RTW August 4
What Does It Mean To Really Know God?
“Isn’t that what it means to know me?” says the LORD.
Jeremiah 22:16b
My Takeaways
Something Old
Jeremiah prophesied for 23 years! WOW. But they did not listen. Would I ignore God for 23 years?
Something New
Know: daath (dah’-ath) – discernment, understanding, wisdom: in highest sense, knowledge of God (including obedience)
- Gave justice
- Helped the poor and needy
General terms: He treated others right.
- “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV) John 13:35
- We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. (NKJV) 1 John 3:14
- But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (ESV) 1 John 3:17
Something to Do
Demonstrate to the world that I know God.
My key verse matched Wendy’s today – and I had many of the same observations 🙂
What does it mean to know the LORD? Be just and right in all my dealings – give justice & help to the poor and needy. Basically – don’t be a selfish, self-centered Christian.
What does it mean to NOT know the LORD? (This list comes from Guzik): cheat working men (v13); be selfish and indulgent (v14)
What is the evidence of loving and knowing God? How I treat others.
Jeremiah had been prophesying for 23 years – delivering hard, bad news to people – and he didn’t quit even when threatened with death. He continued to speak to people who wouldn’t listen and never gave up – and he did NOT water down what the LORD told him to say (Jeremiah 26:12-15)! Oh gosh, how convicting this is for me. When I start to talk about Jesus, once I get weird looks from people, I usually back down.
Jeremiah 25:7 – “You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer” – So many people attribute the bad things that happen to the devil – but sometimes it is our own actions, choices/decisions that bring disaster.
Love your to-do Wendy. Do my actions show the world Jesus?