Knowing God
Introduction
I’m not sure if you noticed, but I’ve been sharing a series of messages.
We talked about approval, we talked about pleasing, and we understood that the true Christian life is not about seeking human applause or trying to impress God — it is living for Him.
So today we need to finish by understanding something essential:
We do not obey to know God; we obey because we know Him.
Our goal is not religious performance.
Our goal is relationship.
And when we know who God is, obedience becomes natural — it becomes fruit, not a burden.
Knowing God transforms our will
Let us know, let us press on to know the Lord; His coming forth is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the latter rain that waters the earth. (Hosea 6:3)
True obedience is born from knowing God.
Those who do not know God try to follow Him through rules, fear, or tradition.
But those who know Him, desire Him.
And those who desire Him naturally want to live according to His will.
Trusting God changes our decisions
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. (Psalm 37:4–5)
When we trust, we do not fight for control — we simply surrender.
Trust leads us to rest, not to prove anything.
Those who trust don’t need to please or convince — they simply remain.
And from this trust, obedience is born, because:
Only those who trust truly obey.
Example: Peter casts the net; Peter walks on water.
Loving God produces life alignment
We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
He reminds us that love does not begin in us, but in God. All true love originates in Him.
The foundation of the Christian life is not fear or obligation, but love.
Example: Giving money to Duda and Biel — they didn’t accept it; it wasn’t obedience. It was love.
And love produces alignment.
It’s not “I have to do this,” but “I want to live for Him.”
Jesus said:
If you love Me, you will keep My commandments… (John 14:15)
He did not say:
“Keep My commandments to prove you love Me.”
But rather:
“Because you love Me, you will keep them.”
Obedience is a consequence, not a currency.
Conclusion
In the end, God is not looking for disciplined religious people, but children who know, trust, and love Him.
Approval comes from Him.
Acceptance comes from Him.
Purpose comes from Him.
And when our eyes are on Him, our life aligns naturally.
Knowing produces trust.
Trust produces love.
Love produces obedience.