John 17:1-3
Introduction:
1. Not to be Captain Obvious, but the chief pursuit of humanity is eternal life.
2. Much debate exists about how to obtain it, but Jesus summarized it simply.
3. Though there are multiple elements to the pursuit, the foundation is singular.
Discussion:
I. Knowledge Is Power
A. “Human behavior flows from three sources: desire, emotion, and knowledge” (Plato).
B. “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an action and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
II. Knowledge of God Is…
A. Greater than man’s wisdom, might, and riches (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
B. Greater than sacrifice (Jeremiah 7:1-4; Hosea 6:6).
C. The blueprint for a life pleasing to God (Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:3-4).
D. Eternal life (John 17:1-3; Romans 1:16-17).
III. Lack Thereof Is…
A. Exile from the life of God (Isaiah 5:13; Ephesians 4:17-18).
B. Slavery to sin/idols (Romans 6:16-18; Galatians 4:8).
C. Destruction for His people (Hosea 4:6; Malachi 2:7-8).
D. Punishment of eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
IV. So Come to Understand Him
A. This is the chief aim (Proverbs 4:7-9; Colossians 1:9-10).
B. No one is saved apart from His word (John 6:44-45; Romans 10:13-17).
V. Requirements for Getting This Understanding
A. Immersion in His word (1 Timothy 4:12-16; 2 Timothy 2:15).
B. Hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 4:4; 5:6; 6:33; 1 Peter 2:2-3).
C. Removal of all hindrances to the word’s growth and production (Luke 8:11-15)
VI. Share This Understanding
A. This soul-saving knowledge is not something we are to horde for ourselves.
B. Once we internalize it, we must broadcast it.
C. Frist by feeding our children’s souls this understanding which is our chief purpose as parents (Deuteronomy 11:18-22; Ephesians 6:4).
D. Then by feeding our neighbors’ souls the world over which is the chief purpose in the church’s existence (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2)
Conclusion:
1. Though there are many steps involved in this process, it all comes back to getting to know God.
2. This is not a mere academic knowledge; it is coming to know Him and be known by Him (John 14:15, 23; 15:14; Galatians 4:9; Hebrews 8:11).
3. With this as our chief pursuit in life, we cannot resist diving into His purposes.