Knowledge of God (I)
Text: Hosea 4:1-7; Pro 2:2-6. Memory Verse: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." (Pro 1:7a)
INTRODUCTION: Knowledge, in line with English Dictionary
means: understanding; familiarity gained by experience;
range of information and understanding someone has on a
subject. Almost everybody believes that knowledge is power
and to lack it is to be powerless. In line with this, God 's
utmost desire for his children is to have his knowledge (Jer.
9:23-24). Therefore in this study, we shall examine the
importance of knowledge of God in some areas and its
relevance to our daily living. May we be richly blessed as
we study.
(1) KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN LIFE - 2 Pet
3:18; Eph 3:19; Col. 9:9-10. Consistency has to do with
keeping to the same principles or course of action. Our
level of knowledge of God will certainly determine the level
of our consistency in Christian life. We can only grow in
grace by consistently pursering his knowledge seeking to
know his will for our lives per every occasion and abiding
therein (Eph. 5:17; Jn. 15:4-7). We must be steadfast and
increasing in God's work because reward awaits us (I Cor.
15:58; Gal. 6:9). We must not cast away our confidence in
God (Heb 10:23,35-39). Let brethren discuss the causes of
Christians' inconsistency and the ways we could be
consistent today's world. There will be trouble and trials
but victory is assured (Jn. 16:33).
(2) KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN SOUL-WINNING - Jn. 3:16; 2 Pet. 3:9;
Jn 4:31-38. God sacrificed his only Son in order to have man
redeemed to himself because he has no pleasure in the death
of sinners (Ezk 33:11). He knows that eternal suffering in
hell awaits sinners but he does not want people made in his
image to suffer eternal hell since he made hell for the
devil and his angels (Matt 25:41). God therefore wants us to
have his knowledge in this respect and urgently rescue the
perishing (Jude 21-23; Pro 24:11-12) Jesus says we should
make Disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19-20). How did the
early church respond to Jesus command? What is our own
response? What effect does our response has on our society?
(see 2 Timo 4:1-5). Should we not pray for God's mercy and
revival?
(3) KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN RELATIONSHIPS - Heb 12:14; Jn 13:35;
Eph 4:32; Matt 18:23-35. God's will for his people is to
dwell together in harmony and to be considerate as we deal
with each other: not to be harsh but to do everything in
love (Lk 6:27-35; 10:25-37), to show mercy, bear each
other's infirmities (Rom 15:1-3; Gal 6:1-2), rebuke in love
(Lev 19:17-18), share in love (Jas 2:14-16; Pro 3:27-29):
PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN - (Eph 6:1-4; Pro 2:20; Matt
10:37; 22:39) Parents should love their children, care for
them and not provoke them to anger. Children should obey
their parents and honour them to live long. Teach and
encourage each other (Col 3:17) SERVANTS AND THEIR MASTERS -
(Eph 6:5-9) BELIEVERS (Heb 13:1; Rom 12:10; Eph 5:1-4; Gal
6:10) .The basis of our love is in the fact that we are
members of the same family (body of Christ) Gal 3:26-29).
UNBELIEVERS -: (Col 4:5; Pro 1:1; 2 Cor 6:14-16; Matt
5:13-16) We must be wise in dealing with unbelievers. Preach
to them on time, shine your light and preserve your salt
before them. Love the but do not compromise with them. THE
WORLD - (I Jn 2:13-16; Matt 5:13-16). This world is not a
permanent place Heaven should be our utmost desire (Col
3:1-2; Matt 6:33). Our life light must be sending darkness
away while our salt sweeten the earth. DEVIL - (Eph 6:12;
Jas 4:7; I Pet 5:8-9; Eph 4:27). The Bible commands us to
resist the devil (not to destroy, kill or curse). Brethren
should briefly share their experiences in relating with the
above items and examine the way for improvement. Except on
issues connected with sin, which we must handle wisely like
Joseph (Gen 39:7-12), believers should relate peacefully
with all men. God will help if we desire and pray for the
grace.
(4) KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IN EXPECTATION OF RAPTURE - I Thess
4:13-15; 5:1-11; I Jn 3:1-3. Rapture, from the Christian
point of view is a sudden and joyful catching up of the
true, ever ready believers to meet with their Lord Jesus in
the air at his appearing (I Thess 4:17). The word "rapture"
is an English word (noun) that has to do with a deep joyful
experience. It is the next expected event after this
dispensation of grace and it is a fact (as seen in the texts
read). When will it happen? (Matt 24:36; 25:13; I Thess
5:1-3). How will it happen? (Matt 24:27-41; 25:1-13; I Thess
5:4-8) Where will it happen? Matt 24:31. What shall we do to
be ready? (Maat 24:42-44; Ithess 5:4-8) What will happen to
the loosers? (Matt 24:45-51; 25:11-12) Examples of Rapture:
Gen 5:21-24; 2 King 2:9-11; Acts 1:9-11; 8:39-40. May we be
found fit for the rapture whether at the point of death or
at the Lord 's appearing. CONCLUSION: Having been so much
instructed in Knowledge of God, what his will is in several
areas of our lives, we should live in his knowledge and make
it our utmost pursuit in life. It is the process of getting
to him and Jesus is the way to know him and have rest here
and in heaven (Matt 11:28-30; Jn 14:6). May God increase us
in his knowledge unto an approved living.
Rev Debo Adeyemo ppraise@skannet.com
