importance of knowing god

The Importance of The Importance of Knowing the True Knowing the True

GodGod

Copyright Norman L. Geisler 2006Copyright Norman L. Geisler 2006

Knowledge of the HolyKnowledge of the HolyKnowledge of the HolyKnowledge of the Holy

A. W. Tozer A. W. Tozer said,said, ““What What you think of you think of God is the most God is the most important important thing about thing about you” (you” (p. 1).p. 1).

A. W. Tozer A. W. Tozer said,said, ““What What you think of you think of God is the most God is the most important important thing about thing about you” (you” (p. 1).p. 1).

Why We Should Know Why We Should Know GodGod

• I. The most important thing I. The most important thing about us about us is what we think of is what we think of God.God.

• I. The most important thing I. The most important thing about us about us is what we think of is what we think of God.God.


• I. The most important thing about I. The most important thing about us us is what we think of God. is what we think of God. Why?Why?

• I. The most important thing about I. The most important thing about us us is what we think of God. is what we think of God. Why?Why?


• I. The most important thing about I. The most important thing about us us is what we think of God. is what we think of God. Why?Why?– A. Because ideas have A. Because ideas have

consequences.consequences.


consequences.consequences.



consequences.consequences.– B. God is our biggest idea.B. God is our biggest idea.


consequences.consequences.– B. God is our biggest idea.B. God is our biggest idea.



consequences.consequences.– B. God is our biggest idea.B. God is our biggest idea.– C. Hence, our idea of God has the C. Hence, our idea of God has the

biggest biggest consequences. consequences.


consequences.consequences.– B. God is our biggest idea.B. God is our biggest idea.– C. Hence, our idea of God has the C. Hence, our idea of God has the

biggest biggest consequences. consequences.


•II. II. We can’t be like God unless We can’t be like God unless we we know what God is like. know what God is like.

•II. II. We can’t be like God unless We can’t be like God unless we we know what God is like. know what God is like.


•II. II. We can’t be like God unless We can’t be like God unless we we know what God is like. know what God is like.– A. We should be like God.A. We should be like God.




•1.1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).


•1.1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).



•1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord 1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).

•2. “You shall be perfect as I am 2. “You shall be perfect as I am perfect” perfect”

(Mt. 5:48).(Mt. 5:48).


•1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord 1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).

•2. “You shall be perfect as I am 2. “You shall be perfect as I am perfect” perfect”

(Mt. 5:48).(Mt. 5:48).


•II. II. We can’t be like God unless we We can’t be like God unless we know what God is like. know what God is like.

– A. We should be like God.A. We should be like God.•1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your 1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your

God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).

•2. “You shall be perfect as I am perfect” 2. “You shall be perfect as I am perfect”

(Mt. 5:48).(Mt. 5:48).

– B. But we can not be God-like unless B. But we can not be God-like unless

we know what God is like.we know what God is like.

•II. II. We can’t be like God unless we We can’t be like God unless we know what God is like. know what God is like.

– A. We should be like God.A. We should be like God.•1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your 1. “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your

God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).God am holy” (Lev. 19:2).

•2. “You shall be perfect as I am perfect” 2. “You shall be perfect as I am perfect”

(Mt. 5:48).(Mt. 5:48).

– B. But we can not be God-like unless B. But we can not be God-like unless

we know what God is like.we know what God is like.


• III. III. We can’t know the true God We can’t know the true God unless unless we we know the truth about know the truth about God. God.

• III. III. We can’t know the true God We can’t know the true God unless unless we we know the truth about know the truth about God. God.


• John 4:24:John 4:24: Jesus said, Jesus said, “God is spirit and they who “God is spirit and they who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in in truth”truth”

• We cannot honor God by saying false things about We cannot honor God by saying false things about Him.Him.

• True worship involves affirming truth about God--True worship involves affirming truth about God--things worthy of Him.things worthy of Him.

• True worship is worth-ship.True worship is worth-ship.

• Rev. 4:11:Rev. 4:11: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you have created all and honor and power; for you have created all things….”things….”

• John 4:24:John 4:24: Jesus said, Jesus said, “God is spirit and they who “God is spirit and they who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in in truth”truth”

• We cannot honor God by saying false things about We cannot honor God by saying false things about Him.Him.

