158. ACT 4:13. INTIMACY WITH CHRIST, AND ITS EFFECTS

Act_4:13. Intimacy With Christ, And Its Effects

"And they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus."’97Act_4:13

Peter and John, at the hour of prayer, went up to the temple; saw a lame man, and in the name of Jesus imparted unto him healing. The attention of the people excited. Peter’s sermon. Five thousand converted. The priests incensed. Peter and John placed in charge. The next day brought forth for examination. Peter’s faithful and searching address, ver. 8. The astonishment produced. Then the declaration of the text, "They took knowledge," &c.

I. It is the Privilege of Believers to be with Jesus.

What does this imply?

1. A scriptural knowledge of Christ.

That we have experimentally become acquainted with him. That we know him in his person, in his offices, in his merits, and in his grace. That we know him really, personally, savingly. "This is life eternal," &c. 1Jn_5:19, 1Jn_5:20.

2. Intimate friendship with Christ. That we are of one spirit with Christ.

That we love him, and rejoice in him. The beloved is ours, and we are his. That he is precious to us. Our beloved and friend, in whom our souls delight.

3. Regular intercourse with him.

By prayer. By praise. By meditation. Intercourse with him in his word, which testifies of him, and reveals him fully to our souls’97in his gospel, of which he is the light, and sun, and glory’97in his ordinances, where he meets, and banquets, and blesses his people. In short, Christ is ever with his people; he is in their dwelling as their abiding friend; and in their hearts, the hope of eternal glory. They are with Jesus, as pupils, to learn the lessons of his grace. As his sheep, for whom he died, and whom he preserves and protects, and leads into green pastures. They are with him as his soldiers, whom, as the captain of their salvation, he is bringing into eternal glory. Observe,

II. Intercourse with Jesus will be manifest.

Certain effects will be the result. Certain evidences will be given. There will be two sorts of evidence which will arise from intercourse with Christ.

1. Internal; and this will be manifest only to ourselves.

Being with Jesus will produce,

(1) Abundant peace. Our peace will abound. Will flow as a river. He speaks peace to his people.

(2) Increasing confidence in him. His presence will strengthen our faith, and brighten our hope.

(3) Ardent love. By increasing intimacy we shall know more of him’97admire him more’97love him more.

(4) Enlarged joy. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Rejoice with joy unspeakable. And long to be with him forever.

2. The evidences of intercourse with Jesus will be external, and therefore manifest to others.

"They took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus." Others will see that we have had intercourse with Christ.

(1) By our deadness to the world. We shall be crucified to the world. Not of the world, as Christ was not of the world.

(2) By our spirituality of mind. We shall participate of his Spirit. Be like-minded with Christ.

(3) By our humility of spirit. Isaiah’s vision of Christ caused him to exclaim, "Wo is me," &c. Isa_6:5.

(4) By our love to his saints and compassion to the world. He is love; if we dwell with and in him, we shall dwell in love. "By this shall all men know," &c.

(5) Zeal and courage in his service. We shall not be ashamed to testify of him before the world. We shall be decided, firm. "Filled with holy boldness," &c. The apostles in the text.

Application

Urge upon believers constant communion with Christ. Guard against hindrances. Be watchful, prayerful, and contemplative. Invite inquirers to come to the mercy-seat, especially now he has declared, "That those who come unto him, he will in nowise cast out."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS