Introduction

• Pose the question: “What does it mean to truly know Jesus? Is it about what we do for Him, or is it about who we are in Him?”
• Introduce the contrast between outward religious acts and inward transformation through the Holy Spirit.
• Frame the message: Genuine faith is marked by being “born again,” an intimate relationship with Jesus, and a life that reflects His character.

1. Outward Acts Without Inward Transformation

• Scriptural Basis: Matthew 7:21-23
  • “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”
  • Jesus declares to those performing miracles and preaching in His name, “I never knew you.”
• Point: Outward religious practices—prophesying, preaching, driving out demons—mean nothing without a relationship with Jesus.
• Application: Examine whether our faith is rooted in external actions or internal transformation.

2. Being Born Again by the Spirit

• Scriptural Basis:
  • John 3:3: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
  • Titus 3:5: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
• Point: Spiritual rebirth is essential for salvation and entering the kingdom of God.
• Application: Seek the Holy Spirit’s presence to experience true transformation and assurance of salvation.

3. Living a Spirit-Led Life

• Characteristics of a Transformed Life:
  • Forgiveness, compassion, obedience, mercy, humility, peace, and selflessness.
  • Loving God and neighbors, reflecting Jesus in word and deed.
• Scriptural Basis:
  • Romans 8:9: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.”
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
• Point: The Spirit empowers believers to live like Jesus and align their lives with His teachings.

4. Intimacy with Jesus

• Scriptural Basis:
  • John 17:21: “Father, just as you are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us.”
  • John 14:12: “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing.”
• Point: Genuine faith involves a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, marked by His indwelling presence.
• Application: Cultivate this intimacy through prayer, solitude, trust, and immersing yourself in God’s Word.

5. Evidence of Genuine Faith

• Evidence Includes:
  • A life producing spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).
  • Alignment with God’s Word and affirmation of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
  • Transformation into a new creation.
• Scriptural Basis:
  • Matthew 7:20: “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
  • John 1:13: “Children born not of natural descent…but born of God.”
• Point: Genuine faith is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit and a life reflecting Jesus’ character.

6. The Word of God as the Source of New Life

• Scriptural Basis:
  • 1 Peter 1:23: “You have been born again…through the living and enduring word of God.”
  • John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
• Point: The Word of God, both written and living (Jesus), is foundational for spiritual rebirth and growth.

Conclusion

• Recap: Genuine faith is not about religious acts but about being born again, living a Spirit-led life, and maintaining an intimate relationship with Jesus.
• Call to Action:
  • Reflect: Is your faith marked by transformation and intimacy with Jesus?
  • Seek: Ask for the Holy Spirit’s renewal and guidance to deepen your relationship with Him.
  • Act: Live out your faith by producing fruit that reflects Jesus’ character and love.
• Close with encouragement: “Let us not settle for outward actions alone but pursue a genuine, Spirit-led relationship with Jesus, one that transforms our hearts and lives for His glory.”