Knowing God intimately is a profound and transformative experience. It involves more than just knowing about God; it means having a deep, personal relationship with Him. Jesus Christ exemplified this intimate relationship with the Father, and through His life, we can learn how to know God intimately ourselves. We have many invitations throughout God’s word to know Him in this way. We can be assured that we will experience Him intimately as this in His hearts desire.
Jesus’ Intimate Knowledge of the Father
- Prayer and Communication
Jesus maintained a constant and intimate communication with the Father through prayer. He often withdrew to solitary places to pray and seek God’s presence.
- Mark 1:35: “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
- Luke 5:16: “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.”
In His prayer at Gethsemane, we see the depth of Jesus’ communication with the Father, expressing His anguish yet submitting to God’s will.
- Luke 22:41-42: “And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.'”
Question for Reflection: How can you create time and space in your daily life for intimate communication with God through prayer?
- Obedience to the Father’s Will
Jesus demonstrated His intimate knowledge of the Father through His complete obedience. He did nothing on His own but always sought to do the Father’s will.
- John 5:19: “Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.'”
- John 6:38: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus prays for His disciples, demonstrating His obedience and dedication to fulfilling the Father’s mission.
- John 17:4: “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”
Question for Reflection: In what areas of your life is God calling you to greater obedience to His will?
- Dependence on the Father
Jesus depended on the Father for everything, demonstrating a profound trust and reliance.
- John 5:30: “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.”
- John 15:10: “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
In His prayer in John 17, Jesus expresses His dependence on the Father, asking for the protection and sanctification of His followers.
- John 17:11: “Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.”
Question for Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on God in your daily life?
How We Can Know God Intimately
- Through Prayer and Worship
Prayer is the primary way we communicate with God. Worship draws us into His presence and helps us experience His love and glory.
- Psalm 63:1: “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water.”
- John 4:24: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Question for Reflection: How can you deepen your prayer life and make worship a more integral part of your relationship with God?
- Through Studying the Scriptures
The Bible is God’s revelation to us. Studying it helps us understand His character, His promises, and His will for our lives.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
- Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
Question for Reflection: How can you incorporate more Bible study into your daily routine to know God more intimately?
- Through Fellowship with Other Believers
Fellowship with other believers encourages us, helps us grow, and deepens our relationship with God through shared experiences and support.
- Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
- Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
Question for Reflection: How can you engage more deeply in fellowship with your church community to grow in your relationship with God?
Conclusion
Knowing God intimately transforms our lives and aligns us with His will. By following Jesus’ example of prayer, obedience, and dependence, and by engaging in prayer, studying Scripture, and fellowship, we can grow closer to God and experience His presence in profound ways.
Final Question for Reflection: What steps will you take today to deepen your intimate relationship with God?
