Ask: If knowing God is God’s goal for us, what priority should it have in our life?
Let the learner answer.
Let’s talk about how we get to know someone.
Ask: What elements are necessary for us to get to know someone?
Let the learner answer, and share your own personal example.
Communication and time are the primary ways we get to know someone, and the same is true in getting to know God. We don’t get to know someone really well if we only see them once a week and sit in the same row at church.
Let’s talk about communication.
Ask: What does communication involve?
Communication is a two-way conversation.
How does God speak to us?
We come to know the God of the Word through the Word of God. The Bible is the primary way God speaks to us.
Look up these verses, and list out benefits of reading the Bible:
2 Timothy 3:16
Matthew 4:4
1 Peter 2:2
Psalm 1:1–3
Psalm 119:9, 11, 44, 105
John 15:7
Matthew 7:24–27
How do we speak to God?
We speak to God through prayer. Prayer is simply talking with God. We don’t need to worry about using formal religious language. Prayer is a conversation between two persons who love each other.
Look up these verses, and list out what they teach about prayer:
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Philippians 4:6–7
1 John 5:14–15
Luke 4:15–16
Luke 11:9–10
The second essential for building a relationship with God is time. Although we can meet someone with a single encounter, in order to build an in-depth relationship we must be committed to consistent time with that person.
As the leader, give a personal illustration here of how you spend time with God.
A way to incorporate both communication and spending consistent time with God is through a quiet time. A quiet time is a time each day set aside to meet with God; to allow Him to speak to you through His Word and for you to speak with Him through prayer.
Read:
John 4:23
Proverbs 15:8
2 Chronicles 16:9
Some practical hints on meeting with God:
Come expectantly (Hebrews 11:6, Psalm 5:3).
Come to meet God and not just go through the motions.
Pick a time and place where you will be uninterrupted and alone.
Be consistent.
Walk by faith. Expect some dry days.
Bring your Bible, pen, and notebook.
Share with others what you’re learning.
Make specific application from what He has shown you.