• True worship involves affirming truth about God--True worship involves affirming truth about God--things worthy of Him.things worthy of Him.

• True worship is worth-ship.True worship is worth-ship.

• Rev. 4:11:Rev. 4:11: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you have created all and honor and power; for you have created all things….”things….”


• IV. IV. We can’t recognize false We can’t recognize false gods gods unless we know the unless we know the true God. true God.

• IV. IV. We can’t recognize false We can’t recognize false gods gods unless we know the unless we know the true God. true God.


• IV. IV. We can’t recognize false gods We can’t recognize false gods unless we know the true unless we know the true

God. God. – A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit

unless we know the unless we know the genuine.genuine.

• IV. IV. We can’t recognize false gods We can’t recognize false gods unless we know the true unless we know the true

God. God. – A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit



• IV. IV. We can’t recognize false gods We can’t recognize false gods unless we know the true God. unless we know the true God. – A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit


– B. We cannot know what is not-true B. We cannot know what is not-true unless we know what is unless we know what is

true. true.

• IV. IV. We can’t recognize false gods We can’t recognize false gods unless we know the true God. unless we know the true God. – A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit


– B. We cannot know what is not-true B. We cannot know what is not-true unless we know what is unless we know what is

true. true.


• IV. IV. We can’t recognize false gods We can’t recognize false gods unless we know the true God. unless we know the true God.

– A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit A. We cannot recognize a counterfeit unless we know the genuine. unless we know the genuine.

– B. We cannot know what is not-true B. We cannot know what is not-true unless we know what is true. E.g., unless we know what is true. E.g.,

– God is God is personalpersonal--not a Force--not a Force



– B. We cannot know what is not-true B. We cannot know what is not-true unless we know what is true. E.g., unless we know what is true. E.g.,

– God is God is personalpersonal--not a Force--not a Force




– B. We cannot know what is not-true B. We cannot know what is not-true unless we know what is true. unless we know what is true.

– God is God is personalpersonal--not a Force--not a Force– God is God is infiniteinfinite--not finite--not finite




– God is God is personalpersonal--not a Force--not a Force– God is God is infiniteinfinite--not finite--not finite





– God is God is personalpersonal--not a Force--not a Force– God is God is infiniteinfinite--not finite--not finite– God is God is all-knowingall-knowing--not limited in knowing--not limited in knowing




– God is God is personalpersonal--not a Force--not a Force– God is God is infiniteinfinite--not finite--not finite– God is God is all-knowingall-knowing--not limited in knowing--not limited in knowing

Recognizing a False GodRecognizing a False God

Rabi Kushner said:Rabi Kushner said:

• ““There are some There are some things God does not things God does not control.”control.”

• And we “…need to And we “…need to forgive Godforgive God for not for not making a better making a better world…”world…”(When Bad (When Bad Things Happen to Good Things Happen to Good PeoplePeople, 45, 147)., 45, 147).

Rabi Kushner said:Rabi Kushner said:

• ““There are some There are some things God does not things God does not control.”control.”

• And we “…need to And we “…need to forgive Godforgive God for not for not making a better making a better world…”world…”(When Bad (When Bad Things Happen to Good Things Happen to Good PeoplePeople, 45, 147)., 45, 147).

Recognizing a False Recognizing a False GodGod

Stars Wars:Stars Wars:• ““The The Force is Force is

everywhere.”everywhere.”

• ““May the May the ForceForce be with be with you.”you.”

• ““Prepare to Prepare to meet the meet the Force.”Force.”

Knowing a False View of Knowing a False View of GodGod

• God’s Word has errors God’s Word has errors (50)(50)

• God doesn’t know all God doesn’t know all (138)(138)

• God has a body (God has a body (33-34)33-34)

• God changes (God changes (143)143)

(The Most Moved Mover)(The Most Moved Mover)

• God’s Word has errors God’s Word has errors (50)(50)

• God doesn’t know all God doesn’t know all (138)(138)

• God has a body (God has a body (33-34)33-34)

• God changes (God changes (143)143)

(The Most Moved Mover)(The Most Moved Mover)Clark Pinnock Clark Pinnock


• V.V. Idols are idols whether they Idols are idols whether they are are mental or metal.mental or metal.

