1. 1 How Can We Know That We Really Know God? John 5:17-23 Questions of Our Time Jesus Answers

2. 2 Questions of Our Time 1. How can one really know God?  Presupposes there is a god  If there is, why is he silent 2. If I can know God, how can I verify it?  No evidence, therefore no verification  Religious language is mere symbolism How Can We Know That We Really Know God?

3. 3 Jesus Answers Statement #1: Jesus is one with the Father in all the Father’s actions.  negatively – John 5:19 “can do nothing”  positively – “whatever the Father does”  a claim to divinity by Jesus  equal worker in past and now How Can We Know That We Really Know God?

4. 4 Jesus Answers Statement #2: Jesus’ identity with the Father involves obedience. John 5:19  Jesus obeyed his Father willingly  Mind of the Father and Son are united  We are to respond in obedience also How Can We Know That We Really Know God?

5. 5 Jesus Answers Statement #3: Jesus shows He is one with the Father in love. John 5:20  The heart of God’s nature is love  Bible states this – 1 John 4:8,16  Actions and nature of Jesus point to it How Can We Know That We Really Know God?

6. 6 Jesus Answers Statement #4: The Father and Son give life to whom they please. John 5:21  Deuteronomy 32:39  1 Samuel 2:6  2 Kings 5:7 How Can We Know That We Really Know God?

7. 7 Jesus Answers Statement #5: The Son judges man for the Father. John 5:22,23  Judging for the Father – claim to be God  Deuteronomy 1:17 How Can We Know That We Really Know God?

8. 8 Jesus Answers Conclusion: God is not silent!  Jesus is God and has acted with the Father since the beginning of all things.  You can know God by knowing the Son!  Verification is in Scripture – the life of Jesus and the life of His followers. How Can We Know That We Really Know God?

9. 9 Application How do you honor the Son? Is your life a verification of man’s ability to know God? How Can We Know That We Really Know God?