Christianity fundamentally hinges on Jesus Christ as the perfect embodiment of God’s nature, divine, holy, compassionate, humble, and obedient. A central teaching of the New Testament is that believers are called to imitate Christ, embodying His character, attitude, and actions in their daily lives. This calling is not merely about moral behavior but involves a transformation of the inner person, living out the very nature of Christ within.
The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be conformed to the likeness of Christ:
“Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)
This message explores what it means for the believer to have the nature of Christ in their walk, speech, and actions, striving to live as Jesus did, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
1. The Foundation: New Birth and the Indwelling of Christ
New Creation in Christ
The journey to embodying Christ begins with regeneration, the new birth through faith in Jesus Christ:
“To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12-13 (NIV)
This new birth introduces the divine nature into the believer:
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
Christ Living in the Believer
Paul affirms that Christ dwells within believers:
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)
This indwelling is the source of potential transformation, enabling believers to walk, talk, and act as Jesus did.
2. Walking as Jesus Walked: The Lifestyle of Christ
Walking in Love
Jesus’ life was marked by unconditional love, reaching out to the marginalized, forgiving sinners, and sacrificially loving His enemies.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 (NIV)
Believers are called to imitate this love, making it the foundation of their walk.
Walking in Humility and Servanthood
Jesus demonstrated humility through servanthood:
“Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:26-28 (NIV)
Believers are to walk in humility, serving others selflessly, embodying Christ’s servant-hearted nature.
Walking in Obedience
Jesus exemplified perfect obedience to the Father’s will:
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34 (NKJV)
Believers are called to walk in obedience, aligning their lives with God’s Word and purposes.
Walking in Righteousness and Holiness
Jesus lived a sinless life:
“Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22 (NKJV)
Christ’s righteousness is the standard believers are to pursue through the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Talking as Jesus Talked: Speech Reflecting Christ
Communicating with Grace and Truth
Jesus’ words were characterized by grace, truth, and authority:
“The words I say to you are spirit and they are life.” John 6:63 (NIV)
Believers are called to speak words that uplift, edify, and reflect Christ’s truth.
Speaking in Love and Compassion
Jesus often spoke compassionately to sinners and the hurting:
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Believers should speak with kindness, patience, and mercy, demonstrating Christ’s love through their words.
Words of Encouragement and Faith
Jesus encouraged and built up His followers:
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Our speech should mirror Christ’s encouragement and faith-building words.
Avoiding Deception and Gossip
Jesus condemned hypocrisy and gossip:
“Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” Matthew 5:37 (NKJV)
“Do not gossip or speak evil of one another.” James 4:11 (NIV)
Believers are to speak truthfully and avoid harmful speech, reflecting Christ’s integrity.
4. Acting as Jesus Acted: Lifestyle of Compassion, Righteousness, and Sacrifice
Compassionate Action
Jesus’ compassion led Him to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and care for the marginalized:
“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them.” Matthew 9:36 (NIV)
Believers are called to act with compassion, showing Christ’s love through practical service.
Justice and Mercy
Jesus challenged injustice and promoted mercy:
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7 (NIV)
He also condemned hypocrisy and injustice, calling His followers to righteousness.
Sacrificial Living
Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)
Believers are to live sacrificially, serving others, forgiving, and giving generously.
Acting with Humility and Servanthood
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, a profound act of humility:
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14 (NIV)
Believers are called to humble service, putting others before themselves.
5. The Power of the Holy Spirit in Living as Christ
Indwelling Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk, talk, and act as Jesus did:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Bearing the Fruit of Christ’s Nature
The Spirit produces Christ-like character traits:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
Believers are to manifest these qualities in their daily walk.
Transforming the Inner Life
The Spirit transforms believers from within:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
This inner renewal results in outward expressions that reflect Christ’s nature.
6. Practical Steps for Living as Jesus Did
Daily Devotion and Prayer
Maintaining an intimate relationship with Christ through prayer and Scripture:
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)
Cultivating Christ-like Character
Through the Spirit, believers should pursue love, humility, patience, and kindness.
Serving Others
Actively look for opportunities to serve and bless others, reflecting Christ’s servant heart.
Speaking Life and Truth
Use words to encourage, uplift, and speak truth in love.
Emulating Christ’s Sacrifice
Show love through acts of sacrifice, forgiveness, and humility.
The Christian life is an ongoing journey of becoming more like Christ, walking, talking, and acting as Jesus did. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to manifest Christ’s divine and human natures in their daily lives. This transformation involves a conscious effort to embody love, humility, obedience, compassion, and righteousness.
As Paul exhorts believers:
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24 (NKJV)
Living out the nature of Christ is the highest calling of the believer, one that requires daily surrender, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to reflect Jesus in all aspects of life.
May each believer strive to walk, talk, and act as Jesus did, becoming a true reflection of His divine and human nature, and bringing glory to God through their lives.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
