Journeying from Knowing About God to Knowing Him
Summary
Today marks the beginning of a journey to answer the question, “What’s Next?” for each of us in our walk with God. Every person matters deeply to God, and every step we take toward Him is significant. Whether you’ve been following Jesus for decades, days, or are just exploring faith, there is always a next step. God’s desire is not for us to settle for a life of religious routine or simply knowing about Him, but to truly know Him—heart to heart, soul to soul. Too often, we walk through life unaware of the immeasurable value and purpose God has placed within us, much like someone unknowingly carrying a priceless treasure.
Scripture reveals that God has a pathway for each of us, a journey that leads us from simply knowing about Him to experiencing deep, transformative relationship. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3 remind us that, through Christ, the veil has been removed and we are invited into God’s presence with confidence. When we look at ourselves through God’s eyes, we see not just our flaws, but our full potential and worth. This transformation is a process—God is continually shaping us into the people He created us to be.
Throughout the Bible, God’s pathway is clear: know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. These are not just church slogans, but the heartbeat of God for His people. The first and most foundational step is to truly know God—not just intellectually, but intimately. The Greek word “gnosko” captures this: a knowing that is personal, passionate, and close. Jesus warns that it’s possible to do all the right religious things and still miss the heart of God if we never move beyond knowing about Him to actually knowing Him.
Many of us confuse religious activity with relationship. We may serve, give, and attend, but God’s question is, “Do you know Me?” The invitation is to move from rules to relationship, from striving to resting in His love. God’s love is unconditional—He cannot love you more or less than He does right now. The call is to open our eyes to His love, confess our need for Him, and go all in. When we do, we find the freedom, purpose, and impact we were created for. Today, let’s choose to step closer, to know God deeply, and to live out the life He’s designed for us.
Key Takeaways
- True Value Is Often Hidden from Ourselves
Just as someone unknowingly sold a priceless coin, many walk through life unaware of the immeasurable worth and purpose God has placed within them. God sees our full potential, even when we cannot. The journey of faith is about learning to see ourselves as God sees us, embracing the value and calling He has given us. [05:19]
- Knowing About God Is Not the Same as Knowing God
It’s easy to accumulate facts, attend services, and perform religious duties, yet miss the heart of relationship. The biblical call is to “gnosko”—to know God intimately, not just intellectually. This kind of knowing transforms us from the inside out and is the foundation for everything else in our spiritual lives. [12:00]
- Religious Activity Can Mask a Distant Heart
Jesus warns that many will list their spiritual accomplishments, but He will say, “I never knew you.” It’s possible to do all the right things and still miss the relationship God desires. The true test is not our religious resume, but whether our hearts are close to Him, seeking Him for who He is rather than what He can do for us. [14:16]
- Rules Without Relationship Lead to Exhaustion and Rebellion
When faith becomes a checklist of rules, it breeds frustration, envy, and a sense that something is missing. God’s commands are meant to draw us closer in love, not to burden us. When we pursue relationship first, obedience becomes a delight, not a duty, and we find the rest and satisfaction our souls crave. [20:58]
- God’s Love Is Unconditional, and Our Response Is to Go All In
God’s love is not based on our performance; He loves us perfectly and unconditionally. Our response is to open our eyes to His love, confess our need, and commit ourselves fully to Him. When we go all in—seeking Him with all our heart—we step into the freedom, purpose, and legacy He has prepared for us. [27:52]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Celebrating Life Change and Decisions for Jesus
[03:00] - The Value We Often Miss in Ourselves
[05:19] - Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes
[07:30] - God’s Pathway for Every Believer
[09:45] - Paul’s Prayer and the Four-Step Path
[12:00] - Knowing God: Beyond Head Knowledge
[14:16] - Jesus’ Warning: Relationship Over Religion
[17:46] - The Difference Between Church Hurt and God
[18:55] - God’s Question: Did You Know Me?
[20:58] - Signs You’re Missing the Heart of God
[23:46] - Tradition vs. Relationship: Lessons from Fiddler on the Roof
[26:33] - Do You Love God or Just Serve Him?
[27:52] - Steps to Truly Knowing God
[30:25] - Going All In: A Challenge to Commit
[32:21] - Prayer for Courage and Commitment
[33:34] - Invitation to Start or Restart with God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "What’s Next? – Knowing God"
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### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 3:18
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."
