In what ways can knowing Jesus transform our daily lives and decisions? Knowing Jesus Reveals the Father • John 14:7: “If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” • When we grasp that seeing Jesus is seeing the Father, everyday moments become opportunities to experience God’s heart—His patience at the checkout line, His compassion toward a hurting coworker, His righteousness in business ethics. • Colossians 1:15 reminds us that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God,” so every Gospel scene becomes a lens for today’s decisions: How would the Father respond? We simply look at Jesus. Transformation in Our Identity • Knowing Jesus means embracing what He says about us: loved, redeemed, adopted (Ephesians 1:5–7). • This identity frees us from chasing approval. We can decline compromises at work, ignore peer pressure, and rest from perfectionism because our worth is settled in Christ. Guidance for Daily Choices • John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” • Prayer and Scripture reading move from duty to dialogue: – We pause before pressing “send” on a heated email. – We weigh big purchases against His priorities. – We ask, “Lord, how can I reflect You in this meeting?” and sense His gentle nudge through His Word or Spirit. Redefined Priorities and Values • Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” • Schedules shift: worship and family discipleship become non-negotiable. • Budgets reflect generosity toward missions and the needy (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Ambitions align with eternal fruit, not merely earthly accolades. Steadfast Peace Amid Circumstances • John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” • Knowing Jesus steadies us when medical tests loom or markets wobble. • Philippians 4:7 promises peace that “surpasses all understanding,” guarding hearts and minds, so anxiety no longer dictates reactions. Compelled to Love Others • 1 John 4:7: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” • Practical overflow: – Kind words to a grumpy neighbor. – Hospitality to the newcomer at church. – Forgiveness that mirrors Christ’s mercy (Ephesians 4:32). Empowered Obedience and Holiness • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • The Spirit makes obedience possible (John 14:16-17): – Turning off ungodly entertainment. – Speaking truth when lying seems easier. – Pursuing purity in relationships. Living with an Eternal Perspective • John 14:2-3: Jesus prepares a place for us, so earthly discomfort is temporary. • Romans 8:18 shifts our lens: present sufferings versus future glory. • This hope fuels perseverance, courage in witness, and joy even in trial. Knowing Jesus does more than inform us; it reshapes who we are, how we think, and every decision we make, anchoring all of life in the reality that we have already “seen” the Father through the Son. |
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