Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola teach on the restoration of God’s image and likeness in believers through Christ. They emphasize that Jesus came to restore mankind to the original state of righteousness and holiness, as seen in Genesis. The message highlights the importance of understanding and believing in one’s true identity in Christ, rejecting inferior mindsets, and embracing the truth of who we are as God's children. The pastors also explain how legalistic teachings and false doctrines rob believers of their God-given identity, urging them to walk in the full knowledge of God’s grace.
Bible verses referenced
John 17:1: "These words spake Jesus, and lifted his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee."
Genesis 1:26: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and the cattle, and all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."
Ephesians 4:24: "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Hebrews 1:3: "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."
Romans 8:29: "For whom he did foreknow, he also predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
John 1:12: "But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name."
John 10:10: "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Colossians 2:15: "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
1 John 4:4: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world."
3 John 1:2: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Not Our Thoughts, But God’s Thoughts
- The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming: Restoring Image and Likeness
- The Biblical Foundation: Image and Likeness in Scripture
- Jesus as the Express Image of God
- Our True Identity in Christ
- The Thief That Steals Identity
- Overcoming Inferior Mindsets
- Walking in the Truth of Our Identity
- Conclusion: Embracing Freedom in Christ
Introduction: Not Our Thoughts, But God’s Thoughts
Pastor Leonard and Pastor Lori emphasize that the message they are sharing is not their own thoughts but God’s thoughts. They stress the importance of understanding that their teachings come from the Word of God, not personal opinions. They express gratitude to their listeners for their support and prayers, acknowledging the encouragement they receive from believers worldwide.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming: Restoring Image and Likeness
Jesus' primary mission was to restore God’s true image and likeness in His creation. The pastors highlight Genesis 1:26, which states: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."This original design was lost due to sin, but Christ came to redeem and restore it. They introduce John 17, Jesus’ prayer to the Father, as the key passage demonstrating this purpose.
The Biblical Foundation: Image and Likeness in Scripture
The pastors cite several verses supporting the restoration of image and likeness:
Ephesians 4:24: "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
Romans 8:29: "For whom he did foreknow, he also predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son."
These passages reveal that God’s intention for believers is to reflect Christ’s image fully.
Jesus as the Express Image of God
Jesus is described as the exact representation of God. Hebrews 1:3 states:"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person."The pastors explain that when Jesus walked the earth, He perfectly mirrored the Father’s nature, setting the standard for believers.
Our True Identity in Christ
Believers are not just saved from sin but restored to their rightful place as children of God. John 1:12 declares: "But as many as received him, to them gave the power to become the sons of God." This transformation is immediate upon faith in Christ, not a gradual process requiring work.
The Thief That Steals Identity
The pastors address a common misconception: the "thief" in John 10:10 is not Satan but false teachers who steal believers’ understanding of their true identity. "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." These false doctrines rob believers of confidence in their righteousness and keep them in bondage.
Overcoming Inferior Mindsets
Many believers struggle with an inferior mindset, seeing themselves as "sinners saved by grace" rather than new creations. The pastors encourage listeners to believe what God says about them: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4).
Walking in the Truth of Our Identity
A right understanding of identity leads to a victorious life. 3 John 1:2 affirms: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." Knowing our true image enables us to walk in divine health, provision, and authority
Conclusion: Embracing Freedom in Christ
Pastor Lori shares her personal revelation of realizing she had been deceived by legalism. She expresses how understanding grace brought freedom and joy. The pastors conclude by urging believers to stand firm in their true identity and reject any teaching that undermines it.
We hope this message has blessed you. Remember, you are created in the image and likeness of God, fully restored through Christ. Walk in this truth and share it with others!