Author: Pastor Page

Introduction:

A Read 1 Peter Social and Political Climate…

B. Reflection on the times we are living in and the urgency of living with purpose.

Scriptural Foundation: 1 Peter 4:7-11 –The emphasis on being self-controlled, sober-minded, maintaining fervent love, offering hospitality, and using gifts to serve one another.

Thesis Statement: In light of the imminent return of Christ, we are called to be vigilant, maintain love among us, and be good stewards of God’s manifold grace through the gifts He has given us.

What is Passion?

Passion can be defined as:

• a powerful or compelling emotion, feeling, or intense enthusiasm towards a particular subject, object, or activity.
• It’s an innate or acquired driving force or desire that fuels an individual to pursue, engage with, and dedicate themselves to something with zeal and fervor, often leading them to invest significant time, energy, and resources.
• Passion often manifests as a deep sense of fulfillment and joy in the involved activities and can be a significant factor in overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s goals and aspirations.
• In a broader context, it can also refer to a strong inclination or desire to make a difference or create an impact in a specific area or field.

The Message

I. Living in the End Times (1 Peter 4:7a)

1 Peter 4:7 NIV The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

• A. Main Point: Understanding the significance of living as if Christ’s return is near.
• B. Supporting Scripture:
  • Matthew 24:42 – “Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.”
• C. Application: Remaining spiritually vigilant and focused on God’s will.

II. The Priority of Prayer (1 Peter 4:7b)

• A. Main Point: The importance of being self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of our prayers.
• B. Supporting Scripture:
  • Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
• C. Application: Cultivating a consistent and fervent prayer life, maintaining a clear and sober mind to connect with God.

III. Maintaining Fervent Love (1 Peter 4:8)

1 Peter 4:8 NIV Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

• A. Main Point: The imperative of maintaining fervent love among ourselves because love covers a multitude of sins.
• B. Supporting Scripture:
  • Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
• C. Application: Choosing to love fervently, forgiving, and covering one another’s faults.

IV. Hospitality and Stewardship (1 Peter 4:9-10)

1 Peter 4:9‭-‬10 NIV Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

• A. Main Point: The call to be hospitable without grumbling and to use our gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
• B. Supporting Scripture:
  • Romans 12:13 – “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
• C. Application: Embracing and expressing hospitality and using our varied gifts to serve others, reflecting God’s grace.

V. Serving with the Strength that God Supplies (1 Peter 4:11)

1 Peter 4:11 NIV If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

• A. Main Point: Serving by the strength that God supplies so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
• B. Supporting Scripture:
  • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
• C. Application: Relying on God’s strength in our service and seeking to glorify Him in everything we do.

Conclusion:

• Reiteration of the importance of living with the end in mind, maintaining fervent love, being hospitable, and using our gifts to serve others as good stewards of God’s grace, all to the glory of God.
• Challenge: To live each day with purpose and love, seeking to glorify God in all we do, being vigilant and prayerful, loving one another deeply, and serving others with the gifts God has given us.

Call to Action:

• A. Encourage the Congregation to reflect on their gifts and how they can use them to serve others and glorify God.
• B. Prompt Reflection on how each person can maintain fervent love and hospitality within their sphere of influence.
• C. Offer Practical Steps to live vigilantly and purposefully in light of the imminent return of Christ, such as through committed prayer and intentional acts of service and love.

The key takeaways from the sermon based on 1 Peter 4:7-11:

