Knowing God: Revelations and Our Relationship with Him

 

Summary

Taking a moment to reflect on our priorities, we are reminded of the three key areas we should focus on: engaging with the Word of God, committing to prayer and fasting, and sharing the good news with others. As we embark on this new series, we explore the profound question: Can we truly know God, and what are the limits of this knowledge? Understanding God begins with recognizing Him as the Creator, who has revealed Himself to us and endowed us with the capacity to know Him. This revelation is twofold: general and special.

General revelation is accessible to all humanity and is manifested through creation, human conscience, divine providence, and an innate sense of God's presence. Through creation, we perceive God's eternal power and divine nature, as described in Romans 1:18-25. Our conscience, as explained in Romans 2:12-16, bears witness to God's moral law written in our hearts. Divine providence, God's ongoing work in sustaining life, is evident in the way He provides for all, as seen in Acts 14:15-17. Lastly, an innate sense of God's presence is a universal human experience, a longing for the divine.

Special revelation, however, is accessible through faith and is revealed through Scripture, historical events, and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Scripture, as noted in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, leads us to salvation and equips us for good works. Historical events recorded in the Bible, such as the Exodus, reveal God's redemptive nature. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is the fullness of God's revelation, as stated in Hebrews 1:1-3, where Jesus is described as the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature.

While general revelation provides knowledge about God, it is through special revelation that we gain saving knowledge. This knowledge is made possible by the Holy Spirit, who guides us in understanding Scripture and applying God's promises to our lives. As we share the gospel, we rely on the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of others, recognizing that it is not our arguments but God's Spirit that brings people to faith.

In our journey to know God, we must remember that there are aspects of God that remain unknowable, as He is infinite and we are finite. Yet, what He has revealed is our inheritance, a legacy we can pass on to future generations. Let us cultivate this knowledge of God, boasting not in our wisdom, might, or riches, but in our understanding and relationship with Him, as encouraged in Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Key Takeaways:

- God's Revelation: God has revealed Himself through both general and special revelation. General revelation is accessible to all through creation, conscience, providence, and an innate sense of His presence, while special revelation is accessed through faith in Scripture and Jesus Christ. [04:38]

- The Role of Scripture: Scripture is a vital part of special revelation, leading us to salvation and equipping us for good works. It is through the written Word of God that we gain deeper insights into His nature and His redemptive plan for humanity. [26:43]

- The Incarnation of Christ: Jesus Christ is the fullness of God's revelation, embodying the divine nature and attributes of God. Through Christ, we gain a complete understanding of God's character and His desire for a relationship with us. [35:22]

- The Work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us to understand and apply God's Word. It is through the Spirit that we are able to comprehend the depth of God's promises and experience His saving grace. [38:58]

- Sharing the Gospel: As we share the gospel, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of others. Our role is to present the truth of God's Word, trusting that it is the Spirit who brings people to faith and transforms lives. [53:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:38] - Understanding God's Revelation
[12:25] - The Role of Creation
[17:19] - Human Conscience and Divine Law
[22:43] - Divine Providence
[26:43] - Special Revelation through Scripture
[35:22] - The Incarnation of Christ
[38:58] - The Holy Spirit's Guidance
[45:30] - Our Inheritance in God's Revelation
[46:53] - Avoiding Errors in Understanding God
[48:15] - The Foolishness of Atheism
[53:03] - Sharing the Gospel with Others
[56:00] - Boasting in Knowing God

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 1:18-25 - Discusses God's general revelation through creation.
2. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 - Highlights the role of Scripture in special revelation.
3. Hebrews 1:1-3 - Describes Jesus Christ as the fullness of God's revelation.