• V.V. Idols are idols whether they Idols are idols whether they are are mental or metal.mental or metal.


• V.V. Idols are idols whether they Idols are idols whether they are are mental or metal.mental or metal. – A. An Idol is any object of worship A. An Idol is any object of worship

other other than the true God (2Cor. than the true God (2Cor. 10:5). 10:5).






– B. The only way to avoid idolatry is B. The only way to avoid idolatry is to to know and live the the truth know and live the the truth about about God. God.



– B. The only way to avoid idolatry is B. The only way to avoid idolatry is to to know and live the the truth know and live the the truth about about God. God.


• V.V. Idols are idols whether they are Idols are idols whether they are mental or metal.mental or metal. – A. An Idol is any object of worship other A. An Idol is any object of worship other

than the true God (2Cor. 10:5). than the true God (2Cor. 10:5). – B. The only way to avoid idolatry is to B. The only way to avoid idolatry is to

know and live the the truth about know and live the the truth about God. God.– ““You shall not make for yourself any carved You shall not make for yourself any carved

image, or any likeness of anything that is in image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven aboveheaven above…; you shall not bow down …; you shall not bow down before them nor serve them” (Ex. 20:4).before them nor serve them” (Ex. 20:4).

• V.V. Idols are idols whether they are Idols are idols whether they are mental or metal.mental or metal. – A. An Idol is any object of worship other A. An Idol is any object of worship other

than the true God (2Cor. 10:5). than the true God (2Cor. 10:5). – B. The only way to avoid idolatry is to B. The only way to avoid idolatry is to

know and live the the truth about know and live the the truth about God. God.– ““You shall not make for yourself any carved You shall not make for yourself any carved

image, or any likeness of anything that is in image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven aboveheaven above…; you shall not bow down …; you shall not bow down before them nor serve them” (Ex. 20:4).before them nor serve them” (Ex. 20:4).


• VI. We tend to become like the VI. We tend to become like the object object we worship. we worship.


• VI. We tend to become like the VI. We tend to become like the object object we worship. we worship.– A. We tend to imitate our models.A. We tend to imitate our models.


• VI. We tend to become like the VI. We tend to become like the object object we worship. we worship.– A. We tend to imitate our models.A. We tend to imitate our models.– B. God is our highest Model.B. God is our highest Model.


• VI. We tend to become like the VI. We tend to become like the object object we worship. we worship.– A. We tend to imitate our models.A. We tend to imitate our models.– B. God is our highest Model.B. God is our highest Model.– C. So, what we think about Him is of C. So, what we think about Him is of

highest importance. highest importance.

Why We Should Know Why We Should Know GodGod• VII. We cannot know ourselves VII. We cannot know ourselves

truly truly unless we know our God unless we know our God truly.truly.


truly truly unless we know our God unless we know our God truly.truly.– A. The best way to know humans made in A. The best way to know humans made in

God’s God’s image is to know God in whose image is to know God in whose image they are image they are made. made.




– B. The best way to understand a copy is to B. The best way to understand a copy is to study the original. study the original.





– C. The Greeks said “Know yourself.” C. The Greeks said “Know yourself.” The Bible Says, “Know your God.”The Bible Says, “Know your God.”

Why We Should Know Why We Should Know GodGod• VII. We cannot know ourselves truly VII. We cannot know ourselves truly

unless we know our God truly.unless we know our God truly.– A. The best way to know humans made in God’s A. The best way to know humans made in God’s

image is to know God in whose image they are image is to know God in whose image they are made. made.


– C. The Greeks said “Know yourself.” C. The Greeks said “Know yourself.” The Bible Says, “Know your God.”The Bible Says, “Know your God.”– D. Many Psychologist says, “Look inward and D. Many Psychologist says, “Look inward and

backward.” backward.” – Christianity says, “Look upward and forward.”Christianity says, “Look upward and forward.”

Why We Should Know Why We Should Know GodGod• VIII. If we do not live by what is VIII. If we do not live by what is

above us, then above us, then what is what is below us below us will drag down what will drag down what is within us.is within us.

