Three Ways You Can Know God
Notes
Transcript
How Much is a Mom Really Worth?
If stay-at-home moms earned an annual salary for all the work they do every day, how much would they earn?
Results from an Annual Salary Survey for Mothers – (salary.com) Interviewed more than 19,000 and estimated the value of a mother's work by monitoring the market prices of all the jobs mothers perform.
The result? The median annual salary for stay-at-home moms in 2023 was $184,820 – increasing $6,619 above the pre-pandemic median.
And if you take into consideration the salary benefits that companies offer, such as bonuses, overtime and premium...a stay-at-home mom could earn over $200,000 annually!
I think we can all agree, they are worth every penny.
And let's not forget all the working moms! Data shows that they spend, on average, 54 hours a week managing domestic tasks, in addition to the hours they dedicate to working outside the home. Adding it all up, they spend a total of 107 hours a week, divided between work and home.
According to research, the role of mother includes more than 20 different positions. Here's just a sample:
housekeeper, nutritionist and facilities director – and more recent roles – as network administrator and social media communications.
CFO
Child Care
Server
laundry manager
van driver
Meeting/event planner
kitchen manager
Staff Nurse - RN I
Conflict Manager
Interior Designer I
Fast Food Cook
...the complete list has 20 different positions!
How are mothers doing all this? It seems like moms are burning the candle at both ends. Survey results show that stay-at-home moms work an average of 106 hours a week, meaning they work 15 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Stay-at-home mom, never say you don't work!
Introduction
Introduction
Let's go to Psalm 19 - I want to talk to you about three places you can know God -
Last week: “The most important thing is to know God - not to know about God, but to know God.
The greatest achievement in life is Knowing God.
Hosea 6:3 “3 Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him…
So, Pay close attention today to the texts from the Holy Bible that we are going to read today and you will learn the three ways in which you can know God.
Remember that
Knowing the Lord needs to be more than just knowing facts about Him.
It should be like meeting a close friend, where you understand His heart and desires.
Now let me tell you something: If you really know the God of the Bible, you will love him.
To know Him is to love Him.
Now let me tell you something else: if you really love Him, you will trust Him, because you cannot truly trust someone who you do not love. If you love someone and you know that they love you, then you can trust them.
Now listen. To know God is to love Him. To love Him is to trust Him.
Trusting Him is obeying Him. The reason people don't obey Him is because they probably don't trust Him.
To know the Lord is to love Him.
To love Him is to trust Him.
To trust Him is to obey Him, and
To obey Him is to be blessed.
Don't you want to be blessed? I want to be blessed.
Now, it all starts with knowing God.
And Psalm 19 is a wonderful psalm that talks about how God revealed himself to us.
God has revealed himself to you in three powerful and glorious ways.
Let’s See what God did to make you know Him…
God Revealed Himself in Creation
God Revealed Himself in Creation
First of all, God revealed himself to you in what we call creation.
I want to call it His Word in heaven.
Notice here in Psalm 19 - beginning in verse 1:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
What is the author of the Psalm, David, saying here?
We don't know when David wrote this Psalm:
perhaps when he was very young, still a shepherd lying down, looking at the starry sky of Judea;
perhaps when he was already king walking on the terrace of the palace; Maybe one night, on a battlefield,
David looked up and saw the heavens, saw those stars, and said, "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1).
And, by God's inspiration, he wrote this wonderful sonnet, this poem that we have here today.
He saw the glory of God in the heavens.
Someone said: "There are three Heavens:
Three Heavens:
The first Heaven - where birds fly;
The second Heaven - where the stars are;
The third Heaven - the abode of God.
The first Heaven we see during the day.
The second Heaven we see at night and the
The third Heaven we see by faith.
All three of these wonderful Heavens declare the glory of God.
And what do they tell us?
A. The heavens speak of the person of God
A. The heavens speak of the person of God
Well, first of all, they tell us about the person of God - that God exists!
Glory means "the brightness" of God.
All of God's creation speaks of God's existence.
You cannot have a creation without having a Creator.
I mean, guys, it doesn't take a lot of intelligence to realize that out of nothing, nothing comes.
Everything must have a beginning, except God, because only He is self-existent, it was He who created everything.
God created the heavens and the earth. The heavens declare the person of God.
B. The heavens speak of the power of God
B. The heavens speak of the power of God
And the heavens declare the power of God. Look at that verse again:
Psalm 19:1 (NIV)
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Imagine the power and energy that is demonstrated in this immense universe!
Think for example: the speed of light. I believe this will help you remember the size of this mighty, mighty universe.
Light travels at 186,000 miles/sec.
Now, folks, this is quick. Let me tell you how fast that is.
the distance from the earth to the moon is 238,900 mi/
How long does it take to get to Moon? about 3 days
It takes about 3 days for a spacecraft to reach the Moon.
Light goes from Earth to the Moon in two seconds. That's the speed.
But traveling at that speed, the light still needs to travel four and a half years to reach the nearest star.
