Reflecting Christ: Living in His Love and Light
Summary
What a joy it is to gather together and hear the sound of God’s people worshipping! There’s something powerful about voices echoing in unity, a glimpse of the vision for this place: a community reverberating with praise. Today, we considered what it means not just to have Jesus in our lives, but to truly look like Him—to let His presence shape our actions, attitudes, and hearts so that when others see us, they see a reflection of Christ.
Many people treat their relationship with Jesus like some treat their pets: some keep Him at a distance, only letting Him out when it’s convenient, while others love Him deeply and let that love transform them. The call is to be the kind of people who so closely resemble Jesus that others can say, “If you want to see Jesus, look at them.” John’s letter to the early church, especially in 1 John 2:28–3:10, urges us to remain in Christ, to stay connected like a branch to the vine. This connection is the secret to spiritual perseverance and fruitfulness. When we remain in Him, we naturally bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. But when we drift away—distracted, busy, or disconnected—we wither spiritually.
John reminds us that Jesus’ return is as certain as the changing of the seasons. The reality of His coming should not fill us with fear or anxiety, but with anticipation and confidence, knowing our hope is anchored in what Christ has done for us. We are called children of God, adopted by His extravagant love—a love so breathtaking that it should cause us to pause, marvel, and let it sink deep into our souls. This identity is not just a title; it’s a new position, a new way of living. We are no longer condemned or enslaved to sin, but set free and seated with Christ.
Living as God’s children means reflecting His likeness. Just as we inherit traits from our earthly parents, we are to grow in the likeness of our heavenly Father—becoming more forgiving, loving, and righteous. This transformation is visible in how we serve others, love the outcast, forgive quickly, speak life, and welcome interruptions. The challenge is to live in such a way that when others encounter us, they encounter Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Remain in Christ for Spiritual Vitality
Staying connected to Jesus is not a one-time decision but a daily posture. Like a branch drawing life from the vine, our spiritual health and fruitfulness depend on ongoing, intentional fellowship with Him. When we drift—through busyness or neglect—we lose the vitality and fruit that only He can produce in us. [48:32]
- Live in Light of Christ’s Return
The certainty of Jesus’ return should shape every aspect of our lives. Rather than causing fear, it invites us to live with joyful anticipation and readiness, confident in the finished work of Christ. Our hope is not in our own righteousness, but in the love and sacrifice of Jesus, which gives us boldness and peace as we await His coming. [53:44]
- Let God’s Love Take Your Breath Away
God’s love is not ordinary or casual—it is lavish, extravagant, and initiates our adoption as His children. We are called to pause, behold, and let the reality of His love sink deep, transforming our identity and the way we see ourselves and others. This love is the foundation for all we do and the source of our security and worth. [01:06:40]
- Reflect the Likeness of the Father
Just as children bear the likeness of their parents, we are to grow in the likeness of our heavenly Father. This means forgiving as He forgives, loving as He loves, and living righteously as He is righteous. Our resemblance to Jesus is the evidence of our relationship with Him, and it influences those around us, leaving a legacy of faith. [58:33]
- Practice Christlike Living in Everyday Moments
Looking like Jesus is not about grand gestures but about daily choices: serving others without seeking recognition, loving the outcast, forgiving quickly, speaking words of life, and being willing to be interrupted for the sake of others. These practices are the tangible ways we embody Christ’s love and presence in a world that desperately needs hope. [01:11:40]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:42] - The Joy of Worship Together
[02:10] - Dog People and Jesus People
[06:45] - Keeping Jesus at a Distance
[10:30] - Striving to Look Like Jesus
[13:20] - John’s Letter and the Loss of Love
[16:00] - The Call to Remain in Christ
[18:45] - The Vine and the Branches
[22:54] - Spiritual Fruit and Withering
[26:00] - Living in Light of Christ’s Return
[30:44] - Confidence or Shame at His Coming
[35:03] - Likeness as Proof of Relationship
[38:33] - The Extravagance of God’s Love
[42:46] - Adoption and New Identity
[46:40] - Application: Living Like Jesus
[51:40] - Serving, Loving, Forgiving, Speaking Life
[56:46] - Welcoming Interruptions
[58:05] - Living as a Reflection of Jesus
[59:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Looking Like Jesus
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### Bible Reading
- 1 John 2:28–3:10
(Main text of the sermon; read this passage together.)
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 John 2:28, what does John urge believers to do, and what is the reason he gives for this command?
2. According to 1 John 3:1, what is the significance of being called “children of God”?
3. What are some of the differences John describes between those who remain in Christ and those who do not (see 1 John 3:6–10)?
