Resources Bible Study 7 Unchanging Attributes of God The unchanging attributes of God and His character provide a foundation of strength for our faith. How humbling is His love? Is he or she willing to sacrifice time, money, hobbies, career, dreams, or friends for you? Then do what is right and he will commend you. Moses asks Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go, even though, God had already predicted that he would harden Pharaohs heart (Ex 4:21). Those who have truly received love should naturally demonstrate it to others. Pray for God to move in the areas of religious and government corruption, unjust laws, trafficking, abortion, the persecution of Christians in many nations of the world, etc., even as Christ moved to correct injustice in the temple (John 2:14-17). In the same way holiness, being set apart, is a primary characteristic of God, it has now become a primary characteristic of every believer. In this series, we walk through these verses, look at the key vocabulary, and ask what it means for God to describe himself as "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness He said: Is it not written: My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations? Do you want deep, genuine, lasting, authentic Christian relationships? The Attributes of God. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). His infinite love is limitless, unstoppable, and immeasurable. When Adam sinned, he was kicked out of the garden, kicked out of the presence of God. Because my wife loves our daughter, she is very zealous in getting rid of anything that might be harmful. Heb 4:16). Romans 8:38-39 outlines the beautiful promise that nothing in heaven, hell, or on earth can separate us from the love of God. With Israel, God set up a very elaborate system of sacrifices, washings, and cleansings in order for the people of Israel to live in the presence of God. What did Christ mean by "God is spirit"? He can sneeze and erase existence. Those who do not fear God, will not. Our love must be unconditional as well. True love is selfless. Sometimes the disasters are directly a judgment for sin as seen in the Genesis flood and sometimes not as with Job and Joseph. It is here one day and gone tomorrow, but that is not what Scripture teaches us about true love. The concept of Christian love is impossible to fully understand and live out faithfully without an understanding of Gods love. We see a similar case in the story of Job. Who are you to say to the Creator, why did you make me like this? This is what Paul says about the event in Romans 9:1718. Much of it can be attributed to not living and abiding in Gods Word. Oftentimes, people try to say his wrath is only seen in the Old Testament and not in the New, but this is not true. That is love. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. Listen to what David says in Psalm 47:2: How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! (emphasis mine). Listen to Hebrews 12:6; Because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.. It even declares that God is in control of kings and that he turns their hearts in whatever direction he wills. Although they know Gods righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Is God a clockmaker that winds up creation and allows it to continually work on its own? Listen to John again: Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). God, by His nature, is wholly good ( Mark 10:18; 1 Timothy 4:4 ). Before God created the world, he was living in a loving relationship with the Son and the Holy Spirit. Look at what else the Apostle of Love says: If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1 John 3:17). We are holy because Christs righteousness has been accredited to our account. It is a paradox two seemingly contradicting realities. Does it mean having butterflies in ones stomach? It teaches that both were responsible in some way or another. Listen to the prophecy: Micaiah continued, Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left. Those who had received the truth and then ultimately rejected it through apostasy will receive a greater punishment from God. Is God in control of all things and if so to what extent? How amazing is His love? Does it mean two people have a good time together? We must not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). He sacrificed his Son. And later, it says that God hardened his heart in Exodus 14:8. Therefore they conclude that Gods providential involvement in or control of history must not include every specific detail of every event that happens, but that God instead simply responds to human choices and actions as they come about and does so in such a way that his purposes are ultimately accomplished in the world.8. Religion that our Father accepts practices righteous deeds. House, 2004), 317. No, it was an unconditional and undeserved love. Only what God has chosen to reveal of Himself can be known. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. Revelation 1:45, John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ . What about the decisions of men and evil? Did God choose to love you because He foresaw that you would love Him back? (emphasis mine). It also would change how we approach God. (1) God, as person, is the "I am who I am" designated in Exodus 3:14. Look at what Amos says, When a trumpet sounds in a city, do not the people tremble? Revelation 4:5, From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. All rights reserved worldwide. Lets look at a story with David in 2 Samuel 24:1: Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, Go and take a census of Israel and Judah (emphasis mine). John, who is often called the Apostle of Love and in his Gospel was identified as the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23), said this in 1 John 4:11: Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Similarly, Jesus said this: By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). If you call me, I will call you. It was practical. God loved us while we were still sinners. Listen to what John said: There is no fear in love. We see his wrath through church discipline as the apostles and the early church handed people over to Satan, which seemed to mean kicking them out of the church (1 Cor 5:5, 1 Tim 1:20). When you think of the cast of characters in Scripture who sinned and yet were still loved by God, you can see how His love for you will never change even when you stumble and sin as a believer. See more posts from this author here: https://www.forthegospel.org/costi-hinn. In Acts 2, the wealthy sold all they had to take care of the poor (v. 44-45). (emphasis mine)Job 1:2122, Job sees God in control of his loss and worships him. [1] God is often believed to be the cause of all things and so is seen as the creator and sustainer and the ruler of the universe. It takes fear away because we are convinced God loves us and is always working things out for our good (Rom 8:28). Scripture says that, God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day (Psalm 7:11). Lives A Life Of Holiness. The world will know us by this love. Which is the primary cause? Theology You Can Count On (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2008), Kindle edition. Anger is a characteristic of God that has been given to us in order for us to seek justice in the same way he does. It has no beginning, and it has no end. Gods holiness is such a defining characteristic it must affect how we relate to him. God acted and man acted. His sovereignty is absolute, total, and comprehensive. God Is Infinite - He is Self-Existing, Without Origin "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." - Colossians 1:17 "Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure" - Psalm 147:5 What characteristics of God have we studied in the last few chapters? Or is he somehow vitally involved and always in control of it? Listen to what David said: If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Psalm 66:18). We have seen many of Gods characteristics: he is a spirit, he is a person, he is independent, he is immutable, he is good, he is eternal, he is omniscient, he is omnipotent, he is omnipresent, and he is merciful. We can see Josephs comfort, and also how he comforted his brothers in referring to their sin of selling him into slavery in Genesis 50:20. Pray for them to separate from ungodly relationships, ungodly practices, and ungodly entertainment so that we can be lights to the world as Christ desired (Matt 5:14). Proverbs 13:24 says the same thing about parents: He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Agape love is judicial. He set His love upon the believer before breath entered our lungs. Not all anger is sinful. God is often conceived as the greatest entity in existence. Questions for Personal Reflection or Group Discussion: The Hebrew word "emet" is translated with words like "faithful," "reliable," "sure," "trustworthy," and "amen."Read aloud Psalm 36:5-6, Psalm 19:7, and Psalm 41:13 and discuss what the psalmists are communicating in these passages when they use the word "emet." God promised the Israelites that he would give them . Ex. Loves Others. Hate Sin. Summary: There are seven characteristics that must be present in those who wish to walk with God in order for them to be pleasing to God and to attempt to duplicate the life of Enoch which in the end caused him to go up in his own private Rapture! We see his wrath in destroying the earth by water in the Genesis flood (Gen 6 and 7). We must pursue holiness because we fear God. In fact, holiness is such a special characteristic of God that it affects our ability to be in his presence. In Psalm 139, we see David's praises for four of God's awesome characteristics: His knowledge, presence, power, and judgment. Such a conclusion is clearly contrary to Scripture.7. However, this is the type of love that the world should see in Christians. It is something elusive. (emphasis mine)Philippians 4:21-22. A person that doesnt understand and trust Gods sovereignty will be a person that holds tremendous grudges and may find themselves very fearful or anxious at times. God tells him to Go and do it and that he would be successful. Wont he provide whatever is beneficial since he has already given his best? What exactly does it mean for God to be holy? God sustains all things by his powerful word (Heb 1:3). The more you know him, the more your worship will be enhanced and the better you can please him (John 4:23). See, this concept of God being king over the whole earth is very hard, especially, for westerners to accept because we have never had a king. I will love you if you do