Podcast Summary: "Knowing God"
Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
Episode: Knowing God
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Host: Tim Keller

Introduction

In the "Knowing God" episode of the Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life, Tim Keller delves into the profound question of truly knowing Jesus—not merely as a historical figure or moral teacher, but as Savior and King. The episode focuses on understanding how the Bible guides believers to be public about their faith and to share the hope found in Christ.

Biblical Foundation: Romans 1:16-21

Keller begins by reading and unpacking Romans 1:16-21, highlighting Paul's assertion:

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..." [00:03]

This passage underscores the revelation of God's righteousness through faith and the inherent knowledge of God evident in creation. Paul emphasizes that God's invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—are apparent through the natural world, leaving humanity "without excuse" for not acknowledging Him.

Public Faith and Articulating Belief

Transitioning to a broader discussion, an unknown speaker elaborates on the episode's central theme: Public Faith, Sharing the Hope that's Within [01:52]. The speaker addresses the societal reluctance to openly discuss religious beliefs, contrasting it with the encouragement to be public about all other aspects of identity. The necessity of articulating belief in God without falling into confrontational debates is emphasized, proposing that shifting from asking "Does God exist?" to "How do you know God?" fosters deeper reflection and dialogue.

Core Arguments: Cosmological and Teleological

The episode delves into Paul's arguments in Romans, presenting two primary philosophical approaches to understanding God's existence:

1. Cosmological Argument:

   • Explanation: Seeks to explain the origin of the universe, questioning how something could come from nothing.
   • Quote:

     "...how could something come from nothing? That's it. [...] It came from that, or where did that something come from?" [Unknown Speaker]

2. Teleological Argument:

   • Explanation: Observes the intricate design and fine-tuning of the universe, suggesting deliberate creation rather than random chance.
   • Quote:

     "The fundamental regularities and constants of physics [...] almost like there are a hundred dials and every single dial has to be exactly at the right spot." [Unknown Speaker]

Keller clarifies that Paul refers to these as "clues" rather than "proofs," emphasizing that while they point towards God's existence, they are not irrefutable evidence on their own.

Human Condition: Suppression of Knowledge

A pivotal point discussed is the inherent human tendency to suppress the knowledge of God. Referencing Romans 1:21:

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him." [Unknown Speaker]

Keller explains that this suppression is deeply ingrained, with part of the human heart recognizing God's existence while another part denies it. This internal conflict leads to a distorted relationship with the divine, where individuals live as if God exists without fully embracing that reality.

Case Studies: Conversion of Prominent Atheists

The episode presents compelling case studies of renowned intellectuals who transitioned from atheism to Christianity, illustrating Paul's point about the innate knowledge of God:

1. A. Wilson:

   • Background: A former critic of Christianity who authored a scathing biography of C.S. Lewis.
   • Conversion: In 2009, Wilson publicly embraced Christianity, citing the irrationality of materialist atheism and the necessity of a divine basis for moral obligations.
   • Quote:

     "Without God, you can have moral feelings. But without God, there can be no moral obligation." [Unknown Speaker]

2. W.H. Auden:

   • Background: Celebrated poet who grappled with atheism during his time in America amidst World War II.
   • Conversion: Auden returned to Christianity after witnessing the moral decay exemplified by Nazism, recognizing that values like human rights and justice necessitate a divine foundation.
   • Quote:

     "If there is a God that made all that, what am I?" [Unknown Speaker]

These narratives demonstrate that profound belief in God often emerges not solely from philosophical arguments but from a deeply felt acknowledgment of God's existence intertwined with personal and moral crises.

The Nature of God in the Bible

Keller challenges the modern perception of God as merely a figure of love by highlighting the multifaceted nature of the biblical God:

• Wrath and Righteousness:

  • Quote:

    "A wrathful God, a God who gets angry at sin. [...] the wages of sin is death." [Unknown Speaker]

• Incarnation and Sacrifice:

  • Explanation: Jesus Christ's sacrificial death exemplifies a God who is both wrathful against sin and profoundly loving, willing to bear humanity's punishment.
  • Quote:

    "The Son is to die, it can't be fake. If God on the cross is God shaming, a human tragedy." [Unknown Speaker]

Keller emphasizes that the Gospel uniquely portrays a God who is both just and loving, capable of a personal relationship with believers without the fear of losing control.

The Transformative Power of the Gospel

The episode underscores that true understanding and relationship with God come through embracing the Gospel, which reconciles the fear and suppression inherent in acknowledging God's full reality. By accepting Jesus' sacrificial love, believers can fully embrace God's righteousness and mercy, overcoming the internal conflicts that hinder genuine knowledge of Him.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Keller concludes by encouraging listeners to participate in "Go and Share" month, a movement to share the Gospel with others. He highlights the availability of resources like Making Sense of God to aid in these conversations, stressing the transformative impact of openly sharing one's faith.

Quote:
"It's a simple way to start a Gospel conversation or continue it." [21:30]

He also offers a heartfelt prayer, asking for guidance to be public about faith and to help others experience the healing and truth found in the Gospel.

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with a reminder about supporting the ministry through partnerships, ensuring the continued dissemination of the Gospel's transformative power worldwide.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Introduction to the Gospel's Power:

  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes..." [00:03]

• Public Faith Discussion:

  "There's nothing more fundamental to your identity and who you are than your religious beliefs." [01:52]

• Cosmological Argument Simplified:

  "How could something come from nothing? That's it." [Unknown Speaker]

• A. Wilson's Conversion Insight:

  "Without God, you can have moral feelings. But without God, there can be no moral obligation." [Unknown Speaker]

• W.H. Auden on Moral Obligations:

  "If there is a God that made all that, what am I?" [Unknown Speaker]

• Nature's Indication of God's Wrath:

  "A wrathful God, a God who gets angry at sin." [Unknown Speaker]

• Encouragement to Share the Gospel:

  "It's a simple way to start a Gospel conversation or continue it." [21:30]

This episode of the Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life provides a deep and engaging exploration of what it means to truly know God, the inherent human recognition of His existence, and the transformative journey towards embracing the Gospel. Through biblical exposition, philosophical arguments, and real-life conversions, Keller offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of faith's profound impact on personal identity and communal witness.