Knowing God: The Heart of True Christianity

 

Summary

In Ephesians 1, the Apostle Paul offers a profound prayer for the believers in Ephesus, which reveals the heart of the Christian life: growing in the knowledge of God. Paul prays that God would grant them the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so they might know Him more deeply. This prayer underscores that Christianity is not merely about lifestyle changes but about knowing God, which naturally leads to transformation. Paul identifies two vital signs of a true Christian: faith in the Lord Jesus and love toward all the saints. These are not mere intellectual beliefs or superficial affections but are deeply rooted in a transformed heart that recognizes Jesus as both Lord and Savior.

Paul's confidence in the Ephesians' faith is based on their demonstrated faith in Jesus and their love for fellow believers. This faith is not a dead or intellectual faith but one that overflows with love and manifests in actions. Paul emphasizes that knowing God is the key to overcoming the struggles of the Christian life. Many of our troubles stem from a lack of a God-centered perspective, which stunts our faith and joy. By growing in the knowledge of God, we gain a perspective that allows us to rejoice always, knowing we are supremely blessed and cared for by a loving Father.

Paul's prayer is that believers would have their hearts enlightened to understand the hope of their calling, the riches of their glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of God's power toward them. This power is the same that raised Christ from the dead, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for God. This knowledge of God is not just intellectual but involves a heart that adores and cherishes Him. It is a knowledge that transforms us, as we behold His glory and are changed into His image.

Ultimately, knowing God is about experiencing His glory and love, which surpasses all understanding. It is about seeing God as the Father of Glory, who is infinitely beautiful and kind. This knowledge leads to a life of boldness, humility, and service, as we are drawn away from self-centered pursuits and into a deeper relationship with God.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith and Love as Vital Signs: True Christianity is marked by faith in the Lord Jesus and love toward all the saints. This faith is not merely intellectual but transformative, leading to a life of love and service. It is a faith that recognizes Jesus as both Lord and Savior, trusting Him with our lives and eternal destinies. [06:31]

- The Centrality of Knowing God: Christianity is primarily about knowing God, which leads to transformation. This knowledge is not just intellectual but involves a heart that adores and cherishes God. It is through this knowledge that we are changed into His image, as we behold His glory. [17:06]

- The Power of God at Work in Us: The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in believers, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for God. This power is not just for the strong but is available to all who have faith in Jesus, enabling them to overcome every obstacle. [31:21]

- The Glory of God in Salvation: God's glory is revealed in His power to save sinners and raise the dead. This glory is not about our worthiness but about His kindness and grace. Understanding this transforms our view of God and leads to a life of joy and boldness. [36:20]

- Transformation Through Beholding God: We are transformed by beholding the glory of God, as Moses was. This transformation is not about moral effort but about knowing and enjoying God. It leads to a life of humility, service, and joy, as we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him. [18:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - Introduction to Paul's Prayer
- [01:02] - The Essence of Paul's Prayer
- [02:08] - Thanksgiving for Faith and Love
- [03:23] - Confidence in Their Faith
- [05:48] - The Test of True Christianity
- [07:31] - Faith in the Lord Jesus
- [09:30] - Recognizing Jesus as Lord
- [10:40] - Love Toward All the Saints
- [13:50] - Praying for Knowledge of God
- [16:25] - The Importance of a God-Centered Perspective
- [18:50] - The Father of Glory
- [22:49] - Enlightened Hearts
- [29:41] - The Hope and Power for Believers
- [36:20] - God's Glory in Salvation
- [41:42] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 1:15-21

Observation Questions:
1. What are the two vital signs of a true Christian according to Paul in Ephesians 1:15-16? How do these signs manifest in the lives of believers? [04:25]
2. In Ephesians 1:17, what does Paul specifically pray for the believers in Ephesus? How does this prayer reflect the heart of the Christian life? [01:29]
3. How does Paul describe the power of God at work in believers in Ephesians 1:19-20? What is the significance of this power being the same that raised Christ from the dead? [31:21]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of knowing God over merely changing one's lifestyle? How does this knowledge lead to transformation in a believer's life? [17:27]
2. How does Paul’s description of God as the "Father of Glory" in Ephesians 1:17-18 shape our understanding of who God is and how we relate to Him? [19:09]
3. What does it mean for a believer to have the "eyes of their hearts enlightened"? How does this enlightenment affect their understanding of hope, inheritance, and power? [29:41]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you see evidence of faith in the Lord Jesus and love toward all the saints? How can you cultivate these vital signs more deeply? [04:49]
2. Paul prays for believers to grow in the knowledge of God. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding and relationship with God? [17:06]
3. Consider a current struggle or challenge in your life. How might a God-centered perspective change the way you approach this situation? [16:06]
4. The sermon mentions that knowing God involves a heart that adores and cherishes Him. What are some ways you can express adoration and love for God in your daily routine? [24:34]
5. How can you rely on the immeasurable greatness of God's power in your life, especially when facing obstacles or feelings of inadequacy? [33:44]
6. Think about a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to draw closer to Him and experience His glory and love more fully? [27:59]
7. How can you demonstrate the transformative power of knowing God in your interactions with others, particularly those who may not share your faith? [12:44]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith and Love as Evidence of Transformation
True Christianity is marked by faith in the Lord Jesus and love toward all the saints. This faith is not merely intellectual but transformative, leading to a life of love and service. It is a faith that recognizes Jesus as both Lord and Savior, trusting Him with our lives and eternal destinies. This kind of faith is active and alive, manifesting in genuine love for others, especially fellow believers. It is not enough to simply believe in Jesus; this belief must overflow into actions that demonstrate love and care for others. The Ephesians' faith was evident in their love for all the saints, showing that true faith is inseparable from love. [06:31]

Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: Who in your life can you show more love and service to today, as an expression of your faith in Jesus?


