The Desire to Know

The Desire to Know Christlike Affections in 2025 • The first Sunday of every month in ’25, we are asking God to heighten our religious affections. • Definition of Affection: Deep and lasting transformation of the soul that results in the zealous pursuit of God, overflowing love for God’s people, and joyful service in God. • The Foundational Affection: Determined Pursuit of the Knowledge of God. • Last month, we covered the “determined pursuit” and today we will cover “knowledge of God.” Today’s Proposition • Knowing God in Christ is every believer’s chief responsibility, highest privilege, and greatest delight. • Roadmap: 1. The Theology of Knowing God in Christ 2. The Value of Knowing God in Christ 3. The Delight of Knowing God in Christ The Theology of Knowing God in Christ • “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (John 1:18) • “Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me” (John 6:45) • “If you knew me, you would know my father also” (John 8:19) • “Whoever sees me, sees him who sent me” (John 12:45) • “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’” (John 14:9) The Theology of Knowing God in Christ • “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:18) • “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:3) • “And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:17-18). The Value of Knowing God in Christ • To know God in Christ is to have eternal life: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). • To know God in Christ is to begin comprehend God’s greatest gifts: Ephesians 1:16-21 1. To know our hope 2. To know the riches of our glorious inheritance 3. To know the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us in working His great might The Delight of Knowing God in Christ 1. Frequent Bible meditation (Psalm 1 – pg. 448) 2. Eager acceptance of Bible preaching (1 Thessalonians 2:13 – pg. 986) 3. Personal worship in every season through prayer (1 Chronicles 16:8-12 – pg. 347) 4. Refusal to tolerate known sin (Ephesians 4:25-31 – pg. 978) 5. Faith-building obedience (Psalm 37:5 – pg. 466)