But, if we want to reach the edges of our “known” universe, we would need to travel for 10 billion years at a speed of 186,000 miles/sec, and we would still not reach the end, because what is on the other side only God knows!
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,
15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so.
And it was so!
and so, God by the power of his Word created the unfathomable infinite reaches of space.
C. The heavens speak of God's purpose
C. The heavens speak of God's purpose
See, the heavens speak of the person of God.
The heavens speak of the power of God.
And then, they talk about God's purpose. Look at verse 2:
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
Genesis 1:14 “14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,”
Now, what does this tell us? This tells us that our universe is a universe of order.
Night follows day, and day follows night.
And God put all the planets into orbit.
God has our Earth revolving around our sun, rotating on its axis which causes night and day and day and night.
All of this works like a perfect machine.
See, Aristotle, a very brilliant man, said:
"The beauty, order and harmony of the universe are but an expression of God's will." - Aristotle
We listen to scientists who talk about the laws of nature - the laws of nature.
Friend, there are no laws of nature; It is God's laws that nature obeys.
D. The heavens speak of the presence of God
D. The heavens speak of the presence of God
And so, the heavens declare the person of God.
The heavens declare the power of God.
The heavens declare God's purpose.
And the heavens declare the presence of God.
Notice in verse 3:
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
Everywhere the heavens are declaring the very presence of God. Notice in verse 4…
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
What does this tell us?
It says that the knowledge of God is everywhere.
It is a universal language.
And therefore, if a man does not believe in God, he has no excuse.
Romans, chapter 1, verse 19-20
19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
That’s why the Bible says:
Psalm 14:1 (NIV)
1 The fool says in his heart,
“There is no God.”
The entire universe has this seal: "Made by God."
The light and heat of the sun in the heavens speak of the presence of God.
Illustration: . Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024…
You know, being an atheist must be very bad, I mean it must be very bad that you don't have anyone to thank for an eclipse of the sun like that, not being able to have in your heart a gratitude that says: "Thank you, God, for the beauty which is revealed..." Oh, "The fool says in his heart, There is no God" (Psalm 14:1; Psalm 53:1).
You can Know God through Creation,
You Can Know God Through the Word
II. God Revealed Himself in the Scriptures
II. God Revealed Himself in the Scriptures
Augustine said, “Where Scripture speaks, God speaks.”
Now, God's Proclamation is in the heavens. This is one way of knowing God.
The God who reveals himself in the heavens, He is a God of power, He is omnipotent, He is eternal,
He is organized, creative, etc. but that's not enough - that's not enough.
There is another way for you to know God: in addition to God's Proclamation in the heavens, He has given us the Word of God in the Scriptures.
See that from verse 7 onwards the psalmist begins to talk about the Scriptures
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
A. Scripture is Perfect
A. Scripture is Perfect
"The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul" (Psalm 19:7).
And that's the first thing he tells us about The Holy Scriptures - is that the Scripture is perfect.
I believe that David believed, as I do, in the inerrancy of Holy Scripture.
Jesus taught that God gave the Scriptures by inspiration.
And every syllable, every jot, every tittle, every phrase, every pen stroke, was put there by the mind and purpose of God.
"All Scripture is inspired by God" (2 Timothy 3:16), and God makes no mistakes, therefore the law of the Lord is perfect. And it revives the soul.
Friend, listen. You cannot be saved by studying a solar eclipse.
Praise be to God, we can know God because He was revealed to us in the heavens. Ah, but God's grace is revealed through the Scriptures.
The heavens reveal the glory of God.
Scripture reveals the grace of God.
"The law of the LORD is perfect, redfreshing the soul" (Psalm 19:7).
Oh, my friend, see what it says…
23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
Ah my friend, You see, salvation comes through the Word of God, which is alive and permanent!
.... "the [Word] of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul" (Psalm 19:7).
B. Scripture is a Source of Wisdom”
B. Scripture is a Source of Wisdom”
See, in verse 7, the last part:
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
Scripture imparts knowledge to those who are inexperienced.
Don't you rejoice in that?
You don't need to be a Ph.D. to understand the Bible.
Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21 Jesus said that God "[hidden] these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to babes"
That's the wonderful thing about the Word of the Lord.
It is perfect, and at the same time simple for those who want to understand.
“They make the inexperienced wise.” (Psalm 19:7).
C. Scripture is an Emotional Balm
C. Scripture is an Emotional Balm
Notice what the Word of God says in verse 8:
Psalm 19:8 (NIV)
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
The Word of God is “emotional balm”…
How many mothers, when crying for their children, have found help, hope and promises in the Word of God?
how many bankrupt people got back on their feet because of the Word…
I wonder: have you ever experienced the emotional balm that is in the Word of God? …
Look again at verse 8. It says:
Psalm 19:8 “8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
Nowadays, there are all kinds of philosophies with empty promisses.
Someone said there are over 6,000 promises in the Bible.
I don't know. I didn't count them. But I read to you this… 2Cor.1:20
2 Corinthians 1:20“20
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”
none of them have ever been broken
D. The Scriptures are Permanent
D. The Scriptures are Permanent
I will tell you one more thing about the Word of God in the Scriptures.
See, verse 9 - . The Bible says
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
This means that the Scriptures never become out of date.
They do not have an expiration date.
They apply to all eras.
They apply to all circumstances.
What other book - that is millennia old That man in the 21st century applies his knowledge to his professional life?
It is impressive how the Word of the Lord endures, how it is so permanent.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33), said God.
And because all these other things, the Word of the Lord is precious. Notice in verse 10:
Psalm 19:10 (NIV)
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the honeycomb.
A true believer is one who considers the Word of God Precious.
I don't believe anyone can truly love God without loving the Word of God.
How precious is the Word of God!
I wonder how many of us today - are desiring the Word of the Lord more because it is more precious than gold? USD$$
E. The Scriptures are Protective
E. The Scriptures are Protective
Thank God, God's glory is revealed in heaven, but God's grace is revealed in God's Word. And since, dear friend, the Scripture is precious, it is also protective.
Look at verse 11:
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
Do you want to stay out of trouble?
Do you want to learn how to be truly healthy, rich and wise?
Do you want to learn how to be successful in this treacherous world?
Oh, the Scriptures - given to us for our warning and protection.
F. The Scriptures are Beneficial
F. The Scriptures are Beneficial
But they are not just protective, dear friend, they are beneficial. Notice in verse 11:
Psalm 19:11 (NIV)
11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
TO OBEY IS TO BE BLESSED
Now, do you want to know God?
1. You have the Word of God in heaven. Thank God for that. This tells us of the glory of God.
2. You have God's Word in the Scriptures. It tells us about the grace of God.
3. There is another way God reveals Himself to you.
III. God Reveals Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit
III. God Reveals Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit
You see, without this way, the other two ways will mean nothing.
The Holy Spirit takes His Word in heaven - that is, in creation - and His Word in Scripture - that is, in revelation - and applies it to your heart.
Now, notice what the Psalmist, David, continues to say as he continues this Psalm:
Psalm 19:12 (NIV)
12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Now, he is speaking directly to God.
He's not talking about the Word.
He is not talking about what God has done, but he is talking directly to God.
Who can discern their own errors?
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Now, this is the Revelation of the knowledge of God through the Holy Spirit.
There are four things the Holy Spirit does to transform the Proclamation in creation and the Proclamation of the Word into truths for your heart.
A. Conviction of Sin
A. Conviction of Sin
The first thing is the conviction of the Spirit.
Notice again in verse 12:
Psalm 19:12
Who can discern his own errors?
None of us can discern our own errors (sins) for ourselves.
Only with the help of God's Spirit can we put our finger on our sins.
You see, in order for us to truly know God, we need to be examined and convicted by God's Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, in John chapter 16 and verse 8, "And when he comes, he will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment" (John 16:8).
But why does He convict us of our sin?
To make us feel bad? No!
He convinces us to take us to the second step, which is...
B. Purification of the Spirit
B. Purification of the Spirit
Psalm 19:12 (NIV)
12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
You see, God's Holy Spirit takes the blood of Jesus Christ and allows us to confess our sins and helps us to be absolved - cleansed - of our sins.
First John 1, verse 7: "The blood of Jesus Christ [the Son of God] cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
This is what the Spirit of God does.
He takes this divine detergent when he convinces us. Then, He cleanses us from this sin.
But, wait a bit. He's not done with us yet.
Just to be convinced and purified - don't stop there.
This is why many people do not know God as they should.
Notice what David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says about the next step,
What is the next step?
C. Control of the Spirit
C. Control of the Spirit
Look, verse 13:
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
Do you want to live in freedom?
Do you want to live in victory?
So don't be stubborn, let God's Holy Spirit convince you, then purify you and then control you, so that you live and walk in victory day after day!
How sad it is - how sad it is - when sin has dominion over a child of God!
Sin will have no dominion over you, my friend, when you walk in the convicting, cleansing, and controlling power of the Spirit of God.
Romans 8:2 “2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”
God has freed us from the slavery of sin!
Slavery is not God's plan for you.
God's plan for you is for you to walk in freedom!
Now notice why it's not finished yet.
To know God, ultimately, we need the
conviction of the Spirit,
purification of the Spirit, and then the
control of the Spirit,
but why all this?
Here you go, friend. This brings you into the fellowship of the Spirit.
D. The Communion of the Spirit
D. The Communion of the Spirit
14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Walk with Him,
Talk with him,
commune with Him,
meditate with Him -
That's what it's all about: knowing God!
Conclusion
How do you know God?
Well, He gave us the Proclamation in the heavens: "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1).
We have the Word in Scripture: "The law of the LORD is perfect" (Psalm 19:7).
But, oh, there is the Word of the Spirit of God that convicts us, that purifies us, that controls us, and that leads us into sweet fellowship.
And I want to tell you again, my dear friend - listen to me;
to know Him is to love Him, to love Him is to trust Him, to trust Him is to obey Him, to obey Him is to be blessed.