KNOWING GOD
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MESSAGE 2
MESSAGE 2
The Knowledge of God
The Knowledge of God
THE LIVING GOD THE GREATEST OF ALL KNOWLEDGE
THE LIVING GOD THE GREATEST OF ALL KNOWLEDGE
Where should a believer begin his or her study of Christianity?
Where should a believer begin his or her study of Christianity?
The answer is simple, though not always obvious to all:
The answer is simple, though not always obvious to all:
Christianity is first and foremost about the person and work of God.
Christianity is first and foremost about the person and work of God.
Therefore, we should begin our study with Him!
Therefore, we should begin our study with Him!
1. According to Jeremiah 9:23-24,
1. According to Jeremiah 9:23-24,
23 Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Neither let the mighty man glory in his might, Let not the rich man glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, That he understandeth and knoweth me, That I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: For in these things I delight, saith the Lord.
What is the most important and most essential knowledge that a person can possess?
What is the most important and most essential knowledge that a person can possess?
Explain your answer.
Explain your answer.
NOTES: The attributes of God refer to His fundamental, permanent, and unchanging characteristics—who He really is.
NOTES: The attributes of God refer to His fundamental, permanent, and unchanging characteristics—who He really is.
It should be obvious that knowledge of God is the most important knowledge that we can possess.
It should be obvious that knowledge of God is the most important knowledge that we can possess.
As Christians, we should devote our lives to knowing God and making Him known.
As Christians, we should devote our lives to knowing God and making Him known.
2. The knowledge of God begins with His attributes, but does not stop there.
2. The knowledge of God begins with His attributes, but does not stop there.
It also includes the knowledge of His will.
It also includes the knowledge of His will.
What does Ephesians 5:17 admonish us with regard to this truth?
What does Ephesians 5:17 admonish us with regard to this truth?
a,
a,
Ephesians 5:17 (KJV 1900)
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
NOTES: The will of God refers to His purposes, plans, and desires.
NOTES: The will of God refers to His purposes, plans, and desires.
We are called to seek God’s will and live according to it. In the Scriptures, the word “fool” “unwise” is a moral term.
We are called to seek God’s will and live according to it. In the Scriptures, the word “fool” “unwise” is a moral term.
It does not refer to a person who is unintelligent, but to someone who does not recognize the importance of knowing God and living according to His will.
It does not refer to a person who is unintelligent, but to someone who does not recognize the importance of knowing God and living according to His will.
3. According to the words of Jesus in John 17:3, what is eternal life?
3. According to the words of Jesus in John 17:3, what is eternal life?
John 17:3 (KJV 1900)
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
What is the one great purpose of the believer’s new relationship with God?
What is the one great purpose of the believer’s new relationship with God?
NOTES: Eternal life does not just refer to a quantity of life (i.e. life without end), but to a quality of life: the great purpose of life is to know God in an intimate relationship.
NOTES: Eternal life does not just refer to a quantity of life (i.e. life without end), but to a quality of life: the great purpose of life is to know God in an intimate relationship.
I} BENEFITS OF KNOWING GOD
I} BENEFITS OF KNOWING GOD
The benefits of knowing God are so vast that they cannot be considered in detail in this work.
The benefits of knowing God are so vast that they cannot be considered in detail in this work.
However, we will mention a few of the most basic ones that are directly stated in the Scriptures.
However, we will mention a few of the most basic ones that are directly stated in the Scriptures.
In the following are found four great benefits that are derived from a biblical knowledge of God.
In the following are found four great benefits that are derived from a biblical knowledge of God.
1. Understanding
1. Understanding
a. Proverbs 9:10 –
a. Proverbs 9:10 –
Proverbs 9:10 (KJV 1900)
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
NOTES: A correct view of God is necessary in order to have a correct view of everything else.
NOTES: A correct view of God is necessary in order to have a correct view of everything else.
Only in the light of a true knowledge of God can we have a true understanding of reality; especially regarding who we are, our need, and the purpose of our existence.
Only in the light of a true knowledge of God can we have a true understanding of reality; especially regarding who we are, our need, and the purpose of our existence.
2. Trust or Faith
2. Trust or Faith
a. Psalm 9:10 –
a. Psalm 9:10 –
Psalm 9:10 (KJV 1900)
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
NOTES: In the Scriptures, the name of God is a reference to God Himself.
NOTES: In the Scriptures, the name of God is a reference to God Himself.
The more we know about Him (His perfect character and unlimited power), the more we will be able to believe Him and trust Him with every aspect of our lives.
The more we know about Him (His perfect character and unlimited power), the more we will be able to believe Him and trust Him with every aspect of our lives.
3. Spiritual Strength
3. Spiritual Strength
a. Daniel 11:32 –
a. Daniel 11:32 –
Daniel 11:32 (KJV 1900)
32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
NOTES: To live the Christian life takes a strength that is beyond our own.
NOTES: To live the Christian life takes a strength that is beyond our own.
The more we know about God, the stronger we will be spiritually, and the more willing and able we will be to actively live for Him regardless of the obstacles.
