Our Quest to
Know God
Introduction:
It is tragic when
Christians place little emphasis on dining on the spiritual feast that is the
word of God! We must be in tune with God! See Psa. 1:1-2; 63:6-8;
77:11-13; 143:5-6; 119:9-16. These scriptures speak of a person who hungers for
God. In the New Testament, we have words of Jesus – Mt. 5:6. Righteous
people have an appetite for righteousness. Everything that God wants to happen
in our lives begins by learning! To learn and grow in faith means there must be
teaching! We can succeed in our bible Study!
I. Knowing God.
A. Phil. 3:7-8, 10 – Paul’s extreme
desire to know God. It was his passion.
1. Do we find it exciting to feast on
spiritual things? Phil. 4:8-9?
B.
Nothing
more important than knowing God in a deep, personal way.
1.
It is life’s
greatest privilege and our most urgent need!
C.
Do we
have a relationship w/the savior? If so, how deep is it? How personal? Does our
spiritual life border on the superficial?
D.
Our
knowledge of God begins and never ends with Jesus. (John 14:6)
II. Do we regularly take advantage a wonderful opportunity to know God?
A.
Consider
attending and participating in bible classes.
B.
How
much of an emphasis do we place on knowing God through bible study?
1.
Our
attitude about bible class can be a good indicator of the amount of our desire
to know more about God.
III. God has provided us with some great tools
– let’s use them!
A.
We can help each other know God!
B.
Let’s continue to upgrade bible classes to best
quality of teaching!
1.
If we’re in a spiritual slump, let’s renew our
commitment to know the great love of God & reverence toward His word!
2.
Work together to build enthusiastic; high
energy; high quality bible classes!
C.
But…let’s improve on what we have! Take it to next level. How?
1.
Attend these classes! Hard to have good
class if poorly attended.
2.
Be prepared & ready to
answer/contribute.
3.
Begin building enthusiasm…
a)
Talk to EVERYONE about them…friends &
neighbors.
b)
Good bible classes are critical to
growth. They are a tool to convert the lost!
4.
Exhibit dependability.
a)
Many congregations have large %’s of
undependable members.
b)
Effectiveness of bible classes compromised
from teaching and attendance standpoint when this occurs.
Conclusion:
A.
Look at
the high priestly prayer (John 17). See 17:3
1.
Consider
our responsibility to live in obedience to the revealed word.
2.
Consider
17:7-8, 16-17
3.
God
wants an intimate & deep personal relationship w/us & this is done by
placing His word in our heart.
B.
How are you doing? How is your relationship
with God?