How does acknowledging Jesus as "Son of God" influence our faith and actions? The Center of the Gospel: Jesus Declared Son of God Romans 1:4: “and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” • The resurrection is God’s public, historical declaration that Jesus is literally His Son. • Because Scripture records this fact, we receive it as absolute truth and the immovable core of our faith. Belief That Transforms the Heart • John 20:31 — “that by believing you may have life in His name.” • Romans 10:9 — confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection brings salvation. • Recognizing Him as Son of God moves belief from abstract idea to personal, saving trust. • New life results: forgiveness, regeneration, indwelling Spirit. Confidence in a Living Savior • Hebrews 4:14 — our great High Priest is the Son of God; therefore, we “hold firmly.” • Assurance flows from knowing He is alive, exalted, and interceding. • Fear and doubt shrink when anchored to the literal, risen Son. Authority That Shapes Obedience • Matthew 17:5 — “This is My beloved Son…listen to Him.” • Because He is Son, His words carry divine authority; obedience is not optional. • Daily choices bow to His lordship: speech, relationships, finances, morality. Power for Victorious Living • 1 John 5:5 — overcoming the world belongs to “he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” • The same power that raised Jesus energizes holy living, courage, and endurance. • Galatians 2:20 — Christ lives in us, enabling righteousness we could never produce alone. Fuel for Bold Witness • Matthew 16:16-18 — the confession “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” is the rock on which the church advances. • Knowing His identity compels proclamation; evangelism centers on who He is, not on human philosophy. • Acts repeatedly shows apostles preaching Jesus as Son of God (Acts 9:20), and God confirming the message with power. Anchoring Hope and Perseverance • Philippians 2:9-11 — every knee will bow to the exalted Son. • Future certainty steadies present trials; suffering is temporary, glory is assured. • Romans 8:17 — as children of God, we are “heirs with Christ,” the Son; acknowledgment of His sonship secures our inheritance. Building a Distinctive Community • Shared confession unites believers across culture and time. • Worship centers on the Son, shaping singing, sacraments, preaching, fellowship. • Church discipline, mission priorities, and servant leadership all flow from submitting to the authority of the Son. Living Summary Acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God: • Grounds faith in a historical, resurrected Savior. • Sparks inner transformation and grants eternal life. • Supplies confidence, authority, and power for daily obedience. • Fuels fearless witness and unshakeable hope. • Forms a Christ-centered community that lives, loves, and serves under the Lordship of the literal, eternally exalted Son of God. |
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