Recently, we entertained special guests – dear friends of many years. It was great to see them again. But – people change. Incidentally, this is exciting. Why? Because it means there’s more to know about them. In contrast, God never changes. (Heb.13:8) Remarkably, there’s always more opportunity to know and see God in life. In fact, this continues through eternity. God is incredible!
To know and see God is a privilege to celebrate even in difficult times.
Tear Into It – Know And See God
First, I suggest – check out our initial content that launched Scripture Dissection materials: Tear Into It. That article explains how and why we introduce Scripture dissection exercises periodically.
Today, we explore how incredible it is to know and see God daily. Plus, it’s an adventure.
Incidentally, when knowing and seeing God lands in your heart – it changes everything. At that change-point, your heart discovers peace. Additionally, you are transformed to be who God created. Finally, you are empowered to know and see God in little things all around you.
Today, we explore five different Scriptures. Spoiler alert – it’s exciting content.
Let’s Tear Into – Know And See God
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
For each of the categories we explore, we’ll look at our five Scriptures to show there is a progression to know and see God:
- First – Invitation from God to know and see Him.
- Second – Desire to know and see Jesus.
- Third – Conditions to see Him.
- Fourth – Proof you love God.
- Fifth – More Proof to others that you know, see, and love God.
Now, what do these Scriptures say?
1. Invitation – Is. 41: 9-10
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you . . . And I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Interestingly, this is an invitation – given from God to know and see Him. Plus, God wants you, and He won’t reject you. Equally, He’ll help you succeed.
2. Desire – Jn. 12:21b
“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
A simple and clear desire – to know and see Jesus. Interestingly, Jesus is the only way to know and see God. Jn. 14:6 says, “I am the Way . . . Truth . . . Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
3. Conditions – Mt. 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
There are conditions to see God. Notably, these conditions start with a pure heart.
4. Proof – 1 Jn. 4:8
“Anyone who does not love, does not know God, because God is love.”
When you love others – and love yourself correctly – you prove you love God.
5. More Proof – 1 Pet. 2:12
“Live such good lives among [non-believers] that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God . . .”
So, live a good life. Also, trust God. Then, follow Jesus’ teachings. Interestingly, even if you are falsely accused, slandered, or maligned, your life provides more proof that you know, see, and love God.
This is what these Scriptures say. Incredible promises. Excellent training points. However, all five steps must be engaged by faith.
2. What Does It Mean?
Once again, let’s take tear into what each of these five verses mean. Here’s our list again:
- First – Invitation from God to know and see Him.
- Second – Desire to know and see Jesus.
- Third – Conditions to see Him.
- Fourth – Proof you love God.
- Fifth – More Proof to others that you know, see, and love God.
1. Invitation – Is. 41: 9-10
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you . . . And I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
God calls you from where you are and wherever you’ve been. Remarkably, He’s also chosen you. Further, He will never reject you. Subsequently, you don’t need to be afraid or dismayed, because, in God, you have a –
- Friend.
- Also, Companion.
- Mighty God, Himself, who promises to strengthen and help you.
- His Right Hand to steady you in life’s difficulties. (There’s more about the “right hand” in a recent article we published – Good News In Difficult Times. Check it out.)
2. Desire – Jn. 12:21b
“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
A simple and clear desire to choose Jesus. Whether you’re in sorrow, a dark chapter in your life, a broken relationship, or on-going, demanding circumstances – seek Jesus. Consequently, if you do that – you get hope, help, and purpose.
3. Conditions – Mt. 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
There are conditions to know and see God, and those conditions are present for your well-being.
When you build a relationship with someone, you find ways to show sincere interest. Plus, you investment in them. Also, you are faithful to them. Finally, you want to please them. Consequently, you avoid whatever hurts or tears down your relationship with them.
Equally, with God, you –
- First, pour sincere interest and investment into His ways.
- Next, work to be faithful to Jesus each day.
- Please Him with faith and obedience.
- Finally, stay away from things that harm your life and break intimacy with God and others.
4. Proof – 1 Jn. 4:8
“Anyone who does not love, does not know God, because God is love.”
As proof you love God – trust and obey Him. Next, love others around you. Additionally, love and value your own life. Interestingly, this means – only say and do whatever builds others up according to their needs to benefit them. (Eph. 4:29)
Summed up: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” (Mk.12:30; Lk.10:27)
5. More Proof – 1 Pet. 2:12
“Live such good lives among [non-believers] that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God . . .”
To know, see, and love God – make Him your “First, Most, and Best.” (A link to additional articles.) Remarkably, this is your ultimate testimony. Plus, intimacy with God brings peace and joy even when you suffer. Subsequently, your life provides more proof to others about God. Finally, you become the person God designed.
Conclusively, this is what these Scriptures mean.
3. Make It Personal
Now, for personal application from these five Scriptures to your daily life.
1. Invitation – Is. 41: 9-10
“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you . . . And I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
When you feel isolated or far from God – or others, remember God has chosen you. He won’t reject you – no matter what! Consequently, this means you don’t have to be afraid or dismayed. You can live with His strength, hope, and courage each day.
Nevertheless, it’s your choice whether you open your heart to His invitation. So, what will you do?
2. Desire – Jn. 12:21b
“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
Pause. Now, ask yourself what your greatest desire is. Incidentally, desire is something you can manage. So, if other desires pull your focus away from God, you can change that. Simply put, ask God to help you. Then, re-arrange your wishes and desires to honor Him. Essentially, live with noble, Christ-like character.
3. Conditions – Mt. 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Interestingly, you go after what you really want. A “want” is something you decide, not a feeling. So, why not decide to want God most? Nevertheless, this means you’ll work to be pure in your heart. In other words, you’ll accept the conditions to see God.
4. Proof – 1 Jn. 4:8
“Anyone who does not love, does not know God, because God is love.”
Now it’s time to examine your heart. Do you love your family, friends, neighbors? Do you love your own life enough to trust and obey God? What’s your proof? If there’s resentment, bitterness, or anger in your heart – lose it.
5. More Proof – 1 Pet. 2:12
“Live such good lives among the [non-believers] that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God . . .”
It’s hard to be falsely accused. How you respond reveals what you’re made of. So, continue to do good that God has established. Also, pray for your accusers. This gives more proof you know God.
What will you do – or change – to make these Scripture principles a reality in your life?
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
Have you accepted God’s invitation to know and see Him?- Do you desire to see Jesus?
- What conditions do you need to embrace to nurture a pure heart?
- What proof shows you love others? Love yourself? Love God?
- Do you provide more proof when things go poorly or you are accused?
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