1. Living in Expectation of Christ’s Return:
   • Understand and live with the awareness that we are in the end times, and Christ’s return is imminent. This perspective should prompt a life of vigilance, intentionality, and prioritization of spiritual matters.
2. The Importance of Fervent Prayer:
   • A sober, self-controlled mind is crucial for effective prayer. Prioritizing a life of prayer is essential in maintaining a strong connection with God and discerning His will.
3. Maintaining Deep, Fervent Love:
   • The emphasis is on sustaining a fervent love among believers, as love covers a multitude of sins. It is about choosing to love unconditionally and to forgive, reflecting God’s love and forgiveness towards us.
4. Practicing Hospitality:
   • Christians are called to be hospitable without complaint, welcoming others with open arms, and displaying kindness and generosity, thus reflecting the love and grace of God.
5. Stewardship of God-given Gifts:
   • Every believer has received gifts and is called to use them to serve one another. Proper stewardship of these gifts as good managers of God’s varied grace is pivotal in serving God’s purposes in this world.
6. Serving in God’s Strength to Glorify Him:
   • Believers should serve by the strength that God supplies, not relying on their abilities. The ultimate goal of every act of service should be to glorify God, acknowledging that the ability and strength to serve come from Him.
7. Actionable Faith:
   • Each believer should reflect on how to practically apply these principles, thinking about how to use their unique gifts in service to others, maintain love, and live each day with the expectancy of Christ’s return, all to the glory of God.

These takeaways encourage believers to live intentionally, love deeply, serve diligently, and glorify God in all aspects of life, emphasizing a holistic approach to Christian living that impacts both the individual and the community.

Sermon Outline: “Divine Calling: Embraced and Empowered”

Focal Passage: Jeremiah 1:1-12

Focus Scripture:Psalm 119:16 – Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

I. Introduction

• A. Explanation of Jeremiah 1:1-12 Context (see Jeremiah Cliff Notes)
• B. The Significance of Divine Calling
• C. Relating to Modern-Day Challenges and Callings

II. The Divine Consecration (Jeremiah 1:4-5)

• Jeremiah 1:4-5 NIV: The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.“

A. Preordained Purpose

• 1. Psalm 139:13-16 – God’s intimate involvement in our formation.

B. Chosen by God

• 1. Ephesians 1:4 – Chosen before the foundation of the world.

C. Set Apart

• 1. 1 Peter 2:9 – Royal priesthood and holy nation.

III. The Human Hesitation (Jeremiah 1:6)

• Jeremiah 1:6 NIV: “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

A. Feeling of Inadequacy

• 1. Exodus 4:10 – Moses’ hesitance and feeling of inadequacy.

B. God’s Reassurance

• 1. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – God’s grace is sufficient; His power is made perfect in weakness.

C. The Response to Divine Calling

• 1. Isaiah 6:8 – Isaiah’s willingness to be sent by God.

IV. The Divine Empowerment (Jeremiah 1:7-10)

• Jeremiah 1:7-10 NIV: But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

A. God’s Command and Commission

• 1. Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission to the disciples.

B. God’s Promise of Presence

• 1. Deuteronomy 31:6 – God’s promise to never leave nor forsake us.

C. The Equipper and The Equipped

• 1. Ephesians 2:10 – Created for good works which God prepared beforehand.

V. The Vision and Confirmation (Jeremiah 1:11-12)

• Jeremiah 1:11-12 NIV: The word of the Lord came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied. The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.”

A. The Almond Branch: Promptness of God’s Word

• 1. Numbers 17:8 – Aaron’s rod budding as a sign.

B. God’s Watchfulness to Perform His Word

• 1. Isaiah 55:11 – God’s word accomplishing what He desires.

C. Confirmation for Assurance

• 1. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – God confirming and anointing us.

VI. Application

A. Embracing God’s Call

• Recognizing and accepting our divine calling irrespective of our perceived inadequacies.

B. Living Empowered Lives

• Relying on God’s empowerment to live out our calling.

C. Faithfulness to God’s Call

• Remaining steadfast and obedient to God’s direction and guidance.

Sermon Outline: “Lessons from Ruth”

Scripture Reference:

• Ruth 1:16 NIV But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

I. Introduction

• Introduce the Book of Ruth as a beautiful narrative nestled between Judges and 1 Samuel, shining as a beacon of hope and redemption amidst Israel’s turbulent times.

II. Ruth’s Background: A Moabitess in Israel (Ruth 1:1-5)

Ruth 1:1‭-‬5 NIV In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. 2 The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. 3 Now Elimelek, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 They married Moabite women, one named Orpah and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, 5 both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.

