From Knowledge to Transformation: Knowing God Personally
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God. We began by reflecting on the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, illustrating how information about Jesus led Zacchaeus to seek Him, but it was the personal encounter with Jesus that transformed his life. This distinction between information and experience is crucial in our spiritual journey. Many of us may find ourselves filled with knowledge about God, yet lacking a genuine relationship with Him. This can lead to a stagnant faith, where the Word of God becomes a tool for correction rather than transformation.
We are reminded that we are not merely bodies with a soul, but souls with a body, inherently longing for a connection with our Creator. This longing cannot be satisfied by mere information; it requires a personal encounter with God. When we truly know God, it changes how we live, causes us to grow, and elicits a response from us. As we delve into 1 Peter 2:1-3, we see that knowing God compels us to put aside malice, deceit, and hypocrisy, and to crave the pure spiritual milk that leads to growth in salvation.
The challenge for us is to move beyond religious routines and emotional highs, and to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with God. This involves both knowledge and experience, leading to a life that reflects His love and grace. As we enter 2025, we are encouraged to commit to knowing God more deeply, allowing this relationship to transform every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we not only experience personal growth but also become conduits of God's goodness to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Information vs. Encounter: Knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him personally. Zacchaeus's story shows that while information can lead us to seek Jesus, it is the encounter with Him that transforms us. We must strive for a relationship with God that goes beyond mere knowledge. [43:10]
2. Soul's Longing: We are souls with bodies, inherently longing for a connection with our Creator. This longing is fulfilled not through information but through a personal relationship with God. Our spiritual journey should focus on deepening this connection. [41:09]
3. Transformation through Relationship: Knowing God changes how we live. It compels us to put aside negative behaviors and embrace a life that reflects His love. Our relationship with God should lead to visible changes in our actions and attitudes. [48:39]
4. Growth through the Word: True growth comes from engaging with God's Word and allowing it to transform us. This growth is not just behavioral but changes us at our core, leading to a deeper understanding and love for God. [54:44]
5. Response to God's Goodness: Experiencing God's kindness leads to a response of life change. Our lives should be a testament to His goodness, inviting others to taste and see that the Lord is good through our actions and interactions. [59:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[31:10] - Marriage One Day Announcement
[32:33] - Krispy Kreme Fun Facts
[34:44] - The Krispy Kreme Challenge
[38:40] - Knowing vs. Experiencing
[40:09] - Information vs. Transformation
[41:09] - Soul's Longing for God
[43:10] - Zacchaeus's Encounter
[45:53] - Religion vs. Emotionalism
[47:01] - Intimate Relationship with God
[48:39] - Life Change through Knowing God
[51:01] - Mary and Martha's Story
[53:11] - Commitment to Growth in 2025
[54:44] - Growth through God's Word
[57:27] - Boldness in Prayer
[59:52] - Response to God's Kindness
[01:02:13] - Call to Action for 2025
[01:07:53] - Prayer of Submission
[01:10:58] - Closing and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 2:1-3
- Luke 19:1-9
---
Observation Questions:
1. In the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, what actions did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to him? [43:10]
2. According to 1 Peter 2:1-3, what behaviors are believers encouraged to put aside, and what should they crave instead?
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between having information about God and having an encounter with God? [40:09]
4. What analogy does the pastor use to explain the importance of both knowledge and experience in our relationship with God? [47:01]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the transformation of Zacchaeus illustrate the difference between knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him? [43:10]
2. What does it mean to "crave pure spiritual milk" as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:2, and how does this craving relate to spiritual growth?
3. The sermon mentions that knowing God changes how we live. In what ways might a deeper relationship with God alter one's daily actions and decisions? [48:39]
4. How does the concept of being "souls with bodies" rather than "bodies with souls" affect our understanding of our spiritual needs and desires? [41:09]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Do you find yourself more focused on gathering information about Him or experiencing His presence? How can you shift towards a more experiential relationship? [40:09]
2. Consider the story of Zacchaeus. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to make a change or seek forgiveness, similar to Zacchaeus's response to Jesus? [43:10]
3. What specific steps can you take to "put aside all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander" as instructed in 1 Peter 2:1? How might this impact your relationships with others?
