Conformed

Intro - 

Our spiritual habits reveal our Kingdom desires and our Kingdom desires must be a reflection of the King. Citizens of the Kingdom have a Kingdom code, which was modeled before us in the Man Christ Jesus. These desires are a result of being conformed to the image of God. That conformity comes through habits that are developed over time, through prayer and persistent practice.

Romans 8:29 NKJV - For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:29 TPT - For he knew all about us before we were born and he destined us from the beginning to share the likeness of his Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him.

There is a war over the heart of man that we must understand. Will we conform to His image or will be conformed to this world?

Romans 12:2 NKJV - 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.

Romans 12:2 TPT - Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.

Conformed means to be fashioned and it comes from two Greek words; sü’n and mor-fā’

sun is the primary preposition denoting union and morfa is the form by which a person or thing strikes the vision; the external appearance: as in how children are said to reflect the image of their parents.

Below are four actions that will keep your heart being fashioned or conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. These faith-filled, Sprit-led actions will keep your heart engaged with the Spirit of Jesus. 

1. Continually Draw near

James 4:8 NKJV - Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:8 TPT - Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. But make sure you cleanse your life, you sinners, and keep your heart pure and stop doubting.

2. Develop Kingdom desires

Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV - If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:1-2 TPT - Christ’s resurrection is your resurrection too. This is why we are to yearn for all that is above, for that’s where Christ sits enthroned at the place of all power, honor, and authority! Yes, feast on all the treasures of the heavenly realm and fill your thoughts with heavenly realities, and not with the distractions of the natural realm.

3. Pursue Treasures in heaven

Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV - "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21 TPT  - Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you value as your treasure.

4. Guard Your Motives

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 TPT - For we have the living Word of God, which is full of energy, and it pierces more sharply than a two-edged sword. It will even penetrate to the very core of our being where soul and spirit, bone and marrow meet! It interprets and reveals the true thoughts and secret motives of our hearts.