How can I know God better?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

We come to know God better by first entering a personal relationship with Him through trusting in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. After salvation, we grow in knowing God by studying Scripture, praying continually, listening to the Holy Spirit, and abiding in Christ. Jesus, being fully God and fully man, reveals God's character, and the Holy Spirit guides us deeper into truth. Fellowship with other believers also helps us understand God more through shared encouragement and insight. Ultimately, knowing God is a lifelong pursuit that brings transformation and fullness of life in Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• We get to know God by reading His Word—the Bible. The Bible is God's "special revelation" to us. When we read the Bible, we understand more who God is and what His plans are, which helps direct us in the way we should go spiritually: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In John 15, Jesus talks about abiding in Him, which is only something that true believers can do. When we abide in Christ—deepening our personal relationship with Him through obedience—we are fruitful for God and our joy is made complete.
• As believers, we have the Holy Spirit involved in our lives, and He helps guide us in truth (John 16:13). As we make space to listen and follow the Spirit’s leading, we can get to know God better.
• Knowing God begins with having a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Apart from salvation in Jesus, we are enemies of God. But in Christ we are made children of God (Ephesians 1:3–14).
• Since Jesus is God’s Son and "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" in Him (Colossians 2:9), we can learn a lot about God’s character through studying what the Bible has to say about Jesus.
• We get to know God better by praying to Him. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, believers are instructed to pray continuously: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Prayer should be something we are doing every day, all the time.
• Fellowship with other believers is important as we try to be encouraged and encourage others in their walk with God: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Knowing God is an incredible privilege of salvation. God not only rescues us from the penalty and power of sin, but He invites us into a personal relationship with Him. We know much about God through nature (Romans 1:20) and the things we observe on the earth, but truly knowing Him is much different and requires having a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. As children of God (Romans 8:14–17), we are sealed with the Holy Spirit who helps us come to know God better and makes us more like Jesus. Once we are saved, we get to know God in a way very similar to getting to know any other person. We spend time with Him, listen to Him, talk to Him, and spend time with others who also know Him. Ultimately, Jesus came not only to rescue us from sin (John 3:16), but to bring fullness of life (John 10:10). Knowing God is a significant part of what it means to have fullness of life in Christ.

UNDERSTAND

• Knowing God begins with a personal relationship through faith in Jesus Christ.
• We grow in knowing God by engaging with His Word, praying continually, listening to the Holy Spirit, abiding in Christ, and fellowshipping with other believers.
• Knowing God is a lifelong, transformative journey.

REFLECT

• In what ways are you currently seeking to know God better, and where might He be inviting you to go deeper?
• How consistent is your time in Scripture, prayer, and listening to the Holy Spirit—and how has this shaped your relationship with God?
• What does it look like for you to “abide in Christ” daily, and how does that impact your thoughts, decisions, and joy?

ENGAGE

• How can we encourage one another to grow in knowing God better?
• What does abiding in Christ practically look like in our everyday lives, and how can we help each other stay connected to Him?
• How should our understanding of God’s character and what He’s done impact our lives and our relationships with others?