How can we apply "My sheep know Me" in our daily walk with Christ? Opening the Gate: John 10:14–15 “I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father.” Why This Matters • Knowing Jesus is not abstract; it is a living, mutual relationship. • The word “know” (Greek ginosko) speaks of intimate, experiential knowledge—not mere information. • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, these words invite us to real, daily fellowship with the risen Lord. Foundations of Knowing the Shepherd • New Birth—John 3:3: We begin to know Him when we are born again. • Word-Centered—2 Timothy 3:16: Scripture is the primary means by which His voice is recognized. • Spirit-Led—John 16:13: The Holy Spirit guides us “into all truth,” confirming what the Shepherd says. Practical Ways to “Know” Jesus Each Day • Daily Scripture Intake – Read a Gospel passage, listening for Christ’s heart and tone. – Meditate on short phrases; let them shape thoughts and attitudes. • Conversational Prayer – Speak openly, then pause in silence to let the Spirit impress truth. – Align requests with what you just read, reinforcing recognition of His voice. • Obedient Response – John 14:23: “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word.” Simple, prompt obedience sharpens hearing. • Worship in All Settings – Sing or verbalize praise during chores, drives, or walks, cultivating awareness of His presence. • Fellowship with Other Sheep – Acts 2:42: Gathering with believers exposes us to His voice through teaching, testimonies, and mutual encouragement. • Watch for Divine Appointments – Colossians 4:5: Walk wisely toward outsiders; expect the Shepherd to lead into conversations that display His care. Guarding Against Competing Voices • Compare every impression with Scripture; the Shepherd never contradicts His written word. • Reject condemnation that lingers after confession—Romans 8:1 assures no condemnation in Christ. • Identify cultural messages that redefine truth; anchor identity in Christ alone—John 17:17. Evidences That We Truly Know Him • Growing Love for Holiness—1 John 2:3–5. • Increasing Discernment—Hebrews 5:14: practice trains our senses to distinguish good from evil. • Steady Peace Amid Turmoil—John 14:27: His peace confirms close fellowship. • Fruitful Service—John 15:5: abiding leads to spiritual fruit others can see. Encouragement for the Journey • Philippians 3:10: “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Keep pressing forward; deeper knowledge awaits. • Revelation 3:20: He still stands at the door and knocks. Open continually, enjoy the meal of fellowship, and let every day be shaped by the reassuring truth: His sheep know Him—and He, unfailingly, knows them. |
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