not cheat on me. But justice is an outworking of love. When we think of God's omniscience, we often . He is not only a God of love but of wrath, and therefore, we should fear and revere him. Whether its a new article, video, or podcast, well keep you in the know. Scripture clearly declares that God is in control of all things (Eph 1:11), and yet, there can be other causes such as Satan or man. Paul said this: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17). John says we should have no fear because of Gods love. Theology You Can Count On (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2008), Kindle edition. In this lesson, we will look at four more characteristics of God, which are probably his most controversial characteristics. That is comforting. We get to talk to the God who is controlling everything and ask for his perfect will to be done on the earth. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 While this passage is talking about love, the same word in Greek for love that is used here is the same word that is used in 1 John. Apparently, a demon approaches the Lord and says that he will entice Ahab by being a lying spirit in the mouth of his prophets. . Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. This is how most people think about love. For we know him who said, It is mine to avenge; I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge his people. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Which one did it, God or Satan? Very close to Gods holiness is his wrath. David said this: It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees (Psalm 119:71). God is the first cause of all things but only in such a way that he cannot be blamed for evil. Because he is holy, he cannot tolerate sin. God often disciplines people like a parent to deter them from sin and to promote righteousness. Costi Hinn is a church planter and pastor at The Shepherds House Bible Church in Chandler, Arizona. God loved Israel simply because He chose to! God was. The tribulation will be a time of trial the whole world will go through. In John 17:24, Jesus says this: Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world (emphasis mine). In fact, this is what the writer of Hebrews said: Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (emphasis mine) (Hebrews 12:14). God controls events in such a way that they always work to the good of his children. The seven gifts are found in the Book of Isaiah 11:1-2, a passage which refers to the characteristics of a Messianic figure empowered by the "Spirit of the Lord".. They were dead in transgressions and sins; they followed the ways of the world, the devil, and the flesh. They called to the mountains and the rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! It says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (emphasis mine). With all that said, we must always realize there is an aspect of mystery with this doctrine. And now these three remain (emphasis mine): faith, hope and love. What are some encouragements from the fact that God is sovereign? Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). From the very beginning, God showed mercy to man by providing a substitute. This is not only important because it is a primary characteristic of God, but it is also important because God commands us to be holy like him. Consider what she said: He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love (Song of Songs 2:4). In the early church, Ananias and Sapphira were both killed for lying about the profit made from selling their land (Acts 5:1-10). Do what you want. Look at how the wrath of God is displayed in this text: Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. Listen to Philippians 1:8: God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus (emphasis mine). Listen to what Ephesians 1:11 says: In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (emphasis mine). No! Why do we pray if God is not sovereign and in control of all things? Position always leads to practice. How does God save those he loves? God will not listen to the prayers of a person who wants to hang on to his sin and, yet, be intimate with God at the same time. God is Truth. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (emphasis mine) (John 17:1617). But how is it revealed? 3 Tony Evans. Holiness is a word that essentially means set apart and is closely connected to his righteousness. When disaster comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it (emphasis mine)? (3:6). Look at what he says: Naked I came from my mothers womb, and naked I will depart. Scripture would say God is, and therefore, there is a sense in which his will is always done (Eph 1:11). For some, love is an emotion. All you do as a sinner should repel Him from you, yet His love is for you. Ephesians 1:4-5 declares, in love having predestined us. The one who fears is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18). Christs death was applied to ancient saints from the very beginning of mankind. Then later, the narrator gives two seemingly conflicting statements. We see his wrath throughout the OT in the discipline of Israel for not obeying him; they were persecuted by their enemies and eventually exiled from the land. What, then, shall we say in response to this? There will be varying degrees of punishment in hell, in the same way, that there will be varying degrees of reward in heaven (1 Cor 3:12-15). 