Deeper - Part 2

In Part 1 of this series on going deeper in our faith, we established the fact that our growth is not based on personal improvement. Personal growth is the result of a deeper walk with the Lord but it is not the path to it.

True growth is centered in growing in Christ. For us to grow in Christ, we need a clear picture of this person in whom we want to grow. We all have assumptions as to who Christ is but it is entirely possible that we have a downsized view of Christ. Our view of a reduced Jesus may be the main reason for our lack of growth and continued struggle with sin. Have we fabricated Him into comfortable and predictable proportions to fit our lifestyle. We need to take an honest assessment here.

The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:8 referred to the unsearchable riches of Christ. There are wondrous depths and realities awaiting for us to discover. How hard are we looking? We get panicked when we can’t find our cellphones – what about Christ are we missing? Studying the historical figure of Christ has great value but encountering the Christ that is alive and well today is relational. We don’t just study the life of Christ, we experience His presence in our lives.

The author of Deeper outlines several key facets of Jesus that are critical for us to understand to help bring clarity to our view of Him.

Ruler: Jesus exercises supreme authority over the universe. Before His ascension He said in Matt. 28:18 that “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” The world’s attempt to sideline Him of that authority does not diminish the reality of that authority. We might perceive His authority to come and go as world events unfold but that would be a mistaken perception. His rule holds steady no matter the circumstances.

Savior: We aren’t just in need of help from a higher power for wisdom to navigate life. We flat out need saving – full scale deliverance. We often forget what a great debt we owe for our salvation. That might be because, by comparison, we often look pretty good compared to others in our culture. We forget that Jesus knows all of our thoughts and motives and not just our deeds. All sin separates us from God.

Friend: Jesus said in John 15:15 “No longer do I call you servants….but I have called you friends.” Jesus should be our closest and truest friend. A friend that delights in us, listens to us, bears burdens with us and is always available. Jesus is a friend of sinners, like us.

Intercessor: If our conversion changed us to the extent that we never sinned again, we wouldn’t needed Jesus interceding for us. But we all know that is not the case. He continues to work on our behalf as our biggest “advocate.” 1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 

Promise Keeper: Jesus is going to return one day. We should live expectantly of that time. It’s far easier to spend our time trying to make heaven out of this world but scripture cautions us against that. We have to keep an eternal perspective to avoid that.

Gentle and Lowly: Jesus describes himself in Matt: 11:29: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Whatever we think of when we think of Jesus, we must know that at the core, His spirit is one of gentleness and meekness. Hs isn’t offended by our fallen state. He is drawn to us with all of our imperfections and baggage. He is approachable, available and expectantly looking for us to pursue Him.

Jesus “unsearchable riches” for us to discover. We don’t have to run on the Christian treadmill to find them. We already have full access if we just stop and take the time to pursue them.

Stay hungry,

Big E

Matt. 5:6