Knowing God – Godliness/Chris-likeness by Ho King Swee dated 15.9.13

Knowing God – Godliness/Chris-likeness by Ho King Swee dated 15.9.13

God is beyond our comprehension.  God revealed Himself in many ways, like in Creation.  To know God is to grow in Christ-likeness.

Result of truly knowing God – Godliness and Christ-likeness.

1.        What is Godliness?

2.       How to grow in Godliness?

2 Chronicles 16:9 gives a hind, our hearts must grow perfect towards Him.

As we know God we will become more and more like Him – because Godly or Christ-likeness.  Having a heart fully committed to Him ( grow perfect towards Him ).

Godliness is having the right attitude towards God, 1) fear God for His holiness 2) to love God with deep appreciation of His infinite grace 3) to desire God for who He is.

Psalm 33:18 & 147:11- key words, love and fear.  Psalm 25:14 – Lord confides to those who fear Him and He makes His covenant known to them.

Deuteronomy 6:1, 2 – commands of God, to fear Him. Deu 6:4, 5 to love Him, Deu 10:12 to fear and love God, Deu 11:1 to love God, Job 23:11 to love God, Job 24:14 command to fear the Lord.

1 Peter 1:17 – conduct yourselves with fear of the Lord, 1 Peter 2:17 to fear God.

Revelation 14:6, 7 – the angel instructed us to “fear God and give Him glory”.

Revelation 15:4 – people acknowledged the fear of God.

John Murray said, “The fear of God is the soul of godliness”.

The fear of God is a personal attitude towards God that come from our hearts of adoration, love, reverence and honor. Focus on His majestic holiness.  The fear of the Lord is a constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit.  The fear of the Lord is not fear of punishment as in 1 John 4:8.  Avoid evil but love holiness and righteousness.  Fear God for His perfect beauty, transcended holiness and glory infinite love and grace.  Walking in fear of the Lord will result in obedience to God.  When we love we will obey God. ( John 14:5,21,23).

2 Cor 7:1 clean ourselves from defilement bringing holiness to completion in fear of the Lord.

Psalm 2:11 serve the Lord with fear and trembling.

Act 9:31 walking in fear of the Lord and in comfort of the Holy Spirit.

The fear of God and love of God is the difference of our heart response to Him.  These will lead us to trust. Obey and know Him ultimately.

Example o King David, he was after God’s heart Psalm 27:4.

Paul’s greatest desire wanted to know Christ Philippians 3:10.

The levites had no inheritance Number 18:20 God revealed to Aaron, Deu 10:9.

How to grow in Godliness/Christ-likeness:

1.       Love not the world ( 1 John 2:15,16 )

a)      Lust (desire) of the fresh

b)      Lust (desire) of the eyes

c)       Pride (vain glory) of life

2.       To love God above all things including ourselves ( Luke 14:22, 9:23, Gal 2:20)

3.       Train ( discipline and perseverance ) ourselves in Godliness.

4.       Hearken unto God’s Word and pray earnestly. ( Proverb 2:1-5 )

1 Timothy 4:7 train ourselves to be Godly.  John 15:4 abide in Christ, Gal 5:22 fruits of the Spirit.

Practice and walk in presence of God ( constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit ). John 14:26 Holy Spirit will teach us all things. 2 Cor 7:1 cleanse ourselves of all defilement and bring Holiness to completion in the fear of the Lord.

Act 24:16 – have clear conscience towards God and man.