From Knowledge to Relationship: Embracing True Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: Choosing the Way of Life Over Mere Knowledge

God has always set before humanity a choice: to pursue life through relationship with Him or to seek knowledge apart from Him. In the garden, Adam and Eve were given the option to eat from the tree of life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and this choice echoes through every generation. The way of life is not about accumulating facts or information, but about trusting God, loving Him, and clinging to Him as the true source of life. When we choose relationship over mere knowledge, we open ourselves to the fullness and beauty that God intends for us, trusting that He will provide what we need as we walk with Him. [07:33]

Genesis 2:9 (ESV)
"And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to rely on your own understanding or knowledge instead of trusting God and seeking deeper relationship with Him today?

Day 2: The Narrow Path of Life Requires Relationship and Trust

Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to choose the path that leads to life—a path marked by loving Him, obeying His voice, and holding fast to Him. This way is not always easy; it is often described as narrow and difficult, but it is the only path that leads to true blessing and fullness. Walking this path means daily choosing intimacy with God over the easier, broader ways of the world, and trusting that His commands and presence are for our good. The invitation is to cling to God, to let love and trust guide our steps, and to experience the life that only He can give. [11:07]

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (ESV)
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can “hold fast” to God today, especially when faced with a difficult decision or temptation?

Day 3: True Life Is Found in Relationship with Jesus, Not Just in Scripture

Jesus taught that the Scriptures are meant to point us to Him, the source of eternal life. It is possible to know the Bible well and yet miss the heart of God if we do not allow it to draw us into deeper relationship with Jesus. The Pharisees searched the Scriptures for life but refused to come to Jesus Himself. We are invited to let our study of God’s Word lead us into intimacy with Christ, not just intellectual knowledge, so that we may experience the life He offers. [14:16]

John 5:39-40 (ESV)
"You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life."

Reflection: As you read the Bible this week, how can you intentionally let it draw you into a real conversation and relationship with Jesus, rather than just learning about Him?

Day 4: Transformation Comes from Embodying the Way of Jesus

It is not enough to simply know the teachings of Jesus or memorize Scripture; true transformation happens when we follow the pattern of Jesus’ life and put His words into practice. Like playing “follow the leader,” we are called to actively walk in the ways of Jesus, adopting His rhythms, habits, and disciplines. As we do, God shapes us, forms our character, and brings about the supernatural peace, joy, and freedom He promises. The invitation is to move from information to embodiment, allowing God to do His transforming work as we walk the narrow path together. [25:01]

2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV)
"Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."

Reflection: What is one specific practice or habit of Jesus you can begin to embody this week, and how might you invite God to use it to shape your character?

Day 5: The Disciplines of Faith Position Us for God’s Transforming Work

Spiritual disciplines—practices like prayer, worship, solitude, and community—are not ends in themselves, but ways we place ourselves before God so He can do His work in us. Like clay on the potter’s wheel or standing on the beach to watch the sunrise, these rhythms of intimacy position us to encounter God’s presence and be transformed by Him. The goal is not empty religious activity, but to experience the abundant life Jesus promised as we walk with Him and with others in community. [37:42]

Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Reflection: Which spiritual discipline or rhythm of intimacy do you sense God inviting you to step into more intentionally this week, and how can you approach it as a way to encounter Him rather than just a task to complete?

Sermon Summary

God has always invited His people into a life defined by relationship, not just knowledge. From the very beginning in Genesis, God set before humanity two paths: the way of life, rooted in trust and intimacy with Him, and the way of knowledge, which can easily become a substitute for true relationship. This pattern repeats throughout Scripture—Moses, Jesus, and Paul all call us to choose the path that leads to life, a path marked by loving, clinging to, and trusting God above all else. The temptation to settle for knowing about God, or even memorizing Scripture, without actually walking in His ways is strong, especially in a culture that prizes intellect and information. Yet, Jesus makes it clear: the Scriptures point to Him, but life is found in coming to Him, not merely in knowing about Him.

