VALUE SHIFTS - Changes in perspective and values to align our reality to that of God’s greater plan.
A compelling and impactful aspect of God’s nature is his knowability. God is not a distant, mythical, unverifiable being. Rather, he is near and personal to his creation. In being knowable, believers experience a transformation in their lives as there is purpose and reward to pursuing God with knowledge of him. God’s knowability leads to an intimate relationship with him, which leads to God-intended joy and fulfillment in the life of the believer.
MY STORY | Starting Place
What has your pursuit of knowing God looked like up to this point? Is it something you’ve always felt the motivation to pursue, or struggled to start doing?
DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
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
What are some things in life that people take confidence in? What about these things bring a sense of security?
In our culture, what are some criteria people use to defend their intelligence or wisdom?
What impressions do you get from Jeremiah 9:23-24? What is impactful about them?
“...that he understands and knows me…”
Why does Jeremiah put knowing and understanding together? Can you do one without the other? Explain.
How does this specific statement (understanding and knowing) impact you? What does it mean to understand God? What does that imply about him?
Flipping this, how do you react to the idea that God knows you?
GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
What practices or values can your group implement to make knowing and understanding God a central pursuit in your time together?
How can individuals purposefully know God better?
MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
Is there someone in your life who struggles to believe that God is truly personal? Reach out to them this week and share the verses listed in this module. Receive their response while encouraging them with the truth God has stated about himself. Take any remaining objections and concerns to God in prayer and commit to diligently praying for their heart and mind.