• Brief history of Moab and its complicated relationship with Israel. (see separate note)
• Ruth’s marriage into an Israelite family and the subsequent tragedies: death of her husband, brother-in-law, and father-in-law.

Tragedy Strikes: Ruth was originally from Moab and married into an Israelite family that had come to Moab because of a famine in Bethlehem. In time, Ruth’s husband, father-in-law, and brother-in-law all died, leaving her with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and sister-in-law, Orpah (Ruth 1:1-5).

III. Challenges Faced by Ruth

• Loyalty Tested (Ruth 1:6-18)
  • Naomi’s decision to return to Bethlehem.
  • Naomi’s encouragement for Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab.
  • Ruth’s heartfelt commitment: “Where you go, I will go; where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
• Ruth 1:14‭-‬17 NIV 14 At this they wept aloud again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. 15 “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

• Life as a Foreign Widow in Bethlehem (Ruth 2:1-3)
  • The challenges of being a widow and foreigner in ancient Israel.
  • Ruth’s humble decision to glean in the fields.

Note: Being a foreign widow in ancient Israel posed a variety of challenges, both due to the status of widowhood and the additional complications of being an outsider. Here are some of the challenges faced by someone in such a position:

Economic Vulnerability: Widows, in general, were among the most economically vulnerable in ancient societies. They often lacked the primary means of financial support, especially in a culture where inheritance and property rights were typically passed through male lineage. Without a husband or grown sons to support them, many widows relied on the charity of extended family or their community.

Foreign Status: As a foreigner, Ruth would have been perceived as an outsider. This could lead to cultural misunderstandings, prejudices, and potential mistreatment. Being from Moab, given the aforementioned complex history between Israel and Moab, might have further complicated her situation.

Limited Legal Protection: While the Torah provided laws to protect widows, orphans, and foreigners (often grouped together due to their vulnerable statuses), enforcement of these laws and local customs might vary. Foreign widows could find themselves at a disadvantage, without family advocates to ensure their rights were upheld.

Cultural and Religious Differences: Adapting to a different culture and religious practices might have been challenging. While Ruth is portrayed as embracing the God and people of Israel, stating, “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16), she would still have had to navigate the nuances and differences in customs, festivals, and social expectations.

Marriage Prospects: Re-marriage could provide economic security for widows, but a foreign widow might have found it more difficult to find a new spouse. Though Ruth eventually married Boaz, their story is portrayed as exceptional, highlighting Boaz’s righteousness and Ruth’s loyalty and virtue.

Social Isolation: Widows could experience social isolation due to their loss, and this isolation might be compounded for a foreign widow without extended family or a familiar community for support.

Dependence on Kindness of Others: For sustenance, widows like Ruth often had to rely on gleaning, which is picking up leftover grain in fields after harvesters had passed through. This put them at the mercy of landowners’ kindness and generosity. Fortunately for Ruth, Boaz proved to be kind and provided for her needs (Ruth 2:8-12).

IV. Overcoming Challenges through Faith and Integrity

• Finding Favor with Boaz (Ruth 2:4-17)
  • Ruth’s hard work, character, and Boaz’s acknowledgment: “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me.” (Ruth 2:11)
• The Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 3:1-13; Ruth 4:1-12)
  • The biblical concept of a kinsman-redeemer.
  • Boaz’s commitment to act with honor, first addressing the closer relative.
  • Boaz’s eventual marriage to Ruth and their role in God’s redemptive plan.

The role of a “kinsman-redeemer” (often referred to as “go’el” in Hebrew) is a concept found in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Ruth. The role is multifaceted and derives from several Mosaic laws meant to ensure the protection and continuation of family inheritance and name within the Israelite community. Here’s an overview of the responsibilities and roles of a kinsman-redeemer:

Redeeming Land: According to Leviticus 25:25, if an Israelite became impoverished and sold some of his property, his nearest relative was to come and redeem what his relative had sold. This helped ensure that land remained within the family, preserving the ancestral inheritance.

