How can we practically "confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" today? The Supreme Example: Philippians 2:9–11 “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9–11) What It Means to “Confess” • To confess (Greek: homologeō) is to “say the same thing” God says—openly, willingly, and without reservation. • It includes both verbal acknowledgment (Romans 10:9–10) and a lifestyle that agrees with that acknowledgment (1 John 2:6). Confessing with Our Lips • Speak His name naturally in conversation, not as a filler but as a testimony (Acts 4:12). • Share the gospel clearly: Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). • Sing Christ-centered songs that proclaim His lordship (Colossians 3:16). • Bless others “in Jesus’ name,” making Him the focus, not a tagline (Colossians 3:17). Confessing with Our Lives • Obedience demonstrates lordship (Luke 6:46). When His commands shape daily choices—time, money, relationships—we are confessing. • Integrity at work or school reflects His authority over us (Titus 2:9–10). • Holiness in private moments says, “Jesus is Lord even when no one sees” (1 Peter 1:15–16). • Gratitude in all circumstances displays trust in His sovereign rule (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Confessing in Relationships • Forgive because Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). This shows His rule over your heart. • Serve family, church, and community sacrificially (Mark 10:45). • Speak truth in love, refusing gossip or slander (Ephesians 4:29). Confessing in Culture and Work • Uphold biblical standards publicly, even when unpopular (Daniel 3:16–18). • Use platforms—social media, leadership roles, creative arts—to elevate Jesus, not self (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Advocate for justice and mercy, reflecting His kingdom values (Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23). Confessing in Suffering • Praise Him in trials (Acts 16:25). Suffering becomes a megaphone declaring His worth. • Maintain hope-filled speech when facing illness, loss, or persecution (1 Peter 3:15). • Refuse bitterness, trusting His sovereign exaltation just as the Father exalted the Son (2 Timothy 2:11–12). Daily Habits That Keep the Confession Fresh • Scripture intake: hearing, reading, memorizing, meditating (Psalm 119:11). • Consistent prayer that submits plans to His will (Matthew 6:10). • Fellowship with believers who spur one another on (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Regular remembrance of the Lord’s Supper, proclaiming His death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). Encouraging One Another • Share testimonies of Christ’s lordship in small groups or over meals. • Gently restore believers who stray, pointing them back to the supremacy of Christ (Galatians 6:1–2). • Celebrate acts of faithfulness, big and small, reinforcing the culture of confession within the church family (Philemon 7). Every knee will bow one day. We bow now—gladly, publicly, and persistently—confessing with both tongue and life that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. |
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