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2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

John 15:1-11 ESV
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 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. 5 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. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

I.PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION
A.The Christian life, the life of coming after Jesus is one of progress not perfection.
B.The pressure to be perfect is not from God and is not helpful.

II.ON AND ON IT GOES
A.We do not grow but rather are always growing over the course of our lives.
B.The question is not, are we like Jesus yet but are we more like him today than last year.
C.We may not be fully like Jesus yet but we should also not fully be like who we used to be either.
D.The old me is dead and a new me is pursuing Jesus.

III.OBSERVATIONS ON DISCIPLESHIP
A.It is not linear.
B.It is not cookie cutter.

NEXT STEPS:
1. The secret to growing and progressing to be like Jesus is in abiding in Jesus.

NEXT WEEK:
Collective and Individual Multiplication Acts 13:1-3

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