Deepening Your Personal Relationship with Jesus in 2025

 

Summary

Starting a new year often brings a sense of renewal and reflection, and as we step into 2025, it's crucial to consider the foundation of our faith. The question "Who do you say I am?" posed by Jesus to His disciples in Mark 8:27-29, challenges us to examine our personal relationship with Him. It's not enough to know about Jesus through others; we must know Him personally. This distinction is vital because our faith cannot be borrowed from our parents, friends, or community. It must be our own, deeply rooted in a personal encounter with Christ.

In today's world, it's easy to follow the crowd, to echo the beliefs of those around us without truly understanding or experiencing them ourselves. But Jesus calls us to a deeper, more intimate relationship. He desires to be more than a historical figure or a name we hear in church. He wants to be our Savior, our Lord, and our best friend. This relationship requires us to seek Him with all our hearts, as Jeremiah 29:13 encourages. It means surrendering every part of our lives to Him, not just the parts we're comfortable sharing.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2025, we must remember that Jesus is the same God who guided us through the past year. He is ready to walk with us through whatever this year holds, but we must invite Him into every aspect of our lives. This involves daily communication through prayer and reading His Word, allowing His presence to transform our actions and decisions.

Ultimately, the way we answer Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" can change everything. Recognizing Him as the Messiah, as Peter did, shifts our perspective and empowers us to live differently. It moves our faith from being secondhand to something real and personal. As we continue this journey, let's commit to deepening our relationship with Jesus, ensuring that our faith is not just a tradition but a transformative force in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Personal Faith: Your faith cannot be borrowed from others. It's essential to develop a personal relationship with Jesus, knowing Him beyond what others say. This personal connection is what transforms your life. [36:09]

- Seek Him Wholeheartedly: Jeremiah 29:13 reminds us to seek God with all our hearts. This means surrendering every part of our lives to Him, not just the parts we're comfortable with. True transformation comes from full surrender. [39:31]

- Jesus Desires Intimacy: Jesus wants to be more than a historical figure in your life. He desires to be your Savior, Lord, and best friend. This relationship requires daily communication and inviting Him into every aspect of your life. [41:07]

- Your Answer Matters: How you answer Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" can change everything. Recognizing Him as the Messiah shifts your perspective and empowers you to live differently, making your faith real and personal. [45:09]

- Start the Year with Intention: As we begin 2025, commit to deepening your relationship with Jesus. Let this year be marked by a personal, transformative faith that guides your actions and decisions. [48:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [32:25] - Introduction to the Message
- [34:09] - Who Do You Say I Am?
- [35:16] - The Importance of Personal Faith
- [36:09] - Knowing About vs. Knowing Jesus
- [37:30] - Jesus Desires a Personal Relationship
- [38:35] - Trusting God in the New Year
- [39:31] - Seeking God with All Your Heart
- [41:07] - Surrendering Every Part of Your Life
- [42:47] - The Power of Personal Testimony
- [44:05] - Your Answer Changes Everything
- [45:09] - Making Faith Personal in 2025
- [46:44] - Reflecting on Your Relationship with Jesus
- [47:54] - Inviting Jesus into Every Aspect of Life
- [48:37] - Sharing Your Faith with Others
- [49:48] - Prayer and Commitment for the New Year

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 8:27-29
- Jeremiah 29:13

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 8:27-29, what were some of the responses given by the disciples when Jesus asked, "Who do people say I am?" How did Peter's response differ from the others? [34:09]

2. According to the sermon, why is it important to have a personal relationship with Jesus rather than relying on secondhand knowledge from others? [36:09]

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus personally? [37:30]

4. What does Jeremiah 29:13 say about seeking God, and how is this related to the idea of surrendering every part of our lives to Him? [39:31]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does the pastor emphasize that faith cannot be borrowed from others, and how does this relate to the personal nature of Peter's declaration in Mark 8:29? [35:16]

2. How does the sermon suggest that recognizing Jesus as the Messiah can shift one's perspective and empower them to live differently? [45:09]

3. What does it mean to seek God with all your heart, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:13, and how might this look in practical terms in one's daily life? [39:31]

4. How does the pastor describe the role of daily communication with Jesus in transforming our actions and decisions? [41:07]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal relationship with Jesus. How would you answer the question, "Who do you say I am?" if Jesus asked you today? [45:53]

2. The sermon challenges us to seek God with all our hearts. What specific areas of your life have you not fully surrendered to Him, and what steps can you take to change that? [39:31]

3. Consider the distractions in your life that might be preventing you from deepening your relationship with Jesus. What practical changes can you make this week to minimize these distractions? [47:54]