Paul’s words to Timothy are a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not just about believing the right things or accumulating knowledge. It’s about embodying the pattern of life that Jesus modeled—a life of faith, love, and partnership with the Holy Spirit. Paul doesn’t shame Timothy for his struggles; instead, he breathes courage into him, reminding him that their relationship, and Timothy’s relationship with Jesus, is secure. He calls Timothy to follow the pattern of sound words, not just to remember them, but to live them out in the context of faith and love.

This truth has been transformative in my own journey. For years, I knew the right things, even memorized entire books of the Bible, but felt stuck and unchanged. It wasn’t until I began to actually practice the ways of Jesus—the rhythms of intimacy, the disciplines of the faith—that I experienced real transformation. The invitation is not to empty religious activity, but to put ourselves in the place where God can shape us, like clay on the potter’s wheel or a person standing on the beach to witness the sunrise. The practices themselves are not the goal; they are the means by which we encounter the living God and are changed by Him.

God desires so much more for us than just a ticket to heaven. He wants us to experience abundant life—joy, peace, hope, and freedom—here and now, as we walk the narrow path of following Jesus together in community. The call is to move beyond information about God to a deep, experiential knowing of Him, trusting that as we follow the pattern of Jesus’ life, true transformation will come.

---

Key Takeaways

1. Relationship Over Knowledge: God’s design from the beginning has been for us to find life in relationship with Him, not merely in accumulating knowledge. The tree of life and the tree of knowledge represent two mutually exclusive paths: one of trust and intimacy, the other of self-sufficiency and distance. True spiritual vitality comes from clinging to God, not just knowing about Him. [07:33]
2. Scripture Points to Jesus, Not Itself: The Bible is a precious gift, but it is not an end in itself. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for searching the Scriptures for life, yet refusing to come to Him. The Scriptures are meant to draw us into deeper relationship with Christ; if they become a substitute for that relationship, we miss the very life they are meant to impart. [14:16]
3. Transformation Requires Embodiment, Not Just Understanding: Knowing the right things—even memorizing Scripture—does not guarantee transformation. It is in the actual practice of Jesus’ ways, the “pattern of sound words,” that we are changed. Faith is a present, active response to God’s work, and we are called to partner with Him by embodying the life of Jesus in our daily rhythms. [20:30]
4. Spiritual Disciplines Are Means, Not Ends: The practices of Jesus—prayer, solitude, service, and others—are not the goal, but the means by which we place ourselves before God to be shaped and transformed. Like clay on the potter’s wheel or a person positioned to see the sunrise, these rhythms of intimacy create space for God to do His work in us. They are empty if done for their own sake, but powerful when they lead us to encounter God. [37:42]
5. God Desires Abundant Life, Not Just Salvation: The invitation of Jesus is not merely to escape judgment, but to experience the fullness of life—joy, peace, hope, and freedom—here and now. Settling for a minimal, “fire insurance” faith misses the heart of God, who longs for us to thrive as we follow the narrow path of Jesus in community. Transformation is possible, and it is God’s desire for every one of us. [29:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - Preparing Our Hearts in Prayer
[04:11] - Paul’s Encouragement to Timothy
[06:01] - The Call to Suffer for the Gospel
[07:33] - The Two Trees: Life or Knowledge
[08:20] - Knowledge vs. Relationship
[11:07] - Moses and the Way of Life
[12:52] - Jesus on the Narrow Path
[14:16] - Scripture Points to Jesus
[17:25] - Knowing Whom, Not Just What
[19:21] - Following the Pattern of Jesus
[20:30] - Embodying the Way, Not Just Memorizing
[22:21] - Personal Story: Stuck in Faith
[25:01] - The Power of Practicing Jesus’ Ways
[27:55] - Transformation Through Community
[29:47] - Beyond Knowledge: Abundant Life
[32:29] - Introducing “The Well-Worn Narrow Path”
[35:24] - How to Use Spiritual Practices
[36:32] - The Potter’s Wheel and the Sunrise
[37:42] - Rhythms of Intimacy and Encounter
[40:01] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (ESV) — > Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

