1. HOW CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD?
a) THE BIBLE TEACHES US ABOUT GOD
– See The Bible – Section A
– Dependability of God and His Word …. Lu 21:33
– Authority of God and His Word ….. Mt 4:4; Joh 10:35
– Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit … 2Ti3:16
– Bible was written by direction of the Holy Spirit…. 2Pe 1:21
b) BIBLE USES HUMAN LANGUAGE AND IMAGES TO DESCRIBE GOD TO US
– Arm & Hand ….. Ex 3:20; 6:6; De 4:34; 5:15
– Face.. Ge 4:14; 33:10; Isa 59:2
– Eyes & Ears. Isa 37:17; Ps 11:4; 34:15; Pr 15:3; Zec 4:10
– Coming & going Ge 11:5;Isa64:1-3;Ps 18:9-19
– Voice of God heard by Adam & Moses Ge 3:9,10; De 4:12
> We can hear the voice of God.. De 5:24; Ac 22:14
c) GOD APPEARS TO PEOPLE IN HUMAN FORM
– In visions….. Da 7:9,13; Re 4:3; 5:7
– To people directly
> Adam…. Ge 3:8-10
> Jacob….. Ge 32:24-30 > Abraham… . Ge 18
> Joshua… Jos 5:13-15
> Daniel….Da 3:25
– God as the man Jesus …. Mt, Mk, Lu & Joh d) BY LOOKING AT WHAT HE HAS CREATED (IN NATURE)
SEE TEACHING PASSAGE (Ro 1:18-25)
– The heavens tell the glory of God .. Ps 19:l
– Creation shows His eternal power and deity …. Ro 1:20
– Our conscience and heart know God’s law . Ro 2:14-16
– The fruitfulness of the land is a witness ….. Ac l4:15-17
– God’s Wisdom and Knowledge Ps 19:1-6; 104
– God’s Power and Majesty…. Ps 18:7-15; 29; 66:1-7
e) SOME PROBLEMS WITH SEEING GOD IN NATURE
– Nature is not enough for full salvation
> unbelievers’ minds are blinded by Satan … 2Co 4:4
> a preacher is needed ….. Ro 10:14
– The Fall of Adam has spoiled God’s image in nature
> pain in childbirth …. Ge 3:16
> painful work; thorns and thistles … Ge 3:17-18
> all creation is waiting to be renewed…. Ro 8:18-25
f) GOD IS FULLY REVEALED IN JESUS CHRIST
– See Jesus – Sections B8, B9, B10, B11
– Son reveals God to whom He wills Mt 11:27; Lu 10:22
– He who has seen Me has seen the Father … Joh 14:6-9; 10:30
– The Word was God.. The Word was made Flesh … Joh 1:1-14
g) GOD IS A SPIRIT (Joh 4:24)
– Therefore He must reveal Himself to us ….. l Sa 3:21
– Some things remain a secret ….. De 29:29
– Some things He reveals to man Am 3:7; Eph 3:5
– Adam heard the voice of God … Ge 3:8
– Moses heard the voice of God but didn’t see God .. De 4:12
– No mortal man can see God and live …. Ex 33:20
> Note: Because God is Spirit, He must reveal Himself to us.
h) WHY DOES GOD REVEAL HIMSELF TO PEOPLE?
– To save them in times of great need ….. 2 Sa 22:7; Ps 18:6
> Noah …..saved from the flood.. Ge 6:1 – 9:17
> Abram… saved from heathen worship.. Ge 12:1-22:19
> Moses … to save from slavery… Ex 3: -14:
– To bring salvation…. Mt 1:21
– To destroy the works of Satan .. I Jo3:8
– To warn of future events ….. Am 3:7; Re 1: – 22: 2. HOW DOES GOD REVEAL HIMSELF TO MAN?
a) BY MIRACLES
– God’s miracles glorify Him. Nu 14:22
> cause some to believe.. Joh 2:23
> yet some will not believe… Joh 12:37
– True Miracles
> Burning bush…..Ex 3:
> Plagues on Egypt … … … … Ex 4:-12:
>Red Sea . Ex l4:
> Crossing Jordan River . Jos 3:
> Elijah….. IKi 17:-18:; 2Ki 1:
> Isaiah …. 2Ki 20:
>Elisha …. 2Ki2:-6:; 13:
– Miracles of Jesus …. seeSectionB9
Miracles of Disciples see Section F9, F11
– Some miracles done by Satan’s power .. De 13:1-3; Ex 7:9-12; Re 13:14; 16:14; 19:20
b) BY JUDGMENTS
– Pharaoh.. Ex 4: -12:
– Nebuchadnezzar.Da 4:28-37
– Belshazzar…. Da 5:
– Ananias and Sapphira…. Ac 5:1-11
– Herod….. Ac 12:22-23
– All workers of Evil… … … .. Re20:10,14-15
c) IN DREAMS AND VISIONS
– Some Dreams and Visions bring revelation of God and His plans.
> the following books contain many visions and dreams revealing God….
