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Knowing God - The Ultimate Priority
| John Hoole | March 7 & 14, 2004 |
DO YOU KNOW GOD?
WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY, "I KNOW GOD"?HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW HIM?HOW WERE YOU INTRODUCED THE FIRST TIME YOU MET?
Now, here is a question that I hope makes you really examine yourself. CAN YOU SAY THAT YOU KNOW HIM WELL?
If you know Him well, there must have been a time when you didn't know him quite so well or you knew Him only remotely.
WHAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE? HOW DID YOU TRANSITION FROM JUST KNOWING HIM (OR ABOUT HIM) TO WHERE YOU KNOW HIM INTIMATELY? IN OTHER WORDS, HOW DOES ONE REALLY GET TO KNOW GOD INTIMATELY?
1. You have to spend time with Him.You can't really get to know someone without being around them. You have to commit yourself with His company and interests.2. A dialog between the two of you must exist.
And be careful you don't do all the talking.3. Observe what He does or has done.
a. His creationb. His miracles
c. His other works.
4. By listening to how others, who know Him well, talk about Him.
They use descriptive words that add to our understanding of God and knowledge of Him. Sometimes these descriptive words are given in such a manner that they become a name or a title for God. (e.g., "My Savior" or "Lord")The Bible has over 100 such names for God, each of which accentuate a quality or specific aspect of His character.
For the last couple of weeks, we have been looking at what the Bible says about "knowing God." We are continuing in our study of the Book of Proverbs, and have been using Proverbs 9:10 to help us examine knowing God.
Proverbs 9:10 NKJV
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
We have already looked at the importance of fearing God. Now we are examining how we can have "the knowledge of the Holy One." This verse in Proverbs informs us the benefits of knowing God.
1. Wisdom has its foundation and root in a proper fear of God.2. Insight and understanding are a product of "knowing God."
I think each of us would desire a keener insight and a more mature understanding of God. It comes from knowing God, the Holy One. We need to get to know God. Not just know ABOUT Him, but know him INTIMATELY. Let's see how we can turn our knowledge about God into knowledge of Him.
We have already discussed four ways that help us get to know God better. To review, they are:
1. We must spend time with Him2. A dialog between the two of us must exist.
3. We need to observe what He does or has done.
3. Listen to what others, who know Him well, have to say about Him.
Last week we looked at other ways in which God has provided for us to know about Him, and then come to really know Him.
THROUGH WHAT MEANS HAS GOD SPOKEN TO US ABOUT HIMSELF?
1. The written Word of God - The Bible (John 20:30-31)2. The Living Word - Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2)
3. The Holy Spirit (John 14:7).
4. The True Church (John 13:35).
5. Nature - His creation (Psalm 19:1-2)
6. Our Conscience
7. Our Life experiences
8. Prayer
Many of the means whereby we can know God, or about Him, will at their best paint an incomplete picture of God. For instance, Psalm 19:1 (NKJV) says:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge.
I am truly amazed and intrigued when I look at the creation of God. This is true whether I am looking at the stellar space of the stars and galaxies, or peering through a microscope at the smallest amoeba. We can look at the things that God has made and to some degree learn some things about God. Things like:
a. The vastness of the size of His creationb. The smallest detail has been attended to.
c. The complexities of how the universe functions indicates something of the intelligence of God.
Psalm 19:1 informs us that God's creation conveys to our minds a true impression of God's greatness. It impresses upon us the glory and the majesty of the Creator. But, while it is true that what the creation teaches us about God is truly accurate and perfect, it is limited in the scope of what it teaches us.
HOW IS CREATION LIMITED IN WHAT IT TELLS US ABOUT GOD? WHERE DOES IT FALL SHORT IN HELPING US TO REALLY KNOW GOD?
Creation only tells us a part of what there is to know about God, but says little if anything as to how we can really know Him. The creation tells us nothing about God's mercy and love and compassion. It doesn't indicate that He sent His Son to die in our place.