The more we know about God, the stronger we will be spiritually, and the more willing and able we will be to actively live for Him regardless of the obstacles.
The Bible says that in a time of great trial, David “was greatly distressed,” but he “strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (I Samuel 30:6).
The Bible says that in a time of great trial, David “was greatly distressed,” but he “strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (I Samuel 30:6).
1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV 1900)
6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
4. Perseverance
4. Perseverance
a. II Timothy 1:12 –
a. II Timothy 1:12 –
2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV 1900)
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
NOTES: The Apostle Paul wrote this right before he was to die as a martyr for Christ under the corrupt rule of the Roman Empire.
NOTES: The Apostle Paul wrote this right before he was to die as a martyr for Christ under the corrupt rule of the Roman Empire.
He remained faithful to Christ and did not deny the faith.
He remained faithful to Christ and did not deny the faith.
He stood bold, unashamed, and confident because he knew the character and power of the One in whom he had come to believe!
He stood bold, unashamed, and confident because he knew the character and power of the One in whom he had come to believe!
II} DANGERS OF NOT KNOWING GOD
II} DANGERS OF NOT KNOWING GOD
Like the benefits of knowing God, the devastating consequences of not knowing Him are also so vast that they cannot all be considered in detail in this work.
Like the benefits of knowing God, the devastating consequences of not knowing Him are also so vast that they cannot all be considered in detail in this work.
However, we will mention six of the most basic, each of which is directly stated in the Scriptures.
However, we will mention six of the most basic, each of which is directly stated in the Scriptures.
1. Remaking God in our own Image
1. Remaking God in our own Image
a. Psalm 50:21 –
a. Psalm 50:21 –
Psalm 50:21 (KJV 1900)
21 These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: But I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.
NOTES: In the absence of a true knowledge of God, man will form his own opinions and remake God in his own image.
It will always result in a deformed and degraded view of God. It will always result in God’s judgment!
2. False Worship
2. False Worship
a. In John 4:22,
a. In John 4:22,
John 4:22 (KJV 1900)
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
what did
what did
Jesus tell the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well regarding herself, her people, and their religion?
Jesus tell the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well regarding herself, her people, and their religion?
NOTES: Idolatry occurs whenever we worship anything or anyone other than the living God.
NOTES: Idolatry occurs whenever we worship anything or anyone other than the living God.
In the absence of the true knowledge of God, even those who identify themselves with Christianity are subject to this error.
In the absence of the true knowledge of God, even those who identify themselves with Christianity are subject to this error.
They make a false god in their own mind, and then they worship the god they have made!
They make a false god in their own mind, and then they worship the god they have made!
3. Unbelief or Lack of Trust
3. Unbelief or Lack of Trust
a. Romans 10:14 –
a. Romans 10:14 –
Romans 10:14 (KJV 1900)
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
NOTES: Although this text applies directly to the preaching of the gospel, it has a wider application with regard to the knowledge of God—how can one believe in the God who he do not know?
NOTES: Although this text applies directly to the preaching of the gospel, it has a wider application with regard to the knowledge of God—how can one believe in the God who he do not know?
This applies not only to the sinner’s faith leading to salvation, but also to the believer’s faith or trust in God that is necessary to live the Christian life.
This applies not only to the sinner’s faith leading to salvation, but also to the believer’s faith or trust in God that is necessary to live the Christian life.
As we have already learned from Psalm 9:10, only those who know God’s name will put their trust in Him.
As we have already learned from Psalm 9:10, only those who know God’s name will put their trust in Him.
Psalm 9:10 (KJV 1900)
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
4. An Indifferent or Apathetic View of Sin
4. An Indifferent or Apathetic View of Sin
– In I Corinthians 15:34,
– In I Corinthians 15:34,
1 Corinthians 15:34 (KJV 1900)
34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
the Apostle Paul rebuked the church in Corinth because some professing believers among them had no real knowledge of God.
the Apostle Paul rebuked the church in Corinth because some professing believers among them had no real knowledge of God.
This ignorance of God resulted in two dangerous and shameful consequences.
This ignorance of God resulted in two dangerous and shameful consequences.
a. They were not SPIRITUALLY- MATURE as they should have been.
a. They were not SPIRITUALLY- MATURE as they should have been.
NOTES: The command, “Become sober-minded,” can also be translated, “Sober up” (NET) or “Wake up from your drunken stupor” (ESV).
NOTES: The command, “Become sober-minded,” can also be translated, “Sober up” (NET) or “Wake up from your drunken stupor” (ESV).
Because they did not know God, they were living like sleeping or drunken men with regard to the dangers of sin and the importance of living according to God’s will.
Because they did not know God, they were living like sleeping or drunken men with regard to the dangers of sin and the importance of living according to God’s will.
b. They were. SINNERS
b. They were. SINNERS
NOTES: The word “sin” comes from the Greek word hamartáno, which means, “to miss the mark.”
NOTES: The word “sin” comes from the Greek word hamartáno, which means, “to miss the mark.”