Why We Should Know Why We Should Know GodGod•The lower will pull us down:The lower will pull us down: •““Professing themselves to be wise, they Professing themselves to be wise, they

became fools, and became fools, and changed the glory of changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image like the incorruptible God into an image like corruptible man--an birds and four-footed corruptible man--an birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things…beasts and creeping things…who who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever” (Rom. 1:22-25).forever” (Rom. 1:22-25).

Why We Should Know Why We Should Know GodGod•The Higher will pull us up:The Higher will pull us up:• Paul wrote:Paul wrote: “I“I press toward the goal press toward the goal

for the prize of the upward call of for the prize of the upward call of GodGod in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).

• Again, “Again, “Seek those things which are Seek those things which are above,above, where Christ is, sitting at the where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1).right hand of God” (Col. 3:1).

•The Higher will pull us up:The Higher will pull us up:• Paul wrote:Paul wrote: “I“I press toward the goal press toward the goal

for the prize of the upward call of for the prize of the upward call of GodGod in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14). in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).

• Again, “Again, “Seek those things which are Seek those things which are above,above, where Christ is, sitting at the where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1).right hand of God” (Col. 3:1).

““To Succeed, Aim To Succeed, Aim Higher”Higher”

Why We Should Know Why We Should Know GodGod• IX.IX. An ultimate commitment to An ultimate commitment to

anything anything less than ultimate will less than ultimate will not ultimately not ultimately satisfy. satisfy.


anything anything less than ultimate will less than ultimate will not ultimately not ultimately satisfy. satisfy. – A. A Religious commitment is an A. A Religious commitment is an

ultimate commitment ultimate commitment (Paul Tillich).(Paul Tillich).


anything anything less than ultimate will less than ultimate will not ultimately not ultimately satisfy. satisfy. – A. A Religious commitment is an A. A Religious commitment is an

ultimate commitment ultimate commitment (Paul Tillich). (Paul Tillich).

– B. And nothing less than the B. And nothing less than the Ultimate Ultimate can ultimately can ultimately satisfy (Solomon).satisfy (Solomon).

Why We Should Know Why We Should Know GodGod• IX.IX. An ultimate commitment to anything An ultimate commitment to anything

less than ultimate will not ultimately less than ultimate will not ultimately satisfy.satisfy. – A. A Religious commitment is an A. A Religious commitment is an

ultimate commitment (Paul Tillich).ultimate commitment (Paul Tillich).– B. And nothing less than the Ultimate B. And nothing less than the Ultimate

can ultimately satisfy (Solomon).can ultimately satisfy (Solomon).– ““Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep

from them.from them. I did not withold my heart from I did not withold my heart from any pleasure. And this was the reward of all any pleasure. And this was the reward of all my labor. my labor. Indeed all was vanity and grasping Indeed all was vanity and grasping for the windfor the wind (Eccl. 2:10-11). (Eccl. 2:10-11).

To Make a Person To Make a Person Happy…Happy…To Make a Person To Make a Person Happy…Happy…

• 1.1. Add Add to their Possessions—to their Possessions—MaterialismMaterialism

• 2.2. Take awayTake away from their Passions— from their Passions—BuddhismBuddhism

• 3. 3. Redirect Redirect their Passions to God—their Passions to God—ChristianityChristianity

• 1.1. Add Add to their Possessions—to their Possessions—MaterialismMaterialism

• 2.2. Take awayTake away from their Passions— from their Passions—BuddhismBuddhism

• 3. 3. Redirect Redirect their Passions to God—their Passions to God—ChristianityChristianity


• 1.1. Add Add toto their Possessionstheir Possessions—Materialism—Materialism

• 2.2. Take away Take away from their Passionsfrom their Passions——BuddhismBuddhism

• 3.3. Redirect Redirect their Passions to Godtheir Passions to God——ChristianityChristianity

An infinite thirst will never be An infinite thirst will never be satisfied with satisfied with the finite.the finite.


• 2.2. Take away Take away from their Passionsfrom their Passions——BuddhismBuddhism

• 3.3. Redirect Redirect their Passions to Godtheir Passions to God——ChristianityChristianity

An infinite thirst will never be An infinite thirst will never be satisfied with satisfied with the finite.the finite.

