People know a lot of information about a lot of things – some knowledge is trivial, other is vital for life. The most important knowledge you need however is not necessarily limited to “head knowledge;” it’s not just knowing about, but experiential knowledge – know of something, or more precisely someone. God. Of all the things you can know, knowing God is of utmost eternal value, and WHAT you know about God will determine how you approach HIM and what you think about HIM.
We like to talk a lot about what we know, and that knowledge often makes us feel pretty good about ourselves. Through the prophet Jeremiah, however, God reminded us what knowledge is most important.
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24
Today let’s consider four very important things everyone needs to know about God.
1. God is REAL. For millenia, philospohers have tried to devise arguements from reason to explain and prove the existence of God. If you are interested you can read those here. While I applaud and appreciate their efforts, I understand all arguments for God’s existance come up short. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that it is FAITH that pleases God, and whoever comes to God must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek HIM. In spite of the shortcomings of the arguments for God’s existence, we must choose to believe HE is real.
2. God is SOVEREIGN. “Sovereign” is one of those theological adjectives that simply means God is in control over His creation so that all people and events fulfill His plan.
Our God is in the heavens;
He does all that He pleases. – Psalm 115:3
Everthing that happens fits in to the plan for this world that ultimately brings God pleasure – even calamity and disaster. In ways we cannot explain or even comprehend, God will make all things right. When it seems this world is out of control, just remember, God is allowing it to happen for HIS purposes, and one day HE will set it right again.
3. God is HOLY. By holy, we essentially mean that God is above all that is common and ordinary. In fact, HE is over things that are above and ordinary. He is the most “above” Being there is. He is clean, pure, sinless, always right, never wrong, perfect. The best Biblical description of HIS holiness can be found in Revelation 4:1-11.
4. God loves YOU.
God’s love is…
- unselfish – James 1:17
- unmerited – Ephesians 2:8-9
- undeserved – Titus 3:4-7
Whatever you know, make sure you know GOD.