Ezekiel; Daniel; Zechariah; Amos; Nahum; Acts; Revelation
– Dreams and Visions need to be interpreted by God
> for Joseph…. Ge 41:15-16 > John’s visions…. Re 1:20; 7:13-14
> for Daniel … Da 2:27-28
> Peter’s vision … … .. Ac 10:11-15,34-35
– God’s standard for judging Dreams, Visions and Prophecies
> test all things with the Word of God …. Ps 138:2; Pr 30:5-6
> don’t believe every spirit …. I Jo 4:1-3
> submit all things to counsel ….. Pr 11:14; 15:22
> wait for independent confirmation. Mt 18:16;ICo 14:29;2Co 13:1
> God allows false words to test our love De 13:3
> if a word leads you away from God it is false.. De 13:1-3
> even a real miracle can be false De 13:1-3
> the commandments of God are above dreams, etc. De 13:4
> we must remove falsehood from our midst De 13:5
– Dreams and Visions can bring comfort
> toAbram ….. Ge 15:1
> to Paul… Ac 18:9
– Dreams and Visions can bring warnings from God
> Abimelech about Sara… Ge 20:3
> Laban about Jacob.. Ge 31:24
> Joseph about Mary.. Mt 1:20
> wisemen about Herod ….. Mt 2:12
> Joseph about Herod..
Mt 2:13
> Pilate’s wife. Mt27:19
– Dreams and Visions can bring guidance
> Gideon overhears a dream.. Jdg 7:13-15
> Joseph led from Egypt to Israel Mt 2:19
> Joseph led to Galilee….. Mt 2:22
> Ananias led to pray for Paul….. Ac 9:10
> Paul prepared for Ananias’coming.. Ac 9:12
> Paul led to go to Macedonia….. Ac 16:9
– Dreams and Visions may be false
> if one’s own heart desires evil… Jer 14:14; Jer 23:16
> dreams can be used to excuse a falsehood.. Jer 23:2532
> some dreams lead us away from God… Jer 23:27
> we must not follow these false dreams. Jer 27:9
> our own dreams may be false… Jer 29:8
> false vision can lead to fake prophecy.. Eze 13:7
> false religions give false dreams and visions…. Zec 10:2
– Some Dreams and Visions are pure fantasy
> due to hunger and thirst Isa 29:8
> product of an overactive mind.. Ec 5:3,7
> some dreams are strictly fleshly….. Jude 1:8
> alcohol and drugs cause false visions and dreams.. Isa 28:7
d) IN A DREAM …HE MAY SPEAK…. Job33:15-18
– Old Testament
> Abimelech… Ge 20:3-7
> Jacob….. Ge 28:12; 31:10
> Laban…. Ge 31:24
> Joseph… Ge 37:5-9
> Solomon IKi 3:5-15
> Nebuchadnezzar Da 2:131; 4:5,8
> Daniel….Da 7
– New Testament
> Joseph… Mt 1:20-21; 2:13,19-20
> Wise men…. Mt 2:11-12
> Pilate’s Wife Mt 27:19
e) IN A VISION …HE MAY SPEAK….. Job 33:15-18; Ps 89:19
– Old Testament
>Abraham Ge 15:1
> Amos….. Am 7:1-9; 8:1-6; 9:1
> Jacob….. Ge 46:2
> Zechariah…. Zec1:8;3:1;4:2;5:2;6:1
> Isaiah….. Isa 6:1-8
> Ezekiel.. Eze 1,8,10, etc.
> Daniel….Da 2:19; & Chapts 7,8,10
> Nahum.. Na 1:1
> Nebuchadnezzar Da 2:28
– New Testament
> PaulAc 9:3,6,12; 16:9; 18:9; 22:18; 27:23; 2Co 12:1-4
> Ananias. Ac 9:10-11
> Cornelius….. Ac 10:3
> Peter Ac 10:9-17
> John. Revelation
3. GOD’S NAMES REVEAL HIS CHARACTER
In the language of the Hebrews many different words are used to name God. In English they are translated as ‘God’ or ‘Lord’ or ‘Lord God’. Below are some of the Hebrew names for God and their meanings:
a) JEHOVAH. The Self-Existent One First used with God as Creator…..Ge 2:4
– Jehovah-Jireh….. The Lord will Provide Abraham told to offer Isaac… Ge 22:13-14
– Jehovah-Rapha…The Lord that Heals God’s promise to those who hear and obey Him. Ex 15:26
– Jehovah-Nissi…..The Lord our Banner (in War) Moses defeats the Amalekites Ex 17:15
– Jehovah-Shalom.The Lord our Peace Angel of God chooses Gideon….. Jdg 6:24
– Jehovah-Ra-ah… The Lord my Shepherd David’s relationship with GodPs 23:1
– Jehovah-Tsidkenu…. The Lord our Righteous ness Name of the Lord When He Came to earth… Jer 23:6
– Jehovah-Shammah… The Lord is Present Name of the City of God.. Eze 48:35
– Jehovah-Sabaoth The Lord of Hosts (Armies) God as defeating the Babylonian armies. Jer 28:2
– Jehovah-M’Kaddesh The Lord my Sanctifier A holy Sabbath as a sign of holy people.. Ex 31:13
b) ELOHIM or EL….. The Strong One God, the Creator… Ge 1:1
– El Elyon. Most High God Melchizedek meets Abraham. Ge 14:18,19
– Here God is described as Possessor of Heaven and Earth.
