Pursuing the Knowledge of God - Protestant Caucus/Devotional

Gracetoyou.org ^ | 1997 | John McArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

God’s greatest desire for us is that we seek diligently to know Him.

To know God and all that He has revealed about Himself is the highest pursuit of life. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10). Such a realization should really be the starting point for all of life’s other pursuits.

As David gave his throne to his son Solomon, his primary counsel was that Solomon know God: “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever” (1 Chron. 28:9).

Knowing God not only determines the quality of one’s present life, but also the destiny of one’s life in eternity. Jesus says, “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent” (John 17:3). Eternal life is simply knowing God in an intimate way for the rest of eternity. It begins here on earth when we believe in Christ and partake of His very nature and life.

How can we know God? The Lord says, “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). Solomon teaches us, “For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover the knowledge of God” (Prov. 2:3-5). This pursuit of God must be our top priority in life. Otherwise, it is so easy to be distracted by the pursuit of money, career success, personal power and prestige, or any earthly endeavor that demands our time and energy.

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank the Lord that you know Him personally.

For Further Study

Read 2 Peter 1:1-11.

What are the benefits to those who know God?

What qualities should be evident in your life?

From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright © 1997. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Arlis]

For years I’ve said that our one need is simply to know God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:8ff.

This is Paul’s GOAL at the end of his life when he wrote Philippians. His PRAYER for the Ephesians in 1:15ff.

How many sermons/messages are on knowing God? knowing the Lord Jesus? and Him crucified? His finished work on the cross? the efficacy of His shed blood? Justification? Sanctifation? The person of the Lord Jesus as John wrote in his gospel and letters?

This is the focus of most of Paul’s letters in the first half: Romans 1 - 8; Ephesians 1 - 3; Philippians 1 -3; Colossians 1 - 3.

If half or more of all teaching, sermons, messages was on knowing “Christ Jesus and Him crucified”, the church would be spiritually strong - in the knowledge of God.

But it is spiritually weak because the majority of teaching, messages, sermons is on peripheral matters far too often.

May the Lord re-direct us - toward Himself.

[metmom]

AMEN!!!!

[metmom]

Seems like we want to know about God instead of knowing God. and that we want the things God provides and not God Himself.

There is an old poem I heard once by AB Simpson who was the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

Himself

Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once ’twas painful trying, Now ’tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once ’twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once ’twas constant drifting, Now my anchor’s cast.

Once ’twas busy planning, Now ’tis trustful prayer;
Once ’twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once ’twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once ’twas constant asking, Now ’tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He’s mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the vail.

*********************************************************

God, give me that kind of heart after You.

[Arlis]

Sang that song many times with saints in the late ‘60’s......early ‘70’s......love everything by A.B. Simpson and A.W. Tozer....thanks.....

[Arlis]

Christ Who is Our Life

“I Am” Who art Thou, Lord?
I Am - all things to thee;
Sufficient to thine every need;
Thou art complete in Me.

I Am - thy Peace, thy Joy,
Thy Righteousness, thy Might.
I Am - thy Victory o’er sin,
Thy Keeper day and night.

I Am - thy Way, thy Life;
I Am - thy Word of Truth,
Whate’er thy lack, I Am - to thee
El Shaddai, Enough.

I Am - thy Life within,
Thine Everlasting Bread;
Eat of my Flesh, drink of my Blood,
I Am - What dost thou need?

- Adah Richmond

[boatbums]

Amen and amen! And one day:

Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (I Cor. 13:12)

[gitmo]

Interesting. I was reading those verses in the middle of the night last night. Also Isaiah 11.