Knowing God

Hosea 4:1–6 NLT

1 Hear the word of the Lord, O people of Israel! The Lord has brought charges against you, saying: “There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. 2 You make vows and break them; you kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere— one murder after another. 3 That is why your land is in mourning, and everyone is wasting away. Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea are disappearing. 4 “Don’t point your finger at someone else and try to pass the blame! My complaint, you priests, is with you. 5 So you will stumble in broad daylight, and your false prophets will fall with you in the night. And I will destroy Israel, your mother. 6 My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me. Since you priests refuse to know me, I refuse to recognize you as my priests. Since you have forgotten the laws of your God, I will forget to bless your children.

1. Those who know God have great energy for God

Sub Point 1. Make yourself available, God will work through you

Phil 2:13-14 “13. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 14. Do everything without complaining and arguing,” (NLT)

Sub Point 2. Remember why you are doing the work—for God

14. Do everything without complaining and arguing,”

Sub Point 3. Develop a good attitude

Phil 2:5-8 “5. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. 8. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (NLT)

2. Those who know God have great thoughts of God

Sub Point 1. Adopt a Heavenly Mindset

Rom 12:2 “2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Sub Point 2. Focus your thoughts on the right things

Phil 4:8 “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Sub Point 3. Seek God’s Wisdom

James 1:5 “5 “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (NLT)

3. Those who know God show great boldness for God

Sub Point 1. It is better to obey God

Acts 5:29 “29 “But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (NLT)

Sub Point 2. Jesus gives us boldness

Eph 3:12 “12 “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” (NLT)

Sub Point 3. Pray for Boldness

Acts 4:29-31 “29 “And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” (NLT)

4. Those who know God have great contentment in God

Sub Point 1. Be content with what you have

2 Cor 12:9 “9 “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (NLT)

Sub Point 2. Practice Gratitude

Phil 4:6-7 “6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

Sub Point 3. Trusting God is the secret to contentment

Mt 6:33 “33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (NLT)

To forgiving those who have sinned against us

To giving generously even beyond your means

To rejoicing even when losing

To joy in the midst of affliction

To hope when all is hopeless

To blessing those who persecute us

To courage in leaving family and property for Jesus’s sake

To overcoming discouragement due to adversity and weakness

To facing every other fear and anxiety-producing temptation

Jn 16:33 “33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”” (NLT)