This is first mention of giving a tithe. Ge 14:20
Lucifer said I will be like El Elyon…. Isa 14:14
– El Shaddai…. Giver of Strength
Abraham at age 99 is promised a son Ge 17:1
– El Olam.. The Eternal One Abraham makes a treaty with the Philistines. Ge 21:33
– El Gibbor….. The Powerful One Prophecy about the coming Messiah. Isa 9:6
Also called Wonderful Counselor
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace….. Isa 9:6
c) ADONAI…. Master Abram complains to God about being childless.. Ge 15:2
d) I AM THAT I AM or I AM….. Ex3:14
Moses wonders how he will identify God to the Israelites…. Ex 3:13
e) JEALOUS.. Ex34:14
God opposes idol worship
f) FATHER…. see Section B7
g) JESUS (SAVIOR). see Section B8,B9,B10,B11
h) HOLY SPIRIT. see Section B12.B13
4. THE NATURE OF GOD
a) FORM OF GOD
– Mystery of godliness is great….. I Ti 3:16
– Who can probe the limits of the Almighty.. Job 11:7-8
– All three are Divine
> Father…. see Section B7
> Son.. see Section B8, B9, B10, B11
> Holy Spirit.. see Section B12, B13
– All three are in Unity
> God is One.. De 6:4-5; Mk 12:29; Jas 2:19
> Jesus says that He and the Father are one… Joh 10:30
> “Let US make man in OUR image” Ge 1:26
> “Whom shall I (singular) send,
and who will go for US?” (plural) Isa 6:8
> “baptize in the name (singular) of Father, Son & Holy Spirit” (plural)… Mt 28:19-20
b) SPIRIT- GOD IS A SPIRIT…. Joh 4:24
– thus no graven images, idolsDe 5:8; Isa 42:8; I Jo 5:21
– thus spiritual worship required.. Joh 4:24
– thus false religion is worthless…see Section F6, G5
– thus spiritual rebirth necessary.. Joh 3:3-8; I Co 15:50
c) SELF-EXISTENT
– In the beginning God….. Ge 1:1; Joh 1:1
– the Father has life in Hims elf, so also the Son.. Joh 5:26
– He is the fountain of life Ps 36:9; Jer 17:13
> He is the giver of natural life…. Ge 2:7
> He is the giver of the born-again life…. Joh 3:6; I Co 15:45
> He is the giver of eternal life…. Re 21:6
d) UNIQUENESS & ONENESS OF GOD
– the “only God”… Joh 5:44; Jude 25
– the Lord is one… De 4:35; Mk 12:29
– none before and none after.. Isa 43:10-13; Re 1:8
– one God..1Co 8:4; 1Ti 2:5
> only one way to Him, His way. Joh 14:6
> worship and obey only Him Ex 20:2-3; Heb 5:9
5. CHARACTER OF GOD
a) THE GOODNESS OF GOD….Mt 19:16-17
b) BEHOLD THE GOODNESS & SEVERITY OF GOD…. Ro 11:22
c) HOLY.. Re 4:8
– There is no one holy as the Lord….. I Sa 2:2; Re 15:4
– God is holy, perfect. Le 19:2; Mt 5:48
> we are to share in His holiness. Heb 12:10,14; I Pe 1:16
> the Holy Spirit comes to make us holy. Ro 15:16
– Holiness is beautiful not austere 2Ch 20:21; Ps 29:2
> see also Sanctification – Holiness.. Section E11
d) RIGHTEOUS AND JUST. Re 16:5; 19:2
– God hates sin….. Heb 1:8-9
– No unrighteousness in His kingdom I Co 6:9-10
> see also.. Job 34:12; Ps 7:9; 116:5; 119:137
– We are to share in His righteousness….. I Jo 3:7
> we too are to hate sin…. Heb 12:4; I Jo 3:8-9
e) LOVING AND MERCIFUL… Joh 3:16;Ps 69:16;La 3:22-23
– God is love… I Jo 4:8; Tit 3:4-5
> we are to share His love Le 19:18; Lu 10:27; Ro 13:9; Ga 5:14
– God’s perfect love for us casts out fear.. I Jo 4:18
– We approach God with confidence. Heb 4:16
– Nothing can separate us from God’s love…. Ro 8:38-39
– Teaching passage….. I Co 13:4-7
f) FAITHFUL AND TRUE… Isa 25:1; Re 3:14; 19:11
– God is true in spite of man’s deceitfulness.. Ro 3:4; Joh 17:3
– God Who promised is faithful… Heb 10:23; 11:11
– We trust God to preserve us I Th 5:23-24; 2Ti 1:12
– God is faithful to make an escape from sin. I Co 10:13
– Faithful people are hard to find. Pr 20:6
– God seeks faithful men, like Himself…. Re 2:10; 17:14; 2Ti 2:2
> Moses…. Nu 12:7
> David…. I Sa 22:14
> Daniel …Da 6:4
> Jesus Re 19:11
> Epaphras, Tychicus, Onesimus. Col 1:7; 4:7,9
– God preserves the faithful….Ps 31:23
– God watches over the faithful…. Ps 101:6
– God rewards a faithful servant…Mt 25:21
g) GIVING
– God gives
> all Scripture. 2Ti 3:16
> His only begotten Son… Joh 3:16; Ro 8:32
> the Holy Spirit.. Lu 11:13; I Th 4:8; Ro 5:5
> repentance… 2Ti 2:25
> His gift of eternal life…. Ro 6:23; IJo 5:11
> grace to the humble. I Pe 5:5; Jas 4:6
> rest to the weary Mt 11:28
> wisdom.. Da 2:23;Jas 1:5
> to us victory through Jesus. I Co 15:57
> to us ability to minister. I Pe 4:11; Eph 3:7
> food to every creature… Ps 136:25
> ability to produce wealth…. De 8:18
> power for earthly rulership. Da 2:37
– We should share in God’s character of Giving
> see Giving… Section G8
h) THE GREATNESS OF GOD
OMNISCIENT…OMNIPRESENT…OMNIPOTENT…ETERNAL…UNCHANGING
i) GOD IS WISE, ALL-KNOWING ( OMNISCIENT). Ro 16:27
– Therefore we trust our lives to Him.
