THE PERSON AND THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST

THE PERSON AND THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST 

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:  Philippians 3:10 
Supporting Texts: John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; Proverbs 11:24-25; Galatians 6:7; Luke 6:38; James 2:14-17

INTRODUCTION

The Christian walk is not only about knowing Christ personally but also about following His teachings and principles. Many believers focus solely on prayer and spirituality, neglecting the practical application of biblical principles like giving, stewardship, and kindness. On the other hand, some may follow these principles without a relationship with Christ, missing the essence of salvation. This sermon explores the balance between knowing the **Person of Christ** and obeying the **Principles of Christ** and how this balance impacts our spiritual and material lives.

1. KNOWING THE PERSON OF CHRIST

**a) Jesus as Fully God and Fully Man** 
John 1:1, 14 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
Colossians 2:9 – "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."

To know the Person of Christ is to acknowledge Him as the eternal God who came in the flesh to redeem humanity. It is through His person that we find salvation and eternal life. Jesus is not merely a great teacher; He is the Saviour, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

b) A Personal Relationship with Christ
Philippians 3:10– "That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection."

Paul emphasizes the need to know Christ personally. Salvation is found in a relationship with Jesus, not just in following religious rules or traditions. We must seek to grow deeper in intimacy with Him daily, learning to walk in His presence and power.

2. OBEYING THE PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST

a) The Principle of Giving
Proverbs 11:24-25 – "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."
Luke 6:38 – "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap."

The principles of God work universally, regardless of whether one is a believer or not. The principle of giving brings about material and spiritual prosperity. Those who are generous experience abundance, while those who withhold struggle with lack. Unbelievers often prosper because they apply this principle, even though they may not know the Person of Christ.

Biblical Example: 
- The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) gave her last meal to the prophet Elijah and experienced miraculous provision during a time of famine. Her act of giving opened the door to God's supernatural supply.

b) The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
Galatians 6:7 – "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows."

This principle operates in every area of life—what we sow, we will reap. If we sow kindness, generosity, and diligence, we will reap blessings. If we fail to follow God’s principles, even as prayer warriors, we may not experience the full blessings God has in store for us.

**c) Faith Without Works** 
- **James 2:14-17** – "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?...Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Prayer is essential, but it must be accompanied by action. Some believers pray fervently but neglect to act on God's principles. Faith and works must go hand in hand. We need both spiritual discipline and practical obedience to experience holistic blessings.

Biblical Example:
- The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) shows that those who faithfully stewarded what they were given were rewarded, while the servant who did nothing lost everything. The principle here is that God rewards both faith and responsible action.

3. WHY BOTH THE PERSON AND THE PRINCIPLES ARE IMPORTANT

a) The Person of Christ Brings Salvation 
John 14:6 – "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Without knowing Christ, we cannot receive salvation. Salvation is found in Him alone. Obeying principles without knowing Christ may bring temporary success, but eternal life can only be obtained through a relationship with Him.

b) The Principles of Christ Bring Blessings 
James 1:25 – "But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."

Knowing Christ opens the door to eternal life, but following His principles allows us to live a blessed and fruitful life here on earth. When we combine both, we experience the fullness of God’s will for our lives.

CONCLUSION

To live a victorious Christian life, we must embrace both the **Person of Christ** and the **Principles of Christ**. Knowing Christ personally is foundational for our salvation, while obeying His principles ensures that we walk in the fullness of His blessings. Let us strive for both, seeking intimacy with Christ and aligning our lives with His teachings, so that we may prosper spiritually and materially.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, help me to know You deeply and personally.

2. Father, teach me to follow Your principles and walk in Your blessings.

3. I reject the spirit of poverty and disobedience in my life.

4. Lord, empower me to combine faith with action.

5. Let my giving open doors of abundance for me in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, prosper the work of my hands as I obey Your principles.

7. I declare that I will sow good seeds and reap bountiful harvests.

8. Father, increase my generosity and help me to give cheerfully.

9. Lord, let my relationship with You grow stronger every day.

10. I declare that I will walk in both spiritual and material prosperity.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that you will know Christ intimately and experience His power.

2. Your life will reflect the principles of Christ, and you will prosper on every side.

3. As you give, abundance will flow into your life.

4. You will not just be a hearer but a doer of the Word.

5. Every area of your life where you have sown good seeds, you will reap a great harvest.

6. I decree that poverty will have no place in your life as you walk in obedience.

7. Your faith will not be barren but will produce great results.

8. Every financial struggle in your life will be overturned by God’s supernatural provision.

9. You are blessed in your going out and coming in, as you follow Christ and His principles.

10. I declare that you will flourish in all areas of life—spiritually, materially, and emotionally.