Knowing God Beyond The Surface Series

KNOWING GOD BEYOND THE SURFACE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Philippians 3:10

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

Supporting Texts:

Jeremiah 9:23-24

John 17:3

Hosea 6:3

Psalm 103:7

Daniel 11:32

James 1:5

INTRODUCTION:

Knowing God goes beyond acknowledging His existence or understanding Him superficially. It’s a lifelong journey of seeking, experiencing, and growing in an intimate relationship with Him. God desires that we know Him deeply—His character, will, and ways—not just His acts or the blessings He gives. This sermon will explore what it means to know God beyond the surface, the barriers to deeper knowledge, and how we can actively pursue this profound relationship.

1. THE CALL TO KNOW GOD DEEPLY

Knowing God deeply is a call that goes beyond religious observances or simply attending church. It’s about an intentional pursuit to understand His heart, character, and purposes.

a) God Desires to Be Known: God wants His people to know Him personally, not just through the blessings they receive (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

b) Eternal Life is Knowing God: Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ, pointing to the essence of our salvation—relationship, not mere rituals (John 17:3).

c) The Pursuit of Knowledge: We are called to press on to know the Lord deeply, as knowing Him brings true fulfilment (Hosea 6:3).

d) Knowing His Ways, Not Just His Acts: It’s possible to know God’s works without knowing His ways. Israel knew God's acts, but Moses knew His ways (Psalm 103:7).

e) Experiencing God's Power and Character: Knowing God deeply allows us to experience His power, wisdom, and might, which empowers us for daily living (Daniel 11:32).

Biblical Example:

Moses (Exodus 33:13) desired to know God beyond the miracles He performed. He asked to know God’s ways and experience His presence, illustrating a hunger for deeper intimacy with God.

2. BARRIERS TO KNOWING GOD BEYOND THE SURFACE

Several obstacles can hinder believers from knowing God deeply. These barriers prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s relationship with us.

a) Spiritual Apathy: Indifference or a lack of spiritual zeal leads to shallow knowledge of God (Revelation 3:15-16).

b) Worldly Distractions: The cares of this world and the pursuit of material things can choke our desire to know God (Luke 8:14).

c) Sin and Unrepentance: Sin separates us from God, creating a barrier to knowing Him intimately (Isaiah 59:2).

d) Religious Formalism: A form of godliness without genuine relationship reduces our faith to mere rituals (2 Timothy 3:5).

e) Pride and Self-Sufficiency: Pride in our own understanding or strength can keep us from humbling ourselves to know God (James 4:6).

Biblical Example:

The Pharisees (Matthew 15:8-9) were religious leaders who followed the law externally but lacked a deep, personal knowledge of God. Their hearts were far from God, though they appeared godly outwardly.

3. PURSUING A DEEPER KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

Knowing God deeply requires intentional pursuit. It is not something that happens automatically but must be sought with all of our hearts.

a) Seeking God with Your Whole Heart: God promises that when we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

b) Through His Word: The Word of God reveals His character and His will. To know God, we must engage deeply with Scripture (Psalm 119:105).

c) Through Prayer: Prayer is a powerful way to deepen our relationship with God, allowing us to communicate and hear from Him (Jeremiah 33:3).

d) Through Worship: Genuine worship draws us closer to God and allows us to encounter Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

e) Through Obedience: True knowledge of God comes through obedience to His commands. Obeying Him shows that we truly know and love Him (John 14:21).

Biblical Example:

Paul (Philippians 3:10) longed to know Christ intimately, not only in His power but also in His sufferings. His pursuit of a deeper knowledge of God was relentless, even to the point of wanting to share in Christ’s suffering for greater understanding.

4. THE REWARDS OF KNOWING GOD DEEPLY

Knowing God beyond the surface comes with rich rewards that transform our lives and relationship with Him.

a) Experiencing God’s Power: When we know God deeply, we experience His power in our lives, as we live out His purposes (Ephesians 1:19).

b) Unshakable Faith: Deep knowledge of God produces steadfast faith, as we understand His sovereignty and faithfulness (Daniel 3:16-18).

c) Divine Wisdom and Insight: God grants wisdom and revelation to those who seek to know Him deeply, allowing us to navigate life with His perspective (James 1:5).

d) Peace and Security: Knowing God beyond the surface brings peace that transcends understanding and security in His promises (Isaiah 26:3).

e) Fruitfulness in Service: When we know God intimately, we become more fruitful in our service, reflecting His character and power in everything we do (John 15:4-5).