"We tend to be a generation of Christians who major on minor matters but do not seem to possess the true measure of the gospel in the knowledge of God. We do not really know God. At best we know about Him." - Sinclair B. FergusonOne of the most inspirational sentiments in the world is one in the holy scriptures, which relates to the knowledge of God. "This is life eternal, that they might know thee" John 17:3 (KJV).
To communicate this knowledge, prophets and apostles were inspired with the influence of heaven, and the incarnation of the Son of God in human flesh. The major goal of the Christian ministry is to disperse this knowledge, "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased" Daniel 12: 4 (KJV).
Indeed, the acquisition of this knowledge should be the great and continual desire of all of us. "That the soul be without knowledge, it is not good;" Proverbs 19:2 (KJV). Furthermore, the constant aim of the believer should be to grow in this knowledge. "Grow in grace," 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV).
No doubt this raises the question,"What do Christians know about God?" At the bare minimum there are certain things we should understand about Him. I have mentioned "knowledge" several times when speaking of our relationship with God.
But what is this "knowledge?" That is, what do you and I as Christians really know about Him? There are some common ideas that we should be aware of. Therefore, let's now consider some of this common shared knowledge.
For instance, there is His being, dominion, and providence. There is also His revelation of himself, his majesty, greatness, glory, and goodness, to name just a few. These are things that someone without a doubting mind should know and understand.
Believers also possess a particular awareness of some things that others, who lack familiarity in God, may not. They recognize Him:
- in his merciful and gracious character. He is a God who "pardons sin and forgives transgression" Micah 7:8, and who is "a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" Nehemiah 9:17.
- in his reconciled love. Accepting them, adopting them, manifesting his love before them, and intimately receiving them.
- in his sanctifying power. Removing uncleaness, cleansing, purifying, eliminating the heart of stone and inserting his Spirit in its place.
- in the elevation and peaceful influences of communion with him. God dwells within his people, walks with them, is represented in suffering, and they with him, as well.
In our brief discussion this week, we have noted the importance of gaining a working knowledge of God, and how this applies to the Christian. But what good is any of this if it does not include purposeful and continual growth on the part of the believer?
Next time, we will address this and present some ideas on the attainment and retention of this knowledge. I hope you can join me then!
Scripture: Proverbs 2:10-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Luke 1:77; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Colossians 2:9
Prayer: Dear God, blessed be Your glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with Your glory! Amen.
May the Lord bless,
Shawna
But what is this "knowledge?" That is, what do you and I as Christians really know about Him? There are some common ideas that we should be aware of. Therefore, let's now consider some of this common shared knowledge.
For instance, there is His being, dominion, and providence. There is also His revelation of himself, his majesty, greatness, glory, and goodness, to name just a few. These are things that someone without a doubting mind should know and understand.
Believers also possess a particular awareness of some things that others, who lack familiarity in God, may not. They recognize Him:
- in his merciful and gracious character. He is a God who "pardons sin and forgives transgression" Micah 7:8, and who is "a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love" Nehemiah 9:17.
- in his reconciled love. Accepting them, adopting them, manifesting his love before them, and intimately receiving them.
- in his sanctifying power. Removing uncleaness, cleansing, purifying, eliminating the heart of stone and inserting his Spirit in its place.
- in the elevation and peaceful influences of communion with him. God dwells within his people, walks with them, is represented in suffering, and they with him, as well.
In our brief discussion this week, we have noted the importance of gaining a working knowledge of God, and how this applies to the Christian. But what good is any of this if it does not include purposeful and continual growth on the part of the believer?
Next time, we will address this and present some ideas on the attainment and retention of this knowledge. I hope you can join me then!
Scripture: Proverbs 2:10-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; Luke 1:77; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Colossians 2:9
Prayer: Dear God, blessed be Your glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with Your glory! Amen.
May the Lord bless,
Shawna
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