Marrying a Childless Widow: If a man died without leaving a son, his brother (or nearest relative) was to marry the widow and have a child with her. This child would then carry on the deceased man’s name, ensuring that the name did not die out in Israel (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). This practice is often called “levirate marriage” (from the Latin word “levir,” meaning “brother-in-law”).

Redeeming from Slavery: If an Israelite had to sell himself into slavery due to debt, his relative could redeem him (Leviticus 25:47-49). This provision ensured that family members could assist one another in times of extreme hardship.

Avenger of Blood: In cases of unintentional manslaughter, the “go’el” also had the role of an “avenger of blood.” It was his responsibility to bring the person responsible to justice, ensuring that the death was indeed accidental (Numbers 35:19-28). If the killing was intentional, the avenger had the right to kill the murderer.

In the book of Ruth, Boaz takes on the role of the kinsman-redeemer for Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Boaz redeems the land that belonged to Naomi’s late husband and marries Ruth, ensuring that the family line of her deceased husband, Mahlon, continues (Ruth 4).

V. Legacy and God’s Sovereignty (Ruth 4:13-17; Matthew 1:5)

• Ruth’s place in the lineage of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.
• The overarching theme of God’s providence, even in seemingly ordinary events.

• Ruth 4:13‭-‬17 NIV 13 So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14 The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! 15 He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” 16 Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. 17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.

Note: The name “Obed” is of Hebrew origin and it means “servant” or “worshiper.” In the context of the Bible, Obed is most notably recognized as the son of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:17) and the grandfather of King David. The story of Ruth leads to the birth of Obed, establishing the lineage that would later give rise to David and, according to the New Testament, eventually to Jesus Christ in the genealogy. The naming of Obed is significant in the narrative, as it ties together themes of faithfulness, redemption, and God’s providence.

VI. Takeaways from Ruth’s Story

• Unwavering Loyalty: Ruth’s story underscores the power of steadfast commitment, not just to individuals but to God. Our loyalty can have lasting impacts beyond what we can imagine.
• Faith amidst Uncertainty:Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi and the God of Israel was made without a clear picture of the future. We, too, are called to trust God even when the path ahead is unclear.
• God’s Redemptive Plan: No matter our background, God can weave our stories into His grand tapestry of redemption. Ruth, once a foreign widow, became a forebear of the Savior of the world.

VII. Conclusion

• Just as Ruth played an integral part in God’s redemptive narrative, each believer has a role in the unfolding story of God’s Kingdom.

Series Title: Living a Life Worthy of the Calling

Week 1: Understanding the Call (Samuel)

Week 2: Overcoming Worldly Distractions (Paul)

Week 3: Embracing a Life of Service (Jesus)

Week 4: Perseverance in Trials

Sermon Outline: “The Servant’s Towel: Lessons from John 13:12-17”

Sermon Theme:

• Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Introduction:

• Setting the stage for the event: The Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry.
• The unexpected act: Jesus, the Teacher and Lord, assuming the role of a servant.

Scripture Reading:

– John 13:12-17

I. Background of the Event

A. Historical context:

• Foot washing: A routine in the Jewish culture due to the dusty paths and open sandals.
• Normally, a task designated for the lowest servant.

B. The atmosphere of the evening:

• Jesus’ impending betrayal (John 13:21).
• The looming crucifixion.

C. Jesus’ awareness of His divine mission (John 13:3)

• Recognizing His divine origin and destiny, yet choosing to serve.

This act was significant, not just as a demonstration of humility and service, but also as a symbolic act pointing to the spiritual cleansing that Jesus provides. It was also meant as an example for the disciples, emphasizing the importance of humble service in the Kingdom of God.

Message Text

John 13:12‭-‬17 NIV When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.

13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

II. The Profound Act of Service

A. The humility of Christ:

• Setting aside His outer garments (John 13:4).
• The depth of the Creator serving His creation.

B. Peter’s objection (John 13:6-8):

• A lesson on the need for spiritual cleansing.

