So You Want to Know Jesus Better

This past Sunday we found embedded in this wonderful letter of Colossians 1:15-23, one of the earliest Christian hymns.  Its words are packed with deep reverence for Christ and profound theological truth.  It focuses on His unique person and work, highlighting the complete and utter sufficiency of Jesus.  This passage is one of the single greatest statements in all of scripture regarding the authority, supremacy, headship and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.  Now, for a church struggling with forms of false teaching, like Colossae, errant teaching that was shifting their attention from the central truths of the gospel of Christ toward mythical, mystical and mysterious speculations, Paul used this memorable hymn to refocus all eyes on Jesus.  

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all thing hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.  Colossians 1:15-23

4 Simple Tips to Live According to Your Original Design

1.  Read about Him in the scriptures.

The only way to truly know someone is to spend time with them.  The primary manner in which we spend time with Jesus is by spending time in the Word.  Start by reading a chapter a day and asking yourself two questions.  What did God say to me?  Then write a prayer of response by answering the question, what will you say to Him?

2. Talk to Him through prayer.

Pray…talk to Jesus through the gift of prayer.  Use the A.C.T.S. method.  Start with prayers of adoration, worship Him, praise Him.  Then move to confession.  Ask Him to search your heart and reveal any sin in your life, then confess it.  Claim 1 John 1:9, “If you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness.  Then go into a time of Thanksgiving and close with supplication, prayers for your friends, family, neighbors, church and nation.

3. Talk about Him with your friends.

If someone is really important to you, you will talk about them with those that you know.  Share what He is doing in your life, how He is at work in you and your world.

4. Make Him the most important part of your life.

Every decision, victory, setback, or issue include Him.  If He’s your Lord, your life will revolve around Him and what’s important to Him.