– The Lord is a God Who knows.. 1Sa2:3
– His wisdom is profound. Job 9:4
– Beyond human understanding… Ps 139:4-6; Ro 11:33
– Character of Godly Wisdom Jas 3:17
> pure. not mixed with falsehood
> peaceable…. does not start conflict
> gentle…. not harsh or hard
> merciful. reveals God’s love, not law
> no favoritism….. doesn’t work for good of self or friends
> no hypocrisy….. means what it says
– Character of Ungodly Wisdom
> worldly, fleshly, devilish wisdom… Jas 3:14-16
> is foolish to God….. I Co 3:18-20
– Wisdom is available for believers… Jas 1:5-7; Col 1:9; Eph 1:17
> Christ is our wisdom….. I Co 1:24; Col 2:2,3
> Word of Christ is our wisdom.. Col 3:16
– Spiritual Gift of Word of Wisdom… Section F11
j) GOD IS EVERYWHERE ( OMNIPRESENT).. Ps 139:7-12
– Therefore we can pray anywhere and know God hears us.
– Fills everything in every way…. Eph 1:22-23
– Not far from any one of us…Ac 17:27-28; Jer 23:23
– In the grave, in heaven… Ps 139:8; Am 9:2-3
– We cannot hide from Him… Jer 23:24
– This does NOT mean God is IN everything. God condemns people for:
> worshiping idols or devils… Isa 2:8-11; 20-21; Re 9:20
> worshiping creation or creatures….. Ro 1:25
> worshiping angels… Col 2:18; Re 22:8-9
> worshiping spirits of the dead… Le 20:6; De 18:9-11; Isa 8:19
– Note: We pray with confidence. Jer 33:3
k) GOD IS ALL POWERFUL ( OMNIPOTENT)
– He is the Creator of the heavens and earth.. Ge 1:1
– In Him all things hold together.. Col 1:17
– His power is vastJob 9:4
– Therefore He is able to save and deliver….. Isa 50:2
– All things are possible with God….. Mt 19:26; Jer 32:17
– Is anything too hard for God?…. Jer 32:27
– Weakness of God is stronger than men. I Co 1:25
– We are to share His strength Joe 3:10; 2 Co 12:10; Heb 11:34
> in God’s grace… 2 Ti 2:1
> in His power Eph 6:10
> to defeat Satan.. 2 Co 10:3-5
> in faith… Ro 4:20
> to be strong and do exploits Da 11:32
l) GOD IS ETERNAL I Jo 5:20
– From everlasting to everlasting. Ps 90:1-2
– The Beginning and the End. Re 22:13
– Who is, was, is to come. Re 1:8
– Nonebefore.-.none after. Isa 43:10
– We can share His eternal life….. Joh 3:15-16; Ro 6:23; I Jo 5:11-13
– He is able to keep what we commit to Him. 2Ti 1:12
m) GOD IS UNCHANGING. Mal 3:6
– Therefore His offer of love is completely trustworthy.
– Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, forever Heb 13:8
– Does not change like shifting shadows..Jas 1:17
– We shall be changed to be like Him I Jo 3:2; I Co 15:51-53
6. WHAT DOES GOD DO?
a) INTRODUCTION
– In the beginning God created the heavens… Ge 1:1
> This is probably when the angels were created.
– The creation of the earth and the near heavens. Ge 1:1-31
> deals with the earth and the region near the earth
b) CREATION
– God created the universe from nothing. Ge 1:1; Isa 42:5; Am 5:8;
> God can (and will) remake everything. Isa 65:17; Re 21:1
– It was very good when created.. Ge 1:31
> the problem of evil comes after this creation period
> the problem of evil comes from man, not from God.
– Creation is attributed to
> the Father…. Ro 11:36
> the Son, the Word… Joh 1:1-3
> the Holy Spirit.. Ge 1:2
– God created all human life…Isa 42:5; Zec 12:1
– God created all spiritual forces and powers.Col 1:16-17
> God alone can destroy spirits…. Mt 10:28; Lu 12:4-5
– God created by His spoken Word…. Ge 1:3; Ps 33:6,9; Heb 11:3
> according to God’s will, plan & wisdom…. Eph 1:11; Re 4:11
– Since God alone is Creator of EVERYTHING, we must not worship the stars, spirits, idols, people, plants or animals…. Ro 1:20-25
c) CONTINUING PROVISION AND PRESENCE
– God sustains all things by His Word….. Heb 1:3
– He is near to all of us….. Ac 17:27-28
> He cares especially for believers…. Heb 13:5
> Like Jacob, we may be unaware of
God’s presence….. Ge 28:16
– We live because of God’s continued provision of life… Ps 36:6
– God provides for the needs of all…..Ps 23:1-6; 147:1-9; IPe 5:6-7; Mt 5:45; 6:25-34; Ac 14:17
– God protects and watches over us… Ge 28:15;De 32:11; Isa 25:4; Mt 23:37; Joh 17:11; Php
4:6-7; 2Th 3:3; Jude 24-25
– God will sometimes overrule the natural order by the miraculous..Section B2.
d) GOD OFFERS SALVATION TO ALL…. Section E
e) GOD IS IN CONTINUING RELATIONSHIP TO PEOPLE AS:
– Father….. see Fatherhood of God….. Section B7
– Creator… see Creation…. 6.b) above
– Husband. to Israel…..Jer 3:20
– King. see Kingdom of God.. Section D6
– Judge see Death and Endtimes… Section H
– Savior….. see Salvation.. Section E
– Teacher.. see Holy Spirit/Word of God. Section B12.B13
– Bridegroom & Husband.see Death and Endtimes… Section H
f) GOD WILL RECREATE THE HEAVENS
AND THE EARTH…. Re 21:5
– First heaven and first earth will pass away.. Re 21:1
– New heaven and a new earth….. Re 21:1,5; Isa 65:17
> no more sorrow, death, pain….. Re 21:4
– We too will be made like Jesus. I Jo 3:2
7. FATHERHOOD OF GOD
The peoples of Bible lands gave great reverence and respect to their Fathers. The term was used to reverence Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the Patriarchs — who were the FATHERS of the nation (Lu 3:8; John 8:39). Hence the word “Father” was a Title of highest honor. The teachings of the Bible in regard to “Father” can only be understood in this context.
a) MEANING OF “FATHER”
– “Father” often means the first or the originator of something.