Earlier I mentioned there are more than 100 different names for God in the Bible. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NAMES OF GOD? WHAT DO THESE NAMES TELL US ABOUT GOD?
Each of these names convey some quality of the Person we call God. Names were very important to the Israelites. A names wasn't just a label, but a sense of identity. This is also true of the names given to God. But the names of God do not tell us everything about Himself. They do, however, tell us much more than his creation.
o Jehovah Jirah - The Lord who will provide.o Jehovah Rapha - The Lord who heals
To really know God, a person must meet Him and converse with Him and let God talk to them. You cannot really know someone whom you have never met and talked with. And we will only know Him intimately if He discloses to us things about Himself. He has done that in His Word.
Matthew 4:4 (NKJV) says:
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"It is the Word that proceeds from the mouth of God by which we can know Him. The Bible is a self-revelation of the Person of God.
At the end of our last lesson, I asked you to think about this questions. WHICH IS GREATER - GOD'S NAME OR GOD'S WORD?
Psalms 138:2 NKJV
2 I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
This verse makes a remarkable statement. The names of God describe the different aspects of His character and nature, and everything that God is, which He has revealed about Himself. These names indicate His justice, majesty, holiness, greatness and glory. And yet, He has magnified something above His name. "...You have magnified Your Word above all Your name."
When reading this verse a moment ago, I read from the New King James Version. The New International Version (NIV) has translated this verse differently.
Psalms 138:2 NIV
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
The American Standard Version, the Amplified Bible, the Darby Bible, Young's Literal Translation all agree with the King James and the New King James. The Revised Standard Version agrees with the NIV.
God's Word is His communication to us…..the revelation of Himself to His people. It is to be a lamp to our feet in a dark and fallen world. Without it we would have no way to know God or how to do God's will.
Psalm 119:9 asks the question: "How can a young man cleanse his way?"
WHAT IS THE ANSWER THE PSALMIST GIVES TO HIS OWN QUESTION?
He answers, "by taking heed according to Your Word."
Just a few verses later, verse 11 say: "Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You." God's Word keeps us from sin and keeps us on his path.
The Word of God is superior in it clarity, and in its importance, to all other manifestation which He has made of Himself. The Word of God is a complete and perfect revelation of God. Now, let's look at Proverbs 2.
Proverbs 2:5 NKJV
5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
Firstly, notice that this verse echoes the two promises found in the key verse we read at the beginning of our lesson today. Proverbs 9:10 told us:
o The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdomo The knowledge of God (Holy One) leads to understanding.
This verse in Proverbs 9 tells us the benefits of fearing God and Knowing Him. They put us on the path to wisdom and knowing God more intimately.
So, how does one gain the fear of the Lord and a knowledge of God? We have already addressed the "fear of the Lord." But, to possess to knowledge of God, is found in Proverbs 2.
A moment ago we read verse 5. Did you notice it begins with the word "then?"
WHAT DOES THAT TELL US?
That means, it is tied to the verses preceding it. The use of the conjunction "then" in this place seems to indicate this verse is at the tail-end of something important. Something that reveals how to have a proper reverence for God, and how to get to know God. What we have here are a set of conditional clauses. These are sometimes referred to as "IF-THEN" statements. By that, I mean: IF certain parameters exist and are met, THEN (and only then) is the next instruction carried out.
In verse 5, which we read a moment ago, we find the last half of the "conditional clause" instruction. It begins with "THEN."
o "THEN you will understand the fear of the Lord."o "THEN you will come to know God."
Before examining the conditions necessary for gaining the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God notices that verse 9 also is a continuation of the conditional clause.
Proverbs 2:9 NKJV
9 THEN you will understand righteousness and justice, equity (fairness) and every good path.Now, let's look at the first part of the "conditional clauses" in Proverbs 2. Let's go back and read the first four verses in addition to verse 5.
Proverbs 2:1-5 NKJV
1 My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
There are 3 Ifs given here, but there are a least 6 conditions set down. And if we observe these conditions - doing what they say, we are promised that we will know God more intimately, and gain proper respect and reverence for God, which is the foundation of wisdom.
WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN VERSE 1 THROUGH 4?
IF YOU:
1. Receive my words (vs. 1)
2. Treasure (KJV = hide) my commandments within you (vs. 1)
3. Incline your ear to wisdom (vs. 2)
4. Apply your heart to understanding. (vs. 2)
IF YOU:
5. Cry out for discernment (kjv = knowledge; niv = insight) and lift up your voice for understanding (vs. 3)
IF YOU:
6. Seek for her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasure (vs. 4)
I would liken these 6 clauses to the following categories:
1. The Word of God
2. Scripture memorization
3. Attentive listening
4. Obedient application
5. Persistent prayer
6. Diligent study
The first two categories mentioned, and possibly the last, refers to the Word of God. These verses tell us what we have already stated in our lesson today, namely, God is known by a study of His Word. Our faith in God is not dependent upon human knowledge or scientific advances, but on the unmistakable message of the Word of God. The Bible is old, yet it is ever new.
If you went to church when you were a child, you probably sang this chorus. "The B-I-B-L-E, yes that's the Book for me, I stand alone on the Word of God. The B-I-B-L-E."
WHY IS THE BIBLE SO IMPORTANT?
1. It is an absolute in a world that thinks there is none.
As such, it becomes a plumb line...a rule...a level...against which you can align or balance everything else.
2. It is a Guide.
It gives direction……it points the way.
3. It is the owner's handbook for life.
It tells us the purpose for our creation and being. The Bible and you are meant to go together - to be inseparable. It is the only Book that offers a warranty for eternity.
4. The Bible is a tangible thing.
We can hold it in our hands and read its words in black and white (and red). Many of God's other gifts are often spiritual and intangible (i.e., salvation and other blessings). His Word is real and literal and visible.
5. It is important because it is God's revelation to mankind.
It is a revelation of Himself. Without it we would not have a complete picture of God.
6. The Word of God sheds light upon human nature, world problems and suffering.
His Word tells us why these things occur, and directs us as to what to do about them.
7. The Word of God perfectly discloses God's...
a. Character
b. Will
c. Purpose
d. Perfection
e. Feelings
Without a doubt, the central theme running throughout the Bible is the person of Jesus Christ. Christ is the grand subject - even in the Old Testament. Man's good is its design. And the glory of God is its end. His appearance on the earth is the central event of all History. The whole Bible is built around the story of Christ and His promise of life everlasting to men. It was written so that we might believe and understand, know and love, and follow Him.
The Bible is the only book that reveals the mind of God as well as: the state of man……the way of salvation……the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy,
- its precepts binding,
- its histories true,
- and its decision immutable.
It contains light to direct,
- spiritual food to sustain,...
- and comfort to cheer.
Man should read it to be wise,...
- believe it to be safe,
- and practice it to be holy.
He should read it that it might fill his memory,
- rule his heart,
- and guide his feet in righteousness and true holiness.
He should read it slowly,...
o frequently
o prayerfully,
o meditatively,
o searchingly,
o devotionally,……...and study it constantly,...
o perseveringly,
o industriously,
o through and through...until it becomes a part of his being, generating faith that will move mountains.
The teachings of the Bible are immeasurably superior to those of any, and all, other books. Our faith in God is not dependent upon human knowledge or scientific advances, but on the unmistakable message of the Word of God. The Bible is old, yet it is ever new.
Let me put it this way: The Bible is universal in its appeal,
- reasonable in its teachings,
- reliable in is promises,
- everlasting in its usefulness,
- new and modern in its statements,
- indispensable to human civilization,
- indisputable in its authority,
- interesting in its histories,
- colorful in its biographies,
- accurate in its prophecies,
- individual in its message,
- far-reaching in its vision,
- complete in its laws,
- comprehensive in its knowledge,
- infinite in its detail,
- unselfish in its purpose,
- simple in its application,
- just and fair in its demands,
- righteous in its judgments,
- and masterful in its wisdom.
