Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get caught up in doing for God? Serving in church, leading prayers, volunteering, or even sharing the gospel, all are good and necessary. But here’s the truth: what we do for God must flow out of knowing Him. Otherwise, it becomes empty activity
Jesus defined eternal life this way:
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3
Eternal life is not about how much we do, but about knowing the One who gave us life
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18
When we truly know God, our identity is reshaped, our values are realigned, our priorities are redefined, and our walk begins to reflect His glory
Let’s explore why knowing God is the basis of everything we do for Him
1. Knowing God Fuels Love, Obedience and and Surrender
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Notice the order: love comes first, obedience follows
When we know God’s heart, obedience isn’t heavy or burdensome. It becomes natural. Abraham is a perfect example. When God told him to leave his country, he obeyed not because of a detailed plan but because he trusted the One who called him (Genesis 12)
You cannot truly know God and remain unchanged. Knowledge births reverence, and reverence births surrender
Knowing God softens the heart and produces willing obedience, not forced compliance
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27
Transformation is evidenced in a yielded will.
Biblical Example:
- Abraham (Genesis 22) — His knowledge of God empowered radical obedience, trusting even when understanding failed.
Takeaway: Obedience without relationship is duty. Obedience born of love is delight
2. Knowing God Gives Strength for Exploits
Daniel 11:32 says, “The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”
It’s not talent or charisma that fuels exploits for the Kingdom — it’s intimacy with God. David, a shepherd boy, faced Goliath not with confidence in his sling but in the God who had delivered him from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:37)
Even the apostles, though uneducated, were recognized by their enemies as men who had “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13)
Takeaway: Your personal knowledge of God is what sustains you in battle, not secondhand faith
3. Knowing God Produces Holy Separation
Intimacy births distinction. Those who know God do not live like the world because His nature produces conviction and consecration.
Knowing God sharpens spiritual sensitivity. It causes us to hate what He hates and love what He loves.
“Be holy, for I am holy.“ 1 Peter 1:16
Transformation here is seen in lifestyle — speech, conduct, motives, and choices become aligned with heaven.
Biblical Example:
- Joseph (Genesis 39:9) — His knowledge of God restrained him from sin and preserved his destiny.
4. Knowing God Anchors Identity and Calling
The apostle Paul had impressive credentials, but in Philippians 3:10 he declared, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,”
For Paul, everything — ministry, preaching, even suffering — flowed out of his pursuit of Christ. The same was true of Moses. He refused to move without God’s presence, saying: “If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15)
The knowledge of God establishes who we are in Him. Many believers live beneath their spiritual inheritance because they have not yet fully discovered the God who calls them His own.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3
When you know God as Father, you stop living as an orphan (Romans 8:15). When you know Him as King, you understand your Kingdom authority (Revelation 5:10). When you know Him as Shepherd, peace replaces fear (Psalm 23:1).
Transformation begins when revelation replaces assumption.
Biblical Example:
- Gideon (Judges 6:12-16) — He saw himself as weak, but when he encountered God, his identity shifted to “mighty warrior.” The knowledge of God redefined his self-perception.
Takeaway: Identity is not rooted in titles or platforms but in knowing Him
5. Knowing God Releases Power and Purpose
Intimacy with God releases spiritual authority. Knowing Him empowers us to function in divine purpose.
“For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” Habakkuk 2:14
Those who know God walk in clarity, confidence, and Kingdom impact.
Biblical Example:
- Paul (Philippians 3:10) — “That I may know Him…” This pursuit fueled his ministry, endurance, and spiritual authority.
6. Knowing God Renews the Mind
True knowledge of God reprograms our thinking. It dismantles lies, replaces deception with truth, and aligns our thoughts with His will.
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
Spiritual knowledge changes perspective. You begin to see situations through the lens of heaven, not fear or emotion.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” Isaiah 26:3
Transformation is reflected in peace, wisdom, and discernment.
7. Knowing God Transforms Our Service
Remember Mary and Martha? While Martha busied herself serving, Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:38–42). Jesus said Mary had chosen the better part
Even Jesus, before beginning His ministry, spent time in prayer and communion with the Father (Luke 6:12). His public miracles flowed out of private intimacy
Takeaway: Before you work for God, walk with Him. Service without intimacy leads to burnout
8. Knowing God Makes Us Reflect Him
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:18 that as we behold the Lord, we are transformed into His image
The more we know Him, the more we reflect Him. Look at Stephen in Acts 6:15 — his face shone like an angel because he had been beholding the Lord. Even his death mirrored Christ’s forgiveness
Takeaway: What you behold is what you become
So, Why Does This Matter?
Because if we lose sight of knowing God, everything else loses its meaning. We can do all the right things and still miss the main thing
- Love without knowledge of God becomes shallow
- Service without knowledge of God becomes routine
- Ministry without knowledge of God becomes performance
But when we know Him, all we do flows out of intimacy, strength, and joy
A Call to Action
Paul’s cry in Philippians 3:10 must become ours: “That I may know Him…”
- Do you long for strength? Know Him
- Do you want to walk in your true calling? Know Him
- Do you want your service to carry eternal impact? Know Him
And if you haven’t encountered Jesus personally, that’s where it begins. You cannot truly know God apart from Christ. Today, open your heart to Him, because knowing God is the basis of everything you will ever do for Him
Pathways to Deep Knowing
- Intentional Fellowship – Prayer and worship build intimacy (Jeremiah 29:13)
- Meditation on the Word – Revelation flows through Scripture (Psalm 119:105)
- Obedient Response – Obedience deepens revelation (John 7:17)
- Spiritual Hunger – Desire attracts divine disclosure (Matthew 5:6)
- Yielded Life – Surrender allows deeper encounters (Romans 6:13)
Signs of a Transformed Life Through Knowing God
- Increased spiritual sensitivity
- Deepened humility and reverence
- Consistent fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Kingdom perspective in challenges
- Boldness in witnessing and service
- Peace rooted in confidence
Reflection Questions
- How do I currently define my knowledge of God — information or intimacy?
- What area of my life needs transformation through deeper revelation of Him?
- Where has God been calling me into greater surrender?
- How does my understanding of God shape my decisions?
- What distractions hinder my pursuit of knowing Him?
Activation Prayers
- Lord, draw me into deeper intimacy with You.
- Illuminate the eyes of my understanding that I may truly know You.
- Transform my heart through the revelation of Your nature.
- Release a hunger within me that cannot be satisfied apart from You.
- Let my life reflect the power of knowing You.
Declaration
I declare that my life is being transformed by the knowledge of God. I walk in revelation, obedience, and divine alignment. My mind is renewed, my identity is secured, and my purpose is awakened. I know my God, and I will do great exploits in His name. Amen.
Conclusion
The transformation that flows from knowing God is progressive and eternal. As we pursue Him with sincerity, He unveils His glory, reshapes our lives, and positions us for Kingdom impact. Knowledge is not the end — intimacy is. And intimacy always produces transformation.
“Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.” Hosea 6:3
✨ Reflection Question for You:
Are you more focused on doing for God, or on being with God?
👇 Drop a comment or share how knowing God has changed your life!
The Anointed Scribe’s Lamp 