Relationship with an Invisible God…

Its been about 6 and a half years since I began to taking my faith seriously.

Despite my imperfections, God’s been faithful in teaching me a variety of aspects in regards to this faith.

However, if I could choose one passage which has consistently kept me grounded over the years, it would be this;

³ And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

John 17:3 ESV

If you’ve been following my blog for the last year, you would notice I use this passage

A LOT.

It’s no coincidence.

When I was younger, my motivation in following Christ was simple:I wanted to go to Heaven and enjoy living forever.

God was not truly on my mind.

I was more so captivated by the idea of immortality and living joyfully forever and ever.

But that’s not why Christ died….

God sent Christ to die for us so that we may have an intimate relationship with Him (John 3:16; John 17:3).

Not simply to live in a perfect Utopia and sing Kumbaya.

 

Now if you are unsure of your purpose in life regardless of who you are, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that your greatest purpose is to know God.

Christ would not have died for it.

But what does a relationship with an invisible God look like?

We’re told that eternal life entails knowing God, but what does that practically mean?

 

1. Entering into a Relationship with God

Before getting too deep, let’s clear the air concerning entering into a relationship with God.

Thankfully this answer has been stated loud and clear throughout scripture.

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6 ESV

I’m not going to add, nor take away from this scripture because it pretty much sums it up. Check out these other blog posts for more details:

• How Do I See God?
• The Need of Salvation

 

2. Knowing God means Doing His Will

²¹ “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.²² On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ ²³ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.

Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

(I wrote a similar blog on this scripture not too long ago read it here).

From this scripture, two essential truths are made clear to me.

• We must do the will of God to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat.7:21)
• We must know Christ to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat. 7:23)
• Likewise, people who do the will of God know Christ, and people who know Christ do the will of God (1 John 2:4) (it is impossible to have one without the other

Lastly, scripture makes clear that knowing Christ and knowing God are synonymous with each other.

⁷ If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

John 14:7

All in all to say, our evidence of knowing God may be measured to the extent at which we do his will.

So…..

 

3. How do we Learn God’s Will?

Glad you asked 😀

Many of us have probably heard the statement…

“What is God’s will for your life?”

In response we’re often encouraged to seek God in prayer and wait for an answer telling us exactly what His will for our life is.

Although we are encouraged to seek God, there are MANY truths concerning God’s will which are clearly outlined in scripture.

 

God’s will is…

• A) For us to give thanks in all circumstances and rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)
• B) To avoid sexual immorality and practicing self-control (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)
• C) To be subject to governing authorities (1 Peter 2:13-15 ; (long as it’s not opposed to the ways of God –>Matthew 22:15-21)
• D) For us to be filled with the Spirit  (Ephesians 5:15-20)

Just to name a few…

 

4. Final Tip

If there was a clear cut answer to the question “How do I better know God” it would be for us to do His will.

Having said that, what’s beautiful about God is, He actually helps us fulfill his will and complete the work He has started.

It was actually God’s will for Christ to not lose any of the believers given to Him (John 6:39).

He has also given us the Holy Spirit to ensure we are liberated from our sinful nature (Romans 8). Moreover, His divine power has given us everything that we need to pursue a life of holiness (2 Peter 1:3).

All in all to say,

God is NOT crossing His arms simply waiting for you to mess up.

He wants to have a relationship with you.

And he wants to help you have a relationship with Him, as long as you are willing.

Meditate on His words to know His will, then patiently pursue them as you grow in this everlasting relationship.

Soli Deo Gloria