Tag: Knowing Jesus

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Who Do You Say That I Am?

Summary of my sermon, based on Luke 9:18-27. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on October 6, 2024.

Jesus often used moments of reflection to teach deep spiritual truths, and one such moment unfolds in Luke 9:18-27. After a whirlwind of ministry—healing, teaching, and feeding thousands—Jesus retreats to pray with His disciples. As they gather, He asks them a question that cuts through the noise of their experiences: “Who do the crowds say that I am?” The answers are varied. Some think He’s John the Baptist returned to life, others suggest Elijah, and still others, one of the ancient prophets resurrected. These responses, though intriguing, miss the mark.

Jesus then sharpens the focus: “But who do you say that I am?” Peter boldly answers, “The Christ of God.” Finally, someone gets it! In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus praises Peter for his insight, explaining that this revelation came directly from the Father. Yet, Peter’s understanding is incomplete. While he correctly identifies Jesus as the Christ, he doesn’t yet grasp the full meaning of this truth. This is evident when Jesus explains that being the Christ involves suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. Peter, horrified, rebukes Jesus, only to be sternly corrected: “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23).

The tension in this passage is familiar. Many recognize Jesus but fail to fully comprehend who He is or what He demands. Even demons acknowledge Him as “the Son of the Most High God” (Luke 8:28), and Satan himself knows His identity (Matthew 4:3). But recognition without submission or faith is hollow. It’s not enough to know Jesus intellectually; we must embrace Him as Lord in every area of life.

Sadly, people often reduce Jesus to something less than He truly is. Some see Him as a great moral teacher, appreciating His wisdom while ignoring the radical demands of His teaching, like loving God above all else (Luke 14:26). Others treat Him as a self-help guru, twisting His words to fit modern ideas of personal happiness. A progressive blogger once claimed Jesus’ central message was to love oneself, an interpretation that misses the point entirely. Jesus calls us to self-denial, not self-indulgence (Mark 12:30-31). Still others view Him as a genie in a bottle, expecting Him to fulfill their every wish. This “prosperity gospel” mindset misrepresents the heart of the Christian life and leads to disillusionment when prayers don’t go as expected.

True discipleship means taking up our cross daily and following Jesus (Luke 9:23). It’s a call to deny ourselves and prioritize Him above all else. Like the man who sells everything to buy a treasure-filled field or a pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46), we must see Jesus as the most precious gift. This kind of devotion keeps us from being ashamed of Him or His words (Luke 9:26).

When we truly know Jesus as “The Christ of God,” our lives are transformed. This knowledge moves beyond intellectual assent to wholehearted faith, marked by a willingness to sacrifice everything for the One who gave His all for us. As Paul declares, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). May we, too, live boldly in that truth.

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How We Know We’re Saved

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 2:3-11. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 29, 2023.

People often question and doubt their assurance of salvation, especially when faced with the reality of sin in their lives. While the Bible teaches that we are justified by grace through faith, doubts can still creep in. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The more honest you are about your sinfulness and your shortcomings, the more glorious Christ’s salvation becomes.” So how can we have confidence in our salvation? In 1 John 2:3-11, we find guidance on knowing, loving, and obeying Jesus as the basis for our assurance of salvation.

We Know Jesus When We Obey Him

To have assurance of salvation, we must know Jesus. And we come to know Him through obedience. The Apostle John writes, “By this, we know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). Obedience is not about earning salvation through works, but rather the evidence of a genuine relationship with Christ. When we walk in obedience, we reflect our knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is.

Obedience to Jesus goes hand in hand with keeping His commandments. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Our love for Jesus is demonstrated by our obedience to His teachings. The commandments of Christ are not burdensome but rather the path to abundant life and true freedom (1 John 5:3). By embracing His commandments and aligning our lives with His teachings, we grow in our assurance of salvation.

In order to obey Jesus, we must first know His commandments. The Bible is the primary source for understanding His teachings and commands. Psalm 1:2 encourages us to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture is crucial for our spiritual growth and knowing Jesus more intimately. It may seem daunting, but there are resources available to help us understand and apply God’s Word effectively.

When we obey Jesus and keep His commandments, His love is perfected in us. This perfection refers to the maturing and completion of His love within us. Through our obedience, we align ourselves with God’s love and allow it to work in and through us. This perfect love brings assurance and confidence in our relationship with Christ. As we walk in obedience, His love becomes evident in our lives and impacts our relationships with others.

We Know Jesus When We Love One Another

A key aspect of knowing Jesus is loving one another. John writes, “Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him, there is no cause for stumbling” (1 John 2:10). Our love for others is a tangible expression of our relationship with Jesus. When we genuinely love one another, we demonstrate that we know Him. This love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through our actions, sacrificial service, forgiveness, and compassion towards others.

Doubts about our salvation can arise, but we can find assurance by seeking to know Jesus more intimately. Our knowledge of Jesus grows as we walk in obedience to His commandments, grounded in Scripture. This obedience is not about works-based salvation but evidence of our genuine faith. As we keep His commandments, His love is perfected in us, leading to a deepened assurance of salvation. Furthermore, our love for one another reflects our relationship with Jesus and strengthens our confidence in Him. So let us pursue a deeper knowledge of Jesus, rooted in obedience and love, finding assurance in Him.