Eternal Life: Found in Knowing Him

"A spiritual and saving knowledge of God is the greatest need of every human creature."  - A.W. Pink, English Bible teacher and influential evangelical author (1886-1952)

Question: If knowing God is the key to true happiness, how happy are you right now?

To grow in knowledge of Jesus is to welcome blessings into one's life. Therefore, refusing to deepen one's understanding of Jesus means one is effectively choosing to forgo those blessings.

"Eternal life" is found in knowing Him, and a deeper understanding of Him brings greater happiness. True happiness stems from this understanding and fuels an earnest passion to know Him better (Colossians 1:9-10). 

The Bible indicates that "eternal life" fundamentally refers to having a relationship with God, not just existing forever. Let's explore this for a moment.

Knowing God, Living Eternally

In John 17:3, eternal life isn't just endless existence, but a deep, intimate, experiential knowing (ginóskó) of the only true God and Jesus Christ, signifying a transformative, personal relationship rather than mere intellectual awareness, rooted in fellowship with the divine. 

1 John 5:11-12 says life comes from being connected to Jesus, God's Son. If you have Him in your life, you have life; if you don't, you don't. This is about a real, personal relationship.

Worth a Thought

• How does 1 John 5:11-12 shape your daily choices and perspective?
• How is "knowing" God different from simply "knowing about" God?
• How does the pursuit of knowing God transform our lives here on earth, without waiting for the afterlife?

Moving on, as our knowledge of God deepens, so does our sense of happiness and joy. The more we understand, the more enriching and meaningful our life experience becomes. We should consider this point.

A Deeper Knowing of God, A Greater Joy

• Psalm 16:11, ESV promises that in God's presence, we find "fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore," which we access by drawing closer to Him through knowledge.  
• Psalm 16:11 assures believers that being in God's presence brings everlasting joy and pleasure, accessible by drawing closer to Him.
• 2 Peter 1:3 says God's power gives us all we need for a godly life through knowing Him; understanding this leads to a more fulfilling life.

Worth a Thought

• Do people who have a profound understanding of God tend to be happier? Why or why not?
• What misconceptions (e.g., God as harsh, distant) damage our relationship with God and ourselves? 
• Describe a time when a deeper understanding of God's character deepened your sense of joy.

Finally, a true understanding of Christ is not accidental; it is the result of intentional pursuit driven by a genuine longing for Him, God responds to a hungry heart.

The Essential Ingredient: A Longing Heart

• Psalm 42:1-2, ESV captures this profound yearning: "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." God invites a similar, deep passion from His followers.
• Jeremiah 29:13 assures us, "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart," highlighting that a sincere, all-in pursuit is necessary to truly know God.
• Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:6 that a deep desire for righteousness leads to being filled, meaning true satisfaction comes from wanting to live righteously.

Worth a Thought

• How do we move from a casual interest in God to a genuine "longing" to know Him better?
• What concrete actions can Christians take to increase their hunger for Jesus?
• What obstacles often get in the way of us seeking a true understanding of Him, and how can we overcome them?

Final Thoughts: To live a happy and meaningful life, strive to deepen your knowledge of Christ, trusting He will guide those who earnestly seek Him. 

Closing Prayer: We are grateful, Lord Jesus, for the promise of eternal life. Help us truly understand how deep your love is and prioritize knowing you above all else, finding our greatest joy and happiness in a deeper relationship with you. Amen. 

May your heart be light and your soul be blessed,

Piper