Deepening Our Relationship with God in 2025

 

Summary

In this message, we explore the profound concept of "Yada," a Hebrew word meaning to know deeply and intimately. As we step into a new year filled with uncertainties, we are reminded that our assurance lies not in the superficial "yada, yada, yada" of dismissive chatter, but in the deep, transformative knowledge of God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but is an intimate familiarity with the divine, a relationship that shapes our lives and our understanding of the world.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 serves as a central text, urging us not to boast in our wisdom, strength, or riches, but in our understanding and knowledge of God, who delights in kindness, justice, and righteousness. This passage challenges us to examine our lives and consider whether we have allowed the pursuit of worldly wisdom and strength to become subtle idols, drawing us away from our covenant relationship with God.

The message also highlights the importance of spiritual practices, such as Lectio Divina, to deepen our relationship with God. Through these practices, we allow the living Word of God to read us, transforming us from the inside out. The story of a young refugee boy who was brought back to life through the reading of Scripture illustrates the power of God's Word to revive and renew.

As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, we are called to be unashamed of our faith, recognizing the profound impact of Judeo-Christian principles on our society. We are encouraged to boast in our relationship with God, understanding that it is through this relationship that we find true wisdom, strength, and wealth.

In practical terms, we are urged to prioritize our time with God, engage in community, and embrace the kindness, justice, and righteousness that God embodies. As we do so, we become a reflection of God's character to the world, offering an alternative to the chaos and confusion around us. Let us commit to knowing God deeply in 2025, so that we may have something to boast about to a world in desperate need of hope and transformation.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Depth of Knowing God: The Hebrew word "Yada" calls us to a profound, intimate knowledge of God, beyond mere intellectual understanding. This deep relationship is the foundation of our faith and the source of true wisdom, strength, and wealth. As we enter a new year, let us prioritize this intimate knowing of God, allowing it to shape our lives and guide us through uncertainties. [42:37]

2. Boasting in God, Not Ourselves: Jeremiah 9:23-24 challenges us to shift our focus from boasting in our own wisdom, strength, and riches to boasting in our understanding and knowledge of God. This shift requires us to examine our lives for subtle idols and to realign our priorities with God's values of kindness, justice, and righteousness. [53:00]

3. The Power of God's Word: The story of the young refugee boy illustrates the transformative power of Scripture. As we engage with God's Word through practices like Lectio Divina, we allow it to read us, bringing life and renewal. This practice is essential for deepening our relationship with God and aligning our lives with His purposes. [44:47]

4. Unashamed Faith in a Complex World: In a world where Judeo-Christian principles have shaped societal values, we are called to be unashamed of our faith. By understanding the historical impact of these principles, we can confidently share our faith and offer hope to a world in need of justice and righteousness. [51:04]

5. Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth: Prioritizing time with God, engaging in community, and embracing God's kindness, justice, and righteousness are practical steps for spiritual growth. These practices help us reflect God's character to the world and offer an alternative to the chaos and confusion around us. [01:05:00]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [42:37] - Understanding "Yada"
- [43:28] - The Power of Lectio Divina
- [44:47] - The Transformative Word of God
- [45:36] - Israel's Covenant and Our Call
- [46:45] - Jeremiah's Warning
- [47:50] - Modern Idolatry
- [49:51] - Unashamed Faith
- [51:04] - Historical Impact of Christianity
- [52:04] - Boasting in Knowing God
- [53:00] - Shifting from Self-Reliance
- [54:53] - God-Reliance in Crisis
- [55:57] - The Mandate to Know God
- [57:04] - Head and Heart Knowledge
- [59:04] - Deeper Relationship Through Trials
- [01:01:06] - God's Kindness, Justice, and Righteousness
- [01:03:08] - Relational Knowing with God and Others
- [01:05:00] - Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
- [01:07:20] - Community and Accountability
- [01:10:17] - Embracing Mercy and Covenant
- [01:11:27] - Commitment to Knowing God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Jeremiah 9:23-24

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the Hebrew word "Yada" mean, and how is it different from the dismissive "yada, yada, yada" often used in conversation? [42:37]

2. According to Jeremiah 9:23-24, what are the things that people are warned not to boast about, and what should they boast about instead? [44:47]

3. How does the story of the young refugee boy illustrate the power of God's Word? [44:47]

4. What are some of the spiritual practices mentioned in the sermon that can help deepen our relationship with God? [43:28]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "Yada" challenge the way individuals typically understand their relationship with God? [42:37]

2. In what ways might the pursuit of wisdom, strength, and riches become subtle idols in a person's life, according to the sermon? [53:54]

3. How does the sermon suggest that Judeo-Christian principles have historically impacted society, and why is it important for believers to be unashamed of their faith? [51:04]

4. What role does community play in spiritual growth, as discussed in the sermon, and why is it important not to pursue faith in isolation? [01:07:20]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. How can you move from a superficial understanding to a deeper, more intimate "Yada" knowledge of Him? [42:37]

2. Identify any areas in your life where you might be boasting in your own wisdom, strength, or riches. How can you shift your focus to boasting in your understanding and knowledge of God? [44:47]

3. Consider incorporating a spiritual practice like Lectio Divina into your routine. What steps can you take to make this a regular part of your spiritual life? [43:28]

4. In what ways can you be more unashamed of your faith in your daily interactions, especially in a world that may not always value Judeo-Christian principles? [51:04]

