Destiny Grow · Formation

Lesson 12 of 12

Becoming Like Christ

The goal and lifelong direction of formation

A subject-specific welcome from

Pastor Travis

Formation is not becoming a polished religious version of yourself. God’s purpose is to conform us to Jesus: His love, holiness, humility, courage, compassion, truth, obedience, and mission. This final lesson gathers every practice into one great aim—Christ formed in us. — Pastor Travis Morgan

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The big idea

Christian formation is the Spirit-enabled, lifelong transformation of the whole person into the character and way of Jesus for the glory of God, the good of others, and participation in His mission.

Read the Word

Key Scriptures

Romans 8:18–39

reveals God’s purpose to conform His people to the image of His Son.

2 Corinthians 3:12–18

describes transformation through beholding the Lord by the Spirit.

Philippians 2:1–16

presents Jesus’ self-giving mind as the pattern for community.

Galatians 4:8–20

names Christ being formed in believers as apostolic labor.

1 John 3:1–3

joins present identity, future likeness, and purifying hope.

Jesus defines maturity

Maturity is not merely knowledge, age, platform, giftedness, or rule-keeping. Jesus is the measure. His life joins truth and grace, holiness and compassion, authority and service, intimacy and mission.

We are not becoming divine or losing our personalities. The Spirit restores true humanity by forming Christlike character through diverse people.

Behold, practice, and participate

Second Corinthians connects beholding the Lord with transformation by the Spirit. We behold Jesus in Scripture, worship, prayer, communion, and His body, then practice what we see.

Formation involves grace and effort without earning. God works in us, and we actively put off, put on, train, confess, reconcile, serve, and endure.

A lifelong and future work

Growth is often gradual and uneven. Measure direction and fruit, receive correction, celebrate grace, and continue. God uses ordinary faithfulness, community, suffering, ministry, and hidden choices.

One day we will see Christ and be like Him. Future transformation fuels present purity and hope. Until then, becoming like Jesus makes Him known to the world.

Grace Revealed

Grace forms what it first receives.

God predestines His people for conformity to Christ, supplies the Spirit, works within them, and promises to finish what He began. Formation is grace from beginning to end.

Knowing Him

We become like the One we behold.

We become like the One we behold and love. Intimacy is not separate from formation; shared life with Jesus reshapes us into His likeness.

Why this matters for salvation

Salvation transforms the whole person.

Salvation includes justification, new birth, sanctification, perseverance, resurrection, and glorification. Becoming like Christ is the present direction and promised completion of God’s saving work.

Lesson notes

Remember these truths.

Jesus defines spiritual maturity.
The Spirit transforms as we behold Christ.
Grace and active participation belong together.
Formation is lifelong and communal.
Future likeness strengthens present hope.

Respond to the Word

Reflect and apply.

Where is Christ already becoming visible?
Which aspect of His character is God forming now?
What practice supports that work?
What correction must you receive?
How will Christlikeness serve others and mission?

Pray the truth

Lord Jesus, be formed in me. Let Your love, holiness, humility, courage, truth, and compassion shape my whole life. By Your Spirit, finish what You began and make me a faithful witness to Your beauty. Amen.

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