Day 2: Knowing God as the Heart of Christianity
Christianity is primarily about knowing God, which leads to transformation. This knowledge is not just intellectual but involves a heart that adores and cherishes God. It is through this knowledge that we are changed into His image, as we behold His glory. Knowing God deeply transforms our perspective, allowing us to see life through His eyes and respond with faith and joy. This transformation is not about acquiring more information but about experiencing a relationship with God that changes us from the inside out. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we become more like Him, reflecting His love and character to the world. [17:06]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "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 Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to know God more deeply this week, beyond just intellectual understanding?


Day 3: Experiencing God's Power in Our Lives
The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in believers, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for God. This power is not just for the strong but is available to all who have faith in Jesus, enabling them to overcome every obstacle. Believers are called to live in the reality of this power, trusting that God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. This power is not about human strength but about divine enablement, allowing us to live victoriously in every area of life. As we rely on God's power, we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that He is able to accomplish His purposes in and through us. [31:21]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to rely more on God's power rather than your own strength?


Day 4: The Glory of God in Salvation
God's glory is revealed in His power to save sinners and raise the dead. This glory is not about our worthiness but about His kindness and grace. Understanding this transforms our view of God and leads to a life of joy and boldness. Salvation is a demonstration of God's incredible love and mercy, showing that He is willing to go to great lengths to rescue and redeem us. This revelation of God's glory should fill us with awe and gratitude, motivating us to live for His glory and share His love with others. As we grasp the depth of God's grace, we are compelled to respond with worship and obedience. [36:20]

Titus 3:4-6 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Reflection: How does understanding God's grace and glory in your salvation change the way you view yourself and others?


Day 5: Transformation Through Beholding God
We are transformed by beholding the glory of God, as Moses was. This transformation is not about moral effort but about knowing and enjoying God. It leads to a life of humility, service, and joy, as we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him. As we fix our eyes on God and His glory, we are changed from the inside out, becoming more like Him in character and action. This process of transformation is ongoing, requiring us to continually seek God's presence and allow His Spirit to work in us. By focusing on God and His glory, we find true fulfillment and purpose in life. [18:26]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to behold God's glory more consistently in your daily life?

Quotes



Paul writes for this reason because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints I do not cease to give thanks for you remembering you in my prayers that the god of our Lord Jesus Christ the father of Glory may give you the spirit of wisdom and of Revelation in the knowledge of him. [00:02:02]

The vital acid test he applies is verse 15 do they have faith in the Lord Jesus and that is the mark of the Christian the Lord Jesus is the center he is their Alpha and their Omega he's the one they go to in order to know God he is the one that they trust with their lives with their Eternal Destinies. [00:06:22]

Faith in the Lord Jesus means belief that God said sent forth his son to be pierced for our transgressions a a Christian has that faith in that one but that's not all that Paul looks for to nerve someone as a Christian so he looks yes first and foremost for faith in the Lord Jesus. [00:09:54]

True faith is a living thing and it will show itself in an unnatural cross tribal love toward all the saints okay so he thanks God for their faith and their love their faith and their love give him happy confidence they must be born again they exhibit the vital signs they are Christian. [00:13:08]

Paul has just dropped a bombshell because we tend to assume when you become a Christian the rest of the Christian Life is discipleship right you become a Christian and then you learn to walk in the right way well yes but that's not what Paul prays for he prays for knowledge. [00:14:52]

The knowledge of God is what the Apostle Paul prayed for all these young Christians in Ephesus he wants them to share his glorious Mountaintop perspective as Paul sees it many of the troubles that Christians have in the Christian life come from a lack of of knowledge we don't have a sufficiently god centered gospel shaped perspective. [00:15:30]

Christianity is not primarily about lifestyle change it is primarily about knowing god which will work itself out in lifestyle change to know and grow to enjoy him is what we are saved for John 17:3 this is eternal life to know you the only true God in Jesus Christ whom you sent. [00:17:12]

We don't grow in Holiness and christlikeness Prim merily by going on a moral treadmill no Paul writes in second Corinthians 3:18 we all with unveiled faces beholding the glory of the Lord are changed into his image from glory to glory it is beholding him knowing him that changes us. [00:18:14]

The knowledge of God means having the eyes of of your hearts enlightened This Is Not Mere intellectual knowledge the acceptance of certain truths the Devils have that kind of knowledge and shudder no this is a wondering adoring kind of knowledge the opposite of this knowledge is Not Mere ignorance it is hatred of God. [00:22:52]

The power that he exercises towards you is the working verse 19 of his great might verse 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the Heavenly places far above all Rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named. [00:31:17]

What he wants you to see is the father of Glory did not merely resuscitate Jesus when he was a bit tired right when he was just a little listless he raised him from the dead and just so today he does not merely throw out a little bit of assistance for those who try hard enough. [00:31:44]

This dear friends is the knowledge we should press into this is what with Paul we should pray for ourselves and for other Christians for then under the radiance of his glory we will not be so drawn to man s centered therapeutic religion we not want to establish our own little Empires. [00:42:00]

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