In the previous messages I discussed that the Father wants to build our lives to conform us to the image of Yahshua (Jesus) (Rom. 8 v. 29). In 1 Corinthians 3 v. 9, the word says that we are the Father's building! He is the ultimate Architect and is building our lives floor by floor. The Father is indeed the Architect building up our lives by tearing down the flesh! We also talked about Paul – he was mentioned in the same sentence as Yahshua (Jesus), as recorded in Acts 19 v. 15; the demons told the seven sons of Sceva that they knew Yahshua (Jesus) and Paul, but not them! The demons knew Paul’s name! So, as a result, we started studying the epistles of Paul to see how he allowed the Spirit of the Father to change his life to conform to the image of Yahshua (Jesus). In Romans 8 v. 19 the word says that all creation is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of the Father. The Greek word for sons is huios, which means to be made in the image of the parent. So, the Father truly desires to make us into the image of His Son and all He needs is our cooperation.

In Galatians Chapter 5 v. 1 Paul says that we should stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. With the help of the Holy Spirit we can be free from any bondage of the flesh. The soul (mind, will and emotions) and our flesh want to gang up on our spirit and rule. Our spirit connected to the Holy Spirit needs to be in charge. Our spirits are reborn and need to feed on the word of God to help renew our minds and control our flesh. In v. 9, the word says that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Be careful not to compromise even in the smallest details, as the "little foxes spoil the vine." In v. 12, Paul says that those who trouble us should be "cut off." There are people that need to be out of our lives, as they just "feed the flesh." Allow God to do it! In v. 16 Paul gives us some help in not fulfilling the lust of the flesh i.e. walking in the Spirit, following the direction of the Holy Spirit! In v. 22-23, Paul mentions the Fruit of the Spirit- love, joy peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. This fruit needs to be cultivated in our lives by the Holy Spirit. It takes time! The gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Cor. 12 v. 8-10 are to help someone else, to edify others. God just bestows His gifts to help others and they do not have to be cultivated. But God won’t take anybody by the gifts where their character won’t maintain them! God can use one in the gifts even more powerfully when one allows God to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit!

In the book of Ephesians 2 v. 6, Paul mentions that we already sit with Christ in heavenly places. In Chapter 1 v. 20 and 21, Paul mentions that Christ in heavenly places is far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come! So, in our walk in the flesh and our battle with the flesh, we have to realize that if we are in Christ nothing can hinder us from walking in the Spirit and not fulfilling the lusts of the flesh!

In Chapter 4 v. 29-32 Paul tells us to let no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouths, but that which is good to the use of edifying… He also mentions to let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice and to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another… These types of scriptures we need to speak into our lives if the Holy Spirit says that we are lacking in these areas. When we do, the Holy Spirit can conform us into the image of Jesus!

I have showed you with the help of the Holy Spirit some of the scriptures in the epistles of Paul that God wants to bring to our attention to help us to conform to the image of Jesus (Romans 8 v. 29). Please continue in the rest of his epistles of Paul and let the Holy Spirit point out other scriptures that you need to apply to your life in order for Him to conform us to the image of Jesus. The way that we apply these scriptures to our lives is by speaking them out loud and meditating on them. We then will be fulfilling 2 Cor. 7 v. 1 – "let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the LORD." Then we are truly allowing God our Architect to build our lives into the image of His Son.