2. Genesis 2:9 (ESV) — > And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

3. John 5:39-40 (ESV) — > You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

Observation Questions

In 2 Timothy 1:13-14, what does Paul tell Timothy to do with the “pattern of sound words”? What does he say about the role of the Holy Spirit?
According to Genesis 2:9, what two trees did God place in the garden, and what do they represent in the context of the sermon? [07:33]
In John 5:39-40, what does Jesus say about the purpose of the Scriptures, and what mistake were the Pharisees making? [14:16]
The sermon describes Paul’s approach to Timothy’s struggles. How does Paul encourage Timothy instead of shaming him? [04:11]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize following the “pattern” of sound words rather than just remembering or reciting them? What does this suggest about the Christian life? [20:30]
The sermon draws a contrast between the tree of life and the tree of knowledge. What does it mean to choose the way of life over the way of knowledge, practically speaking? [07:33]
Jesus says the Scriptures “bear witness” about Him, but that life is found in coming to Him. What are some ways people might settle for knowing about God instead of actually knowing Him? [14:16]
The speaker shares about feeling “stuck” in faith despite knowing and memorizing Scripture. What does this reveal about the difference between information and transformation? [23:39]

Application Questions

The sermon warns against settling for just knowing about God or memorizing Scripture without actually walking in His ways. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been content with knowledge instead of relationship? What would it look like to move toward deeper intimacy with God this week? [08:20]
Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him that their relationship, and Timothy’s relationship with Jesus, is secure. When you face struggles or feel stuck, do you tend to shame yourself or receive God’s encouragement? How can you practice receiving God’s love and security? [04:11]
The speaker describes a season of being “stuck” spiritually, even after memorizing books of the Bible. Have you ever felt spiritually stuck? What spiritual practices or “rhythms of intimacy” could you try or return to in order to experience transformation? [25:01]
The sermon says spiritual disciplines are like putting yourself on the potter’s wheel or standing on the beach to see the sunrise—they are not the goal, but the means. Which spiritual discipline (prayer, solitude, service, etc.) do you find most helpful for encountering God, and why? Is there one you want to try this month? [37:42]
Jesus invites us to abundant life, not just “fire insurance” or a ticket to heaven. What does “abundant life” look like for you right now? Are there areas where you are settling for less than what God desires? [29:47]
The sermon highlights the importance of community in transformation. Who in your life helps you walk the narrow path of following Jesus? How can you intentionally pursue deeper community this week? [27:55]
The speaker mentions that knowledge can sometimes be used to avoid relationship—with God or with others. Can you think of a time when you used knowledge to keep distance instead of drawing near? How can you choose relationship over knowledge in your interactions this week? [08:20]

Sermon Clips

``God did not create us to have a relationship with a book. God created us to have a relationship with a person, the God of the universe, the triune God of the universe, Father, Son, and Spirit. And Jesus is saying, this is a good thing. The scriptures are good, but they point to the one who is life. And if you use them in a different way, it's like the tree of knowledge. You can use these and learn about Jesus so that you won't have to engage in relationship with Jesus. And he's saying, that's not the right way. Eternal life is not found here. It's found in me. It points to me who is life. [00:16:39] (38 seconds) #LifeBeyondTheBook

Paul says this, I know whom I have believed. He doesn't say, I know what I have believed. Right? We looked at this last week. He says, I know whom. Who is that? Jesus. He believes in Jesus. He believes in Jesus. Jesus. And he says, I know Jesus. And I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. [00:18:04] (26 seconds) #KnowingWhomWeBelieve

