How should acknowledging Jesus as Christ influence your life choices and priorities? Peter’s Confession—Our Starting Point “ ‘But what about you?’ Jesus asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ.’ ” (Mark 8:29) Acknowledging Jesus as “the Christ” means recognizing Him as God’s promised King, Savior, and Lord. That declaration settles the most important question we will ever answer—and immediately reshapes every other decision we make. Identity Reframed • New creation: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17) • Crucified with Christ: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) • Belonging replaces drifting. Because He is the Christ, our core identity is no longer career, status, or background but “disciple.” Everything else becomes secondary. Priorities Realigned • Seek first: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) • Deny self: “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” (Mark 8:34) • Trade-up mindset: What looks like loss—time, comfort, popularity—becomes investment in eternal treasure. Daily Decisions Under His Lordship Finances – Give generously (2 Corinthians 9:7) because it’s His money. – Guard against materialism: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36) Relationships – Forgive as you’ve been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32). – Choose friends and a spouse who help you follow Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14). Time – Schedule around worship, fellowship, and service, not the reverse (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Start the day listening to the King (Psalm 5:3). Work & Calling – Labor “as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23). – View the workplace as a mission field (Matthew 5:16). Words & Conduct – “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17) Eternal Perspective in Every Choice • Long-range vision: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35) • Value exchange: “Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:37) • Unashamed allegiance: “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words … the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38) Strength Supplied by the Christ • Empowered, not just instructed: “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) • Indwelling Helper: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8) • Ongoing trust: As we rely on His Spirit, acknowledging Jesus as the Christ becomes more than a statement—it becomes the steady engine behind faithful, purposeful living. |
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