially and walking in righteousness.

   • Practical Application: Assess your daily choices—are they imitating Christ or the world?

V. The Outcome: A Clear Reflection of Christ

• Key Thought: When we focus, fixate, form, and follow, our lives become a radiant display of Jesus.

• Scripture: Colossians 3:10: “Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

• Key Point: A clear mirror reflects Christ’s light to the world, bringing glory to God.

VI. Application and Challenge

• Reflection Questions:

  1. What is clouding your reflection of Christ?

  2. Are you intentionally focusing and fixating on Jesus?

  3. What steps can you take this week to align more with Christ’s image?

• Action Step: Commit to one area of growth in focusing, fixating, forming, or following Jesus this week.