Having a Relationship with Jesus (Things Concerning Christ #10)

Do You Know “My” Jesus? What often passes for a relationship with Christ is nothing more than self-defined religion and spirituality, Matthew 15:7-9 “R ELATIONSHIP NOT R ELIGION !” Evangelicals often proclaim and explain that to be a Christian is “to receive Jesus and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” – “Personal, subjective experience” with Jesus Christ In You Ministries James Fowler 2

Do You Know the Real Jesus? The Jesus who says His plan of salvation saves you, Mark 16:15-16 The Jesus who says obedience effects your salvation, Hebrews 5:8-9 The Jesus who says you must “abide in” His word to truly be His disciple, John 8:31-32 The Jesus who commands us to do the will of the Father, not the will of men, Matthew 7:21 3

Who has a relationship with Jesus? What kind of relationship exists? 4

Christ Calls Sinners to Salvation Matthew 11:28-30 Relationship is established upon conversion God dwells with His people, 2 Cor. 6:16-7:1 (Ezekiel 37:26-28) – His sanctuary (holy place) The gospel is God’s call to come to Christ, Acts 2:37-41 – Come to Christ: Remission of sins for relationship, 1 Cor. 1:9 – Enter by faith: Baptized “into Christ”, Gal. 3:

Redemption, Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7 Alive to God, Rom. 6:11 Eternal life, Rom. 6:23; 2 Tim. 1:1 No condemnation, Rom. 8:1 Love of God, Rom. 8:39; 1 Tim. 1:14 One body, Rom. 12:5; Gal. 3:28 Approved, Rom. 16:10 Sanctified, 1 Cor. 1:2 Begotten through gospel, 1 Cor. 4:15 Apostles’ ways, 1 Cor. 4:17 6 Blessings are “In Christ” Ephesians 1:3

Hope, 1 Cor. 15:19 Triumph, 2 Cor. 2:14 New creation, 2 Cor. 5:17 Reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5:19-20 Simplicity and purity, 2 Cor. 11:3 Liberty from sin, Gal. 2:4 Justification by faith, Gal. 2:16 Blessing of Abraham, Gal. 3:14 Children of God, Gal. 3:26-27 Faithful, Eph. 1:1 7 Blessings are “In Christ” Ephesians 1:3

Sit in heavenly places, Eph. 2:6 Grace, Eph. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:9; 2:1 Blood of Christ, Eph. 2:13 Partake of God’s promise, Eph. 3:6 Forgiveness, Eph. 4:32 Joy, Phil. 3:3 Spiritual completion, Col. 1:28 Truth, 1 Tim. 2:7 Salvation, 2 Tim. 2:10; 3:15 8 Blessings are “In Christ” Ephesians 1:3

Must be “in Christ” to have these relational blessings Get “in Christ” through baptism, Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3 There is no saving relationship with Christ outside of Christ! Eph. 2:12; Col. 1:21 9 Blessings are “In Christ” Ephesians 1:3

Savior – Saved: Acts 4:12 – W ORSHIP, PRAISE, THANKSGIVING, ETC. Shepherd – Sheep: John 10:1-6, 7-16; – L ISTEN AND F OLLOW H IS V OICE Bridegroom – Bride: Eph. 5:22-32; Rom. 7:4 – F AITHFUL AND T RUE, D EVOTED, U NITED 10 Relationship Described Colossians 2:6-7

King – Citizens, Revelation 1:5-6 (Jno. 3:3, 5) – A LLEGIANCE Head – Body: Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18 – M EMBERS : R ESPONSIVE, WORKING AT H IS DIRECTION, Ephesians 4:16 High Priest – Priests: Heb. 10:21; 1 Pet. 2:4-5 – S ACRIFICE AND S ERVICE 11 Relationship Described Colossians 2:6-7

Lord – Servants: Colossians 3:17, – S UBMISSIVE S ERVICE Teacher – Disciples, Luke 6:40 (1 Jno. 4:17) – L EARN AND L IVE Friends: John 15:13-17 (10, 14) – O BEY … ABIDE IN H IS LOVE, cf. James 2:23 Brethren: Hebrews 2:11-12; 3:6 – M EMBER OF G OD ’ S F AMILY 12 Relationship Described Colossians 2:6-7

13 Relationship Denied! Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21-23 “I can’t have a relationship with Jesus while I’m living in disobedience!”

“I know Jesus” / “Do you know Jesus?” Answer: 1 John 2:3-5 Christian has a relationship with Jesus – Secure in Christ: Live by faith and do His will 14