TRANSFORMED
Becoming like God’s Son
By Derek Tidball
Keswick Resources. 74 pages. £4.99
ISBN 978 1 783 594 542
There can be no more challenging question than how in our character and daily living we become more like Christ. Derek Tidball’s study booklet is a helpful response to that issue. It is thoroughly grounded in Scripture and refreshingly relevant to our day and age.
Alongside the acknowledgement that we live in a very different world from the one inhabited by Jesus, there is a strong emphasis on the need to go back to basics and discover what the New Testament call to be like Jesus means.
The author’s applications are pertinent, with insights and anecdotes that are humorous. For those who enjoyed the popular TV series Downton Abbey, the reference to the sharp divide between the ‘servants downstairs’ and the ‘powerful upstairs’ will highlight the fact that the author uses contemporary examples to make points that connect well with our popular culture.
Relating personally
Each chapter has a similar structure, beginning with an ice-breaker question to help encourage participation in a group study. Having looked at the passage for discussion, the reader is encouraged to relate the issue to a personal and challenging life situation. This is followed by two sections, which look at the actual text, under the headings of ‘What does the Bible say’ and ‘Going deeper’. ‘Living it out’ comes next and includes some searching questions on how the truth can change and transform our attitudes and behaviour.
The studies finish with a list of helpful prayer pointers which are personal, but also focus on various global matters and a variety of texts to look up should we wish to investigate further. With comprehensive notes for leaders at the end, this completes an altogether thorough study guide, which is devoid of cliché and both stretching and inspiring.
Not worshipping from a distance
In all, the seven studies cover how we can become like Christ in godliness, in character, in serving, in compassion, in justice, in suffering and in anticipation of his return. But as we progress through each, we are left in no doubt that to be like Jesus in every area of our lives, means not worshipping from a distance, but relying on the help of the Holy Spirit as we grow in intimate relationship with him through obedience, suffering and service.
Suitable for both personal and group devotion, this is definitely going on the top of my list of recommendations for our next series of women’s Bible studies!
