1 JOHN 2:1-2 – My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

THEME OF THE DAY. THE GROWING PRECIOUSNESS OF CHRIST. There are many ways to test oneself to see if spiritual growth is occurring. The Apostle Peter commands us to “Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Growth is both commanded and expected in the Christian. Simple reason makes it so. If we claim to be born again, given new life in Christ, that new life must grow. Again from the Apostle Peter, “Like newborn infants, long for the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow up into salvation, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2-3). It is right and fair for us to do self-examination toward spiritual growth. A true profession of saving faith in Christ always follows with sanctifying growth in Christ. No growth, no change, no life. And the Bible gives us varied ways to affirm this growth; love for the Bible, pursuit of holiness, a hunger for heaven, fighting against sin, refusing worldliness, love for other Christians, and many more. But one that is always present in growing Christians is a deeper understanding of who Jesus is in their lives. He becomes more and more precious as we learn more and more His roles in our lives. Let’s focus on three.

First, we grow in the preciousness of knowing Christ as our reigning King. In the Revelation, Jesus is called, “King of Kings” (Revelation 19:16). What does a king do? He rules and cares for His subjects. As our King, the Lord Jesus goes beyond Savior to one ruling over us with unwavering commitment to protect us and lead us safely through this dangerous world.

Next, we grow in the preciousness of knowing Christ as our teaching Prophet. What was the role of a prophet? To bring the truth and message of God to the people. In Jesus, we have the ultimate and final prophet – Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:1-3). Are we learning from this glorious Prophet? Do we encounter Jesus beyond Savior to that of teaching prophet?

Finally, we grow in the preciousness of knowing Christ as our High Priest, or advocate. This is so important to healthy Christian growth. We sin. Sadly. Even as God’s children, we sin. And when we do, our conscience and the devil are quick to pounce on us with burning accusations. They rake us across the coals of guilt and shame seeking to create doubt and unhealthy fear toward God. But then . . . Advocate Jesus comes to our rescue. He pleads our case. He is our lawyer in the divine court room. And He is not pleading our case before a reluctant Father. Remember, God the Father gave us His Son as our advocate. No, Jesus stands before our Holy God defending us and defeating all the accusations of conscience and the Devil by pleading His blood, His sacrifice, and declaring us “Acquitted of all charges.” Are we living out this role of Jesus? Daily? We need Him beyond Savior. We need His constant advocacy to defeat our accusing foes.

So, are we growing in Christ? Are we seeing and experiencing Him beyond being our Savior? May God help us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus as our King, Prophet, and Advocate for His glory and our joy.

PRAYER: “Father, deepen my knowledge of Your Son beyond being my Savior.”

QUOTE: “Jesus should be becoming more and more precious to us in His roles beyond Savior.”