A Confession of Faith
10/24/2024
“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” – 1 John 4:15 (NIV)
In this verse, the apostle John lays out a profound truth that brings great comfort: if we confess Jesus as the Son of God, we enter into an intimate relationship with God, one where He abides in us, and we abide in Him. This confession is more than just an intellectual belief; it is a heart-level recognition of who Jesus is, followed by a life lived in the reality of that truth.
A Life-Changing Confession
Confessing that Jesus is the Son of God is not just a one-time declaration; it’s a lifestyle of continually aligning our hearts with the truth of who He is. When we declare Jesus as Lord, we are not simply acknowledging Him as a historical figure or even a religious leader. We are affirming that He is the divine Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the one who holds ultimate authority over our lives.
Consider the moment when Peter confessed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus responded by affirming that this revelation came from God. Likewise, our confession comes from a deep encounter with God’s truth and grace.
God’s Abiding Presence
John emphasizes that when we make this confession, God’s presence comes to dwell in us. It’s not a distant, abstract presence, but a personal and continual abiding. This means that no matter what circumstances we face, God is with us. His presence is a steady, reassuring reality.
Think about the difference this makes in your daily life. When you’re facing challenges at work or in relationships, or even in moments of uncertainty about the future, you can rest in the assurance that God is with you. His Spirit lives within you, guiding, comforting, and strengthening you. The confession of Jesus as God’s Son is the doorway to a life of constant fellowship with the Father.
Living in God
John doesn’t just say that God lives in us, he also says that we live in God. This mutual abiding means that we are invited into the very life of God. His love becomes our foundation, and His will becomes our purpose. We no longer live for ourselves but for the One who gave Himself for us.
This truth challenges us to examine how we are living. Are we living in a way that reflects God’s presence in our lives? Are we abiding in His love, showing that love to others? This abiding relationship transforms us from the inside out.
For example, think about how this affects our relationships. When we abide in God, we are empowered to love others with the same selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated. Even in situations where it’s difficult to love, perhaps with a co-worker who is constantly critical, or a family member who has caused pain, God’s abiding presence enables us to love beyond our natural capacity.
Take time today to reflect on the beauty of this mutual abiding relationship. Acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and allow that confession to deepen your connection with Him.
Reflect
Spend a few moments in prayer, thanking God for His abiding presence in your life. Ask Him to reveal areas where you need to deepen your confession of Jesus and live more fully in Him.
Practice Love
Look for opportunities today to show God’s love to someone else. Perhaps it’s through an encouraging word, a patient response, or an act of service. Let God’s love flow through you as you abide in Him.
Rest in His Presence
When you face challenges or uncertainty, remind yourself that God lives in you and you in Him. His presence is your strength and peace.
May we live today in the fullness of the confession that Jesus is the Son of God, experiencing the deep, abiding relationship that comes with it.
Lord, thank You for the truth that when we confess Jesus as Your Son, You come to dwell in us. Help us to live in the reality of this abiding relationship, showing Your love to others and finding our strength in Your presence. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.” – 1 John 4:15 (NIV)
In this verse, the apostle John lays out a profound truth that brings great comfort: if we confess Jesus as the Son of God, we enter into an intimate relationship with God, one where He abides in us, and we abide in Him. This confession is more than just an intellectual belief; it is a heart-level recognition of who Jesus is, followed by a life lived in the reality of that truth.
A Life-Changing Confession
Confessing that Jesus is the Son of God is not just a one-time declaration; it’s a lifestyle of continually aligning our hearts with the truth of who He is. When we declare Jesus as Lord, we are not simply acknowledging Him as a historical figure or even a religious leader. We are affirming that He is the divine Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the one who holds ultimate authority over our lives.
Consider the moment when Peter confessed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus responded by affirming that this revelation came from God. Likewise, our confession comes from a deep encounter with God’s truth and grace.
God’s Abiding Presence
John emphasizes that when we make this confession, God’s presence comes to dwell in us. It’s not a distant, abstract presence, but a personal and continual abiding. This means that no matter what circumstances we face, God is with us. His presence is a steady, reassuring reality.
Think about the difference this makes in your daily life. When you’re facing challenges at work or in relationships, or even in moments of uncertainty about the future, you can rest in the assurance that God is with you. His Spirit lives within you, guiding, comforting, and strengthening you. The confession of Jesus as God’s Son is the doorway to a life of constant fellowship with the Father.
Living in God
John doesn’t just say that God lives in us, he also says that we live in God. This mutual abiding means that we are invited into the very life of God. His love becomes our foundation, and His will becomes our purpose. We no longer live for ourselves but for the One who gave Himself for us.
This truth challenges us to examine how we are living. Are we living in a way that reflects God’s presence in our lives? Are we abiding in His love, showing that love to others? This abiding relationship transforms us from the inside out.
For example, think about how this affects our relationships. When we abide in God, we are empowered to love others with the same selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus demonstrated. Even in situations where it’s difficult to love, perhaps with a co-worker who is constantly critical, or a family member who has caused pain, God’s abiding presence enables us to love beyond our natural capacity.
Take time today to reflect on the beauty of this mutual abiding relationship. Acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and allow that confession to deepen your connection with Him.
Reflect
Spend a few moments in prayer, thanking God for His abiding presence in your life. Ask Him to reveal areas where you need to deepen your confession of Jesus and live more fully in Him.
Practice Love
Look for opportunities today to show God’s love to someone else. Perhaps it’s through an encouraging word, a patient response, or an act of service. Let God’s love flow through you as you abide in Him.
Rest in His Presence
When you face challenges or uncertainty, remind yourself that God lives in you and you in Him. His presence is your strength and peace.
May we live today in the fullness of the confession that Jesus is the Son of God, experiencing the deep, abiding relationship that comes with it.
Lord, thank You for the truth that when we confess Jesus as Your Son, You come to dwell in us. Help us to live in the reality of this abiding relationship, showing Your love to others and finding our strength in Your presence. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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