The book, “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer is a classic in the Christian faith for a reason. Packer has a unique talent for making deep theological observations understandable to the layman, while consistently calling the reader to deeper devotion and worship. The following track is based on its contents, which I do not own, but I hope my layout and supplemental details are profitable for your discipleship.
TWENTY-THREE WEEKS
Week 1
Introductory meeting:
See the need for growth as a disciple in Christ and mutually agree upon a meeting structure and schedule together. Encourage each other authentically as you begin this process together.
Homework:
- Order “Knowing God” and the optional journal if you haven’t already.
- Read through the Preface and Chapter 1 “The Study of God”
- Read Psalm 119
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Lord, help me to know you truly so that I can praise you rightly.
Week 2
Meeting:
Review Chapter 1 “The Study of God”
Homework:
- Read Philippians 3
- Read Chapter 2
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
God lead me not into the temptation of pride in gaining more knowledge of you but guide me to the still waters that will satisfy my weary soul.
Week 3
Meeting:
Review Chapter 2 “The People Who Know Their God”
Homework:
- Read John 10
- Read Chapter 3
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Lord Jesus tune my heart to hear your voice and guard me even now against knowing any other.
Week 4
Meeting:
Review Chapter 3 “Knowing and Being Known”
Homework:
Prayer Prompt:
Lord keep me from thinking of you in any other way than as you truly are, show me who you are that I might not sin against you by fashioning an idol in my heart.
Week 5
Meeting:
Review Chapter 4 “The Only True God”
Homework:
- Read John 1
- Read Chapter 5
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Lord you were tempted as I am, you were weak as I am weak, and yet you prevailed. I confess my failures as I cling to your perfect righteousness, and long to be more like you.
Week 6
Meeting:
Review Chapter 5 “God Incarnate”
Homework:
- Read John 14-16
- Read Chapter 6
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Holy Spirit, let me not forget your wonderful works and the ongoing abiding love you bring into my life.
Week 7
Meeting:
Review Chapter 6 “He Shall Testify”
Homework:
- Read Psalm 90 and note the contrast between God and Man.
- Read Chapter 7
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Satisfy me with your unfailing love, oh Lord, and teach me to number my days as I praise you for your eternal glory.
Week 8
Meeting:
Review Chapter 7 “God Unchanging”
Homework:
- Read Isaiah 40
- Read Chapter 8
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
God, you are majestic as you are kind, help me not forget your everlasting compassion for me and renew my failing strength.
Week 9
Meeting:
Review Chapter 8 “The Majesty of God”
Homework:
- Read Mark 14:1-9
- Read Chapter 9 “The Disciple’s Love”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Are the habits of my life reflecting a progressing spiritual maturity or immaturity?
Week 10
Meeting:
Review Chapter 9 “The Disciple’s Love”
Homework:
- Read Daniel 3:16-29
- Read Chapter 10 “The Disciple’s Maturity”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Are the habits of my life reflecting a progressing spiritual maturity or immaturity?
Week 11
Meeting:
Review Chapter 10 “The Disciple’s Maturity”
Homework:
- Read 1 Corinthians 9:23-27
- Read Chapter 11 “The Disciple’s Olympics”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
What is the aim of my life? Am I running the race Christ laid out for me or am I running for some other prize?
Week 12
Meeting:
Review Chapter 11 “The Disciple’s Olympics”
Homework:
- Read 1 Corinthians 9:23-27
- Read Chapter 12 “The Disciple’s Compassion”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Am I embodying a life of God-honoring compassion?
Week 13
Meeting:
Review Chapter 12 “The Disciple’s Compassion”
Homework:
- Read 1 Corinthians 9:23-27
- Read Chapter 13 “The Disciple’s Prayer Life”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Am I embodying a life of God-honoring compassion?
Week 14
Meeting:
Review Chapter 13 “The Disciple’s Prayer Life”
Homework:
- Read
- Read Chapter 14 “The Disciple’s Rights”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
God give me victory in laying down my rights to pursue my own desires as well as victory over those unholy indulgences.
Week 15
Meeting:
Review Chapter 14 “The Disciple’s Rights”
Homework:
- Read
- Read Chapter 15 “The Disciple’s Example”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Am I living as a God-honoring example to look up to?
Week 16
Meeting:
Review Chapter 15 “The Disciple’s Example”
Homework:
- Read
- Read Chapter 16 “The Disciple’s Loneliness”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Am I lonely or alone? God, what must I do to cure it?
Week 17
Meeting:
Review Chapter 16 “The Disciple’s Loneliness”
Homework:
- Read
- Read Chapter 17 “The Disciple’s Second Chance”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
What is my purpose for life in the Potter’s hand? Am I resistant to that purpose or submissive to the Potter’s will?
Week 18
Meeting:
Review Chapter 17 “The Disciple’s Second Chance”
Homework:
- Read
- Read Chapter 18 “The Disciple’s Renewed Commission”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Have I lost touch with God, given into the Accuser’s lies? If not God keep me steadfast in this state of being with you.
Week 19
Meeting:
Review Chapter 18 “The Disciple’s Renewed Commission”
Homework:
- Read
- Read Chapter 19 “The Disciple’s Dynamic”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Spirit, fill me with wisdom, power, love, purity, patience, and discipline to follow Christ.
Week 20
Meeting:
Review Chapter 19 “The Disciple’s Dynamic”
Homework:
- Read
- Read Chapter 20 “The Disciple’s Hope”
- Answer the reflecting questions
Prayer Prompt:
Am I lonely or alone? God, what must I do to cure it?
Week 21
Meeting:
Review Chapter 20 “The Disciple’s Hope”
Assignment:
Consider the Great Commission and one way in which you will commit to live dedicated to the unfinished task.
Consider also your next steps in discipleship.
Homework:
Spend some time browsing www.joshuaproject.net
Prayer Prompt:
Rejoice and praise God for bringing you through!
God, what would you have me do next?