1 The Study of God

2 The People Who Know Their God Knowing God by J I Packer Chapter 2

3 “I’ve known God.”“I’ve known God.” “Would it occur to us to say, without hesitation, and with reference to particular events in our personal history, that we have known God?”“Would it occur to us to say, without hesitation, and with reference to particular events in our personal history, that we have known God?” “Past disappointments and present heartbreaks don’t matter.”“Past disappointments and present heartbreaks don’t matter.” “Those who really know God never brood on might-have-beens; they never think of the things they have missed, only of what they have gained.”“Those who really know God never brood on might-have-beens; they never think of the things they have missed, only of what they have gained.” Phil. 3:7 -10Phil. 3:7 -10

4 “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ, What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him…. I want to know Christ.” Phil. 3: 7-10

5 “Knowing” versus “Knowing About” List some aspects of knowing about GodList some aspects of knowing about God  Information by reading/studying books of the Bible, Study Bibles.  Sunday School, Preaching, Teaching, Home Bible studies, Christian Books, Biographies of the saints, Commentaries, Hymns, prayers.  Is knowledge about God, good?  Is it the same as knowing God? “ A little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about Him.”

6 Some Evidence of Knowing God Great Energy for GodGreat Energy for God Daniel 11: 32 “the people who do know their God shall stand firm and take action.” RSV  “The Action is a Reaction to Anti-God trends around them”  God’s truth & honor are assaulted. Will not allow the matter to go by, even at personal risk. 1 Sam 17: 26, 45 Energy, not just in public gestures, but above all else, the 1 st point is in their zeal for God’s glory in their Prayers.Energy, not just in public gestures, but above all else, the 1 st point is in their zeal for God’s glory in their Prayers. Read prayer of Daniel 9: , 17 – 19  “The Invariable Fruit of True Knowledge of God is Energy to Pray for God’s Cause.” By this, we may test ourselves.

7 A Test of How Well we know God? May lack courage of a David, but do we pray? Ungodliness: Psalm 1 wickedness injustice, Mockery of what is good and right, impoverishment of the innocent for sordid gain, unfettered selfishness. Not only around, but in us Apostasy: Rejecting the truth of your Biblical beliefs (often in favor of opposing beliefs because of self indulgence) Apostasy: Rejecting the truth of your Biblical beliefs (often in favor of opposing beliefs because of self indulgence) How much energy (passion) is in us for a practice of prayer against such? “If not, a sure sign that as of yet we scarcely know Him.”

8 The Evidence The Evidence Those who really know God: Have great Energy for God and react to the dishonor of God’s waysHave great Energy for God and react to the dishonor of God’s ways Examples: Daniel, David Examples: Daniel, David Have great Thoughts of GodHave great Thoughts of God Examples: Man’s great power vs. God Examples: Man’s great power vs. God Have great Boldness for GodHave great Boldness for God Examples: Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego Have great Contentment for GodHave great Contentment for God

9 Application: 1 st Steps Is it our desire to have a similar knowledge & relationship with God as Daniel and his friends? First: Let us not be deceived! Must have the right measuring stick. Not by our Knowledge about God. Not by our church responsibilities and our gifts. But by our prayer life and the fervor of our heart life for God. Realize our need! How much we lack knowledge of God. Second: Must Seek the Savior And fulfill the Promise of Jeremiah 29: When we seek Him with all of our hearts, we shall surely find Him.

10 12.“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13.You will seek Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 14.And I will be found by you, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29: 12 – 14 Jeremiah 29: 12 – 14

11 Lord, it belongs not to my care Lord, it belongs not to my care Whether I die or live, To love and serve Thee is my share, And this Thy grace must give. If life be long, I will be glad. That I may long obey; If short—then why should I be sad To soar to endless day?