Intimate Knowledge of God: A Transformative Relationship

In our exploration of Ephesians 1:17-19, we delve into the profound concept of knowing God. Paul prays for believers to receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation, emphasizing that this knowledge is not merely intellectual but deeply relational and transformative. The knowledge of God is not akin to the mere factual awareness that even demons possess, as seen in Mark 1:23-24, where demons recognize Jesus but lack a relationship with Him. Similarly, Romans 1:21 illustrates that knowing God without honoring Him leads to futility and darkness.

True knowledge of God is intimate and relational, akin to the biblical use of "know" in Genesis, where Adam knew Eve, signifying a deep, covenantal relationship. This intimacy is echoed in Hosea, where God speaks of betrothing His people to Himself, highlighting a relationship marked by love, faithfulness, and righteousness. Knowing God is intertwined with loving Him, as evidenced by obedience to His commandments, as seen in 1 John 2:3 and 5:3. This knowledge is not just for the future but is the essence of eternal life, beginning now, as Jesus states in John 17:3.

The challenge lies in the human condition, described in Ephesians 4:17-18, where ignorance and hardness of heart alienate us from the life of God. The remedy is divine intervention, where God grants a heart to know Him, as promised in the new covenant (Jeremiah 24:7). This transformation is likened to God shining light into our hearts, revealing the knowledge of His glory (2 Corinthians 4:6). Without this revelation, we cannot truly praise or live in godliness, as all things pertaining to life and godliness come through knowing Him (2 Peter 1:3).

Key Takeaways

• 1. True knowledge of God transcends mere intellectual understanding; it is a relational and transformative experience that requires a spirit of wisdom and revelation. This knowledge is not just about facts but involves a deep, intimate relationship with God. [01:09]
• 2. The biblical concept of "knowing" God is akin to the intimate relationship between a husband and wife, characterized by love, faithfulness, and covenant commitment. This depth of relationship is what God desires with His people. [06:23]
• 3. Knowing God is evidenced by obedience to His commandments, which is intertwined with loving Him. This obedience is not burdensome but a natural outflow of a genuine relationship with God. [08:06]
• 4. The human condition, marked by ignorance and hardness of heart, alienates us from the life of God. It is only through divine intervention that we can receive a heart to know Him, leading to a life of godliness and praise. [09:19]
• 5. The knowledge of God is essential for life and godliness, as it provides everything we need to live a life that honors Him. This knowledge begins now and is the essence of eternal life, as we grow in our relationship with Him. [14:20]
  ** [14:20]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - Introduction to Ephesians 1:17-19
• [00:38] - The Depth of Knowing God
• [01:09] - Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation
• [02:01] - Effects of Wisdom and Revelation
• [03:12] - What Knowing God is Not
• [05:14] - Biblical Implications of Knowing
• [06:23] - Intimacy with God
• [07:37] - Evidence of Knowing God
• [08:34] - Eternal Life and Knowing God
• [09:19] - Human Condition and Ignorance
• [10:37] - Divine Revelation and Knowledge
• [11:52] - New Covenant Promise
• [12:37] - Transformation by God's Light
• [14:20] - Knowledge for Life and Godliness

1. In Ephesians 1:17-19, what does Paul pray for believers to receive, and what is the intended outcome of this gift? [01:09]
2. How does the sermon describe the knowledge that demons have of Jesus in Mark 1:23-24, and why is this knowledge insufficient? [03:12]
3. According to 1 John 2:3, what is the evidence of knowing God, and how is this related to love? [07:37]
4. What does 2 Corinthians 4:6 say about how God reveals His glory to us, and what is the significance of this revelation? [12:37]

1. How does the sermon differentiate between intellectual knowledge of God and relational knowledge of God? Why is this distinction important for believers? [02:01]
2. In what ways does the biblical concept of "knowing" God resemble the intimate relationship between a husband and wife, as described in the sermon? [06:23]
3. How does the human condition, as described in Ephesians 4:17-18, hinder our ability to know God, and what role does divine intervention play in overcoming this barrier? [09:19]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between knowing God and living a life of godliness, as seen in 2 Peter 1:3? [14:20]

1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Do you feel it is more intellectual or relational? What steps can you take to deepen your relational knowledge of God this week? [02:01]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of obedience as evidence of knowing God. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with obedience. How can you work on this area to strengthen your relationship with God? [08:06]
3. Consider the ways in which ignorance and hardness of heart might be affecting your spiritual life. What practical steps can you take to open your heart to God's revelation? [09:19]
4. The sermon describes knowing God as the essence of eternal life. How can you cultivate a sense of eternal life in your daily routine, starting today? [08:34]
5. Think about a time when you experienced a profound revelation of God's glory. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you seek more of these experiences? [12:37]
6. The sermon mentions that knowing God involves a covenantal relationship marked by love and faithfulness. How can you demonstrate this covenantal love in your interactions with others this week? [06:23]
7. Identify one person in your life who may not know God intimately. What is one specific action you can take to share the relational knowledge of God with them? [14:20]