How can we ensure we "know Him" as stated in John 8:55? Knowing Him: The Heartbeat of John 8:55 “ ‘But you do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.’ ” (John 8:55) What “Know Him” Really Means • The Greek ginoskō speaks of intimate, personal relationship, not mere information (Jeremiah 9:24; John 17:3). • It is authenticated by loving obedience: “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3–4). How to Ensure We Know Him 1. Believe the One He Sent • “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” (John 6:29) • Saving faith unites us to Christ and opens the way to knowing the Father (John 14:6–7). 2. Abide in His Word • “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth.” (John 8:31–32) • Daily Scripture reading, study, and meditation let His voice shape our hearts (Psalm 1:2). 3. Obey What He Says • Jesus linked knowledge of the Father to “I…keep His word” (John 8:55). • Obedience proves love (John 14:21) and guards us from self-deception. 4. Walk in the Spirit • The Spirit “will teach you all things” and unveil Christ to you (John 14:26; 16:13–14). • Continual yielding produces the fruit that confirms genuine relationship (Galatians 5:22–25). 5. Pursue Prayerful Communion • “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) • Honest, regular prayer deepens awareness of His presence and character. 6. Share Fellowship with His People • God is “known” among gathered believers (1 Corinthians 14:24–25; Hebrews 10:24–25). • Mutual encouragement keeps us walking in the light (1 John 1:7). 7. Guard Against Idols • Anything loved more than God clouds true knowledge of Him (1 John 5:20–21). • Regular confession and repentance keep the heart single toward Him. Evidence That We Know Him • Consistent obedience to Scripture (1 John 2:3–5) • Love for fellow believers (1 John 4:7–8) • Growing Christ-like character (2 Peter 1:5–8) • Perseverance in truth amid pressure (John 15:18–19) • Bold, accurate confession of Jesus (Matthew 10:32; 1 John 4:15) Warnings Against False Assurance • Religious activity without obedience leads to “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21–23). • Knowledge without love inflates pride (1 Corinthians 8:1–3). • Habitual sin contradicts claimed fellowship (1 John 3:6). Daily Living in the Knowledge of Him • Start and finish each day in His Word and prayer. • Ask, “How can I please You today?” then act on what He shows. • Stay sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings; quick repentance keeps the relationship clear. • Celebrate His faithfulness in community worship and testimony. • Fix hope on the day when “we will see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2) — the ultimate fulfillment of knowing Him face-to-face. |
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