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Impressed with Christ - The "Imprint" Factor


Impress to affect deeply or strongly.  It also means to apply with pressure so as to leave an imprint.

Imprinting goes on in nature.  A baby goose, for example, sees an adult goose and follows and copies the adult goose in all things goose. 

In our spiritual lives, imprinting also occurs.  Sometimes it is the imprint of the world upon us.  It molds us and shapes us.

Preferably, the imprinting that is going on in the Christian’s life is the imprint of Christ on us.  Colossians is rich with examples of Christ-like character that is or should be imprinted into the life of the believer:

Ø  We are to constantly bear fruit (1:6)

Ø  We are to be filled with the knowledge of His will (1:9)

Ø  We are to have spiritual wisdom and understanding (1:9)

Ø  We are to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (1:10)

Ø  We are to please Him in all respects (1:10)

Ø  We are to bear fruit in every good work (1:10)

Ø  We are to increase in the knowledge of God (1:10)

Ø  We are to be strengthened with all power (1:11)

Ø  We are to attain to steadfastness and patience (1:11)

Ø  We are to joyously give thanks to the Father (1:11-12)

Ø  We are to put on the new self (3:10)

Ø  We are to put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience (3:12)

Ø  We are to bear with one another, forgiving each other (3:13)

Ø  We are to put on love (3:14)

Ø  We are to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (3:15)

Ø  We are to let the Word of God dwell in us richly (3:16)

These things do not happen automatically.  Nor do they happen without our participation.  But, by the power of the Holy Spirit, as we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, we are to walk in Him, having been firmly rooted in Him, we are being built up in Him and established in our faith. (a paraphrase of portions of Col 2:6-7)

As we do all that, in His strength and power, Christ-like character is being imprinted on us.


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