B - Knowing Jesus: The Essential Teen 365 Devotional

Copyright 2016 by B&H Publishing Group

All Rights Reserved.

978-1-4336-4406-1

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Content adapted from Essential Connection Devotions for Students, June 2015 May 2016. Copyright 2015, 2016 LifeWay Christian Resources. Used with permission.

Dewey Decimal Classification: 242.2

Subject Heading: JESUS CHRIST \ DEVOTIONAL LITERATURE \ CHRISTIAN LIFE

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 20 19 18 17 16

AUTHOR OF CREATION

Read over Genesis 1 in its entirety in your Bible. As you read, take note of what this chapter teaches you about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jot down a few notes in your journal.

Take note of Genesis 1:26, where God said, Let Us make man in Our image. How does this statement support your understanding of a triune God? Explain.

The plural pronouns Us and Our in this passage hint that God exists in perfect relationship and agreement as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers have termed this the Trinity.

Now, read John 1:15.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.John 1:13

Ask yourself:

• What does this passage teach about Jesus before His earthly ministry?
• Why is it important that believers understand that Jesus wasnt just present at creation, but that He took an active role in it?

RESPOND

• Take a moment to dwell on the eternal nature of Christ. Thank God that there has never been a moment when He didnt exist or wasnt in control.
• Ponder these thoughts: All things are created through Christ. Everything that has been created came to be because of Him. How does this change the way you view creation or the worlds resources? How does it change your attitude toward other people? Jot down three ways this will change the way you live today.

RULER OF CREATION

In your Bible, read Colossians 1:1520.

For everything was created by Him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesall things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and by Him all things hold together.Colossians 1:1617

The term firstborn in verse 15 has nothing to do with the human birth of Christ, nor does it mean that He was created. Instead, Paul used this term to help us understand that Jesus holds first place above creation. He is the One who sustains and rules as Creator God.

Dig deeper with these questions:

• What are some of the specific examples Paul gave in this passage that describe Christs authoritative role in creation? List a few.
• What does it mean to say that all things have been created through Christ and for Him? Explain in your own words.
• What word or phrase would you use to describe Pauls view of Jesus and His importance in todays verses? Why?
• Do you have a high view of Jesus importance? Why or why not?

RESPOND

• Colossians 1:1520 is a poem or hymn expressing Jesus supremacy. Using these verses as a guide, write your own hymn of praise in your journal.
• These verses attest that Jesus is supreme over all things. Are you allowing Him to be the supreme Ruler of your life? If not, what changes will you make this week to do so?
• Ponder this: every law of the universe discovered by human beings is merely a glimpse into the power and ability of our Creator. How will you allow science and nature to point you to the Creator today?

AUTHOR OF SALVATION

Read Hebrews 1:13 in your Bible. As you read, look for words or phrases that help you understand how God has revealed His character and plan in Jesus.

In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. The Son is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.Hebrews 1:23

Ponder these questions:

• How do these verses establish that Jesus didnt just show up in the New Testament? Why is it important that He has always existed? Explain.
• In Jesus, we have the clearest picture of God the Father. Everything Jesus did or said during His earthly ministry points to the Father. What God has said and done in and through Jesus is definitive, His final word. How do these verses help you to understand that truth?
• Study Hebrews 1:3 more closely. While this passage establishes Jesus authority and power, it also points to the reason He came to live among us. What was that reason, according to verse 3?
• How did Jesus make purification for sin? Explain it in your own words.

RESPOND

Hebrews 1:13 helps us to see that Jesus is so much more than a wise teacher or a good man. Jesus is Gods Son, His final word, and the only One through whom salvation is possible. He is the eternally existent Son of God who makes forgiveness of our sins possible. Who do you say Jesus is?

ONE LORD OF ALL

A lot of things in our lives are good and important, but they should never overshadow the most important Person in our lives: Jesus. Read 1 Corinthians 8:49 in your Bible to find out why Jesus is so important.

Yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him.1 Corinthians 8:6

The Corinthian Christians had argued that eating food sacrificed to pagan idols was okay for them because they knew that there is only one true God. Paul agreed with that statement, but quickly clarified that believers must live in a way that does not cause others to stumble in their faith. Now, focus on verses 56.

Dig deeper:

• Think about what youve learned about Jesus in this weeks devotions. How does this passage build on that theme?
• Underline the words or phrases in verses 56 that teach you something about Jesus, His character, His authority, or His role. What do these verses teach you about Christ? Explain.
• Does your life present evidence that you hold Jesus above all other things? Why or why not?

RESPOND

Jesus is the Giver of life and the Creator of all there is. Therefore, nothing in our lives is more important than Him.

• Evaluate your life. Consider how you spend your money and your time, plus the things you talk or think about most. What do these reveal about whats most important in your life? If the Holy Spirit reveals that youve made anyone or anything more important than Jesus, confess it today.
• Take a look at the things you do or say. Is there anything youre doing that could cause those who are weak in their faith to stumble or doubt Jesus power? Ask Gods forgiveness, then outline steps you will take to live in a way that honors God and helps others see Jesus authority in your life.
• For further study, read Ephesians 4:17. Read these verses over a few times and ask God to show you how to walk worthy of your calling as His child.

CHILDREN OF GOD

Read John 1:1013 several times, at least once aloud.

He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him.John 1:10

But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name.John 1:12

Thoughtfully answer these questions:

• Verse 10 states that even though Jesus created the world, the world did not recognize Him. What evidence do you see of this blindness in todays culture?