How can we deepen our understanding of God's truth as Jesus exemplifies? Jesus’ Claim and Our Call – John 8:55 “ ‘But you do not know Him, though I know Him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know Him and I keep His word.’ ” Know the Father as Jesus Knows Him • Jesus speaks from firsthand, intimate knowledge; He calls us to move from hearsay to personal relationship. • John 17:3—“Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” • Pursue daily fellowship—set times for Scripture reading, reflection, and humble listening. Keep His Word Uncompromisingly • Jesus ties genuine knowledge of God to obedience: “I do know Him and I keep His word.” • John 14:21—“Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • Treat every command—large or small—as a trustworthy directive, not a suggestion. Cultivate Intimacy Through Obedience Three linked realities: 1. Knowing God feeds obedience. 2. Obedience deepens knowledge. 3. Both reveal truth to the watching world. Guard Against Falsehood • Jesus contrasts truth with lies; rejecting truth leads to spiritual blindness (John 8:44). • Immerse yourself in Scripture to expose subtle half-truths. • Psalm 119:11—“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Live the Truth Out Loud Practical reflections of Jesus’ pattern: • Speak truth even when costly. • Refuse compromise with cultural pressure. • Let conduct match confession—1 John 2:4-5. Practical Steps for Today • Read a Gospel chapter daily; note how Jesus relates to the Father. • Memorize key verses (start with John 8:55) and recite during the day. • Journal acts of obedience; record how each step clarifies God’s character. • Engage in corporate worship—hearing, singing, and submitting to the Word together. • Serve someone in need; obedience grows through self-giving love. Key Parallel Passages • John 14:6—Jesus is “the way and the truth.” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • 1 Peter 1:16—“Be holy, because I am holy.” As we know the Father intimately, keep His Word faithfully, and walk in uncompromising truth, we mirror the pattern Jesus set in John 8:55 and deepen our grasp of God’s eternal reality. |
    |