The Bible touches every area of life.
You want to know about relationships? It touches that.You want to know about marriage? It touches that.
You want to know about work ethics? It touches that.
You want to know about the factors of the human mind? You want to know about motives? You want to know why you do what you do and how to do it better? You want to know what you're to live for? It's all there in the Bible. The matters of skill in daily living are all there.
The Book tells you about attitudes,
- reactions,
- responses,
- how to treat people,
- How you're to be treated by people,
- how to cultivate virtue in your life?
Every aspect of living is covered in the pages of the Bible. It can take a person with no understanding, and make him or her skilled in the matter of daily living. I hope you are getting a glimpse of why I get so excited about the Bible, and why I love to study it every day.
The unity of the Book we call the Bible defies man's ingenuity, and far beyond mankind's capability to write without the helping hand of God. Nowhere in the realm of literature is there such a challenge as:
o 40 different writers from every walk of life - from peasant to king,…o writing 66 segments which we call books,….
o over a period of nearly 1,600 years.
And yet, there is a central theme running from cover to cover, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, the Son of God.
We can read from Genesis to Revelation and find no disjointed scenario, put together by happenstance. We can pass from one style of literature to another - poetry to history - as easily as though we were reading a story written by one hand and produced by one life. And, INDEED, we do have a story produced by one mind - the mind of the Holy Spirit, though not written by one hand.
2 Peter 1:21 (NKJV) tells us:
21 For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible begins with God - Genesis 1:1, and ends with man - Revelation 22:21. The Bible is indeed a message from God to man. Just looking at the first and last Books of the Bible - Genesis and Revelation - gives a hint of continuity of the whole, for the end fills out and completes the beginning.
In Genesis we have creation;
In Revelation we have the consummation.In Genesis we have the marriage of the first Adam;
In Revelation we have the marriage of the Last Adam - Jesus Christ.In Genesis Satan is deceiving our first parents;
In Revelation Satan is deceiving the nations of the earth.In Genesis death manifests itself;
In Revelation death is destroyed.In Genesis man is shut out from the tree of life;
In Revelation man is given access to it.In Genesis the river waters the Garden of Eden;
In Revelation the river flows through the city of God.In Genesis the Hebrew family is begotten;
In Revelation the Hebrew nation is perfected.In Genesis the nations of the earth are in birth;
In Revelation the nations of the earth are in blessing.In Genesis creation is in ruin;
In Revelation creation is restored.
The beginning and the ending of the Bible fit together like clasped hands, they respond to each other like an echo to the other's voice, and they meet like the two halves of a sphere. We can look from one to the other - from the beginning to the end, from the purpose to its accomplishments, from the prophecy to its fulfillment, and say "without a doubt, the Bible has a divine origin."
Now, let's take what we have learned about the Word of God, and apply it again to how we can come to really know God intimately.
The Word of God is superior in it clarity, and in its importance, than all other manifestation which He has made of Himself that is in the world today. The Word of God is a complete and perfect revelation of God. There is a false notion that a book as ancient as the Bible cannot speak to the needs and concerns of modern men and women. But, the Bible is the most modern and relevant Book in the world today. It is always up-to-date.
WHERE DOES KNOWING GOD BEGIN?
To know God personally is Salvation. When a person accepts the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for their sins, realizing they are lost without Him, then "knowing God" begins. They may not know Him fully, but they do know Him. But the Bible tells us that to know Him as Savior is only where it begins, not where it ends. We must get to know Him as Father, Friend, Guide, and the better we know Him, the more satisfying our spiritual lives will be. We are instructed in Scripture to grow in our knowledge of God.
One such verse corroborating this is Ephesians 1:17 NIV
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better and better.
Peter echoes Paul's teaching, and admonished his readers to grow in knowing God.
2 Peter 3:18 NIV
18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
The Christian's life cannot be one of stagnation. It will be either a life of growth or a life of deterioration. And the context here is that growth in the knowledge of our Lord, is a safeguard against apostasy and heresy.