4. How can you incorporate daily communication with Jesus into your routine, and what impact do you expect this to have on your decisions and actions? [41:07]

5. Think about a time when you relied on secondhand faith. How can you ensure that your faith is personal and transformative as you move forward in 2025? [36:09]

6. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about your personal relationship with Jesus. How can you share your testimony with them in a meaningful way? [48:37]

7. As you start the new year, what intentional steps will you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus and make your faith a guiding force in your life? [48:37]

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating a Personal Faith
Your faith journey is uniquely yours, and it cannot be borrowed from others. While community and family can guide and support you, the essence of your faith must be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus. This means moving beyond secondhand knowledge and experiencing Him firsthand. Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" invites you to explore your understanding of Him, not based on what others say, but on your own encounters and revelations. This personal connection is transformative, as it allows you to see Jesus not just as a figure in history, but as a living presence in your life. [36:09]

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus, moving beyond what you've heard from others to what you know in your heart?


Day 2: Wholeheartedly Seeking God
Jeremiah 29:13 encourages you to seek God with all your heart, which means surrendering every part of your life to Him. This is not a partial commitment but a full surrender, where you invite God into every aspect of your life, even the areas you're hesitant to let go of. True transformation occurs when you allow God to work in every corner of your life, not just the parts you're comfortable with. This wholehearted pursuit of God requires intentionality and a willingness to let go of control, trusting that His plans for you are good and perfect. [39:31]

"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered." (1 Chronicles 16:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area of your life that you have not fully surrendered to God. What practical steps can you take to invite Him into this area today?


Day 3: Intimacy with Jesus
Jesus desires to be more than a historical figure in your life; He wants to be your Savior, Lord, and best friend. This intimate relationship requires daily communication through prayer and reading His Word. By inviting Jesus into every aspect of your life, you allow His presence to guide and transform your actions and decisions. This intimacy is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growing closer to Him, where you experience His love and guidance in profound ways. [41:07]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate daily practices that foster a deeper intimacy with Jesus, allowing Him to be a constant presence in your life?


Day 4: The Power of Your Answer
The way you answer Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" can change everything. Recognizing Him as the Messiah, as Peter did, shifts your perspective and empowers you to live differently. This acknowledgment moves your faith from being secondhand to something real and personal. It challenges you to live out your faith authentically, allowing it to influence your decisions, actions, and interactions with others. Your answer to this question is not just a statement of belief but a declaration of how you choose to live your life. [45:09]

"Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.'" (Matthew 16:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current understanding of who Jesus is to you. How does this understanding influence the way you live your daily life?


Day 5: Intentional Beginnings
As you begin 2025, commit to deepening your relationship with Jesus. Let this year be marked by a personal, transformative faith that guides your actions and decisions. Starting the year with intention means setting spiritual goals and creating habits that draw you closer to God. This intentionality requires reflection on where you are in your faith journey and where you want to be. By prioritizing your relationship with Jesus, you set the foundation for a year filled with growth, purpose, and spiritual renewal. [48:37]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble." (Proverbs 16:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What specific spiritual goals can you set for this year to ensure that your faith remains a transformative force in your life?

Quotes



It does not mean you have a personal relationship just because you know everything about them. And the same is true with Jesus. You can hear about him from others. You can hear, you know, all the things that he did. You can hear about all the miracles he performed. All the people that he impacted. Whether it's the people that he loved. [00:37:30] (17 seconds)


He doesn't want part of you. He doesn't want joint custody of you. He wants all of you. He wants every moment with you. And some of you are like, I don't know if I can spend every moment with God. All he's asking for is just a little bit of your day, preferably at the start, because if I don't give him the start of my day. [00:40:44] (18 seconds)


I don't want a secondhand relationship with Jesus. I don't want to. I just copy my parents or copy my friends. I want to have that personal relationship with him. I can't stand when I'm in a group of people, whether it be like a small group or just like, you know, in a, I guess a setting where we're learning and someone asks a question. [00:42:47] (25 seconds)


But my challenge for you tonight is that starting in 2025, I know we're nine days in, but you can redeem the time. For the rest of the year, you need to make sure that you are seeking a personal relationship with God. Seek him for yourself. Don't let Wednesday nights be the only time you hear scripture. [00:47:05] (20 seconds)


Read it on your own. You're like, I don't understand it. Well, if you don't understand it, ask someone to help you. Use Google. I know that's an amazing tool that you may have never heard of in 2025. But you can Google. If you're struggling with depression, verses about depression. If you're struggling with anxiety, verses about anxiety. [00:47:25] (19 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?