God wants us to get to know Him … not just cognitively but relationally. It’s why He sent Jesus (Jn. 14:6-11; Heb. 1:1-3; 1 Jn. 5:20). While we will never fully know God, because He’s God, we can learn more about Him. The more we get to know Him, the more we’ll come to love the Lord with all of who we are (Matt. 22:37-38) and trust Him with all of our heart (Prov. 3:5-6).
6 Ways We Can Learn About God
God uses a variety of means to help us know Him better.
- God’s Word
The Bible is the ultimate and primary source for understanding God and His ways. All else we do to learn about Him should be filtered through His Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Ps. 19:7-11). God’s Word leads to faith and spiritual growth as it is studied and applied to life (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 5:12-6:1).
- Life Circumstances
God uses our circumstances to teach us as we have opportunity to see His Word at work; God fulfilling the promises in it and leading us to righteousness and conformity to His Son through both the good and bad of life (Deut. 4:35; Rom. 8:28-29; 2 Cor. 1:3-5; Heb. 12:3-11; James 1:2-4).
- Nature
God’s wonders in nature teach us about the glory of God, leaving us without excuse for not believing in and honoring God as the One of whom there is no greater (Ps. 19:1-6; Rom. 1:18-21).
- Music
Music, usually viewed as a vehicle of praise, is also a way to instruct and build each other up in the Lord (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
- One Another
God uses relationships with other believers to teach us about Himself and equip us as we exercise our spiritual gifts in serving one another (Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 3:16; 2 Tim. 2:2). This can happen face-to-face, through the printed page, the Internet, or even through fun and games together.
- Spiritual Disciplines
Just as engaging in physical activities strengthens our muscles, so purposefully and intentionally engaging in spiritual activities can do the same for our spiritual muscles (1 Tim. 4:7). The stronger we become in Him, the greater our understanding of who He is grows. Check out this helpful resource: Getting Spiritually Fit Discipleship Tool