> Jabal, father of those in tents who raise livestock.. Ge 4:20
> Jubal, father of all who play the harp and flute Ge 4:21
– “Father” means he who transmits his nature to his “children”.
> You are our Father, we – day. You – potter. Isa 64:8
– “Father” means the one who is the authority….. Mk 13:32
– Earthly children inherit their bodies and souls from their fathers and mothers. Jesus is the “begotten Son” of God the Father.
Jesus’ Spirit is the Spirit of God… Lu 135; Joh 3:16; Col 2:9
b) GOD AS “FATHER” OP ALL MEN
– Your Father, your Creator… De 32:6; Mal 2:10; Joh 1:18
– Father of our spirits..Heb 12:9
– Father to the fatherless… Ps 68:5
– God thought we would call Him “Father”… Jer 3:19
– Church leaders not to use “Father” as a “Title”
to gain honor.. Mt 23:9
c) GOD AS LOVING FATHER OF ALL BELIEVERS
– See also Adoption…. Section E8
– That we would share in His nature of holiness.. Le 20:8; I Pe 1-2
– Father of all that believe Ro 4:11
– Jesus calls God “our Father”
> I am returning to My Father and your Father… Joh 20:17
> your Father in heaven… Mt 5:l6,45
> your Father in heaven will give good gift… Mt 7:11
> an impartial Father.. I Pe 1:17
> our Father in heaven….. Mt 6:9; Lu 11:2
– Apostles call Him our Father
> spirit of adoption, whereby we cry
“Abba, Father..” .. Ro 8:15; Ga 4:6
> great love of the Father-we, children of God … I Jo3:l
> our fellowship is with the Father … I Jo 1:3
d) GOD AS FATHER OF JESUS, HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
– Jesus represents the heavenly Father exactly…. Php 2:5-6; Heb 1:3
> Messiah (Jesus Christ) is called
“Everlasting Father”… Isa 9:6
– Father God speaks of Jesus:
Today I have become your Father….. Ps 2:7; Heb 1:5
– Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world… I Jo 4:14
– Jesus speaks of God and to God as His Father
> Abba, Father….. Mk 14:36
> Father if Thou art willing…. Lu 22:42
> Father forgive them Lu 23:34
> ye blessed of My Father Mt 25:34
> no one knows the Father except the Son…. Mt 11:27
> I and the Father are one Joh 10:30
> the Father loves the Son Joh 3:35
e) AS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, GOD RELATES TO US IN MANY WAYS
– He loves us…2Th 2:16; Joh 16:27
> He sent Jesus to die in our place (forgiveness)Ga 1:4
> He raised Jesus from the dead (to bring us life)…..Ga 1:1
– He corrects and punishes us.Heb 12:5-7; Re 3:19
– He blesses us with spiritual blessings…. Eph 1:3
> the gift of the Holy Spirit comes from Him Ac 2:33
– He is above all, through all and in us all….. Eph 4.-6
> He is deserving of all our glory Php 4:20; Re 7:12
8. DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST
Many people have gone astray and formed religious cults because they deny that Jesus was God, manifest in the flesh.
See also False Gospels….. Section F6
a) WHAT DOES JESUS SAY ABOUT HIMSELF?
– He came FROM HEAVEN and IS IN HEAVEN… Joh 3:13
– He claims to be PRESENT EVERYWHERE… Mt 18:20
– He says he is LORD even of the Sabbath of God… Mk 2:27-28
> this shows Jesus’ authority over the things of God
– He calls God His Father.Joh 5:17-18
> the meaning is that He is equal with God… Joh 5:17-18
– He is one with the Father; therefore He is God. Joh 10:30-33
– Jesus says He came in His FATHER’S NAME. Joh 5:43
– To see and know Him is to
SEE & KNOW THE FATHER….Joh 14:7-11
– He speaks with the same
AUTHORITY AS SCRIPTURE. Mt 5:21-22,27-28
– He uses the title -1 AM.. Joh 18:5-8
> “I AM” is God’s title….. Ex 3:14
– He talks of His EXISTENCE BEFORE ABRAHAM…Joh 8:58
– He claims to be KING and final JUDGE…. Mt 2531-46
> Old Testament has The Lord, Jehovah, as Judge… Ge 18:25; Joe 3:12
– He claims
ALL POWER IN HEAVEN & ON EARTH. Mt 28:18-20
– Son of Man… His angels… His kingdom….. Mk 13:26-27; Mt 13:41
> angels are called the angels of God Lu 12:8-9; 15:10
> the Kingdom is called the Kingdom of God….. Mt 6:33; Mk 1:14
b) WHAT DO OTHERS SAY ABOUT JESUS?