It's about embodying the way, the path, the narrow path that leads to life. himself. This is what Paul is talking about. He's not saying, just remember all the things that I said to you. Make sure you have all those things in your left brain stored up there so that you can regurgitate them to other people. That's not what he says. He says, Timothy, follow the pattern that you saw in me. We lived life together for a long time. And you saw the way that God had allowed me to embrace and embody the words of life. And I lived a certain way that was walking in the footsteps of Jesus. And Timothy, you've got to remember to do that. [00:20:12] (39 seconds) #EmbodyTheWay

God has given us the kind opportunity to partner with him in the guarding of it as we embrace and embody the way of Jesus that leads to him, which is life itself. This is huge. Paul says this in Philippians. He says, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. You work it out for it is God who's at work within you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Who's doing it? Paul, God or us? Yes. Jesus authored our faith and is perfecting our faith. And we are called to embody that faith, to embrace it as we follow the pattern of the way of life that Jesus demonstrated for us. [00:21:30] (43 seconds) #PartnerInSalvation

But as I in God's kindness began to actually practice the ways of Jesus I entered into a season of the most radical transformation of my life so much so that a few years later when I was pastoring in illinois around a group of people that i'd only known for a couple of years it was my birthday and one of the people said you know what here let's do this for your birthday we're gonna go around and we're gonna tell you the fruit of the spirit that we see in your life and i was like oh no so we're gonna hear a lot of fruit of the flesh coming out but then one by one they said things and i you could have like lifted my jaw off the ground because they said things like kindness what because i didn't see myself as a kind person because i saw myself as 15 years ago brady and then they said gentleness and i was like you're joking again you what? Stop it. And what God began to show me is that he had been doing a good work in me, transforming me more and more to the image of Jesus. [00:27:28] (71 seconds) #DisciplineTransformsLife

I literally had the words of Timothy memorized in my brain I could recite it to you and yet years later as a pastor I was stuck because I was not embodying the pattern the method the way of the sound words that lead to life and yet God in his kindness began to show me in community how to do that and he began to transform me and I'm so incredibly thankful because I am a different person standing before you today than I was and it's in the kindness of our Lord and Savior Jesus. [00:31:04] (46 seconds) #ShapedByThePotter

If you get this book and you just read it and you move on like I did with Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, it will do you no good. But if you actually, and the idea is to read it slowly and to embrace the exercises and allow God to continue to do the stuff that he's doing and learn how to implement the disciplines of the faith in your life, I truly, honestly believe that you will see transformation in your life. And it's not because I'm awesome or brilliant or anything like that, it's because God is. And as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we see the Jesus life birthed out in us. [00:36:04] (37 seconds) #PathLeadsToLife

God is the potter. We are the clay. And he has given us the method to put ourselves on the spinning wheel so that he can do the work that he does. God invites us to put ourselves continually daily on that wheel. And then he forms us and shapes us in this beautifully powerful way. And the way is the way of Jesus, the disciplines of the faith, the rhythms of intimacy. [00:37:13] (29 seconds)

The disciplines of the faith, the rhythms of intimacy. These are the way that we get ourselves onto the beach to see the sunrise. They are not the sunrise. They can easily become empty religious practices that do nothing. But as we embody them in the way of Jesus, led by his spirit in community, it's like putting ourselves on the beach and just seeing the beauty of what God is doing. Right? God is the one doing the work. God is the one who is beautiful. The path leads to God, who is life. And as we walk it, we see God doing God things, which is incredible because Jesus said, I want you to have life to its fullest extent. Extent, life. abundantly. And we can do that. We can have that. We can experience it. And we do it as we worship God together, as we follow God together in community, in the ways that Jesus did it. Follow the pattern of the life -giving words, and you will see life sprout in your heart, in your mind, in your body, in ways that you haven't seen it before. What an incredibly good, gracious, and generous God we have. [00:37:51] (75 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the true meaning of following Jesus?

How do disciplines of faith transform character?

Why is relationship more important than knowledge?