Let me ask you, would you say that you know God personally? If so, how well? Barely? Casually? Intimately?
Polls reveal that, in spite of the increased secularization of our society, the great majority of Americans still believe in the existence of God. When the average person considers the evidence thoughtfully, they come to the convinced persuasion that there is no other logical explanation for things as they are or life as we know it. There must be a personal God.
But if those same people were asked, "Do you know God personally?" many would have to admit that they had never actually thought about it. Having a personal and intimate relationship with God is something that has never occurred to them. In fact, they are not even sure that God is knowable, or that they would want to know Him if they thought they could.
All of us have our own mental image of what God is like. Psychologists tell us that this image of God is formed largely through our relationships with our earthly father. For some, God is an angry tyrant who is upset with them most of the time. Who wants to know a god like that?
For others, God is a strict disciplinarian who is always watching over their shoulder ready to rap their knuckles if they step out of line. They want to get far away from a god like that.
For still others, God is an absentee father who is too busy or too aloof to care about them. He created them but now He has more important things to do. There isn't much sense in trying to get to know a god like that.
And for yet others, God is like an old fashioned great-grandfather who might be nice to know, but who really wouldn't understand them or have much in common with them.
I don't know where these ideas about God came from, but none of them speak of God as He is presented in the Bible. God wants us to know Him intimately. He desires that kind of relationship with us.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 NKJV
23 Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD.
Let's look at the biblical contrast between those who know God and those who do not.
Hosea 4:6 NKJV
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
NIV reads: "..destroyed FROM lack of knowledge..."NJB reads: "...perish for WANT of knowledge..."
WHAT KIND OF KNOWLEDGE IS HOSEA REFERRING TO IN THIS VERSE?
This is not the knowledge that comes from possessing data and facts which a person can obtain through a greater earthly education. Actually, Hosea gives us the answer earlier in this chapter.
Hosea 4:1 NKJV
1 Hear the word of the LORD, you children of Israel, for the LORD brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land: "There is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land.
Another translation reads…. "...they don't know God." Because they didn't know God, the people were unable to recognize His Word when the prophets spoke to them.
1 Samuel 2:12 NASB
12 Now the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the LORD.
I don't think any of us want God to say of us that we are worthless.2 Thessalonians 1:8 NIV
8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,If I were to ask you what you want in your life as a Christian somewhere on your list would be:
1. I want God's power and strength to be active in my life.2. I want to walk in the peace that only God can give.
3. I want to have God's wisdom to help me in all the decision I make.
4. I want my life to be one of growing in the Lord.
All of these are promised to those who know the Lord.Power and Strength
Daniel 11:32 NKJV
32 … the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.Get to really know your God, and He promises power in your life.Peace
2 Peter 1:2 NKJV
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,We won't have just grace and peace. Grace and peace will be multiplied in our lives when we know God.The ordinary Greek word for "knowledge" is Gnosis. But that is not the word that is used in this, and many other Passages. Peter uses EPIGNOSIS, which means "full knowledge." The prefix "EPI" means "toward" something. In this case, He is speaking of moving towards full knowledge of God. So, epignosis is knowledge which points to God, and to an ever increasing knowledge of Him.
Both grace and peace are increased in the believer by the full or thorough knowledge of God. We enjoy God's grace and peace to the extent that we know Him. The peace that is mentioned here is that inner tranquility, a quiet confidence, that brings great stability to your life when facing difficulties. That kind of peace depends on an intimate knowledge of God.
Wisdom
We read Ephesians 1:17 earlier, but let's read it again here.
Ephesians 1:17 NIV
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.Paul was a man who enjoyed the benefits of knowing God. And he longed for his coverts to share those same blessings. Paul is referring to true spiritual understanding which the Holy Spirit alone could produce. He wanted then to enjoy the wisdom and revelation of God. The people who intimately know their God have spiritual understanding that far surpasses their formal education. You don't need a degree in theology to understand the Scriptures. You need the wisdom and revelation of God, which will cause you to know Him even better.
