Knowing God - recap

Given that this blog helps me gather my thoughts as much as it helps you see what i'm up to, i thought I'd try and jot down the salient points from the previous chapters of the book. (coincidentally, I have to write a book review on it by the end of the summer!)

Here goes....

Chapter 2: The people who know their God

There is a difference between knowing God and knowing about God. I've been challenged recently to think longer and harder about which category i fall into

As Packer says, a little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about him.

i) One can know a great deal about God without much knowledge of him
ii) One can know a great deal about godliness without much knowledge of God

The book of Daniel provides key characteristics of those who truly know God:

Packer writes that those who know God:
1. have great energy for God
2. have great thoughts of God
3. show great boldness for God
4. have great contentment in God

If we desire such knowledge of God, we must:

a. recognise how much we lack knowledge of God - measure ourselves not by gifts, responsibilities or knowledge about God, but rather by how much we pray and what goes on in our hearts

b. seek the Saviour.

Chapter 3: Knowing and Being Known

Great quote to open: 'Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord.'

Knowing God involves:

a. listening to God's word and receiving it as the Holy Spirit interprets it, in application to oneself
b. noting God's nature and character, as his Word and his works reveal it
c. accepting his invitations and doing what he commands
d. recognising and rejoicing in, the love that he has shown in thus approaching you and drawing you into this divine fellowship.