4. The sermon challenges us to commit to knowing God more deeply in 2025. What practical commitments can you make to deepen your relationship with God this year? [53:11]
5. How can you ensure that your spiritual growth is not just behavioral modification but a genuine transformation at your core? What role does engaging with God's Word play in this process? [54:44]
6. Think of a time when you experienced God's kindness. How did it change your perspective or actions? How can you share this experience with others to demonstrate God's goodness? [59:52]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel stagnant in your faith. What is one tangible action you can take this week to reignite your spiritual growth and connection with God? [48:39]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
---
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Encounter
In the story of Zacchaeus, we see a profound example of how knowing about Jesus is different from truly knowing Him. Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus, which sparked his curiosity and led him to seek an encounter. It was this personal meeting with Jesus that transformed Zacchaeus's life, leading him to repentance and restitution. This illustrates the difference between having information about God and experiencing a life-changing relationship with Him. Many people may have extensive knowledge about God, yet their lives remain unchanged because they have not had a personal encounter with Him. The challenge is to move beyond mere knowledge and seek a transformative relationship with God. [43:10]
"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt God's presence in a personal way. How did that encounter change your perspective or actions? How can you seek more of these transformative encounters in your daily life?
Day 2: The Soul's Deep Longing
We are not just physical beings; we are souls with bodies, inherently longing for a connection with our Creator. This longing cannot be satisfied by mere information or religious rituals. It requires a personal relationship with God, where we experience His presence and love. This deep connection is what truly fulfills our spiritual hunger and leads to a vibrant faith. As we journey through life, it's essential to recognize this longing and prioritize our relationship with God above all else. [41:09]
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." (Psalm 42:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways do you feel your soul longing for God? How can you create space in your daily routine to nurture this longing and deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Transformation through Relationship
Knowing God is not just about acquiring knowledge; it's about allowing that relationship to transform our lives. When we truly know God, it compels us to put aside negative behaviors such as malice, deceit, and hypocrisy. Instead, we are called to live a life that reflects His love and grace. This transformation is evident in our actions and attitudes, as we become more like Christ. It's a continuous journey of growth and change, as we allow God's love to shape us from the inside out. [48:39]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: What negative behaviors or attitudes do you need to put aside to reflect God's love more clearly? How can you actively work on these areas with God's help?
Day 4: Growth through the Word
True spiritual growth comes from engaging with God's Word and allowing it to transform us. This growth is not just about changing our behavior but involves a deep transformation at our core. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain a deeper understanding of God's character and His will for our lives. This leads to a greater love for God and a desire to live in a way that honors Him. It's important to approach the Bible not just as a source of information but as a means of transformation. [54:44]
"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." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make your time in God's Word more transformative rather than just informational? What specific steps can you take to engage with Scripture more deeply?
Day 5: Responding to God's Goodness
Experiencing God's kindness and goodness should lead to a response of life change. Our lives should be a testament to His goodness, inviting others to experience His love through our actions and interactions. As we reflect on God's goodness, we are called to live in a way that reflects His character and draws others to Him. This involves being intentional about how we live and interact with those around us, allowing God's love to shine through us. [59:52]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be a conduit of God's goodness to those around you today? What specific actions can you take to reflect His love and kindness in your interactions with others?
---
Quotes
And what I don't want to happen, and this is what I don't want to happen in your life and in the life of our church, is that we know so much about God, but we actually don't know God. To where we know a lot of information, but we don't know Him personally. We don't know Him intimately. Here's why the relationship with God is so powerful. It's because we are not bodies with a soul. We are souls with a body. [00:40:56] (24 seconds)
And when we know all the information, when we get to a place to where, like, we just have information, transformation can't actually take place. Because we'll sit in rooms where God is working and we'll dissect it with our information. Rather than encounter him for transformation. [00:42:10] (20 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 05, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?