Laws Publishing

A KEY TO SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIVING

JIM LAWS

Previously we learned an important element of the happy, satisfying life, i.e., obeying is loving. However, it is important to understand that the key to loving is knowing. Take a moment to read again John 15; you will become aware that familiarity with Jesus produces love. Therefore the secret of loving is knowing…to know Him is to love Him. Think of the couple that has been married for 50 years or more. Many times I have overheard them say, “we know each other better today than ever before, and we love each other more.” The better you know Jesus, the more you will love Him. Notice the progression of knowledge described in the word of God. Salvation is knowing Christ—our first knowledge (John 17:3; Mt. 11:28-30). As we study and mature, we grown in knowledge of Jesus (II Pet. 3:18). Ultimately, in the life to come we will know Jesus as he truly is (Phil. 3:10). Remember Paul had been a Christian at least 25 years, when he wrote Philippians, had been to the third heaven, and still said, “That I may know him.” The present life of a Christian and the life that is to come is a process of knowing Christ more and more, and loving Him, as we should.

Why is this so important? Jesus is the best friend we will ever have (John 15:13-15). The more we know Christ, the more we will become like Him. It is God’s plan that we be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). Start becoming like Him today through an increase in the knowledge of Him (I John 3:1, 2). Consider some of the loveable attributes of Jesus:

1) The compassion of Jesus (Mt. 9:36),

2) The patience of Jesus (John 16:12). Do you remember the ignorance and selfishness of His disciples? At times it would seem they were incapable of being taught.

3) The meekness and lowliness of Jesus (Mt. 11:28-30),

4) The power of Jesus over disease, demons, death, the elements of nature, and even the grave,

5) His sacrificial love for us exhibited in His death for our sins.

How do we get to know Jesus better? Go to the word of God: our source of knowledge. Study the Old Testament to find Jesus in type and prophecy (Lk. 24:44). Go to the gospel accounts of Jesus to watch Him teaching and doing God’s will, and dying to redeem mankind. Go to the book of Acts to see him at work through and in His church, His body. Go to the Epistles, as they interpret for the spiritual truths contained in the person and work of Christ. Study the book of Revelation to see Him as the Lamb, the Judge, and the King of Kings.

The keys to successful Christian living starts with knowing the Christ. The more you know him, the more you’ll learn to love Him. The more you love Christ, the more you will obey Him. The more you obey Him, the more you will abide in Him. The more you abide in Him, the more fruit you will bear for Him. The more fruit you bear, the more you really live!

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