#### Observation Questions
1. How does Romans 1:18-25 describe the way God reveals Himself through creation? What are the consequences of ignoring this revelation? [12:25]
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:15-17, what is the purpose of Scripture in the life of a believer? [26:43]
3. In Hebrews 1:1-3, how is Jesus Christ described in relation to God's revelation? What does this imply about the completeness of God's revelation in Christ? [35:22]
4. What are the two types of revelation mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ in terms of accessibility and purpose? [04:38]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that God's general revelation is accessible to all humanity, and how does this impact our understanding of accountability before God? [12:25]
2. How does the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding Scripture and applying God's promises to our lives emphasize the importance of faith in special revelation? [38:58]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the limitations of human knowledge in understanding God, and how should this influence our approach to knowing Him? [45:30]
4. How does the sermon address the potential errors in understanding God, such as agnosticism and atheism, and what is the biblical response to these views? [48:15]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current engagement with Scripture. How can you deepen your understanding and application of God's Word in your daily life? [26:43]
2. Consider your prayer life. How can you incorporate fasting as a spiritual discipline to enhance your relationship with God? [04:38]
3. Identify a person in your life who may not know God. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your conversations and share the gospel with them effectively? [53:03]
4. Think about a time when you felt God's presence through creation or your conscience. How can you use these experiences to strengthen your faith and share them with others? [12:25]
5. In what ways can you cultivate a sense of humility in your knowledge of God, recognizing the limits of human understanding while embracing what He has revealed? [45:30]
6. How can you ensure that your boasting is in your understanding and relationship with God, rather than in worldly achievements or possessions? [46:53]
7. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you be more attentive to His guidance in understanding and applying God's Word? [38:58]

Devotional

Day 1: The Dual Nature of God's Revelation
God reveals Himself to humanity through both general and special revelation. General revelation is available to all people and is evident in the natural world, human conscience, divine providence, and an innate sense of God's presence. Through creation, we can perceive God's eternal power and divine nature, as described in Romans 1:18-25. Our conscience bears witness to God's moral law written in our hearts, as explained in Romans 2:12-16. Divine providence is seen in God's ongoing work in sustaining life, providing for all, as noted in Acts 14:15-17. Lastly, an innate sense of God's presence is a universal human experience, a longing for the divine. Special revelation, on the other hand, is accessed through faith and is revealed through Scripture, historical events, and the incarnation of Jesus Christ. It is through special revelation that we gain saving knowledge of God. [04:38]

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life through the natural world and your own conscience today?


Day 2: Scripture as a Guide to Salvation and Good Works
Scripture is a vital part of special revelation, leading us to salvation and equipping us for good works. It is through the written Word of God that we gain deeper insights into His nature and His redemptive plan for humanity. As noted in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. It is through Scripture that we are made wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. By engaging with the Word of God, we are equipped for every good work, allowing us to live lives that reflect God's character and purpose. [26:43]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your engagement with Scripture and allow it to guide your actions and decisions?


Day 3: The Incarnation of Christ as the Fullness of God's Revelation
Jesus Christ is the fullness of God's revelation, embodying the divine nature and attributes of God. Through Christ, we gain a complete understanding of God's character and His desire for a relationship with us. As stated in Hebrews 1:1-3, Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature. The incarnation of Christ reveals God's redemptive nature and His willingness to enter into human history to bring salvation. By understanding the significance of the incarnation, we can appreciate the depth of God's love and His desire for us to know Him personally. [35:22]

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Christ's incarnation impact your understanding of God's love and His desire for a relationship with you today?


Day 4: The Holy Spirit's Role in Understanding and Applying God's Word
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us to understand and apply God's Word. It is through the Spirit that we are able to comprehend the depth of God's promises and experience His saving grace. The Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture, helping us to see its relevance and application in our lives. As we seek to know God more deeply, we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our study of Scripture and to empower us to live out its truths. By being attentive to the Spirit's leading, we can grow in our understanding of God's will and purpose for our lives. [38:58]

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding and application of Scripture in your life today?


Day 5: Relying on the Holy Spirit in Sharing the Gospel
As we share the gospel, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of others. Our role is to present the truth of God's Word, trusting that it is the Spirit who brings people to faith and transforms lives. The Holy Spirit works in the hearts of individuals, convicting them of sin and drawing them to Christ. As we engage in evangelism, we are called to be faithful witnesses, sharing the good news with love and humility. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that God is at work in the lives of those we encounter, bringing them to a saving knowledge of Him. [53:03]

"And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged." (John 16:8-11, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can pray for and share the gospel with, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in their heart?

