Lesson 3: Knowing God: The Heart of True Ministry
From Merely Knowing About God to Truly Knowing Him
By Apostle Howard Tundu
Theme
From Merely Knowing About God to Truly Knowing Him
Scripture Reading
Jeremiah 9:23–24; John 17:3; Philippians 3:10; Exodus 33:13
This lesson helps you:
Move from religion to relationship.
Understand God's nature and attributes.
Know Him through Christ and the Spirit.
Develop spiritual intimacy that sustains ministry.
1. Introduction: The Ultimate Pursuit
The highest calling in life and ministry is to know God.
Before ministry, miracles, or messages—God desires relationship.
Knowing about God is intellectual; knowing/Experiencing God Himself is transformational.
Examples
God walked with Adam before giving him the task to tend the garden; Jesus called the disciples to be with Him before sending them out (Mark 3:14).
Scripture Anchor
John 17:3 – "This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
2. What Does It Mean to Know God?
To know God (Hebrew: yada, Greek: ginosko) means intimate, experiential relationship—not mere information. It involves:
Understanding His character/nature — Who He is.
God reveals Himself through His nature — love, holiness, mercy, and justice. A minister who knows God's heart will reflect His character more than just His power.
Contrast: Saul knew the throne; David knew the heart of God.
Experiencing His presence — Fellowship with Him.
Obeying His will — Walking in alignment.
Knowing His Ways, Not Just His Works.
Psalm 103:7 – "He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel."
Many see what God does, but few understand why He does it. Moses knew God's motives; Israel only saw the miracles. Knowing God's ways helps you move with His purpose, not just chase His power.
Trusting His heart—Even when you don't understand His ways.
Illustration: Moses didn't just want God's promises—he wanted God Himself: "If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here" (Exodus 33:15).
3. The Progressive Revelation of God
God reveals Himself progressively through Scripture and history:
4. The Attributes of God
To know God, we must study His nature and attributes — who He is eternally.
a) God's Natural Attributes (what He is by nature)
- Eternal – Without beginning or end (Psalm 90:2).
- Omnipotent – All-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17).
- Omniscient – All-knowing (Psalm 147:5).
- Omnipresent – Everywhere present (Psalm 139:7–10).
- Immutable – Unchanging in character (Malachi 3:6).
b) God's Moral Attributes (how He relates to creation)
- Holy – Perfect in purity (Isaiah 6:3).
- Just – Always does what is right (Deuteronomy 32:4).
- Loving – The essence of His being (1 John 4:8).
- Merciful – Compassionate and forgiving (Exodus 34:6–7).
- Faithful – Keeps His Word always (2 Timothy 2:13).
- Good – His intentions toward us are always good (Psalm 100:5).
5. Knowing God Through Jesus Christ
Jesus is the full revelation of the invisible God.
Scripture Anchor: John 14:9 – "He who has seen Me has seen the Father."
Everything God wanted humanity to know about Himself is revealed in Christ's character, actions, and teachings. Jesus showed us that:
- • God loves sinners for their salvation.
- • God forgives freely.
- • God values relationship more than ritual.
- • God serves, heals, and restores.
Therefore, knowing Jesus is the same as knowing God (Colossians 1:15–20).
6. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Knowing God
Without the Holy Spirit, God remains a concept; with the Spirit, He becomes a living reality.
Scripture Anchor: 1 Corinthians 2:10 – "The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."
Functions of the Spirit:
- • Reveals God's character and Word.
- • Guides believers into truth.
- • Transforms us into God's likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).
- • Makes fellowship with God intimate (Romans 8:15–16).
7. Hindrances to Knowing God
Religious Routine – Doing things for God without walking with God.
Pride and Self-Reliance – Depending on intellect instead of revelation.
Unrepentant Sin – Darkness hides His presence.
Neglect of the Word and Prayer – Starved relationship.
Distractions of the World – Substituting busyness for intimacy.
8. Growing in the Knowledge of God
Jeremiah 9:23–24 – "Let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me."
Through the Word – Study Scripture to know His nature and promises (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Through Prayer – Fellowship with Him daily (Psalm 63:1).
Through Obedience – Revelation increases with obedience (John 14:21).
Through Worship – Adoration deepens understanding.
Through Trials – Difficult seasons reveal new aspects of His character.
Through the Spirit – Be sensitive to His voice and leading.
9. The Fruit of Knowing God
When we truly know Him, it shows in how we live.
Peace: We rest in His sovereignty.
Faith: We trust His promises.
Obedience: We follow His ways joyfully.
Humility: We recognise His greatness and our dependence.
Love: We reflect His nature toward others.
"Those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits." (Daniel 11:32)
10. The Dangers of Ministry Without Intimacy
Matthew 7:22–23 – "I never knew you…"
Activity without intimacy leads to burnout, pride, or spiritual emptiness. When service replaces relationship, ministry becomes performance. The power of ministry flows from the presence of God, not personal effort.
11. Practical Assignments
1. Personal Study: Choose one attribute of God and study it in Scripture—write what it reveals about His nature and how it affects your ministry.
2. Prayer Exercise: Spend some time in prayer focusing only on adoration (not requests).
3. Reflection: Write a short testimony of how you first experienced God personally, not just learned about Him.
Closing Charge
"The goal of theology is not information about God, but transformation through God."
Prayer:
"Lord, reveal yourself to me more each day. Let me not only speak of you but walk with you. Help me to know you in your love, holiness, and truth. May my ministry flow from intimacy with you, and may others see you in me. Amen."