The Christian Life = Relationship with God
* It has been said, "Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship." Why?
* According to the Bible, the problem in our world is a broken relationship with God because of sin. The Solution (Jesus Christ) provided a way to be reconciled to God (that is, to go from being alienated (separated) from God to having a restored relationship with God.
* The Christian life is not merely religious activity, but "walking with God" in personal relationship with Him. In order to know God's will for our lives, we need to know God. But what is "knowing God?" How do we develop a relationship with an invisible God, who often seems quiet and/or distant to many of us?

Entering into Relationship with God
* Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). God provided the way to be reconciled to Him through the death of His Son Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:21-23).

Growing in Relationship with Him
* What does the activity of "knowing God" involve? In his classic book, Knowing God, J. I. Packer lists the following:

§ Listening to God's word (the Bible) and receiving it as the Holy Spirit interprets it and applies it to our lives;
§ Noting God's nature and character as His word (the Bible) and works reveal it;
§ Accepting His invitations, and doing what he commands;
§ Recognizing, and rejoicing in, the love that He has shown in approaching us and drawing us into this divine fellowship (close relationship).

* Packer notes that the Bible uses four main analogies to illustrate "knowing God." We may "know God" in the manner of …

§ A son knowing his father;
§ A wife knowing her husband;
§ A subject knowing his/her king;
§ A sheep knowing its shepherd.

Like a Sheep Knowing its Shepherd
* In the Old Testament, God is called the "Shepherd of Israel" (Psalm 80:1; cf. 23:1; Isaiah 40:10-11), symbolizing his leadership and care over his people. In the New Testament, Jesus calls himself the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11, 14). God's people are called his "flock" (Psalm 95:7, 1 Peter 5:2). People are "like sheep" (Isaiah 53:6, Matthew 9:36, 10:16).
* In John 10, Jesus uses the sheep/shepherd analogy to help us understand our relationship with God. Read John 10:1-16.

The Good Shepherd
* This passage teaches many things, but we will focus on the sheep/shepherd relationship
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¶ "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:14-16, NIV).

¶ "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27, NIV).

1. What does the sheep/shepherd analogy teach us about one's relationship with God? How does the sheep get to know the shepherd?

Characteristics of Knowing God

* We must be Known by God.

¶ God said to Jeremiah, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5).

* We must realize we are like Sheep in need of a Shepherd.

¶ "We all, like sheep, have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6a).

* We must acknowledge the Shepherd in his goodness, grace, and power.
* We must Listen to the Shepherd.
* We must Follow the Shepherd.

Growing in Relationship with God in Personal Experience

2. As a believer, what has been your experience in growing in relationship with God? What has helped you to grow deeper in your personal knowledge of God?

Reflection/Application
† "Knowing God" is not merely knowing about God. It is a personal relationship with the living God, and involves our intellect, will, and emotions. How would you describe your relationship with God? Have you entered into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus?
† Review the "Characteristics of Knowing God" above, and examine your own life relative to these characteristics. What specific changes are needed in your life for you to grow deeper in your personal knowledge of God?