Being Known By God
It is not enough to know of God. We are compelled in the Bible to both know Him and be known by Him. In Galatians 4:9 we read: “But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage.” We have the wonderful opportunity to both know and be known by God.
“But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.“
1 corinthians 8:3 niv
Know About Him? Or Really Know Him?
In this age of Information, it is easy for us to know a lot about a given individual. Sometimes this happens without really knowing them. We can Google individuals who we have never met, and learn of them without ever having a relationship with them. Never being in the same place or space, yet sharing common knowledge about a celebrity or popular personality. Oftentimes, you may know more and have more current information about the person than I do. Yet neither of us, really know the person. Similarly, many know about God but never really allow themseelves to know Him and be known by Him.W
God knows whomever chooses to love Him. In spite of that truth, we can find ourselves tryhing to accomplish this in the wrong ways. According to Galatians 4:9. How does this happen? Bondage occurs when we focus on the superficial and ritualistic elements of religion. Observance of days and sacraments which can neither save us or make us holy, in and of themselves. What can wash away our sins? In the words of the old hymn, “Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” We must lean on the Spirit of God to help us, and not trust in ourselves or works of righteousness.
Loving God Fosters Obedience
Jesus said in John 14:15-18; “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
We learn in this text that obedience begets help from the spirit of truth. We should not be deceived into believing a lie or behaving in ways that draw us from God. This positive chain reaction begins with loving God. Obedience to God’s word reveals our love of God. We know something and someone that the world cannot know. They cannot see nor receive the spirit that dwells in us according to the scripture.
You Are Known By God Because You Love Him
What is the evidence of your love for God? There are plenty of people who confess love for God, and yet they do their own thing. This is not the love that Jesus describes in John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commandments. While we look on the outside, God looks at the heart. So things that appear one way outwardly, can take on a whole different appearance inwardly. This is why Jesus places emphasis on the in dwelling of the Spirit which the world cannot see. Yet it leads and guides believers into all truth.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” John 16:13 NIV
————
Sometimes We Need Someone To Just Listen To Us
We all need someone to listen to us, to validate what we’re thinking and feeling, and to offer us perspectives that align with God and His word. Life Training Christian Counseling has been distinctively Christ-centered in our methods for over fifteen yerrs. All of our counsel is held to the authority of scripture. And our focus is to help each client work on the deeper parts of what’s going on in their lives, not merely the symptoms or effects.
All of our counselors are ordained Christian ministers as well as Certified and Licensed Christian counselors through the National Christian Counselors Association. We are able to help you find freedom from the struggles in your life and relationships. Our specialities include helping individuals who are dealing with shame, anxiety, depression, or marriage issues in ways that honor God and value the individual. We are highly prepared to woek with pre-teens, teens, adults of all ages, and couples – whether married, engaged, pre-marital, or just dating.
Please click on this link to learn much more about how our Christian counseling in Louisville, Kentucky can help you become a more authentic follower of Christ, and help you find freedom from whatever you may be struggling with. We offer convenient sessions at our office in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as online counseling via Zoom or FaceTime. Contact us today at 502-717-5433, or by email at drdave@lifetrainingcounseling.org