1 Wayne A. Grudem. Romans 13:14 says this: Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Yes, Scripture also teaches that God is in control of the decisions of men and evil. Listen to how Paul commonly greeted Christians with this title: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus. Which one do you lean toward? The LORD has decreed disaster for you. (emphasis mine)1 Kings 22:19-23. Who enticed Ahab? Paul quotes the word of the LORD in saying, Jacob I loved, Esau I hated, meaning He chose to favor one above the other for no reason except that He sovereignly chose to. Pray for Christians to trust Gods sovereignty in all things, especially in trials. He pulled out the chair for her; he listened to her; he took care of her needs. It was only through his righteous life and death that man could be holy, and therefore, truly have a relationship with a holy God. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! We will ultimately see Gods disciplinary wrath during the tribulation period. What aspect of Gods love was most challenging to you and why? Other versions include English Standard Version, New Living Translation, and King James Version. We must develop a holy anger for it is a characteristic of God. In the Hebrew version (the Masoretic text), the "Spirit of the Lord" is described with six characteristics: wisdom, understanding, counsel . If you are ever fearful that His love for you is not perfect enough, cling to the promise that perfect love casts out fear(1 John 4:18). Properly understood, it will revolutionize the quality of our worship.2. However we understand Gods relationship to evil, we must never come to the point where we think that we are not responsible for the evil that we do, or that God takes pleasure in evil or is to be blamed for it. However, emotions do not define love as many in the secular world would say. His love was like a banner that everybody could see. In James 4:4, he called the church adulterers, but that didnt stop his love for them. Natural processes happening in the world allow these things to happen. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 1:3). They would say, How can God hold us accountable or blame us if he is in control of everything? Look at his reply: One of you will say to me: Then why does God still blame us? Love is not just words, and it certainly is not just feelings. He essentially says, I pray for your love to be wise so you can discern what is best.. Not only are we saints who are set apart as holy, but we must now seek practical holiness in our daily lives. Exodus 34:6-7 The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, . Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Romans 8:28 tells us something about his purposes in controlling all events. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. This is to be done in reverence of God who is the ultimate authority. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else (emphasis mine) (Acts 17:25). . We can only know what love is by looking at God. Sometimes, believers talk as though agape love is only an act of the will. It also clearly states that God is the one true God. There is a sense that every time God sees us, he sees the righteousness of his Son. It is needed to fight against religious corruption, unethical law practices, trafficking, abortion, racism, etc., and it is even needed for us to faithfully pray against these things. The divine cause of each event works as an invisible, behind-the-scenes, directing cause and therefore could be called the primary cause that plans and initiates everything that happens (emphasis mine).6. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Do you want to love people better? Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets, he said. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. But when he was dishonored, he was like a lamb to the slaughter. It is practical. Of all the attributes of God, holiness is the one that most uniquely describes Him. And why do you worry about clothes? What are characteristics of Gods love? Lets consider a familiar passage with Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. How did Christ love? If you watch any romantic comedy, without a doubt, there will always come the big question, Do you love him?. Because Adam was not holy anymore, he could not dwell in Gods presence. Listen to what he says: If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. We are set apart to be different by the Word, thats how God sanctifies us. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. Nothing and no one is stronger than him. (emphasis mine)Ephesians 1:1, Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. What is the biblical significance of the number seven/7? Wayne Grudem gives a very insightful conclusion to our look at how Scripture teaches Gods control over both mans sin and the devil. It was love that kept Him on the cross. 1) The Spirit of the LORD 2) The Spirit of wisdom 3) The Spirit of understanding 4) The Spirit of counsel 5) The Spirit of power 6) The Spirit of knowledge 7) The Spirit of the fear of the Lord The "seven spirits of God" in the book of Revelation are thus a reference to the Holy Spirit in the perfection of His manifold ministry.