– Paul writes “Christ, who is GOD over all” .. Ro 9:5
– Jews said He claimed to be SON OF GOD. Joh 19:7
– Apostle John said He
MADE HIMSELF EQUAL WITH GOD Joh 5:18
– Teachers said He claimed to
DO WHAT ONLY GOD DOES..Mk 2:5-7
– Described as
ETERNAL, the CREATOR, He was GOD… Joh 1:1-5
– Thomas calls Him “My LORD and my GOD” … Joh 20:28
– The UNIVERSE WAS MADE through Jesus… Heb 1:2; Joh 1:3; Col 1:16
– Jesus is the EXACT REPRESENTATION OF GOD… Heb 1:3
– Jesus SUSTAINS ALL OF CREATION…. Heb 1:3; Col 1:17
– Jesus is WORSHIPED BY ANGELS… Heb 1:6
– the Son is called ‘GOD’.. Heb 1:8
– He is FOREVER Heb 1:12
– He is SUPERIOR TO ANGELS, he is not an angel….. Heb 1:4; IPe 3:22
– He is SUPERIOR TO MOSES.. Heb 3:l-6
– He is SUPERIOR TO THE HIGH PRIESTS
of Old Testament..Heb 4:14-5:10
– He is in VERY NATURE GOD Php 2:6-11
– He is the IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD.. Col 1:15-20
– In Christ the FULLNESS OF DEITY LIVES
INBODILYFORM….. Col2:9
– The term “LORD” is used both of the Father and the Son
> the Father…. Mt 1:20; 9:38; 11:25; Ac 17:24; Re 4:11
>the Son…Lu 2:11; Joh 20:28; Ac 10:36; l Co2:8; Re 19:16
c) HE IS THE OBJECT OF DIVINE WORSHIP AND ACCEPTS IT
– MAGI worship Him.Mt 2:ll
– DISCIPLES worship Him… Mt 14:33
– Canaanite woman worships Him….. Mt 15:25
– The healed man worships Him.. Joh 9:38
– Two MARY’S worship Him Mt 28:9
– DISCIPLES worship Him after the ascension… Lu 24:52
– The ANGELS of God worship Him Heb 1:6
– The FOUR LIVING CREATURES and the
24 ELDERS worship Him….. Re 5:8
d) WHAT DOES GOD THE FATHER SAY ABOUT HIM?
– Father-Son relationship..Mt 3:17; Mt 17:5; Joh 8:16-19; I Jo 5:9
> this relationship implies equality with God Joh 5:17-18
9. JESUS DOES THE WORKS THAT ONLY GOD CAN DO
a) HE FORGIVES SINS, WHICH ONLY GOD CAN DO—
Mt 9:2-7
Mk 2:5-12
Lu 5:20-26
MATTHEW
MARK
LUKE
JOHN
-Authority Over Nature
> water to wine.. 2:7-11
> first catch of fish. 5:4-9
> storm stilled…. 8:23-27. 4:37-41. 8:22-25
> multiplied food….. 14:15-21….. 6:35-44. 9:12-17. 6:5-14
> walked on water… 14:25-27….. 6:47-51… 6:19-21
> multiplied food …. 15:32-38 … 8:1-9
> money from fish.. 17:24-27
> fig tree cursed. 21:19…. 11:12-23
> 2nd catch of fish… 21:4-7
– Authority Over Satan & Demons
> demoniac in synagogue 1:23-27. 4:32-36
> demoniac.. 8:28-34. 5:1-17… 8:26-39
> demoniac (mute).. 9:32-33
> demoniac (blind & mute)12:22.. 11:14
> young girl. 15:22-28….. 7:25-30
> afflicted child. 17:14-18….. 9:17-29. 9:37-43
> spirit of infirmity 13:10-17
– Authority Over Sickness and Physical Infirmities
> Peter’s mother-in-law. 8:14-15. 1:29-31. 4:38-39
> leper….8:2-4….. 1:40-45. 5:12-15
> Centurion’s servant….. 8:5-13….. 7:2-10
> invalid 5:5-18
> made blind to see. 9:27-31 9:1-38
> made blind to see. 20:30-34….. 10:46-52…. 18:35-43
> paralytic….9:2-8….. 2:3-12… 5:18-26
> shriveled hand 12:10-15….. 3:1-6….. 6:6-11
> bleeding stopped.. 9:20-22. 5:25-34. 8:43-48
> deaf & dumb… 7:32-37
> dropsy….. 14:2-6
> Malcus’ ear….22:50-51
– Authority Over Death
> widow’s son.. 7:11.17
> Jarius’ daughter…. 9:18-26. 5:35-43 8:41-56
> Lazarus….. 11:1.45
> resurrection of Jesus… 28:1-20. 16:1-14. 24:1-53. 20:1-31
10. JESUS IS ALL THAT GOD IS
a) GOD THE CREATOR
+ JESUS THE CREATOR
Ge1:1
Ge2:7
Joh 1:3,10
I Co 8:6
Job 33:4
Ps33:6
Eph 3:9
Col 1:12-17
Ps 104:30
Isa 40:28
Heb 1:8-12
Re 4:8-11
Isa 44:24
Isa 45:11-18
Re 10:6
Re 14:6-7
Mal 2:10
Re 21:5-7
Re 22:3
Re 7:17
b) GOD IS THE REDEEMER & SAVIOR + JESUS IS THE REDEEMER & SAVIOR
Isa 47:4
I Jo4:14
I Pe 2:21-24
Isa 44:6, 24
Isa 43:3-11
Ac 20:28
Ga 3:13
Isa 45:21
Isa 49:26
Lu 24:21-29
Lu 2:10-11
Ps 106:21
Lu 1:46-47
Joh 4:40-42
Ac 13:23
I Ti 1:1
Tit 1:1-4
Php 3:20
I Ti 1:1,2
I Ti 4:10
Tit 2:10-13
Tit 1:4
I Pe 1:10-11 Jude 25
c) GOD IS COMING
+ JESUS IS COMING
Zec 14:3-5
I Th 4:13-18
I Th 3:11-13
Mt 25:31-46
Ps 50:1-6
Tit 2:11-13
Re 19:11,16
d) GOD IS THE ROCK
+ JESUS IS THE ROCK
De 32:3-4
1 Sa2:2
Mt 16:17-19
Ac 4:11-12
2 Sa 22:2
Ps 18:2
Nu 20:1-11 with
I Co 10:4
Ps 31:1-4
Ps 78:35
Isa 28:16 with
Eph 2:20-22
Ps 89:26
Isa 17:10
I Pe 2:6-8
