Christ – Known?

~ Quick Checkup:  How Well Do You Know Christ? ~

The Scripture  ~  “Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip?  He who has seen me has seen the Father.  How do you say, ‘Show us the Father?’” (John 14:9).

The Situation  ~  Jesus is speaking to one of His own disciples, Philip, who had been with him for about three years.  Philip had witnessed His power and His miracles.  Think about that!  Is it possible to be physically with the Master for that long and not know the person?  Jesus certainly implies that Philip does not know Him. 

The Staleness  ~  What does knowing Christ our Savior mean?  It is obvious from this passage that it is more than being an acquaintance, more than being with Him, and certainly more than a casual relationship or friendship. 

I don’t think Philip lacked knowledge.  He certainly knew that facts regarding His birth, His early life, His teaching, and His call to follow Him.  What Philip apparently lacked was intimacy with His Savior.  How about you? 

Jesus Christ never shows partiality or favoritism to His followers (Job 34:19; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25).  But Jesus does allow His followers to become intimate with Him (Job 29:4 niv) but it must be by choice of His individual disciples—He will not force intimacy upon anyone.

The Steps to Intimacy  ~  First and foremost get into the Word of God regularly.  If you do this with a sincere heart on a regular and frequent basis it will revitalize your prayer life.  This will in turn cause confession and repentance for known sin in our life.  A correct on-going prayer life will produce intimacy with your Savior. 

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .