How can we deepen our knowledge of God as Jesus did in John 7:29? “I know Him because I am from Him and He sent Me.” Setting the Scene • The religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority at the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:14-28). • Jesus answers by declaring two core realities: He “knows” the Father, and He is both “from” and “sent” by the Father. • These realities form a pattern for believers who long to deepen their own knowledge of God. Core Truths Revealed in the Verse • Knowing God flows from origin: “I am from Him.” • Knowing God flows into mission: “He sent Me.” • Knowledge here is not mere information but relational intimacy that shapes identity and purpose. Practical Pathways to Deeper Knowledge of God 1. Receive New Birth—Being “From Him” • John 1:12-13 — Born “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” • Galatians 4:6-7 — The Spirit of His Son cries, “Abba, Father,” anchoring us in family relationship. • Assurance of adoption silences doubt and invites confident pursuit of His heart. 2. Abide in His Word • John 8:31-32 — “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples.” • Psalm 119:18 — Pray for opened eyes to behold wondrous things in the law. • Daily intake, thoughtful meditation, and active obedience transform knowledge into lived experience. 3. Cultivate Ongoing Communion • Mark 1:35 — Jesus rose early to pray, modeling unhurried fellowship. • 1 Thessalonians 5:17 — “Pray without ceasing.” • Set times and spontaneous moments of conversation keep the relationship vibrant. 4. Walk in Obedient Mission—Being “Sent” • John 20:21 — “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” • Knowledge deepens when truth is practiced; obedience invites fresh revelation (John 14:21). • Serve in gifting, witness to neighbors, participate in the Great Commission—each act aligns the heart with God’s purposes. 5. Depend on the Holy Spirit • John 16:13-14 — The Spirit guides into all truth and glorifies Christ. • Ephesians 5:18 — “Be filled with the Spirit,” a continual posture of surrender. • Sensitivity to His promptings keeps knowledge dynamic, not static. 6. Fellowship with the Body • Acts 2:42 — Devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. • Proverbs 27:17 — “Iron sharpens iron.” • Shared insights and mutual encouragement expand understanding and guard against error. 7. Guard Against Hindrances • Unconfessed sin — Isaiah 59:2 shows sin obscures God’s face; prompt repentance restores clarity (1 John 1:9). • Distractions of worldliness — 1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world, which dulls spiritual appetite. • Neglect of Sabbath rest — Mark 6:31 highlights the need to come away and rest, protecting intimacy from burnout. Encouraging Examples • Moses knew God “face to face” and pleaded, “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:11, 18). • Paul, though mature, pressed on “to know Him” (Philippians 3:10). • Each illustrates that deeper knowledge is a lifelong pursuit, never exhausted. Culminating Assurance • Jeremiah 24:7 — God promises, “I will give them a heart to know Me.” • As we align with the pattern of Jesus—rooted in divine origin, living on divine mission, empowered by divine communion—we can confidently echo His words: “I know Him.” |
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