To Make a Person To Make a Person Happy…Happy…


• 2.2. Take away Take away from their Passionsfrom their Passions—Buddhism—Buddhism

• 3.3. Redirect Redirect their Passions to Godtheir Passions to God—Christianity—Christianity

An infinite thirst will never be satisfied An infinite thirst will never be satisfied with with the finite.the finite.

An eternal desire will never be content An eternal desire will never be content with with the temporal (Eccl. 3:11).the temporal (Eccl. 3:11).




An infinite thirst will never be satisfied An infinite thirst will never be satisfied with with the finite.the finite.

An eternal desire will never be content An eternal desire will never be content with with the temporal (Eccl. 3:11).the temporal (Eccl. 3:11).





An infinite thirst will never be satisfied with An infinite thirst will never be satisfied with the the finite.finite.

An eternal desire will never be content with An eternal desire will never be content with the the temporal (Eccl. 3:11).temporal (Eccl. 3:11).

A quest for ultimate satisfaction will never A quest for ultimate satisfaction will never be be fulfilled in anything less than the fulfilled in anything less than the Ultimate.Ultimate.




An infinite thirst will never be satisfied with An infinite thirst will never be satisfied with the the finite.finite.

An eternal desire will never be content with An eternal desire will never be content with the the temporal (Eccl. 3:11).temporal (Eccl. 3:11).

A quest for ultimate satisfaction will never A quest for ultimate satisfaction will never be be fulfilled in anything less than the fulfilled in anything less than the Ultimate.Ultimate.

How to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know God

A. Through His A. Through His World World (General (General Revelation)Revelation)




B. Through His B. Through His WordWord (Special (Special Revelation)Revelation)


B. Through His B. Through His WordWord (Special (Special Revelation)Revelation)

How to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know God• A. Through His A. Through His World World (General (General

Revelation)Revelation)• A. Through His A. Through His World World (General (General

Revelation)Revelation)

How to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know God• A. Through His A. Through His WorldWorld (General (General

Revelation)Revelation)– Rom. 1:19-20:Rom. 1:19-20: “For since the creation of “For since the creation of

the world His invisible attributes are the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”without excuse.”

• A. Through His A. Through His WorldWorld (General (General Revelation)Revelation)– Rom. 1:19-20:Rom. 1:19-20: “For since the creation of “For since the creation of


How to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know God• A. Through His A. Through His WorldWorld (General Revelation) (General Revelation)

– Rom. 1:19-20:Rom. 1:19-20: “For since the creation of “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”without excuse.”

– Rom. 2:14-15:Rom. 2:14-15: “...the Gentiles, who do not “...the Gentiles, who do not have the law…show the work of the law in have the law…show the work of the law in their hearts….”their hearts….”

• A. Through His A. Through His WorldWorld (General Revelation) (General Revelation)– Rom. 1:19-20:Rom. 1:19-20: “For since the creation of “For since the creation of


– Rom. 2:14-15:Rom. 2:14-15: “...the Gentiles, who do not “...the Gentiles, who do not have the law…show the work of the law in have the law…show the work of the law in their hearts….”their hearts….”

How to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know GodHow to Know God• A. Through His A. Through His WorldWorld (General Revelation)(General Revelation)

– Rom. 1:19-20:Rom. 1:19-20: “For since the creation of the “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”they are without excuse.”

– Rom. 2:14-15:Rom. 2:14-15: “...the Gentiles, who do not have “...the Gentiles, who do not have the law…show the work of the law in their the law…show the work of the law in their hearts….”hearts….”

– Psa. 19:1:Psa. 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.”God and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

• A. Through His A. Through His WorldWorld (General Revelation)(General Revelation)– Rom. 1:19-20:Rom. 1:19-20: “For since the creation of the “For since the creation of the

world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”they are without excuse.”

– Rom. 2:14-15:Rom. 2:14-15: “...the Gentiles, who do not have “...the Gentiles, who do not have the law…show the work of the law in their the law…show the work of the law in their hearts….”hearts….”

– Psa. 19:1:Psa. 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.”God and the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Kant: The Great Agnostic Kant: The Great Agnostic said:said: Kant: The Great Agnostic Kant: The Great Agnostic said:said:

• ““Two things fill the Two things fill the mind with ever new mind with ever new and increasing and increasing admiration and awe, admiration and awe, the oftener and more the oftener and more steadiily we reflect on steadiily we reflect on them: the starry them: the starry heaven above me and heaven above me and the moral law with the moral law with me”me” (C(Critique of Practicalritique of Practical ReasonReason, 166)., 166).



