IMPACT OF KNOWING GOD

“That I may KNOW HIM and the power of His resurrection…” – Philippians 3:10a

“Knowing God” by J. I. Parker explores the IMPACT of KNOWING GOD through His Attributes and Character: “That I may KNOW HIM and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phi.3:10). Paul shifted from valuing his religious pedigree (being a law-keeping Pharisee) to recognizing the surpassing value of knowing Christ! Likewise, the book highlights the distinction between knowing about God and knowing God personally and intimately, emphasizing that true Knowledge of God comes through a personal relationship, nurtured by reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture, and applying its truths to life. Knowing God is a journey of deepening relationship, not a destination. 

Parker premised his thoughts on five foundational principles, namely: God has spoken and the Bible is His Word, given to make us wise unto salvation; God is Lord and King over His world, ruling all things for His own Glory, displaying His perfections in all that He does; God is Saviour, active in sovereign love through the Lord Jesus Christ to rescue Believers from the guilt and power of sin, adopt them as children and bless them; God is triune – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, acting together in the work of salvation, the Father purposing redemption, the Son securing it and the Spirit applying it; and Godliness means responding to God’s revelation in trust and obedience, faith and worship, prayer and praise, submission and service.

Knowing God produces a deeper, more distinct and personal relationship with Him and transformed relationship with others. Knowing His Character fosters intimacy and trust. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we become more like Him, which impacts how we interact with others, with more compassionate and Christ-like behaviour. Knowing God's Faithfulness and Power enables us to face trials and temptations with greater confidence, knowing that He is in control and will provide strength: “the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits” (Dan.11:32b).

Other passages that reveal the nature of God and the importance of knowing Him are:

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation” (Psa.91: 14-16). 

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (Jh.17:3). 

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1Jh.2: 3-4).