Lesson Description

A person can know many facts about God, memorise Bible verses, and understand religious teachings without allowing that knowledge to shape their relationship with Him. In this lesson, we will explore the difference between learning about God and knowing Him through Jesus Christ. We will also discover how faith, trust, and a growing understanding of God’s Word influence our daily lives.

1. Knowing God Is More Than Collecting Information

Learning facts about God is valuable, but biblical knowledge should lead us toward understanding His truth and responding to Him.

Jeremiah 9:23–24 (KJV)

Verse 23: “Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:”

Verse 24: “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”

In this passage, God directs people’s attention away from boasting in wisdom, strength, and riches. He identifies knowing Him and understanding His character as something worth valuing.

A person may memorise many Scriptures but still need to grow in humility, love, and understanding. The goal of Bible study is not merely to accumulate information or prove that we know more than other people.

We study so that we can understand what God has revealed and respond to Him according to His truth.

Practical lesson: When you learn something from Scripture, ask yourself not only what it teaches but also what it helps you understand about God.

2. Eternal Life Is Connected With Knowing God Through Jesus Christ

Jesus explained the connection between eternal life, knowing the Father, and knowing Himself.

John 17:3 (KJV)

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Jesus spoke these words in prayer to the Father. He described eternal life in terms of knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent.

This is more than knowing that God exists. It involves knowing Him in the relationship made possible through Jesus Christ.

Christian faith is not simply the acceptance of a religious system or a collection of rules. It centres on Jesus Christ and the life God gives through Him.

We must also remember that this relationship is not something we earn by performing enough religious activities. Salvation is God’s gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

3. Knowing About Jesus Is Not the Same as Trusting Him

Someone may know the story of Jesus, recognise His name, and understand some of His teachings without personally trusting Him.

John 1:12 (KJV)

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

John explains that those who receive Christ and believe in His name are given the right to become children of God.

Knowing historical facts about Jesus is not the same as believing the gospel and placing our trust in Him.

The gospel tells us who Jesus is and what He accomplished through His death and resurrection. Faith responds to that message by trusting Him.

This does not mean that faith is a human achievement that makes us worthy of salvation. Rather, it means that salvation is received through faith in Christ, not earned through our own goodness.

4. Knowing God Changes How We Understand His Character

As we learn what God has revealed about Himself, our understanding of His character should become clearer.

Exodus 34:6 (KJV)

“And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,”

God spoke these words to Moses, revealing important aspects of His character.

When we read Scripture, we learn about God’s mercy, grace, patience, goodness, truth, holiness, and justice.

This helps us avoid forming our understanding of God from isolated experiences or other people’s opinions alone.

For example, if someone has experienced rejection from people, they might assume that God is always waiting to reject them. But Scripture must guide our understanding rather than allowing painful human experiences to define God’s character.

As we study the Bible, we learn to distinguish between what people have done and what God has revealed about Himself.

5. Knowing God Should Influence Our Love for Others

A growing understanding of God’s character should influence how we treat people.

1 John 4:7–8 (KJV)

Verse 7: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

Verse 8: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

John connects knowing God with the practice of love.

This does not mean that we demonstrate love by agreeing with everything people do. Biblical love can include speaking truth, correcting wrongdoing, and establishing appropriate boundaries.

However, we should not claim to know God deeply while deliberately treating others with cruelty, hatred, or contempt.

As our understanding of God’s love grows, it should influence our words, decisions, relationships, and attitudes.

Practical lesson: Examine whether your knowledge of Scripture is helping you become more loving, patient, honest, and compassionate.

6. Knowing God Involves Trusting His Truth

A relationship with God involves learning to trust what He has revealed rather than relying entirely on our changing feelings.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV)

Verse 5: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Verse 6: “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

These verses encourage trust in the Lord rather than dependence on our own limited understanding.

Trust does not mean that we stop thinking, asking sincere questions, or seeking wisdom. It means that we recognise our limitations and allow God’s truth to guide our decisions.

Sometimes we may not immediately understand why a situation has happened. During such times, we can continue learning Scripture, seeking wise counsel, and making decisions consistent with biblical principles.

Knowing God does not mean having an instant answer to every question. It means learning to trust Him while continuing to grow in understanding.

7. Knowing God Is Not Measured by Religious Performance Alone

Religious activities can have value, but outward activity by itself does not prove that someone understands God’s heart.

Matthew 15:8 (KJV)

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”

Jesus quoted these words from Isaiah while confronting religious hypocrisy.

The problem was not that people spoke about God or practised religion. The problem was the difference between their outward expressions and the condition of their hearts.

Attending church, praying, fasting, singing, or teaching the Bible should not become a substitute for sincere faith and a willingness to follow God’s truth.

We should also avoid judging another person’s entire relationship with God based only on outward appearances. God knows the heart, while we are responsible for examining our own lives and handling Scripture faithfully.

8. We Grow in Knowing God Through His Word

Knowing God is not a reason to stop learning. Believers continue to grow in their understanding of Christ and His truth.

2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

Peter encouraged believers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Growth takes time. We may understand some biblical truths clearly while needing further teaching and correction in other areas.

This is why regular Bible study matters. As we read, examine context, compare Scripture with Scripture, and learn from sound teaching, our understanding can mature.

We should never assume that we have learned everything there is to know. A humble student remains willing to learn and correct misunderstandings.

Practical Example

Imagine two people who attend a Bible study.

The first person memorises many verses and frequently corrects others. However, they are unwilling to listen, admit mistakes, or treat people with kindness.

The second person is still learning. They may not know as many verses, but they listen carefully, study Scripture in context, trust the gospel, and seek to treat others with love and honesty.

Memorising Scripture is valuable, and both people can continue to grow. However, the example reminds us that Bible knowledge should not become a source of pride.

The purpose of learning God’s Word is to understand His revelation, know Jesus Christ, and allow biblical truth to influence how we live.

Remember

• Knowing facts about God is valuable, but biblical knowledge should lead us toward understanding His truth.

• Eternal life is connected with knowing the Father and Jesus Christ, whom He sent.

• Knowing about Jesus is not the same as trusting Him and believing the gospel.

• We learn God’s character through the revelation given in Scripture.

• Knowing God should influence how we love and treat other people.

• Trusting God does not mean abandoning careful thinking or sincere questions.

• Religious activities should not replace genuine faith and a sincere heart.

• We should continue growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Key takeaway: Do not be satisfied with merely knowing facts about God. Learn His truth through Scripture, trust Jesus Christ, and allow your understanding of God’s character to shape how you live.