B. Through His B. Through His Word Word (Special (Special Revelation)Revelation)


B. Through His B. Through His Word Word (Special (Special Revelation)Revelation)



B. Through His B. Through His Word Word (Special (Special Revelation)Revelation)– 1. His 1. His writtenwritten Word (the Bible). Word (the Bible).


B. Through His B. Through His Word Word (Special (Special Revelation)Revelation)– 1. His 1. His writtenwritten Word (the Bible). Word (the Bible).



B. Through His B. Through His WordWord (Special (Special Revelation)Revelation)– 1. His 1. His writtenwritten Word (the Bible). Word (the Bible).– 2. His 2. His livingliving Word (the Christ). Word (the Christ).


B. Through His B. Through His WordWord (Special (Special Revelation)Revelation)– 1. His 1. His writtenwritten Word (the Bible). Word (the Bible).– 2. His 2. His livingliving Word (the Christ). Word (the Christ).

Know God by His Know God by His WrittenWritten WordWordKnow God by His Know God by His WrittenWritten WordWord

• John 5:39:John 5:39: “You search the “You search the Scriptures …and these are Scriptures …and these are they they that speak of Me.”that speak of Me.”


Know God by His Know God by His WrittenWritten WordWordKnow God by His Know God by His WrittenWritten WordWord


• Hebrews 10:7:Hebrews 10:7: “Behold I have “Behold I have come--come--In the volume of the book it In the volume of the book it is written of Me….”is written of Me….”


• Hebrews 10:7:Hebrews 10:7: “Behold I have “Behold I have come--come--In the volume of the book it In the volume of the book it is written of Me….”is written of Me….”

Know God by His Know God by His LivingLiving WordWordKnow God by His Know God by His LivingLiving WordWord

• John 14:9:John 14:9: “He who has seen Me “He who has seen Me has seen the Father also….”has seen the Father also….”


Know God by His Know God by His LivingLiving WordWordKnow God by His Know God by His LivingLiving WordWord


• Hebrews 1:3:Hebrews 1:3: “The Son “…being “The Son “…being the brightness of His glory and the brightness of His glory and the express image of His [the the express image of His [the Father’s] person….”Father’s] person….”


• Hebrews 1:3:Hebrews 1:3: “The Son “…being “The Son “…being the brightness of His glory and the brightness of His glory and the express image of His [the the express image of His [the Father’s] person….”Father’s] person….”

How to Know the True How to Know the True GodGodHow to Know the True How to Know the True GodGod

• ““Know”Know” means to know by means to know by experienceexperience

• 1. We must 1. We must knowknow the truth about the truth about Him.Him.

• 2. We must 2. We must livelive the truth about Him the truth about Him by:by:– a.a. ReadingReading about God. about God.

a.a. ReadingReading about God. about God.a.a. ReadingReading about God. about God.

• J. I. Packer, J. I. Packer, Knowing God.Knowing God.• J. B. Phillips. J. B. Phillips. Your God is Too SmallYour God is Too Small..• A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyKnowledge of the Holy.. • A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God.The Pursuit of God.• R. C. Sproul.R. C. Sproul. The Holiness of God.The Holiness of God.• Stephen Charnock.Stephen Charnock. The Existence and The Existence and

Attributes of God.Attributes of God.• Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas. . The Summa TheologicaThe Summa Theologica.. • Peter Kreeft.Peter Kreeft. A Summa of the Summa.A Summa of the Summa.• Norman Geisler. Norman Geisler. Systematic Theology,Systematic Theology, Vol. Vol.

2.2.

• J. I. Packer, J. I. Packer, Knowing God.Knowing God.• J. B. Phillips. J. B. Phillips. Your God is Too SmallYour God is Too Small..• A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyKnowledge of the Holy.. • A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God.The Pursuit of God.• R. C. Sproul.R. C. Sproul. The Holiness of God.The Holiness of God.• Stephen Charnock.Stephen Charnock. The Existence and The Existence and

Attributes of God.Attributes of God.• Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas. . The Summa TheologicaThe Summa Theologica.. • Peter Kreeft.Peter Kreeft. A Summa of the Summa.A Summa of the Summa.• Norman Geisler. Norman Geisler. Systematic Theology,Systematic Theology, Vol. Vol.

