Is it a sin to strive to "be like the most high God"?

[know1]

To imitate means to be of the same thought or deed. The real question is: where does this "imitation" originate? A religious good moral living person that is not a Christian could "imitate" Christ or Paul in behavior.

Is it the life of Christ being expressed and manifested in and through us? Then it will be legitimate and of God. The term "imitate" is used as a description of what the real life of Christ looks like when being expressed in and through us.

2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2Ti 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

 

[mailmandan]

1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

Ephesians 5:1 - Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

1 Peter 2:21 - For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.

1 John 2:6 - the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

This is what we are to strive for as the body of Christ, yet this does not mean that we will become 100% like the most high God.

 

[know1]

No.

If not, then please explain what Paul mean when He said,

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

From what I see above, it is not a sin or a bad thing to think that we are equal to God, but are commended to have the same mind or thoughts that Jesus had, and in so doing we are NOT taking anything away from or robbing God of any glory or credit for the works done. We too are made in the form of God, for Paul said we are, and as sons and daughters, who being in the form of the most High God, are made partakers of His divine nature through the knowledge of the promises of His word. In that respect, we are equal to God. No, we are not God, but we are little gods of THE GOD, for Jesus said we are.

We are merely containers of the divine, and never does the container become its contents.

It's God who stills storms.

If I design and oversee the construction of a building when I hired contractors to do the specialized work of erecting it, can't I say that I built it? Of course I can and do.
If one country goes to war with another, who takes the credit for winning it? The head, leader, strategist, or general. Did they do the actual fighting. No, but they take the credit for winning the war, don't they?
Did Jesus Himself do the actual healing of the people, still the storms, or create all things in existence? No, but because He is over the one who did the actual healing, stilling, and creating, He can and does take credit for all that was and is done, because not only is He the head, but the initiator of the work as well. If Jesus didn't command the storm to be still, it would have raged on. The same goes for them who walk by faith with corresponding works. They initiate the work by, at the very least, speaking to the storm or thanking God that it is done.
It is written that the forces or issues of life flow from or come out of the heart. It was the same with Jesus. The woman with the issue of blood initiate the work for her healing, but it was the Spirit or virtue that proceeded out of Jesus that did the actual healing. We have this same Spirit that Jesus had, only our is not without measure like He had.
So yes, God does the actual work of stilling the storms, but we must first command it to be done in the name of Jesus, as He told His disciples to do. Why do you think He got mad at them for being fearful, or why He told them to feed everyone, when they had very little food? We need to stop thinking of ourselves as sinner slaves and serfs saved by grace, as though we have absolutely no power or authority through the name of Jesus and the promises of God's word, and start seeing ourselves as sons and daughters of the Most High God.

 

[know1]

It is a ridiculous thought because we have a flesh nature and can not even go through a day without failing somewhere. As the heavens are higher then the earth so are My ways higher then your ways (God). Just be satisfied that God is your Father and Jesus is your Savior and try to do those things pleasing to God.

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 

[JustWhoIAm]

"Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch? Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher."

Interesting. Jesus is teaching in this case.

 

[FreeNChrist]

If not, then please explain what Paul mean when He said,

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Php 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

From what I see above, it is not a sin or a bad thing to think that we are equal to God, but are commended to have the same mind or thoughts that Jesus had, and in so doing we are NOT taking anything away from or robbing God of any glory or credit for the works done. We too are made in the form of God, for Paul said we are, and as sons and daughters, who being in the form of the most High God, are made partakers of His divine nature through the knowledge of the promises of His word. In that respect, we are equal to God. No, we are not God, but we are little gods of THE GOD, for Jesus said we are.


If I design and oversee the construction of a building when I hired contractors to do the specialized work of erecting it, can't I say that I built it? Of course I can and do.
If one country goes to war with another, who takes the credit for winning it? The head, leader, strategist, or general. Did they do the actual fighting. No, but they take the credit for winning the war, don't they?
Did Jesus Himself do the actual healing of the people, still the storms, or create all things in existence? No, but because He is over the one who did the actual healing, stilling, and creating, He can and does take credit for all that was and is done, because not only is He the head, but the initiator of the work as well. If Jesus didn't command the storm to be still, it would have raged on. The same goes for them who walk by faith with corresponding works. They initiate the work by, at the very least, speaking to the storm or thanking God that it is done.
It is written that the forces or issues of life flow from or come out of the heart. It was the same with Jesus. The woman with the issue of blood initiate the work for her healing, but it was the Spirit or virtue that proceeded out of Jesus that did the actual healing. We have this same Spirit that Jesus had, only our is not without measure like He had.
So yes, God does the actual work of stilling the storms, but we must first command it to be done in the name of Jesus, as He told His disciples to do. Why do you think He got mad at them for being fearful, or why He told them to feed everyone, when they had very little food? We need to stop thinking of ourselves as sinner slaves and serfs saved by grace, as though we have absolutely no power or authority through the name of Jesus and the promises of God's word, and start seeing ourselves as sons and daughters of the Most High God.