5. How can you prioritize your time with God in the coming weeks? What specific changes can you make to ensure that your relationship with Him is a priority? [01:05:00]

6. Think about the community you are part of. How can you engage more deeply with others to support your spiritual growth and theirs? [01:07:20]

7. Reflect on the kindness, justice, and righteousness of God. How can you embody these attributes in your interactions with others this week? [01:01:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Intimate Knowledge of God Transforms Our Lives
The Hebrew word "Yada" invites us into a profound, intimate knowledge of God that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. This deep relationship is the foundation of our faith and the source of true wisdom, strength, and wealth. As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to prioritize this intimate knowing of God, allowing it to shape our lives and guide us through uncertainties. This kind of knowledge is not about accumulating facts but about experiencing a transformative relationship with the divine. It is through this relationship that we find the assurance and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of life. [42:37]

Jeremiah 24:7 (ESV): "I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for they shall return to me with their whole heart."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with God this week, moving beyond intellectual knowledge to a more intimate, transformative experience?


Day 2: Boasting in God’s Values Over Worldly Achievements
Jeremiah 9:23-24 challenges us to shift our focus from boasting in our own wisdom, strength, and riches to boasting in our understanding and knowledge of God. This shift requires us to examine our lives for subtle idols and to realign our priorities with God's values of kindness, justice, and righteousness. In a world that often values personal achievements and material success, we are called to find our identity and worth in our relationship with God. By doing so, we align ourselves with His purposes and reflect His character to those around us. [53:00]

1 Corinthians 1:31 (ESV): "So that, as it is written, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'"

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you tend to boast in your own achievements. How can you shift your focus to boast in your relationship with God instead?


Day 3: Scripture’s Transformative Power in Our Lives
The story of the young refugee boy illustrates the transformative power of Scripture. As we engage with God's Word through practices like Lectio Divina, we allow it to read us, bringing life and renewal. This practice is essential for deepening our relationship with God and aligning our lives with His purposes. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing God's Word to shape our thoughts, actions, and character. [44:47]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the practice of Lectio Divina into your daily routine to allow Scripture to transform your life?


Day 4: Unashamed Faith in a World Needing Hope
In a world where Judeo-Christian principles have shaped societal values, we are called to be unashamed of our faith. By understanding the historical impact of these principles, we can confidently share our faith and offer hope to a world in need of justice and righteousness. Our faith is not just a personal belief but a powerful force for good in the world. As we live out our faith boldly, we become beacons of hope and transformation in our communities. [51:04]

Romans 1:16 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have felt hesitant to share your faith. How can you approach it with boldness and confidence this week?


Day 5: Reflecting God’s Character Through Spiritual Growth
Prioritizing time with God, engaging in community, and embracing God's kindness, justice, and righteousness are practical steps for spiritual growth. These practices help us reflect God's character to the world and offer an alternative to the chaos and confusion around us. As we commit to these practices, we become more like Christ, embodying His love and grace in our interactions with others. This commitment to spiritual growth not only transforms us but also impacts those around us, drawing them closer to God. [01:05:00]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to prioritize your spiritual growth and reflect God's character in your daily interactions?

Quotes


The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword. Piercing between soul and spirit. Joint and marrow. I will never forget a story that a mentor of mine told me of a young refugee lad. The soldiers had come in and had literally slaughtered his family. And he somehow had run under the bed and hid. [00:43:51] (25 seconds)


And when they found him, he was completely comatose, unresponsive. He was conscious, but he was unresponsive. And this priest sat by his bedside for hours, I think almost days, and just read scripture over him. And he became alive. He became alive. [00:44:16] (25 seconds)

Let not the wise boast of their wisdom, or the strong boast of their strength, or the rich boast of their riches. But let the one who boasts boast about this, that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth. [00:44:52] (0 seconds)


You know, Canada was a nation that was founded on Judeo-Christian principle, and it was founded on Judeo-Christian principle. You know, Canada was founded on Judeo-Christian principle. You know this last December you know what we celebrated in the body of Christ that there's been a move in this country to just get December as Christian heritage month. [00:48:31] (21 seconds)


And all of a sudden, he had this awareness that the fact that the Me Too became a big movement and justice and righteousness began to surface was because of the Judeo-Christian principles that were seeded in our Western world. And you know what he said to all these Christian leaders? He said, if I was you, I would be out and proud. [00:51:04] (25 seconds)


So Jeremiah calls his people to shift their dependence from a sense of self-reliance. From a self-reliance to a God-reliance. And to begin boasting about the fact that you know me. Yada, Yada, the Father. Yada, the Son. Yada, the Spirit. So what does that actually look like, you know? [00:55:28] (25 seconds)


And what does his kindness result in? In justice and righteousness. Amazing. What is justice? Justice is a standard of righteousness reflecting God's character. Fairness. Impartiality. Equality. Protection of the innocent. Who on your street doesn't want that? Who in your office doesn't want that? Righteousness. It's being in right relationship with God and others. [01:02:26] (34 seconds)


And brothers and sisters, when it comes to our relationship with God, we cannot cheat in our quiet time and coming to church and your Bible studies and your time alone with God because you are going to need that level of conditioning when the difficult things come if you're going to stay in the game. [01:05:29] (21 seconds)


Let us set as our highest priority that we will be those who commit ourselves 100% to be those who will get to know God. Let us know God so deeply in 2025 that we have something to boast about to a world that desperately needs to experience God's kindness, and his justice, and his righteousness. [01:11:33] (26 seconds)


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Transcript
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