2.2.


• ““Know”Know” means to know by means to know by experienceexperience

• 1. We must 1. We must knowknow the truth about the truth about Him.Him.

• 2. We must 2. We must livelive the truth about Him the truth about Him by:by:– a.a. ReadingReading about God. about God.– b. b. MemorizingMemorizing verses about God. verses about God.

b. b. MemorizingMemorizing verses about verses about God.God.

• Psa. 119:11:Psa. 119:11: “Your word “Your word I have I have hidden in my heart,hidden in my heart, That I might That I might not sin against You.”not sin against You.”

• Psa. 119:11:Psa. 119:11: “Your word “Your word I have I have hidden in my heart,hidden in my heart, That I might That I might not sin against You.”not sin against You.”


• ““Know”Know” means to know by experience means to know by experience

• 1. We must 1. We must knowknow the truth about Him. the truth about Him.

• 2. We must 2. We must livelive the truth about Him by: the truth about Him by:– a.a. ReadingReading about God. about God.– b. b. MemorizingMemorizing verses about God. verses about God.– c. c. MeditatingMeditating on verses about God. on verses about God.

c. c. MeditatingMeditating on verses about on verses about God.God.

• Psa. 1:1-2:Psa. 1:1-2: “Blessed is the man “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly…. But His delight is the ungodly…. But His delight is in the law of the LORD, and in the law of the LORD, and in in His law he meditates day and His law he meditates day and night.”night.”




• 2. We must 2. We must livelive the truth about Him by: the truth about Him by:– a.a. ReadingReading about God. about God.– b. b. MemorizingMemorizing verses about God. verses about God.– c. c. MeditatingMeditating on verses about God. on verses about God.– d. d. SingingSinging the truths about God. the truths about God.

d. d. SingingSinging the truths about the truths about God.God.

•Singing etches the song on your Singing etches the song on your soulsoul

•Singing etches the song on your Singing etches the song on your soulsoul

Immortal, InvisibleImmortal, Invisible

ImmortalImmortal, , invisible,invisible, God only God only wisewise,,

In In light /inaccessiblelight /inaccessible /hid from our eyes/hid from our eyes,,

Most Most blessedblessed, most , most glorious,glorious,

the the Ancient of DaysAncient of Days..

AlmightyAlmighty, victorious-, victorious-

Thy Thy great great name we name we praise.praise.

Note:Note: There are 12 characteristics of GodThere are 12 characteristics of God

ImmortalImmortal, , invisible,invisible, God only God only wisewise,,

In In light /inaccessiblelight /inaccessible /hid from our eyes/hid from our eyes,,

Most Most blessedblessed, most , most glorious,glorious,

the the Ancient of DaysAncient of Days..

AlmightyAlmighty, victorious-, victorious-

Thy Thy great great name we name we praise.praise.

Note:Note: There are 12 characteristics of GodThere are 12 characteristics of God

O Worship the KingO Worship the King O Worship the KingO Worship the King

O worship the O worship the KingKing, all , all glorious/glorious/ aboveabove,,

And gratefully sing His And gratefully sing His pow’rpow’r and His and His love;love;

Our Our shield shield and and DefenderDefender, the , the Ancient of DaysAncient of Days,,

Pavilioned in Pavilioned in splendor splendor and girded with and girded with praise.praise.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,

In Thee do we trustIn Thee do we trust,/ ,/ nor find Thee to fail;nor find Thee to fail;

Thy Thy merciesmercies how how tendertender! How ! How firm to the endfirm to the end!!

Our Our Maker,Maker, Defender, Defender, RedeemerRedeemer and and Friend.Friend.

Note:Note: There are 18 characteristics of God hereThere are 18 characteristics of God here

O worship the O worship the KingKing, all , all glorious/glorious/ aboveabove,,

And gratefully sing His And gratefully sing His pow’rpow’r and His and His love;love;

Our Our shield shield and and DefenderDefender, the , the Ancient of DaysAncient of Days,,

Pavilioned in Pavilioned in splendor splendor and girded with and girded with praise.praise.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,

In Thee do we trustIn Thee do we trust,/ ,/ nor find Thee to fail;nor find Thee to fail;

Thy Thy merciesmercies how how tendertender! How ! How firm to the endfirm to the end!!