Jesus is equal with God because He is God......you aren't. And you never will be.

 

[MadebyHim]

Not sure if its a sin, but its a waste of time. We are told to strive at some things like, strive to enter in at straight gate.
Luke 13:24,Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

 

[mailmandan]

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

So how many people on here claim to be sinless, without fault or defect, flawless, absolutely perfect 100% of the time just like God the Father? Are we actually perfect "in that sense?" NO. Matthew 5:48 - Be Perfect - AT Robertson points out - Perfect (teleioi). The word comes from telo, end, goal, limit. Here it is the goal set before us, the absolute standard of our Heavenly Father. The word is used also for relative perfection as of adults compared with children.

So absolute perfection, sinless, without fault or defect for us will not become a reality until we are present with the Lord, but that is the goal to strive for. Yet teleioi is also used to refer to the maturity of an adult, which is the end or aim to which the child points. Thus it denotes those who have attained the full development of innate powers, in contrast to those who are still in the undeveloped state (children). Would we call this relative perfection?

James 1:4 says - But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 3:2 says - For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Perfect in regards to relative perfection both passages?

James 2:22 says - Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? The NASB says "was perfected," the ESV says "faith was completed by his works."

So depending on how the word "perfect" is used in Scripture, it may refer to "absolute perfection" or "relative perfection?"

 

[samuel23]

A simple answer. We are to be like God in the sense that He is a holy righteous Person and we should strive to be holy and righteous. We are not to be like God in the sense that Satan offered to Eve the possibility of actually being a god like God. This is part of the false teaching that is popular today that we are actually gods. God made MAN and we will ALWAYS BE MAN. On the other hand, we are made in the image of God and can be called the children of God. So we should strive to be like God in righteousness but not in position.

 

[reneweddaybyday]

Thank you ma'am for pointing that out, and understand that the below is not directed at you personally.
Who is our shining example to imitate? Unlike most on this forum, I believe we should not only be like Jesus in character, but also to be like Him in power.

In agreement the body of Christ (the church) has a way to go before it has come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Eph 4:13).

2Co 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.

Should it be necessary for me to write the definition of the word, all? In order for one to believe God says, no, they HAVE TO IGNORE, or fail to take into consideration, or doubt the truth of, the above verse. If you didn't get an answer, which translates to nothing happened concerning your prayer, then you need to look at yourself as the problem, not God. Nor try to use the bible as a crutch for your failures.
Understand this, God doesn't say no, He just has a hearing problem with the sinners and the sinners saved by grace.

James 4 tells us why we do not have:

James 4:

2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.


We don't ask; or
We ask for the wrong thing(s); or
We ask for the wrong reason.


And sometimes, we ask for the right thing(s) for the right reason(s) and God tells us "wait". But we are impatient and don't want to wait so we try to "help" God (much like Abraham back in Gen 16).

 

[know1]

Jesus is equal with God because He is God......you aren't. And you never will be.

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Not to shout or anything, but what does that scream?

 

[know1]

So how many people on here claim to be sinless, without fault or defect, flawless, absolutely perfect 100% of the time just like God the Father? Are we actually perfect "in that sense?" NO. Matthew 5:48 - Be Perfect - AT Robertson points out - Perfect (teleioi). The word comes from telo, end, goal, limit. Here it is the goal set before us, the absolute standard of our Heavenly Father. The word is used also for relative perfection as of adults compared with children.

So absolute perfection, sinless, without fault or defect for us will not become a reality until we are present with the Lord, but that is the goal to strive for. Yet teleioi is also used to refer to the maturity of an adult, which is the end or aim to which the child points. Thus it denotes those who have attained the full development of innate powers, in contrast to those who are still in the undeveloped state (children). Would we call this relative perfection?

James 1:4 says - But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 3:2 says - For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Perfect in regards to relative perfection both passages?

James 2:22 says - Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? The NASB says "was perfected," the ESV says "faith was completed by his works."

So depending on how the word "perfect" is used in Scripture, it may refer to "absolute perfection" or "relative perfection?"

Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

If Job could be perfect under the old covenant, why can't we under the new with the help of the Spirit?

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 

[mailmandan]

Job 1:8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

If Job could be perfect under the old covenant, why can't we under the new with the help of the Spirit?

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Perfect here does not mean that Job was sinless, without fault of defect, flawless, absolutely perfect 100% of the time. Do you claim to be perfect in that sense? *Job had admitted his human sinfulness (Job 7:21; 13:26).* Do you admit yours?

