Scripture Reading: John 15:4-8

A Personal Relationship with Jesus

Intro.

1. Evangelicals speak of having "a personal relationship with Jesus". They mean:

But a "personal relationship" is also defined as a dynamic inter-relatedness between persons, an experiential relationship between two persons that involves subjective interaction and communication, a person-to-person relationship, the connection, correlation and interaction of at least two persons in what might be better termed an interpersonal relationship.

Or does an "interpersonal relationship with Jesus Christ" necessitate an experiential, interactive relationship that involves an inter-relatedness, a oneness, a union, a commonality of identity, an intimacy, a "knowing" that can only be likened to the marriage relationship on earth?" (A Personal Relationship with Jesus Christ, ©2000 by James A. Fowler)

2. "Christ in you" is our hope of glory, Col. 1:27 (Gal. 2:20).

3. Jesus did promise a responsive, interpersonal relationship with His disciples, but not in the likeness of Evangelicalism:

a. They misuse "born again", therefore, no initial relationship exists.

b. Believe in actual indwelling of the Spirit of Christ, Rom. 8:9 (10).

c. They can never fall away from Christ.

4. NT teaches we must have a relationship with Jesus; without Him we are lost, Jno. 15:1-8.

5. How this relationship begins, how it is maintained, and what things are in Christ, and how this relationship is maintained.

I. RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST BEGINS BY BEING BORN AGAIN, Jno. 3:3-5; 1 Pet. 1:22-23; Titus 3:3-7.

A. Two Elements of One Birth: Water and the Spirit.

1. Water: Baptism, Heb. 10:22.

2. Spirit: Gospel, the truth; the seed planted in the heart that prompts obedient faith, Eph. 5:26.

B. Conversion is Described as being Joined (Married) to Christ, Rom. 7:4. Bear fruit to God.

C. Must be "in Christ" to have a Personal Relationship with Christ, 2 Cor. 5:17.

1. en: Preposition marking position defined by location, state or condition.

2. The lost are "without Christ", Eph. 2:12.

3. There is no condemnation "in Christ Jesus", Rom. 8:1.

D. Relationship begins when you Put on Christ, Gal. 3:26-27.

1. When you are baptized, Baptized into Christ, Rom. 6:3. This is when your relationship with Christ begins.

2. Jesus Christ in you = "in the faith", 2 Cor. 13:5.

3. Now, Christ is our life, Col. 3:4; Gal. 2:20.

II. EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING IS "IN CHRIST", Eph. 1:3.

A. The Faithful are in Christ, Eph. 1:1.

-Things that are "in Christ"-

Redemption

Rom. 3:24

Alive from sin's death

Rom. 6:11

Eternal life

Rom. 6:23; 2 Tim. 1:1

No condemnation

Rom. 8:1

Love of God, Rom. 8:39;

1 Tim. 1:14

One body, Rom. 12:5;

Gal. 3:28

Approved, Rom. 16:10

Sanctification, 1 Cor. 1:2

Born again, 1 Cor. 4:15

Apostles' teaching,

1 Cor. 4:17

New creation

2 Cor. 5:17

Hope

1 Cor. 15:19

Triumph over Satan, sin and death,

2 Cor. 2:14

Liberty from sin

Gal. 2:4

Reconciliation

2 Cor. 5:19

Simplicity and purity

2 Cor. 11:3

Children of God

Gal. 3:26

Justification by faith

Gal. 2:16

Blessing of Abraham Gal. 3:14

All spiritual blessings

Eph. 1:3

Faithful

Eph. 1:1

Grace, Eph. 2:7;

2 Tim. 1:9; 2:1

Blood of Christ

Eph. 2:13

Sit in heavenly places

Eph. 2:6

Forgiveness

Eph. 4:32

Joy

Phil. 3:3

Promise of God fulfilled

Eph. 3:6

Truth

1 Tim. 2:7

Salvation

2 Tim. 2:10; 3:15

Spiritual completion

Col. 1:28

You do not have these blessings if you are outside of Christ!

III. A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST, Jno. 15:4-5.

A. By having an Obedient Faith:

1. Prayers heard and answered, Jno. 15:7.

2. God (Father and Son) dwells with the obedient; Jno. 14:21, 23.

B. Assurance of a Saved Relationship with Christ when we Keep His Commands, 1 Jno. 2:3-6.

1. Through obedient faith we know Jesus and abide in Jesus.

2. Learning and living, Col. 1:28.

C. Be a Friend to Jesus, Jno. 15:12-14.

-Obedient faith is counted for righteousness; Friend of God, Jas. 2:21-23.

Conclusion

1. Fellowship with Christ begins and continues by hearing His voice (word) and open the door (responsive faith, obeys), Rev. 3:19-20.

2. Abide in the doctrine of Christ and have the Father and the Son, 2 Jno. 9.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: July 1, 2015