MEMORY VERSE: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” – John 17:3 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 17:22-27
LESSON INTRODUCTION: Within all of us, there exists a strong desire to be known and to know others. More importantly, there is a void in every individual – a quest to know their creator, even if they are not professed believers in God. The apostle Paul expressed his desire to truly know God (Philippians 3:10). It is therefore, important to address the issue of seeking and truly knowing God.
LESSON OUTLINES
- SEEKING GOD IS INEVITABLE
- KEYS TO TRULY KNOWING GOD
- SEEKING GOD IS INEVITABLE
Our desire to seek and know more of God is the essence of true life (John 17:3; Jeremiah 50:4). The thoughts of God should be paramount in our minds because they will determine the value and direction of our lives (Psalm 48:9; 63:6). Seeking God, then, is an ongoing responsibility and privilege for all Christians (Job 5:8). Therefore, Scriptures admonish us to seek God wholeheartedly (Deuteronomy 4:29); early in life (Psalm 63:1; Eccl. 12:1); continually (Psalm 105:4) with joy (Psalm 70:4); by prayer and supplications, with fasting (Daniel 9:3); through His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) and by studying His word (John 5:39).
Assuredly, those who seek God under the conditions stated above shall find Him (Jeremiah 29:13) and be satisfied (Matthew 5:6); they shall understand all things (Proverbs 28:5 and shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10).
- KEYS TO TRULY KNOWING GOD
In an attempt to know God, we must:
- Receive Jesus Christ into our lives (John 1:12): Jesus makes it clear that He alone is the way to Heaven and personal knowledge of God (John 14:6-9).
- Understand that the Bible is God’s word and a revelation of Himself, His promises, and His will (John 1:1; Psalm 119:105). The Bible is essentially a love letter written to us from a loving God who created us to know Him intimately (2Timothy 3:14-17)
- Be committed to obeying what we read in the Scriptures (Titus 1:16; John 15:14). We were created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Not only must we read and understand God’s word, but we must also apply doctrines obediently and remain faithful (James 1:21-22).
- Be committed to prayer, personal devotion, fellowship with brethren (Hebrews 10:25) and always worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).
- Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us always (Revelation 8:14, 26-27). Then, our lives can be filled with God, and we can experience knowing Him intimately.
CONCLUSION: If we genuinely hunger and thirst to know God, He will reveal Himself to us.