e) GOD IS FIRST AND LAST
+ JESUS IS FIRST AND LAST
Isa 41:4
Isa 43:10-11
Re 1:17
Isa 44:6-8
Re 1:8
Re 22:13
f)GOD:I AM & I AM HE
+ JESUS: I AM & I AM HE
Ex 3:13-14
Isa 43:10
Joh 18:5-8
Re 1:17-18
Isa 43:25
Joh 8:24-28
g) GOD THE KING
+ JESUS THE KING
Ps 47:2,6
Ps 44:4
Mt 2:1-6
Lu 19:35-38
Ps 74:12
Zec 14:9
Lu 23:3
Joh 18:37
Isa 44:6
Jer 10:10
Joh 19:21
I Ti 6:13-16
Re 15:1-4
Re 19:11-16
h) GOD IS THE SHEPHERD
+ JESUS IS THE SHEPHERD
Ps23:1
Isa 40:10-11
Joh 10:8-12
I Pe 2:21-25
Ps 100:3
Heb 13:20
I Pe 5:4
11. JESUS – FULLY HUMAN AND FULLY DIVINE
a) HIS BIRTH
– Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham…. Mt 1:1
– Born of a woman….. Ga 4:4; Lu 1:29-33
– Born in Bethlehem… Mt 2:1
– The man Christ Jesus….. I Ti 2:5
– Is called Son of Man Mt 12:8; 16:13; 25:31; Joh 3:14; 8:28; 13:31
– Shared flesh and blood, our humanity… Heb 2:14; John 1:14
– Spirit testifies Jesus is come in the flesh….. I Jo 4:2-3
b) PHYSICALLY LIMITED
– Was tired Joh 4:6-8
– Slept when tired. Mk 4:38
– Natural growth in wisdom and stature… Lu2:52
– Blood and water came out of His pierced side.. Joh 19:32-34
– Was hungry.. Mt 4:1-11; Mk 11:12
– Felt sorrow… Mt 26:38; Job 11:35
– Was angry…. Mk 10:14
c) UNITY OF DIVINE AND HUMAN NATURES
– Fullness of the Godhead bodily dwelleth in Jesus… Col 2:9
– Both natures are referred to in the same passage
> Word became flesh… from the Father.. Job 1:14
> human nature… Son of God Ro 1:3-4
> God’s Son in likeness of sinful manRo 8:3
> human ancestry of Christ Who is God over all Ro 9:5
> God’s Son born of a woman Ga 4:4
> human likeness … Jesus Christ is Lord. Php 2:7,11
– Human attributes with divine title
> virgin will birth a son… called “God with us” .. Mt 1:23; Isa 7:14
> blood of Jesus called “God’s own blood” … Ac 20:28
> God as Spirit does not have “blood”. Here the “blood” of Jesus and His divinity is so close that we see we have “God’s own blood”.
> crucified…the Lord of glory I Co 2:8
– Divine attributes with human title
> He came from heaven… the Son of Man…. Joh 3:13
> Son of Man to ascend into heaven.. Joh 6:62
> human ancestry-God over all…. Ro 9:5
12. HOLY SPIRIT AS GOD
a) NAMES THE BIBLE USES FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT
– Spirit Mk 1:10; Ga 5:5; Re 22:17
– Holy Spirit… Isa63:10-11;Lu11:13; lTh 4:8
– Spirit of GodGe 1:2; Joe 2:28; Ro 8:14; l Co 3:16
– Spirit of the Father… Mt 10:20
– Spirit of the Son. Ga 4:6
– Spirit of Jesus Christ Php 1:19
– Spirit of Christ… I Pe 1:11
– Spirit of the Lord….. 2 Co 3:17; Isa 63:14
– Spirit of Grace… Heb 10:29
– Spirit of Truth…. Joh 14:17; 15:26; I Jo 5:6
– Spirit of Life Ro 8:2
– Spirit of Glory…. I Pe 4:14
– Spirit of Adoption…. Ro 8:15
– Comforter…..Joh 14:16; 16:7
– Spirit of Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Might,
Knowledge and Fear of the Lord. Isa 11:2
b) HIS NAME IS USED THE SAME AS GOD
– Lie to Holy Spirit….. Ac 5:3
> lie to God…. Ac 5:4
– Temple of Holy Spirit…. 1 Co 6:19,20
> temple of God… 1 Co 3:16,17
– Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead.. Ro 8:11
> God raised Jesus from the dead Ac 2:24,32
– Preaching with the Spirit’s power…. I Co 2:4
> preaching with God’s power….. I Co 2:5
c) HOLY SPIRIT HAS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD
– Holy Spirit as Creator…. Ge 1:2
– Holy Spirit knows all things I Co 2:10-11; Joh 16:13
– Holy Spirit is all-powerful… Lu 1:35; Ro 15:19
– Holy Spirit is eternal Heb 9:14
d) HOLY SPIRIT IS A “PERSON”, NOT SOME “FORCE” OR “INFLUENCE” FROM
GOD
– Bible uses “he” not “it”.. Joh 16:13-14
uses “who” not “what”….. Eph 1:13-14
– Jesus says “another comforter”, like Himself…. Joh 14:16
– Spirit teachesJoh 14:26
– Spirit decides to whom to give gifts I Co 12:11
– Spirit intercedes for us with groanings.. Ro 8:26
– It is wrong to grieve (resist) the Holy Spirit Eph 4:30; Ac 7:51
– It is wrong to blaspheme against the Holy Spirit…..Mt 12:31; Mk 3:29
13. WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
During the Old Testament times the Father was most prominent.
