Knowledge of the Holy, Part 1

Jeremiah 9:23-24

The Knowledge of God

• Importance for ministers and relevance to contemporary issues in knowledge and epistemology

Biblical Illustration: John 3

Example of Nicodemus

• Nicodemus' approach to Jesus and claim to knowledge
• Jesus' correction and the need for spiritual rebirth

Contemporary Crisis in Knowledge

Two Approaches to Knowledge

• Reason Alone
  • Historical context and the example of Greek philosophy
  • Impersonal nature and ethical limitations
  • Examples of depersonalization in society and individuals
• Emotional Experience
  • Reaction to the limitations of reason alone
  • Issues with the transient and irrational nature of emotional experiences

The Christian Approach to Knowledge

The Third Way: Revelation

• God's revelation through scriptures and Jesus Christ
• Personal, ethical, and eternal aspects of God's revelation
• The challenge to know God through study and to make Him known through ministry

Defining the Knowledge of God

What the Knowledge of God is Not

• Not mere awareness of God (Romans 1)
• Not merely knowing about God
• Not merely an experience of God
• Not knowing God alone without knowing ourselves

What the Knowledge of God Is

• Knowledge that brings awareness of our spiritual need
• Leads to salvation through Jesus Christ
• Causes us to turn from sin and embrace God fully

The Importance of Knowing God

Reasons for Pursuing the Knowledge of God

• Eternal Life: John 17:3
• Self-Knowledge: Understanding our spiritual need and relationship with God
• Understanding the World: God's purposes in creation and history
• Personal Holiness: Growth in holiness through knowing God (Jeremiah 9:23-24; Jeremiah 31:34)
• Strength of the Church: Strong faith and actions of believers (Daniel 11:32)

Conclusion

Call to Action

• Encouragement to pursue the knowledge of God
• Desire for personal growth and effective ministry

Closing Prayer

• A prayer for understanding, holiness, and the ability to teach and preach God’s truth effectively

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.