Three Things Every Christian Should Know

Text: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed…” — 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

There are many things a Christian can learn, but there are some things every Christian must know. If we do not understand these foundational truths, we will struggle to understand who we are, why Jesus came, and what God expects from us.

Today I want to declare:

Three Things Every Christian Should Know

1. Every Christian Should Know the Bible, Its Purpose, and Its Fulfillment

The Bible is not merely a collection of stories. It is one divine story told over thousands of years.

Jesus said:

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)

The Purpose of the Bible

The Bible reveals:

  • Who God is
  • Who man is
  • Man’s fall into sin
  • God’s plan of redemption

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the story of God’s pursuit of fallen humanity.

The Fulfillment of the Bible

The Old Testament is full of shadows and prophecies:

  • Adam points to Christ.
  • Noah’s ark points to salvation.
  • Abraham offering Isaac points to Calvary.
  • The Passover lamb points to Jesus.
  • The Tabernacle points to Jesus.
  • The sacrifices point to Jesus.

Every road in the Old Testament eventually leads to Christ.

Luke 24:27 says:

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Every Christian should know:

  • The Bible is God’s Word.
  • The Bible has one central theme: redemption.
  • The Bible finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

If you know the Bible, you know God’s plan.

2. Every Christian Should Know the Purpose of Jesus Christ

Many know the name of Jesus but do not understand why He came.

He Came to Fulfill the Old Testament

Matthew 5:17:

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.”

Jesus completed what the prophets foretold.

He was:

  • The promised Messiah
  • The Lamb of God
  • The Seed of Abraham
  • The Son of David
  • The suffering servant of Isaiah

He Came to Introduce the New Covenant

The Old Covenant was written on tables of stone.

The New Covenant would be written in hearts.

Hebrews 8:10:

“I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.”

Jesus established:

  • Grace
  • The New Birth
  • The Church
  • The Outpouring of the Holy Ghost

He Came to Show Us the Future

Jesus not only explained the past; He revealed the future.

He taught:

  • The coming of the Holy Ghost
  • The birth of the Church
  • His return
  • The resurrection
  • Heaven and hell
  • The eternal kingdom of God

Revelation calls Him:

“Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.”

Jesus stands at the center of history.

He explains the past.
He transforms the present.
He reveals the future.

Every Christian should know:

  • Why Jesus came.
  • What Jesus accomplished.
  • What Jesus is preparing.

3. Every Christian Should Know Their Place in God’s Plan

The story does not end with Jesus ascending into heaven.

Now we enter the story.

Our Place in Salvation

Acts 2:38 gives us our response:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Every believer must personally experience salvation.

Nobody can repent for you.

Nobody can be baptized for you.

Nobody can receive the Holy Ghost for you.

Our Place in the Church

The Church is not an optional activity.

It is God’s chosen instrument in the earth.

Hebrews 10:25:

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”

Every Christian should know:

  • The church needs me.
  • My family needs church.
  • I need the church.

We are not spectators.

We are participants.

Our Place in Outreach

Jesus said:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)

The mission of the Church did not end in Acts.

It continues through us.

Every Christian should ask:

  • Who am I reaching?
  • Who am I praying for?
  • Who am I inviting?
  • Who am I discipling?

God never intended for us to merely occupy a pew.

He called us to occupy the harvest field.

Every Christian should know:

  1. I have a place in salvation.
  2. I have a place in the church.
  3. I have a place in the harvest.

Conclusion

Every Christian should know three things:

1. Know the Bible

It reveals God’s plan and finds its fulfillment in Christ.

2. Know Jesus Christ

He fulfilled the Old Testament, established the New Covenant, and revealed the future.

3. Know Your Place

Your place in salvation.
Your place in the church.
Your place in the harvest.

The Bible points to Jesus.

Jesus points to the Church.

The Church points the world to Jesus.

And now God is asking each of us:

“Do you know your place in My story?”

The greatest tragedy is not ignorance of facts.

The greatest tragedy is knowing the story of redemption but never finding your place in it.

Today, let us know the Book, know the Savior, and know our place in the Kingdom of God. Amen.