The word "perfect" which in Hebrew is "tam" does not necessarily imply absolute sinlessness. It signifies, rather, completeness, integrity, sincerity, but in a relative sense. The Hebrew term tam is equivalent to the Greek teleios, which is often translated perfect in the NT but which is better translated "full grown" or "mature," as I already explained to you in post #28.

In regards to man being sinless:

Ecclesiastes 7:20 - For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.

Romans 3:23 - ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

So a Christian is not sinless, but as he or she matures spiritually they will sin less, and less, and less.

 

[wolfwint]

Jesus said that we shall not only do that which was done to the fig tree, but greater works. And didn't He say nothing would be impossible to them that believe, and through God's word we are made partakers of His divine nature? So why are you telling me that we cannot be like Jesus and do that which He did and greater works?

Why? Read 1. John 3,2 then you will know why.

 

[PeterJens]

Maybe we can admit a simple model.
1. Our selves in Christ, purified, righteous, walking in fellowship with him
2. Our emotional behaviour patterns which cause us to sin, or stumble.

As we walk faithfully, in patience and perseverance our heats start to respond
to the love of Christ rather than to the world. We transform into the likeness of
Christ each step of the way.

Now some have a seed planted and they start the walk, but it gets taken away
and soon the old patterns return and nothing is left of the mark of the seed.

Others it is fully established and their whole lives become like a stream of living
water refreshing all who come across their path. It is like a glorious uplift of life
and love, no longer constrained by sin and darkness, but ever pushing forward to
life and love.

Now which are you, who is in control?

 

[Grace777x70]

Job was a mess in that he had little understanding of God at all. Most people will quote from Job as if that is the definitive truth on God.

In the book of Job - God says at the end that what the others have said for the 30 some chapters before that was not right about Him. Here God is saying that even He doesn't believe everything written in the bible about Him.

Everything in scripture is truly stated - but not everything is an ultimate statement of truth. The Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work have the final say about God and truth. Filter all scripture through the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has already done and then we will see the real truth.

 

[phil36]

Job was a mess in that he had little understanding of God at all. Most people will quote from Job as if that is the definitive truth on God.

In the book of Job - God says at the end that what the others have said for the 30 some chapters before that was not right about Him. Here God is saying that even He doesn't believe everything written in the bible about Him.

Everything in scripture is truly stated - but not everything is an ultimate statement of truth. The Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work have the final say about God and truth. Filter all scripture through the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has already done and then we will see the real truth.

Job was a great man of faith and the book of job has much wisdom.. about God and about ourselves. I take it you are referring to Jobs friends and how they gave really bad advice aggravating jobs suffering. even their speeches teach us something!!! But even though Job was in the deepest of suffering he still believed God was 'steadfast' faithful.

I am not sure what you mean that Job was a mess? Unless you mean that those who suffer especially God's ch may have and leave a bad impression about OT writings.

Anyhow, if anyone is suffering Job is a great book to study on. Even Job was saved by Christs atoning work.

 

[FreeNChrist]

Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Not to shout or anything, but what does that scream?

That Christians have the mind of Christ does not make us God.

 

[Grace777x70]

Job was a great man of faith and the book of job has much wisdom.. about God and about ourselves. I take it you are referring to Jobs friends and how they gave really bad advice aggravating jobs suffering. even their speeches teach us something!!! But even though Job was in the deepest of suffering he still believed God was 'steadfast' faithful.

I am not sure what you mean that Job was a mess? Unless you mean that those who suffer especially God's ch may have and leave a bad impression about OT writings.

Anyhow, if anyone is suffering Job is a great book to study on. Even Job was saved by Christs atoning work.

It turns out that Job was self-righteous and blamed God for things of which His one good younger friend ( Elihu ) revealed. This was the only person that God said didn't really speak what is not true.

It is definitely a great book of those suffering if they filter it through the finished work of Christ first.

It's a great instruction of things NOT to do or think as well.......especially on how to treat those that are suffering. Job's so-called friends were not a great example of being a friend in God's terms.

I believe that the book of Job has been grossly mis-understood by some of our religious traditions about it.( anyway - that's a completely different subject )

If people are interested in Job based on the grace of God revealed in Christ - there is a great book I would recommend "Understanding the book of Job" By Tom Thompkins.

Here is a review of it. I like the fact that at the bottom of this article - people have asked questions and I find the questions help a lot to clarify things as well.

https://escapetoreality.org/2012/03/19/understanding-the-book-of-job-by-tom-tompkins/

 

[PeterJens]

Filter all scripture through the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has already done and then we will see the real truth.

The above phrase tells me nothing has changed, the same belief is being
pushed, just filtered to make it appear more acceptable.

Dispensationalism cannot cope with that fact we are grafted into the vine
of Gods people which has grown out of Israel.