Jesus prayed, “This is eternal life, that they may know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
Dear Readers, it is dangerous to be saved or to be alive and not know why you were saved or given life. My friend, what is the object of your life? Why are you still living? What is the essential life of a Christian? More importantly, what does God require of you and me? It is simply one thing! God wants us to know Him intimately and to become more like Jesus. This is the basic definition given in the New Testament of the character, quality, and nature of the Christian life. Jesus prayed, “This is eternal life, that they may know Him, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). Is it possible for Jesus’ prayer not answered? Never! God wants you, your spouse, your children, your parents, your loved ones, your work-mates, your neighbour, your school mates, your friend, even your so-called-enemy to know Him, who is the only God and Jesus Christ. He wants us to give our lives to Him totally.
But today, a lot of people are saying, “I know God. I went forward at a crusade. I’ve responded to an invitation to give my life to Christ. I go to church and pay my tithes” My friend, there is more to the Christian life than just meeting Him. Hear me, the quest or the goal of following Jesus Christ is to become like Him. End of story! Jesus wants us to become partakers of His divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4). As Christians, we should desire, above everything else, to know God intimately and to become more like Jesus. As new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), we should manifest the traits and characteristics of God Himself.
You may say, “But who can measure up? We all fall short.” Yes, that’s true. But if God tells us to do something, then it can be done. We find the key in 2 Pet. 1:3: “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”The calling of God is the enabling of God. There is sovereignty of God and also the responsibility of men. These words were not written to a group of spiritual elitists or a special little holy club. These words apply to every man or woman who claims to be a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. My friend, everything we need has been given to us. We cannot add to it.
This verse doesn’t say He has given us some things that pertain to life and godliness. It doesn’t say He has given to some set of people either. It isn’t Jesus Christ plus an emotional experience. It isn’t Jesus Christ plus psychology. It isn’t Jesus Christ plus occultism, gimmicks, or anything. It is Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone. My friend, everything we need to live a godly, blessed and successful life in Jesus Christ is in God’s Word, the Bible. We don’t need to find some self-proclaimed prophet. We don’t need to listen to the latest psychologist who will tell us we need inner healing. Rather, we need to know the Word of God, believe it, obey it and apply it in every choice and decision we make. We must realize that God’s Word and God’s power are sufficient. When we fail to recognize this, we sell God short.
Commenting on the sufficiency of Scripture, the Apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Tim. 3:16–17 NLT). It’s time for some people who are reading this message to say, perhaps for the first time, “I believe with my heart that You died for me. I confess You as my Saviour and Lord of my life. Lord Jesus, I give my life to You today! It’s time for some people to say to God, “I am going to dedicate myself in knowing You and becoming more like Jesus.” And for others who had once made this commitment but now backslide, it may be time to refocus and get back to committed relationship with God, which is really the most important relationship in life.
My friend, as you look back on last night, last week, last month or year, have you not heard the cry and seen the need for people in your family, work-place, church, street, work-place, community, government seats and city to seek and to know God and become more like Him? This is the year of manifestation of spiritual destinies. It is the year of spiritual living in a secular world. It is a year to focus on living a life that honours God. It is a year for new generations of Daniels! It is a year when long awaited prayers, promises or prophecies will be answered and fulfilled. It is a year of rewards and promotion for a life of distinction, dedication and devotion to God like Daniel and commitment to God’s work like Nehemiah (read Phil 1:6, 1 Thess 5:23). Though, it is a year of changing guards and gatekeepers but also it is a year of harvest
My friend, maybe you have been living merely for yourself—living for the moment or living for possession. If the latter is the case, this would be the perfect year to recommit yourself to what really matters in life. Wherever you may be in your relationship with Jesus Christ, if you choose to apply the principles in this message as from today, you will look back on 2016 as the greatest year of your life—because you will have lived your life as it was meant to be lived. It’s good to desire a long life but even more important than a long life is a right life. Don’t just resolve to live long. It is equally important to resolve to live right.
There is only one thing that is needful in life – (a) Knowing God (exalt Him, worship Him, seat at Jesus feet, learn His Word, believe Him, have faith in Him, trust Him, hear His voice, obey Him and be a witness) (b) be like Jesus! Out of these shall flow salvation, deliverance, revelation, purity, power, prayer, perfect praise, fruits of the Spirit, fruitfulness, provision, blessing, fulfillment of purpose, success and God’s glory (Amen). Jesus says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Math 6:33). Remain blessed!