C. Jesus’ elucidation:

• Beyond physical cleansing—spiritual teachings on service and humility.

III. The Purpose of the Event

A. Manifesting His profound love (John 13:1).

B. Establishing an example of humility and service (John 13:15).

C. Emphasizing the importance of spiritual cleansing and fellowship with Him (John 13:8).

D. Advocating for mutual love and service among believers (John 13:14-15).

IV. Incorporating the Lessons in Our Daily Lives

A. Embracing humility:

• Recognizing that no service is beneath us when done in love (Philippians 2:5-8).

B. Actively identifying opportunities to serve:

• Within families, communities, and churches (Galatians 5:13).

C. Spiritual vigilance:

• The need for consistent spiritual renewal and dependence on Christ (2 Corinthians 4:16).

D. The “Towel Principle”:

• Opting to wear the “servant’s towel” in all interactions (Matthew 23:11).

Conclusion:

Jesus’ action wasn’t merely about foot washing but about adopting a lifestyle of humility and service. We’re beckoned to follow His lead, allowing His teachings to reshape our hearts and influence our world.

Key Scripture:Ephesians 4:1 “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

Key Points:

• God has a unique purpose and calling for every individual.
• Recognizing this calling requires a relationship with God, understanding His Word, and being attuned to the Holy Spirit.
• Challenge: Spend 10 minutes each day in prayer and meditation, seeking clarity about your personal calling.

Highlight: Paul’s transformation from a zealous Pharisee to a passionate apostle for Christ. (Acts 9:1-19)

The Message Counting All as Loss for Christ

Philippians 3:4-9 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

• Paul’s Heritage: Circumcised on the eighth day, of the tribe of Benjamin (v. 5).
• Paul’s Zeal: A persecutor of the church (v. 6).
• Paul’s Righteousness: Blameless under the law (v. 6).
• Reference: Acts 22:3-5 Paul’s former life as Saul, the persecutor.

NOTE: “The Way” as a term for the early Christian faith emphasizes the centrality of Jesus in the movement, the commitment to a particular way of life, and the sense of journey or pilgrimage inherent in the Christian faith.

• Acts 22:3‭-‬5 NIV “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.
• But then he met Jesus…

Reference: Acts 9:1-19 Paul’s transformative encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

• To “know Christ” is a profound and multi-faceted concept.
• It goes beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment and
  • delves into intimate relational understanding,
  • experiential knowledge, and a
  • transformative commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Here are various dimensions of what it means to know Christ, along with scripture references:

1. Relational Intimacy:

To know Christ is to have a personal, intimate relationship with Him.

• Scripture Reference: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” (Philippians 3:10)

2. Recognition of His Lordship:

Acknowledging Jesus as the Lord of one’s life and surrendering to His authority.

• Scripture Reference: “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

3. Experiential Knowledge:

Experiencing Christ’s presence and work in one’s life through the Holy Spirit.

• Scripture Reference: “But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:5-6)

4. Transformative Power:

A transformative change in one’s character and actions that align with Christ’s teachings.

• Scripture Reference: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

5. Trust and Dependence:

Relying on Christ for salvation, guidance, and all aspects of life.

• Scripture Reference: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

6. Love and Obedience:

Genuine love for Christ that manifests in obedience to His commandments.

• Scripture Reference: “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (John 14:21)

7. Revelational Knowledge:

Having insight and understanding into the mysteries of Christ through the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

• Scripture Reference: “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)

To truly “know Christ” means

• to embrace Him wholeheartedly,
• to undergo a transformation in His likeness,
• to walk in daily communion with Him, and
• to allow His teachings and presence to shape every aspect of one’s life.

This knowledge is deep, personal, and transformative.

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

• Romans 3:21‭-‬24 NIV But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12 NIVNot that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Application: What Are We Holding Onto?

• The Challenge: Evaluating our own “credentials” and what we place value on.
• The Invitation: Letting go of worldly achievements and recognizing the immeasurable value of knowing Christ.
• Reference: Matthew 16:26 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”