- Ephesians 1:16-18
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people."
- Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"
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### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, what does Paul say happens to us as we behold the glory of the Lord?
2. According to Ephesians 1:16-18, what are the four steps Paul prays for believers to experience? [09:45]
3. In Matthew 7:21-23, what is the difference between those who enter the kingdom of heaven and those who do not? What does Jesus say to those who list their religious accomplishments? [14:16]
4. The sermon mentioned that many people walk through life unaware of the value and purpose God has placed within them. What story did the pastor use to illustrate this? [05:19]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have the "veil removed" and to approach God with "unveiled face"? How does this change the way we relate to God? [05:19]
2. The Greek word "gnosko" means to know God intimately, not just intellectually. Why do you think Jesus and Paul emphasize this kind of knowing over simply knowing about God? [12:00]
3. Why do you think Jesus warns that religious activity can mask a distant heart? How can someone be busy with church and still miss a real relationship with God? [14:16]
4. The sermon says that rules without relationship lead to exhaustion and rebellion. How does focusing on relationship with God change the way we see His commands? [20:58]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said many of us walk through life not realizing the value and purpose God has placed in us, like someone selling a priceless coin for $5. Have you ever struggled to see your own worth or purpose? What would it look like to start seeing yourself through God’s eyes this week? [05:19]
2. The sermon challenged us to move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him. What is one area of your life where you tend to settle for religious routine instead of real relationship? What is a practical step you could take to pursue intimacy with God? [12:00]
3. Jesus warns that it’s possible to do all the right religious things and still miss the heart of God. Are there any ways you’ve been relying on your “spiritual resume” instead of seeking God Himself? How can you shift your focus this week? [14:16]
4. The pastor described how rules without relationship lead to frustration and a sense that something is missing. Have you ever felt exhausted or burned out in your faith? What might it look like to rest in God’s love instead of striving to earn it? [20:58]
5. God’s love is unconditional—He cannot love you more or less than He does right now. Is there anything holding you back from believing or receiving that truth? How would your life look different if you really believed God loves you perfectly? [27:52]
6. The sermon ended with a challenge to “go all in” with God. What would it mean for you to go all in this year? Is there a specific area where you need to take a step of faith or commitment? [30:25]
7. The pastor said, “God isn’t looking for religion. He wants a relationship.” What is one thing you can do this week to pursue relationship with God, not just religious activity? [18:55]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for courage to take their next step with God, to know Him more deeply, and to rest in His unconditional love.
Devotional
Day 1: Discovering Your Hidden Divine Worth
Many people live unaware of the priceless value God has placed within them. Like someone unknowingly carrying a treasure, you may overlook the immense potential and purpose God sees in you. This journey invites you to begin seeing yourself through God’s eyes, recognizing that your worth is not defined by your past mistakes or current struggles but by the unique calling God has designed for you. Embracing this truth is the first step toward living a life that reflects God’s intention and glory.
When you start to view yourself as God does, you begin to understand that your life has significance beyond what the world measures. This perspective transforms how you approach your faith and daily living, encouraging you to walk confidently in the identity God has given you.
[05:19]
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.’”
— Jeremiah 9:23-24
Reflection: What is one way you have undervalued yourself that you can now surrender to God, asking Him to reveal your true worth and purpose today?
Day 2: Moving Beyond Intellectual Knowledge to Intimate Knowing
It is easy to accumulate facts about God, attend services, and perform religious duties without ever truly knowing Him. The biblical call is to “gnosko”—a deep, personal, and passionate knowledge of God that transforms the heart and soul. This intimate knowing is not about head knowledge but about a relationship that changes how you live and see the world.
When you pursue this kind of knowing, your faith becomes alive and vibrant, rooted in a connection with God that goes beyond rituals or religious checklists. This relationship invites you to experience God’s presence daily and to be shaped by His love and truth.
[12:00]
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.”
— 1 Corinthians 2:12
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to deepen your personal, passionate knowledge of God beyond what you currently know?
Day 3: When Religious Activity Hides a Distant Heart
It is possible to be busy with spiritual accomplishments and still have a heart far from God. Jesus warns that many will claim their deeds, yet He will say, “I never knew you.” This sobering truth challenges you to examine whether your faith is rooted in relationship or merely religious activity.
