In what ways can we live out the truth of John 17:3 today? The Essence of Eternal Life “Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) Eternal life is not merely unending existence; it is an ever-deepening, personal knowledge of the Father and the Son. Living out this truth means making “knowing God” the organizing center of everyday life. Pursue Intimate Knowledge of God • Daily Scripture immersion – Let Him speak first. Open His Word every day, listening for His character and will (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Continual prayerful conversation – “Call to Me, and I will answer you…” (Jeremiah 33:3). Talk with Him throughout the day, bringing every care (Philippians 4:6). • Delight-driven worship – Respond to who He is with praise, whether in gathered worship or quiet moments at home (Psalm 63:1-4). Walk in Loving Obedience • Obedience proves genuine knowledge: “By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). • Choose His ways in daily choices—integrity at work, purity in relationships, generosity with resources (John 14:15). • Confess quickly when you stumble (1 John 1:9); intimacy grows in an atmosphere of honesty. Abide in Christ’s Life • Stay connected like a branch to the vine (John 15:4-5). • Depend on the Spirit’s power, not self-effort (Galatians 5:16-25). • Let His words remain in you—memorize, meditate, and apply. Cultivate Christ-Centered Community • Meet regularly with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share testimonies of how you are coming to know Him; encourage one another’s pursuit of Christ (Colossians 3:16). • Serve one another in practical love—this makes the invisible God visible (1 John 4:12). Bear Witness to the World • Eternal life is meant to overflow. Speak of Jesus naturally in conversations (Acts 1:8). • Live distinctly—peace instead of anxiety, purity instead of compromise, hope instead of cynicism (Philippians 2:14-16). • Engage in works of mercy that reflect the Father’s heart (Matthew 5:16). Guard Your Heart Against Counterfeits • Reject substitutes for true knowledge of God—mere religion, cultural Christianity, self-made spirituality (Jeremiah 2:13). • Test every teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Keep eternity in view; this life is preparation for unbroken, face-to-face fellowship with Him (1 John 3:2-3). Live Expectantly • Jesus prayed that we would be with Him and behold His glory (John 17:24). • Let that future shape present priorities—invest in what lasts, hold earthly things loosely, and long for His appearing (Titus 2:13). Knowing God and His Son is eternal life; today, make every choice, relationship, and moment a pathway into deeper fellowship with Him. |
    |