Because they missed the mark regarding the nature of God (He is righteous), they also missed the mark regarding how they should live before Him (righteously).
Because they missed the mark regarding the nature of God (He is righteous), they also missed the mark regarding how they should live before Him (righteously).
5. Lawlessness – The word “lawlessness”
5. Lawlessness – The word “lawlessness”
refers to the state of living apart from the law or will of God.
refers to the state of living apart from the law or will of God.
It is living as though God had no law or had never given His law to men.
It is living as though God had no law or had never given His law to men.
It is one of the most grievous consequences of an ignorance of God.
It is one of the most grievous consequences of an ignorance of God.
a. Proverbs 29:18 –
Proverbs 29:18 (KJV 1900)
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
NOTES: In this context, the word “vision” does not refer to a supernatural dream or vision but to the revelation of God’s person and will through the Scriptures.
NOTES: In this context, the word “vision” does not refer to a supernatural dream or vision but to the revelation of God’s person and will through the Scriptures.
Where there is an ignorance of God’s nature and law, the people are unrestrained.
Where there is an ignorance of God’s nature and law, the people are unrestrained.
The word “perish” comes from a Hebrew word para, פָּרַע pâraʻ, paw-rah'
The word “perish” comes from a Hebrew word para, פָּרַע pâraʻ, paw-rah'
a primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin:—avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover.
a primitive root; to loosen; by implication, to expose, dismiss; figuratively, absolve, begin:—avenge, avoid, bare, go back, let, (make) naked, set at nought, perish, refuse, uncover.
Those who have no knowledge of God or His will run unrestrained in sin and act as self-appointed leaders apart from God
Those who have no knowledge of God or His will run unrestrained in sin and act as self-appointed leaders apart from God
. We find an example of this in the book of Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25).
. We find an example of this in the book of Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25).
6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
b. Hosea 4:1-2 –
b. Hosea 4:1-2 –
1 Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: For the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.
2 By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, And blood toucheth blood.
In this text, the Lord rebukes the nation of Israel for its ignorance of God and describes the kind of lawlessness that always accompanies or is the result of such ignorance.
In this text, the Lord rebukes the nation of Israel for its ignorance of God and describes the kind of lawlessness that always accompanies or is the result of such ignorance.
List the specific sins.
List the specific sins.
No TRUTH (v.1)
No TRUTH (v.1)
No KNOWLEDGE (v.1)
No KNOWLEDGE (v.1)
No _MERCY_ (v1)
No _MERCY_ (v1)
SWEARING(v.2
SWEARING(v.2
LYING (v.2)
LYING (v.2)
KILLING (v.2)
KILLING (v.2)
STEALING (v.2)
STEALING (v.2)
ADULTERY (v.2)
ADULTERY (v.2)
VIOLENCE (Blood toucheth Blood) (v.2)
VIOLENCE (Blood toucheth Blood) (v.2)
NOTES: Do you see any parallels between the sins that were found in Israel because of their ignorance of God and the behavior of our own society?
NOTES: Do you see any parallels between the sins that were found in Israel because of their ignorance of God and the behavior of our own society?
God’s law does not change, and man’s sinfulness does not fade.
God’s law does not change, and man’s sinfulness does not fade.
The more we reject the knowledge of God, the more unrestrained and immoral we become!
The more we reject the knowledge of God, the more unrestrained and immoral we become!
6. Divine Judgment and Destruction –
6. Divine Judgment and Destruction –
This is the most frightening consequence of an ignorance of God.
This is the most frightening consequence of an ignorance of God.
What do the following texts teach us about this truth?
What do the following texts teach us about this truth?
a. Hosea 4:6
a. Hosea 4:6
Hosea 4:6 (KJV 1900)
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: Because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: Seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
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NOTES: The lack of the knowledge of God is devastating.
NOTES: The lack of the knowledge of God is devastating.
It leads to being rejected as an instrument of God and to the eventual destruction of individuals and societies.
It leads to being rejected as an instrument of God and to the eventual destruction of individuals and societies.
Our ignorance of God will even have a devastating effect upon the generations that follow us.
Our ignorance of God will even have a devastating effect upon the generations that follow us.
b. Romans 1:18
b. Romans 1:18
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
NOTES: The wrath of God refers to His righteous anger or indignation against sinful men.
NOTES: The wrath of God refers to His righteous anger or indignation against sinful men.
It is important to note that man is not a victim.
It is important to note that man is not a victim.
The Bible teaches that fallen man is a hater of God (Romans 1:30) and hostile to His law (Romans 8:7).
The Bible teaches that fallen man is a hater of God (Romans 1:30) and hostile to His law (Romans 8:7).
Romans 1:30 (KJV 1900)
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Romans 8:7 (KJV 1900)
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
It is because of man’s ungodliness and unrighteousness that he rejects, ignores, and even suppresses the truth about God’s nature and will.
It is because of man’s ungodliness and unrighteousness that he rejects, ignores, and even suppresses the truth about God’s nature and will.