True faith is measured not by what you do but by the closeness of your heart to God. It calls you to seek God for who He is, not just for what He can do for you. This reflection invites honesty and vulnerability, encouraging you to move from performance to genuine connection.
[14:16]
“And why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
— Luke 6:46
Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life might you be relying on activity rather than relationship, and how can you begin to shift your focus toward knowing God personally?
Day 4: From Rules to Relationship: Finding Rest in God’s Love
When faith becomes a checklist of rules, it often leads to exhaustion, frustration, and even rebellion. God’s commands are meant to draw you closer in love, not to burden you with legalism. When relationship with God is your first pursuit, obedience flows naturally and joyfully.
This shift from striving to resting invites you to experience the satisfaction and peace your soul craves. It reminds you that God’s desire is not for you to earn His love but to live in the freedom of it, allowing His love to transform your heart and actions.
[20:58]
“For the yoke that I will give to you is easy, and my burden is light.”
— Matthew 11:30
Reflection: What is one rule or religious expectation you feel burdened by, and how can you invite God to transform it into a joyful expression of love and relationship?
Day 5: Embracing God’s Unconditional Love by Going All In
God’s love is perfect and unconditional; it does not depend on your performance or achievements. Your response is to open your eyes to this love, confess your need for Him, and commit yourself fully. Going “all in” means seeking God with your whole heart and trusting Him with every part of your life.
When you take this step, you enter into the freedom, purpose, and legacy God has prepared for you. This commitment is not a one-time event but a daily choice to live fully surrendered to God’s love and calling.
[27:52]
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
— James 4:8
Reflection: What does “going all in” look like for you today, and what is one specific way you can demonstrate your full commitment to God’s unconditional love right now?
Quotes
But what Paul wants you to understand is that when you see yourself from God's perspective, if you could look in a heavenly mirror, so to speak, what you would see back is not a reflection of who you are. You would see you as God sees you. You would see your full potential. You would see your full worth. You would see how God sees you. And then he says this, and it's, we are being transformed into the same image. And this is important for you to understand, that when you make a decision to follow Jesus, he starts the process of transforming you into who he's called you to be. Something supernatural happens and you're made new, but there's a process where we work through our issues and we work through our hangups and our challenges and our past. And God wants to take you on this. [00:06:23] (42 seconds)
We want you to find freedom so that you can discover your unique purpose. Why did God make you? And here's the reason we want you to make a difference with your life. As your pastor, can I tell you my goal? My goal is that every single day when you go to bed, you say, that's it. That's how you live a day. That's how you make a difference. That's how you make a change in the world that's felt for generations to come. Now, as I read the list, nobody freaked out at the first one. In fact, the funny thing is, most of us think, I got that one. It's the other ones I struggle with, but I know God. Here's the thing. The word no, it's an interesting word, isn't it? The word no, we think of no, and if I could be honest, I think what we think when we think about the word no is we know about. [00:10:41] (44 seconds)
Ginosko in Greek translates know, but this isn't the word know about. This word ginosko literally means to know on an intimate level. As you read through the Bible, Jesus himself, multiple times in the book of John, he says that God wants to know or ginosko you. And I think his audience would have been like, what? [00:13:40] (20 seconds)
And it's really easy to conflate the two. It's really easy to think that by doing all the stuff, all the religious stuff for God that you've got it. But I want you to hear this. And if you get nothing else in this series, I hope you get this. It's that God isn't looking for religion. He wants a relationship. [00:18:53] (19 seconds)
Because there's always strings attached to our love. God's love is unconditional. Here's the other beauty of God's love. Because he loves you with a perfect love, it means he cannot love you any more than he does right now. And here's the wonderful news for somebody today. It also means he cannot love you any less than he does right now. [00:28:50] (19 seconds)
What would it look like if we just made this decision to say, no, no, for the rest of my life, chips to the middle of the table, I'm stepping across the line of faith, I'm all in with God. The book of Jeremiah, again, written hundreds of years before Jesus came. Jeremiah prophesies and he speaks on behalf of God and he says, you will seek me and find me when you seek me with what? All your heart. [00:30:46] (25 seconds)
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