Embracing the Savior
How to Know Jesus Christ
Introduction:
The most important relationship we can ever have is with Jesus Christ. Knowing Jesus personally transforms our lives, grants us eternal hope, and anchors us in God’s love. Today, we will explore how to know Jesus Christ intimately and experience the profound impact of His presence in our lives. We will look at key steps through biblical references that guide us in establishing and deepening our relationship with Him.
I. Understanding Who Jesus Is
Before we can truly know Jesus, we must understand who He is as revealed in Scripture.
Jesus, the Son of God:
John 1:1-3, 14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Jesus is God incarnate, the eternal Word made flesh. Recognizing His divinity is foundational to knowing Him.
Jesus, the Savior:
John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Jesus came to save us from our sins and grant us eternal life. Accepting Him as our Savior is the starting point of our relationship with Him.
II. Steps to Knowing Jesus Christ
Knowing Jesus is a journey that involves several key steps. Let us explore these steps in detail.
Repentance and Faith:
Acts 3:19: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Repentance is turning away from sin and turning towards God. Faith is trusting in Jesus Christ for our salvation. These are the first steps in knowing Him.
Confession of Jesus as Lord:
Romans 10:9-10: “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Publicly declaring Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection solidifies our commitment to Him.
Baptism:
Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38: “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
Baptism is an outward expression of our inward faith and union with Christ. It signifies our new life in Him.
III. Growing in Your Relationship with Jesus
Knowing Jesus is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and intimacy.
Prayer:
1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.”
Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Regular communication with Jesus through prayer strengthens our relationship with Him.
Studying the Word:
2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Studying the Bible helps us understand God’s will and character, deepening our knowledge of Jesus.
Obedience to His Commands:
John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
James 1:22: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Living in obedience to Jesus’ teachings demonstrates our love for Him and allows His truth to transform our lives.
Fellowship with Believers:
Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
Fellowship with other believers encourages us, holds us accountable, and helps us grow in our faith.
IV. Experiencing Jesus in Everyday Life
Knowing Jesus transforms every aspect of our daily lives. Here’s how we can experience His presence daily.
Living by the Spirit:
Galatians 5:16: “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Romans 8:14: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us enables us to live in alignment with Jesus’ will.
Serving Others:
Matthew 25:40: “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”
Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Serving others in love and humility reflects Jesus’ heart and draws us closer to Him.
Sharing the Gospel:
Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Acts 1:8: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Sharing the good news of Jesus with others not only fulfills His command but also deepens our relationship with Him as we partner in His mission.
Conclusion:
Knowing Jesus Christ is the most important and rewarding pursuit of our lives. It begins with repentance and faith, continues through prayer, studying the Word, obedience, and fellowship, and permeates our everyday lives through living by the Spirit, serving others, and sharing the Gospel. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we experience His love, grace, and transformative power more deeply. Let us commit ourselves to knowing Him more each day, finding in Him our true purpose and eternal joy. Amen.