During His time on earth Jesus, the Son, was most prominent.
Now, during the Church age, the Holy Spirit is most prominent.
a) OLD TESTAMENT MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
– Involved in creation. Ge 1:2
– Giving of prophecy.. Eze 2:2; 8:3; 11:1-5
> Balaam.. Nu 24:2-9
> Saul. I Sa 10:6,10
> David…. Ac 1:16
– Giving of skills
> building skills to Bezaleel… Ex31:2-5
> for administration in government
Joseph. Ge 41:38-44
Moses & the 70 eldersNu 11:14-17,25-29
OthnielJdg 3:9-10
Gideon Jdg 6:34
Samson….. Jdg 14:19,15:14
Saul…. I Sa 10:10
David.. I Sa 16:13
– Changing lives producing
> justice, righteousness & peace.. Isa 32:15-20
> devotion to the Lord….. Isa 44:3-5
> new heart….. Eze 36:26-28
b) HOLY SPIRIT’S RELATIONSHIP TO THE SCRIPTURES
> Holy Spirit led men to speak for God… 2 Pe 1:20-21
> all Scripture is “God-breathed” (Spirit) 2 Ti 3:16
> Spirit speaks through the Scriptures….. Re 2:7,11,17,29
– Interpreter of God’s Wisdom….. I Co 2:9-14; Eph 1:17; Joh 15:26-16:15
c) MINISTRY OP THE HOLY SPIRIT DURING JESUS’ TIME ON EARTH
– The Holy Spirit’s Ministry with Jesus
> Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit Lu 1:35; Mt 1:18
> Jesus received the Spirit at His baptism….. Lu 3:21-22
> Jesus was led by the Spirit to battle Satan.. Mk 1:12; Mt 4:1
> Jesus walked in power by the Spirit….. Lu 4:14
> Jesus preached with the Spirit’s anointing.. Lu 4:18
> Jesus cast out demons by the Spirit Mt 12:28
> Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit.. Lu 10:21
> Jesus was raised from the dead by the Spirit…. Ro 8:11
– John the Baptist
> was filled with the Spirit before birth… Lu 1:15
> saw the Holy Spirit remain on Jesus….. Mt 3:16; Joh 1:32
> said Jesus would baptize in the Spirit… Mk 1:7-8
d) CHURCH AGE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
– Spirit reveals that more than Israel is included in God’s Kingdom
> mystery that Gentiles are included. Eph 3:5-8
> outpouring of the Spirit on all nations.. Joe 2:28 with Ac 2:16-18
e) A TEACHING PASSAGE about the Holy Spirit.. Joh 14:16 -16:15
– Sent by the Father in Jesus’Name…. Joh 14:26
– Sent by Jesus from the Father…. Joh 15:26
– Testifies about Jesus Joh 15:26-27
– He makes sinners feel guilty for sin Joh 16:7-8
– He guides us in truth Joh 16:13
– He declares the Son and the Father. Joh 16:14-15
f) A TEACHING PASSAGE
about the work of Holy Spirit Ro 8:l-39
– freed from the law of sin and death. Ro 8:2
– we fulfill the law by walking in the Spirit… Ro8:4
– gives strength to our physical bodies….. Ro 8:11
– we have peace and life by the Spirit Ro 8:5-6
– our evil deeds destroyed by the Spirit… Ro 8:13
– helps us to pray in our weakness….. Ro 8:26
– sons not slaves of God by the Spirit Ro 8:15-17
g) HOLY SPIRIT in Ephesians
– How do I know I belong to God?
We are marked in Christ by the seal of the Holy Spirit… Eph 1:13-14
– How does the Spirit help us?
Helps us know God by giving us wisdom & revelation.. Eph 1:17
– How can I gain access to God the Father in Heaven?
We have access to the Father by the Holy Spirit. Eph 2:18
– How can God live amongst us, His Church and temple?
God lives in our midst by His Spirit.. Eph 2:22
– How did God reveal that the Gentiles are forgiven in Jesus?
God’s Spirit revealed it to the apostles and prophets..Eph 3:4-6
– How can we be strengthened so that Christ can dwell in our hearts?
God’s Spirit in our inner being strengthens usEph 3:16-17
– How can we live at peace with God’s Spirit in us?
By getting rid of such things as bitterness and malice….. Eph 4:30-32
– What is God’s will for my life?
Be filled with the Spirit…. Eph 5:17-18
– What part of the Armour of God is more than defense?
The Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)… Eph 6:17
Praying in the Spirit….Eph 6:18
– Holy Spirit makes salvation reality to us/experiential in us
> convicts us of sin, righteousness & judgment…Joh 16:7-8
> must be born of the Spirit….Joh 3:3-6; Tit 3:5;
> Spirit then fills/indwells believer…. Ac 2:4; Eph 5:18; ICo 6:19
> empowers us to live free from sin…Ro 8:2
> empowers us to do the ministry of GodJoh 14:11-17; Ac 1:8;I Co 2:4
> guides us and teaches usJoh 14:26; 16:13
> produces fruit of Spirit in the believer…Ga 5:22-23
