THAT I MAY KNOW HIM
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 made conformable unto His death."
Supporting Texts:
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Hosea 6:3
John 17:3
Daniel 11:32
2 Peter 3:18
INTRODUCTION:
The greatest pursuit in life is not wealth, fame, or power, but an intimate knowledge of God. Paul, despite his vast knowledge, experiences, and accomplishments, still longed for a deeper understanding of Christ. This desire to "know Him" goes beyond head knowledge; it is about an experiential, life-transforming relationship with Jesus.
Many people know about God but do not truly know Him. Knowing God is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey that requires desire, commitment, and a heart that seeks after Him. In this sermon, we will explore what it means to truly know God and how to deepen our relationship with Him.
1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO KNOW GOD?
Knowing God is far more than having theological knowledge; it is a personal, intimate, and experiential relationship with Him.
a) Knowing God Is Beyond Head Knowledge (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Many people pride themselves in wisdom, might, or riches, but true fulfilment comes from knowing God deeply and personally.
b) Knowing God Requires Spiritual Hunger (Psalm 42:1-2)
Just as a deer pants for water, our souls must long for God. A desire to know Him must be our greatest passion.
c) Knowing God Is a Journey of Revelation (Hosea 6:3)
The more we seek Him, the more He reveals Himself to us. Spiritual growth happens when we consistently pursue Him.
d) Knowing God Involves Experiencing His Presence (John 14:21)
To truly know God, we must encounter His presence, love, and power daily through prayer, worship, and obedience.
e) Biblical Example: Moses’ Desire to See God’s Glory (Exodus 33:18-23)
Moses had seen miracles but still desired to know God more. His passion led him to a deeper encounter with God’s glory.
2. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW GOD?
A true knowledge of God transforms every aspect of our lives and empowers us to walk in His divine purpose.
a) Knowing God Leads to Eternal Life (John 17:3)
Jesus defined eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent.
b) Knowing God Brings Strength and Exploits (Daniel 11:32)
Those who truly know their God will be strong and do great exploits for His kingdom.
c) Knowing God Leads to a Victorious Life (2 Peter 1:2-3)
Grace and peace are multiplied through the knowledge of God, equipping us with all things needed for life and godliness.
d) Knowing God Helps Us Discern His Will (Romans 12:2)
A deeper knowledge of God enables us to understand His will and walk in alignment with His purpose.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Transformation (Acts 9:1-22)
Paul, once a persecutor of the Church, became a passionate servant of Christ after encountering Him. His knowledge of God radically changed his life.
3. HOW CAN WE KNOW GOD MORE?
Knowing God requires intentional effort, dedication, and a heart that seeks after Him.
a) Through Studying His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Bible is God's self-revelation. To know Him, we must immerse ourselves in His Word daily.
b) Through a Life of Prayer (Jeremiah 33:3)
Prayer is our direct line of communication with God. The more we commune with Him, the more we understand His heart.
c) Through Worship and Fellowship (Psalm 100:2-4)
Genuine worship brings us into God's presence, deepening our experience of His glory and majesty.
d) Through Obedience and Faith (John 14:15)
Obedience to God's commands deepens our relationship with Him, proving our love and devotion.
e) Biblical Example: Samuel’s Growth in Knowing God (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
Samuel learned to hear God’s voice and obey Him from a young age. His intimacy with God made him a great prophet.
4. SIGNS THAT YOU TRULY KNOW GOD
There are clear evidences that someone has an intimate relationship with God.
a) You Develop a Deep Love for Him (Mark 12:30)
A true knowledge of God results in wholehearted love and devotion to Him.
b) You Walk in Holiness and Righteousness (1 John 3:6)
Those who truly know God will not habitually live in sin but will strive for holiness.
c) You Experience Peace and Joy (Philippians 4:7)
Knowing God brings a peace that surpasses understanding and a joy that is unshaken by circumstances.
d) You Are Passionate About Winning Souls (Matthew 28:19-20)
A true knowledge of God compels us to share His love and salvation with others.
e) Biblical Example: Job’s Deeper Revelation of God (Job 42:5-6)
After his trials, Job declared, “I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eyes see You.” His suffering led to a deeper knowledge of God.
5. THE REWARDS OF KNOWING GOD
There are great spiritual and earthly rewards for those who pursue an intimate relationship with God.
a) Supernatural Wisdom and Understanding (Proverbs 9:10)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowing Him leads to divine insight.
b) Divine Protection and Guidance (Psalm 91:14-15)
God promises to protect and guide those who truly know and love Him.
c) The Power of Resurrection at Work in You (Philippians 3:10)
Knowing Christ intimately allows us to experience His power over sin, death, and the enemy.
d) Eternal Reward and Glory (2 Timothy 4:8)
Those who pursue God will receive the crown of righteousness in eternity.
e) Biblical Example: Enoch’s Walk with God (Genesis 5:24)
Enoch walked so closely with God that he was taken up without experiencing death. His deep knowledge of God led him to a supernatural reward.
CONCLUSION:
The greatest desire of every believer should be to know God more. Paul, despite his spiritual maturity, still longed for a deeper revelation of Christ. Knowing God is not a one-time experience but a lifelong journey that requires dedication, hunger, and pursuit.
As we seek Him through His Word, prayer, worship, and obedience, we will experience a deeper intimacy with Him, leading to a transformed life filled with His presence, power, and glory. May our hearts echo Paul’s cry: “That I may know Him.”
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a deep hunger to know You more.
2. Father, open my spiritual eyes to understand Your ways.
3. Lord, let my life reflect Your glory as I draw closer to You.
4. Father, remove every distraction hindering my relationship with You.
5. Lord, increase my faith and spiritual discernment.
6. Father, fill me with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You.
7. Lord, empower me to live a life of holiness and obedience.
8. Father, baptise me afresh with Your presence and power.
9. Lord, let my knowledge of You bring transformation to others.
10. Father, help me to grow daily in my walk with You.
