Oh, To Be Like Thee

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Oh, To Be Like Thee
A Sermon based on the hymn by Thomas O. Chisholm

Introduction
“Oh, To Be Like Thee” is a prayerful and devotional hymn written by Thomas O. Chisholm in the early 20th century. Known for his deep spiritual insights and poetic expressions of faith, Chisholm composed this hymn to reflect the heart’s yearning for spiritual transformation. More than a song—it is a soul's plea to be remade in the likeness of Christ. This hymn reflects the essence of 2 Corinthians 3:18, where we are told that we are being transformed “into the same image from glory to glory.” It also echoes 1 Peter 2:21, reminding us that Christ left us an example, “that ye should follow His steps.”

Each stanza serves as a heartfelt cry for conformity to Christ’s character: His love, humility, forgiveness, holiness, and sacrificial nature. This hymn reminds us that true discipleship is not just believing in Jesus, but becoming like Jesus in every thought, word, and deed. As Christians, our lives should reflect His image—not just in church, but in our homes, communities, and daily lives. The hymn guides us in specific, scriptural virtues to emulate and urges a commitment to sacrificial service.

“Oh, To Be Like Thee” is not just a hymn of aspiration—it is a declaration of submission, a commitment to sanctification, and a call to live out the likeness of Christ in the world. May we not only sing it, but also live it.

Stanza 1
Oh, to be like Thee! blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

This stanza sets the tone with a sincere desire for Christlikeness. Philippians 3:8 echoes the same sentiment: “I count all things but loss… that I may win Christ.” To forfeit earthly treasures for the sake of wearing Christ’s likeness is the very essence of discipleship. Matthew 16:24 reminds us that to follow Jesus is to deny self and take up our cross daily.

Stanza 2
Oh, to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wandering sinner to find.

This verse describes the loving nature of Jesus. He was moved with compassion (Matthew 9:36), forgave even those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34), and sought the lost (Luke 19:10). To be like Christ means to love others, even our enemies, and to actively serve those in need with mercy and grace (Galatians 6:10).

Stanza 3
Oh, to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave,
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.

This stanza calls us to humility and endurance. Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself (Philippians 2:5–8). He was “holy, harmless, undefiled” (Hebrews 7:26), and endured the cross without retaliation (1 Peter 2:23). We are to reflect this spirit—not retaliating when wronged, but showing courage in suffering for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10–12).

Stanza 4
Oh, to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming
Now to receive the anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.

This verse speaks of full surrender. Romans 12:1 teaches us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. This is our spiritual worship. The “anointing divine” may be understood as the blessing of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Galatians 5:22–23), whose work in us helps shape the image of Christ.

Stanza 5
Oh, to be like Thee! while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love.
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.

The final stanza pleads for divine transformation. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). We are asking God to dwell within us, to purify us, and to prepare us for both a faithful life here and a glorious eternity. Titus 2:11–14 reminds us that God’s grace teaches us to live holy lives in anticipation of our blessed hope.

Chorus
Oh, to be like Thee! oh, to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

The chorus is a cry from the soul—a repeated plea for Christ to dwell within us and imprint His image upon us (Romans 8:29). Our faith is not just about believing doctrines, but about transformation—about becoming more and more like Jesus with every passing day.

Oh, To Be Like Thee Sermon Outline:
Introduction

• Author: Thomas O. Chisholm

• Theme: Yearning for Christlike character

• Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Transformed into the image of Christ

Stanza 1 – A Willing Heart to Sacrifice

• Philippians 3:8 – Count all things loss for Christ

• Matthew 16:24 – Take up your cross and follow

• Colossians 3:10 – Put on the new self in the image of Christ

Stanza 2 – Compassion and Forgiveness

• Matthew 9:36 – Jesus had compassion on the multitudes

• Luke 23:34 – Forgive them; they know not what they do

• Galatians 6:10 – Do good to all, especially the household of faith

Stanza 3 – Humility and Endurance

• Philippians 2:5–8 – Christ humbled Himself

• Hebrews 7:26 – Holy, harmless, and undefiled

• 1 Peter 2:23 – He did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to God

Stanza 4 – Surrender and Anointing

• Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as living sacrifices

• Acts 2:38 – Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

• Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit

Stanza 5 – Prepared for Heaven

• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit

• Titus 2:11–14 – Live righteously in view of eternity

• Revelation 21:3 – God will dwell with His people

Chorus – The Image of Christ in Us

• Romans 8:29 – Conformed to the image of His Son

• Galatians 4:19 – Christ formed in you

• 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Changed into the same image

Call to Action
Is this your daily prayer—“Oh, to be like Thee”? If it is, then bring everything—your will, your habits, your heart—before the Lord and surrender it. True Christianity is not just attending worship; it is Christ being formed in you. Seek Him. Imitate Him. Reflect Him. The world needs to see Jesus in you.

Scripture Reference List
2 Corinthians 3:18 – We are transformed into Christ’s image
Philippians 3:8 – Count all things loss to gain Christ
Matthew 16:24 – Take up your cross and follow Him
Colossians 3:10 – Put on the new self in Christ’s image
Matthew 9:36 – Jesus was moved with compassion
Luke 23:34 – Father, forgive them
Galatians 6:10 – Do good to all
Philippians 2:5–8 – Jesus humbled Himself
Hebrews 7:26 – Christ was holy and undefiled
1 Peter 2:23 – He did not revile when reviled
Romans 12:1 – Offer yourselves as living sacrifices
Acts 2:38 – Receive the Holy Spirit
Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – Your body is God’s temple
Titus 2:11–14 – Live godly lives in this present age
Revelation 21:3 – God will dwell with His people
Romans 8:29 – Conformed to the image of His Son
Galatians 4:19 – Christ formed in you

Song History
Thomas O. Chisholm, a faithful Christian writer, penned “Oh, To Be Like Thee” in the early 1900s out of a personal desire for greater Christlikeness. Though he faced financial hardship and poor health, Chisholm composed over 1,200 sacred poems, many of which became beloved hymns. This song remains one of his most prayerful and enduring expressions of Christian discipleship and sanctification.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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