4. The sermon compared people’s relationships with Jesus to how some people treat their pets. What were the different types of “Jesus people” described? ([42:31])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to “remain in Christ” in practical, everyday terms? How is this different from just believing in Jesus? ([48:32])
2. John says that Jesus’ return is as certain as the changing of the seasons. How should this certainty affect the way believers live? ([52:46])
3. The sermon described God’s love as “lavish” and something that should “take your breath away.” Why is it important to pause and let this truth sink in? ([01:06:40])
4. John says that those who are God’s children will reflect His likeness. What are some ways this “family resemblance” shows up in a believer’s life? ([58:33])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that remaining in Christ is a “daily posture,” not a one-time decision. What is one specific way you can stay connected to Jesus this week, especially when life gets busy? ([48:32])
2. When you think about Jesus returning, do you feel more anticipation or anxiety? Why do you think that is? What would it look like to live with more confidence and hope in His return? ([53:44])
3. God’s love is described as extravagant and breathtaking. When was the last time you paused to really consider how much God loves you? How might making space for this change your sense of identity or worth? ([01:06:40])
4. The sermon challenged us to reflect the likeness of our heavenly Father by forgiving, loving, and living righteously. Is there someone you need to forgive or love in a new way this week? What’s one step you can take? ([58:33])
5. Looking like Jesus isn’t about grand gestures, but about daily choices—serving, loving the outcast, forgiving quickly, speaking life, and welcoming interruptions. Which of these is most challenging for you? Why? ([01:11:40])
6. The pastor encouraged us to serve others without seeking recognition. Can you think of a way to help someone this week “with no strings attached”? What might that look like? ([01:11:40])
7. The sermon talked about “welcoming interruptions” as a way to look like Jesus. Is there a recent time when you were interrupted and didn’t handle it well? How could you respond differently next time? ([01:16:46])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray that God would help each person remain in Christ, reflect His love, and look more like Jesus in their everyday lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Remain in Christ to Bear Spiritual Fruit
Remaining in Christ is the secret to a vibrant, growing spiritual life. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it is connected to the vine, so too must we stay connected to Jesus to produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. When we drift away—whether through busyness, neglecting fellowship, or setting aside time with God—we begin to wither spiritually. But when we remain in Him, our lives naturally overflow with the character of Christ, and we become living testimonies of His presence. [50:54]
John 15:4-5 (ESV)
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally remain connected to Jesus today—perhaps through prayer, Scripture, or fellowship—so that your life bears His fruit?
Day 2: Live in Light of Christ’s Return
The certainty of Jesus’ return should shape every aspect of our lives, not with fear or anxiety, but with anticipation, confidence, and awe. Just as the changing of the seasons is inevitable, so too is Christ’s coming. Living in light of this truth means being ready—living with purpose, sharing His love, and letting our confidence rest in what Jesus has done for us, not in our own good deeds. When we truly believe He could return at any moment, it transforms our priorities and fills us with hope and urgency to love others well. [56:13]
1 John 2:28 (ESV)
"And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming."
Reflection: If you knew Jesus would return today, what is one thing you would do differently to be ready and to live in joyful anticipation of seeing Him?
Day 3: Behold the Lavish Love of the Father
God’s love for us is extravagant, breathtaking, and beyond compare—greater than the most awe-inspiring cathedral, the tallest redwood, or the miracle of new life. He calls us His children, adopting us not because we earned it, but because of His initiative and grace. This love should cause us to pause, pay attention, and let it sink deep into our hearts, transforming how we see ourselves and others. We are not condemned or enslaved, but beloved children with a new position and identity in Christ. [01:09:51]
1 John 3:1 (ESV)
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
Reflection: Take a moment to stop and consider: How does knowing you are deeply loved and adopted by God change the way you view yourself and your worth today?
Day 4: Reflect Christ’s Likeness in Your Actions
Likeness is proof of relationship—just as a child bears the image of a parent, so we are called to reflect Jesus in our actions, attitudes, and hearts. This means forgiving as God forgives, loving as He loves, and letting go of bitterness and anger. Our influence extends beyond ourselves, shaping those around us and leaving a legacy of Christlikeness. When others look at us, may they see a reflection of Jesus, proof that we are truly His children. [01:01:09]
Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to see the likeness of Jesus through your forgiveness, kindness, or love today—and how can you intentionally reflect Him to them?
Day 5: Serve, Love, and Welcome Interruptions Like Jesus
To look like Jesus is to serve others selflessly, love the outcast and awkward, forgive quickly, speak life, and welcome interruptions. Jesus did not keep Himself at a distance or serve for recognition; He met needs with no strings attached, sat with the lonely, forgave from the cross, and stopped for those who called out to Him. Our schedules and comfort are not more important than people. When we live this way, others see Jesus in us, and our lives become a mirror reflecting His heart to the world. [01:16:46]
Mark 10:45 (ESV)
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve someone with no expectation of return, or welcome an interruption today, so that others might see Jesus through you?
Quotes
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