Our Our Maker,Maker, Defender, Defender, RedeemerRedeemer and and Friend.Friend.

Note:Note: There are 18 characteristics of God hereThere are 18 characteristics of God here

God is LoveGod is Love

God is God is lovelove, God is , God is light.light.

He isHe is faithful faithful day and night.day and night.

He is He is eternal,eternal, He He never changesnever changes,,

Though the seas rise up and Though the seas rise up and swallow swallow mountain mountain ranges.ranges.

God is God is lovelove, God is , God is light.light.

He isHe is faithful faithful day and night.day and night.

He is He is eternal,eternal, He He never changesnever changes,,

Though the seas rise up and Though the seas rise up and swallow swallow mountain mountain ranges.ranges.

O the Deep, Deep Love of O the Deep, Deep Love of JesusJesusO the Deep, Deep Love of O the Deep, Deep Love of JesusJesus

O the deep, deep O the deep, deep love love Jesus--Jesus--

Vast, unmeasured, Vast, unmeasured, boundlessboundless, , free!free!

Rolling as a Rolling as a mightymighty ocean ocean

In its fullness over me.In its fullness over me.

Underneath meUnderneath me, all , all around me,around me,

Is the current of His love--Is the current of His love--

Leading onward, leading homeward, Leading onward, leading homeward,

To my To my gloriousglorious rest above. rest above.

O the deep, deep O the deep, deep love love Jesus--Jesus--

Vast, unmeasured, Vast, unmeasured, boundlessboundless, , free!free!

Rolling as a Rolling as a mightymighty ocean ocean

In its fullness over me.In its fullness over me.

Underneath meUnderneath me, all , all around me,around me,

Is the current of His love--Is the current of His love--

Leading onward, leading homeward, Leading onward, leading homeward,

To my To my gloriousglorious rest above. rest above.

The Love of GodThe Love of God The Love of GodThe Love of God

Could we with ink the ocean fill,Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,And were the skies of parchment made,

Were ev’ry stalk on earth a quillWere ev’ry stalk on earth a quill

And ev’ry man a scribe by trade,And ev’ry man a scribe by trade,

To write To write the love of Godthe love of God above above

Would drain the ocean dry,Would drain the ocean dry,

Nor could the scroll contain the wholeNor could the scroll contain the whole

Tho stretched from sky to sky.Tho stretched from sky to sky.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,Could we with ink the ocean fill,

And were the skies of parchment made,And were the skies of parchment made,

Were ev’ry stalk on earth a quillWere ev’ry stalk on earth a quill

And ev’ry man a scribe by trade,And ev’ry man a scribe by trade,

To write To write the love of Godthe love of God above above

Would drain the ocean dry,Would drain the ocean dry,

Nor could the scroll contain the wholeNor could the scroll contain the whole

Tho stretched from sky to sky.Tho stretched from sky to sky.




• 2. We must 2. We must livelive the truth about Him by: the truth about Him by:– a.a. ReadingReading about God. about God.– b. b. MemorizingMemorizing verses about God. verses about God.– c. c. MeditatingMeditating on verses about God. on verses about God.– d. d. SingingSinging the truths about God. the truths about God.– e. e. PraisingPraising the person of God. the person of God.

e. e. PraisingPraising the person of God. the person of God.

• Psa. 22:3:Psa. 22:3: “You are holy, who “You are holy, who inhabit the praises of Israel.”inhabit the praises of Israel.”

• Psa. 145:3:Psa. 145:3: “ “Great is the LORD, Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised.”and greatly to be praised.”

• Psa. 150:6:Psa. 150:6: “Let everything that “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!”Praise the LORD!”

Remember: “To Succeed in Remember: “To Succeed in Your Spiritual Life, Aim Your Spiritual Life, Aim

Higher” Higher”

GodGodGodGod

In Fact, Aim a Lot HigherIn Fact, Aim a Lot Higher

importance of knowing god

Spiritual

god iv

things god

idea of god

god ispersonal

all138 god

god john

true god unlesswe

force god isinfinite