Think about the people that you have spent time with recently. Have you got to know anybody new? What have you learned from or about the people that you have spent time with?
We all want to be known - be of concern - but do we want to know people? Are we interested in their lives and helping them? Most importantly, are we interested in knowing Jesus or are we satisfied with His knowing and loving us only?
Paul expresses the greatest hope of all Christians - to know Jesus fully when we go to Him in death or, if it should happen first, at His return; this knowing Jesus is our destiny and should, therefore, surely be our current pursuit! He writes,
‘For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.’ (1 Corinthians 13:12)
How are you growing in your relationship with Jesus? Do you feel closer to Him now than, say, a year ago? Do you have more knowledge of Him from His Word? Paul expressed his desire to know Jesus,
‘I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.’ (Philippians 3:10-11)
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would continue to help us to know Jesus. He promises,
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:25)
RESPONSE
This week (and next) we’ll be exploring more about what it means and how we can come to know Jesus more. Today, let’s simply express to Him our desire to know Him. This is the most important ambition that any Christian should have. It’s an ambition, however, that can only be fulfilled as the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us.
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - KNOWING LEADS TO LIKENESS
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Suggested opener/Ice-breaker
Growing up, who did you most want to be like and why?
Introduction - please share in your group
Knowing leads to likeness. Knowing God will lead to our transformation into the image of God increasingly over time. Paul wrote,
‘I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.’ (Philippians 3:10-11)
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