How should acknowledging Jesus as the Christ influence our daily actions and decisions? Facing the Question: Who Is Jesus to You? Luke 9:18 says, “Once, as Jesus was praying in private and the disciples were with Him, He questioned them: ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’” • Jesus makes the issue personal (see v. 20). Accepting Him as “the Christ of God” settles the most important fact of life. • If He truly is the promised Messiah—God’s anointed King—then every sphere of life rightly comes under His rule (Matthew 28:18). Implications for Identity and Allegiance • New identity: “I have been crucified with Christ… the life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20). • Undivided loyalty: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). • Mind renewed: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed…” (Romans 12:1-2). Our thoughts, plans, and values shift from self-centered to Christ-centered. Guiding Our Daily Choices Because Jesus is the Christ: Decision-making • Seek His wisdom first (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Measure options by Scripture, not cultural pressure (Psalm 119:105). Time & priorities • Begin and end days in fellowship with Him (Mark 1:35). • Schedule around kingdom purposes—worship, family discipleship, service (Ephesians 5:15-17). Speech • “Let your conversation be always full of grace” (Colossians 4:6). • Reject gossip, coarse joking, and falsehood (Ephesians 4:29, 31). Relationships • Love sacrificially (John 13:34-35). • Forgive as He forgave (Colossians 3:13). • Honor marriage vows, pursue purity (Hebrews 13:4). Stewardship • Give generously, acknowledging His ownership (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Work wholeheartedly “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). Suffering & opposition • Expect it (John 15:18-20), respond with patience and blessing (1 Peter 2:21-23). • Remember the crown follows the cross (Romans 8:18). Witnessing Through Words and Works • Prepared to “give an answer to everyone who asks” (1 Peter 3:15). • Good deeds shine so others “glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). • Gospel proclamation is non-negotiable; silence is not an option (Acts 4:20). Walking Forward in Confidence and Hope • He is with us always (Matthew 28:20). • Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). • His return is certain; living each day under His lordship readies us to “meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). |
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