Growth
Paul's prayer for the Colossians describes another advantage of knowing God.
Colossians 1:9-10 NKJV
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;Our fruitfulness and our growth depends on knowing God. The more we know His love for us, the more we love Him in return (1 John 4:19) And the more we love Him, the more we want to please Him.
Freedom
There is one more general blessing of knowing God that I would like to point out. It is found in Paul's letter to the Galatians. This church was having a problem with legalism. They lived in constant fear that they had not done enough to please God and that led them to an overwhelming feeling of guilt. The only way to compensate for their guilt was to try harder. One word sums up that kind of Christian life. BONDAGE God never intended us to live like that. Knowing Him truly, personally, and intimately delivers us from bondage.
Galatians 4:9 NKJV
9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?They came to know God and their knowledge had delivered them from bondage. But, sad to say, some were willfully choosing to put themselves back under that bondage. What was their problem? They thought they were trying to please God. Trying to please God without growing in our knowledge of Him…… ……will put ourselves under bondage every time. We think we have to perform to be accepted. So we struggle and strive to please Him, never quite sure that we have succeeded. We are frustrated over the pressure we think God has put on us, and yet we are afraid to stop trying.
When we understand His love, His grace, His forgiveness, and His unconditional acceptance of us in Christ, which comes from knowing Him, the obedience is no longer a struggle or a grind.
We have looked at five blessing that come as we know God better and better.
o Power and strengtho Peace
o Wisdom
o Growth
o Freedom.
According to Peter, there is actually no end to the blessings of knowing God.
2 Peter 1:3 NKJV
3 …His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.Truly knowing God makes the way to receive all the blessings that pertain to life and godliness. Everything we need to assure us of eternity in God's presence is found in knowing Him. Everything we need to live godly lives here and now is also found in knowing God.
Summary
So, what have we learned thus far about knowing God?
I. We have learned what it means to "know the Lord."
A. This is not a "head knowledge" but a "heart knowledge."Jeremiah 31:33-34 NKJV
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."B. It is not the accumulation of facts or intellectual truths, but a personal revelation of He who is The Truth
2 Timothy 3:7 (NKJV) tells us of those who are always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. No, to know God requires a personal revelation from God.
C. Knowing about God is not enough. We need to know Him personally.
God desires us to enter into a realm of experience higher than the initial salvation.
II. The knowledge of God is progressive
A At this moment we know only in part. (1 Corinthians 13:9-12)
B. The Scriptures say that we are to increase in knowledge of Him.
Colossians 1:10 NASB
10 So that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
III. God created us with a desire to know Him
A. He has given us a heart to know Him.
Jeremiah 24:7 NKJV
7 Then I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart.
B. We are betrothed to know the Lord.
Hosea 2:19-20 NKJV
19 "I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, In lovingkindness and mercy;
20 I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know the LORD.
C. One day all on earth will know Him
Jeremiah 31:33-34 NKJV
33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."
IV. God really desires for us to get to know Him
A God takes great delight in our knowing HimJeremiah 9:24 (NKJV)
But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD.B. God says that without a knowledge of Him, people perish and dry up with thirst.
Isaiah 5:13 NKJV
13 Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; Their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.Hosea 4:6 NKJV
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
V. God Knows us and calls us by name
John 10:14, 27 NKJV14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
1 Corinthians 8:3 NKJV
3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
Conclusion
Knowing God is more than an acquaintance. It is more than an acknowledgement. It is more than an awareness of God. It is more than ordinary factual data. The apostle Paul said that in comparison to the "surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus," everything else is rubbish. Such knowledge is speaking of finding yourself in Christ. You cannot know someone if they don't know you. Because Christ knows us fully, we seek to know Him more fully.
We are...chosen in Him, given to Him, loved by Him, and identified with Him,
2 Peter 3:18
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forevermore. Amen."
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