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KNOWING GOD

What It Means to Know God

Knowing God goes beyond just believing that He exists—it is about having a deep, personal, and growing relationship with Him. It means understanding His character, His ways, and His will for our lives. Knowing God transforms our hearts, minds, and actions as we walk closely with Him.

Knowing God is Personal

To know God is not just about head knowledge but heart connection. It is an intimate relationship where we experience His love, presence, and guidance.

  • Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT) – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”

  • John 17:3 (NLT) – “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.”

Knowing God Through Jesus Christ

The clearest way to know God is through His Son, Jesus. Jesus is the exact representation of God’s nature and character.

  • John 14:7 (NLT) – “If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”

  • Colossians 1:15 (NLT) – “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.”

Knowing God Through His Word

God reveals Himself through Scripture. Reading and meditating on His Word helps us understand His nature, His promises, and His will.

  • Psalm 119:105 (NLT) – “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) – “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

Knowing God Through the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, guiding, teaching, and revealing God’s truth.

  • John 14:26 (NLT) – “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

  • 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NLT) – “But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.”

Knowing God Leads to Obedience and Transformation

Truly knowing God changes the way we live. It deepens our love, obedience, and trust in Him.

  • 1 John 2:3-4 (NLT) – “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, ‘I know God,’ but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.”

  • Romans 12:2 (NLT) – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

The Blessing of Knowing God

Knowing God brings peace, joy, and eternal life. It assures us of His love and faithfulness.

  • Philippians 3:8 (NLT) – “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.”

  • Daniel 11:32 (NLT) – “But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.”

Knowing God is a lifelong journey of faith, love, and transformation. It means walking in relationship with Him through Jesus, guided by His Word and Spirit. As we seek to know Him more, we experience His power, wisdom, and unfailing love in our daily lives.

God’s Heart on Knowing Him

God deeply desires for His people to know Him—not just as a distant Creator but as a loving Father, Redeemer, and Friend. His heart is for us to walk in intimate relationship with Him, understanding His nature, His love, and His will. Knowing Him is not just about gaining knowledge but experiencing His presence, living in His truth, and being transformed by His Spirit.

God Desires a Relationship with Us

From the beginning, God created humanity for relationship. His heart is not for religion, but for closeness with His children.

  • Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT) – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”

  • Hosea 6:6 (NLT) – “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.”

God Reveals Himself Through Jesus

God’s greatest expression of His heart is through Jesus Christ. Through Him, we can truly know God.

  • John 14:6-7 (NLT) – “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!’”

  • Colossians 1:15 (NLT) – “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.”

God’s Heart is for Us to Seek Him

God promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him. He is not distant or hidden—He wants us to draw near.

  • Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) – “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

  • James 4:8 (NLT) – “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

God Gives Us His Spirit to Help Us Know Him

The Holy Spirit is given to believers so we can grow in understanding of God’s heart, His will, and His truth.

  • John 14:26 (NLT) – “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

  • 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 (NLT) – “But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets... And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.”

Knowing God Transforms Our Lives

God’s heart is not just for us to know about Him but to be transformed by Him, growing in faith, love, and holiness.

  • Romans 12:2 (NLT) – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

  • 1 John 2:3 (NLT) – “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.”

God’s heart is for us to know Him deeply, personally, and intimately. He reveals Himself through His Word, His Spirit, and His Son, Jesus. As we seek Him, He draws near to us, transforming our lives and filling us with His love and truth. Knowing God is the greatest calling and the most fulfilling purpose in life.

Key Scriptures on Knowing and Having a Relationship with God

 

God Desires a Relationship with Us

  • Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT) – “This is what the Lord says: ‘Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!’”

  • Hosea 6:6 (NLT) – “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.”

Jesus is the Way to Know God

  • John 14:6-7 (NLT) – “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!’”

  • Colossians 1:15 (NLT) – “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.”

Seeking God Leads to a Deeper Relationship

  • Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT) – “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

  • James 4:8 (NLT) – “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”

  • Psalm 27:8 (NLT) – “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”

The Holy Spirit Helps Us Know God

  • John 14:26 (NLT) – “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

  • 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 (NLT) – “But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets... And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.”

Knowing God Transforms Our Lives

  • Romans 12:2 (NLT) – “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

  • 1 John 2:3 (NLT) – “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.”

  • John 10:14 (NLT) – “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me.”

God desires a personal and intimate relationship with us. He has made Himself known through Jesus Christ, His Word, and His Spirit. When we seek Him with our whole heart, He draws near to us, transforming our lives and guiding us into His perfect will.

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