Quotes

"Now, one of the beautiful verses comes from Jeremiah 9, verses 23 and 24. It says, 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, that I am the God who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord." [00:02:57]

"God's general revelation which is to say that he reveals himself to every human being on earth کوئی بھی ایسا انسان کہیں پہ بھی ہو وہ یہ نہیں کہہ سکتا کہ ہمیں خداوند نے اپنے بارے میں کوئی بھی علم نہیں دیا اور خداوند کے کچھ طریقے ہیں جو وہ general revelation میں ہر ایک انسان کو ہر ایک کے ساتھ وہ accessible ہے وہ خداوند کی علم یا knowledge جو ہے وہ accessible ہے so we can know God through the general revelation God makes himself known to all peoples everywhere through these four modes." [00:05:53]

"God makes himself known to all peoples everywhere through these four modes and we are just going to be talking about that in a minute but the second way he makes himself known is what is known as special revelation and special revelation جو ہے وہ خداوند کے کلام سے خداوند کے جو باتیں ہیں and we are going to look at the details through him the way he reveals to those people who have been called by him اور یہ علم جو ہے یہ خداوند کا علم جو ہے special revelation کے ذریعے سے دیا جاتا ہے and this special revelation is accessible by faith." [00:08:49]

"Every human being, even an atheist, in their life, has something that takes the place of an idol in their lives. Every human being, every, nobody escapes this because we are built to worship. So verse 24 says, therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves." [00:13:05]

"Even if you are not part of the nation of Israel, even if you didn't have the written word of God, your conscience itself tells you what is right and what is wrong. And so that is a witness that where do we get the sense of right and wrong? It is God who has put that human conscience. So that's another way God reveals to us." [00:20:10]

"Now, what about the modes of special revelation? The modes of special revelation. First of all, scripture. Khudawand ke baare mein hum kaise jaante hain, kyunki khudawand ne likhit roop mein, he has given us the written word of God. The written word of God. Now, scripture leads to faith in Christ for salvation, and it equips. Everyone for good work." [00:24:01]

"God's Jesus is God's eternal word in John chapter 1 verses 1 and 2 what we what do we read in the beginning was the word is the eternal Word of God right and the word was with God and the word was God he was in the beginning with God so here's an easy way to understand special revelation okay special revelation is the written Word of God and the eternal Word of God Jesus Christ." [00:37:43]

"Through that, which is a very weak instrument, through that God pleases people. Because he reveals himself through the word to those people. And without this, without the word of God, without the preaching of the word of God, no one will come to know. God Got to understand this right in Galatians chapter 4 verse 8. It says formerly you did not know God A time when you did not know God You were enslaved to those that by nature are not God you were you were in slavery to other Things in your life." [00:38:05]

"Who have a saving knowledge of God and other people who just know about God through creation and the other other modes of? general revelation But only through Christ the Bible tells us can human beings come to a saving knowledge of God and this is the reason as Christians we share the gospel with other people we go to be send missionaries We send evangelists cue him a missionary work or evangelism work at a cue You can jump the Kudavon kaiya Kalam on tak na he won't Jigga." [00:38:20]

"خداون کی روح سے گائیڈ ہو کر جنہوں نے یہ لکھا ہے سکرپچر انہوں نے وہ لکھا تھا اور خداون کی روح سے گائیڈ ہو کر ہم اس کو سمجھتے بھی ہیں اور خداون کی روح ہی خداون کے وائدوں کو اور اس کے بچانے کی شکتی کو پاور کو ہماری زندگی میں اپلائی کرتا ہے تو ہم اندر صرف خدا کے مطابق دے گئے ہیں اور یہ خداون کی روح ہے پہلے قرآن 2 ساتھ 10 -13 کہتے ہیں یہ چیزیں اللہ نے ہمارے ساتھ در خدا کر دیا ہے لیکن خداون کی روح سرچا ہماری سبیت کی طرف بھی وہ خداون کی دلاتے ہیں." [00:41:21]

"اگر خداوند کا روح ہماری آنکھیں ہمارے کان کو نہ کھولے تو ہم خداوند کے کلام کو نہ تو سمجھ سکتے ہیں نہ خداوند یسو مرسی کو خدا کر کے پہچان سکتے ہیں so this is a very important thing this is why is this important for us practically ہماری third priority کیا ہے to share the gospel with other people but when you share the gospel with other people remember it is not your argument that will bring them to faith it is the holy spirit of God which will take any word of God that you take and share with them." [00:42:50]

"Finally once again jeremiah chapter 9 verses 23 to 24 thus says the lord let not the wise man boast in his wisdom hmm let not the wise man boast in his wisdom let not the mighty man boast in his might you know let not the rich man boast in his riches but let him who boasts boast in this that he I I understands and knows me what a beautiful thing isn't it when we talk to each other to be able to say that I know god you know god god is talking to you and you also tell them that god is talking to you through his words and through his mercy." [00:58:01]

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