Quintessential Questions Discipleship

Noel Merrick

Quintessential Questions • Sermon • Submitted 6 years ago

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Quintessential Questions—

Who Is God?

(Part 1 of a Series)

In this series, we will delve into two pivotal, yet elusive, topics: God and people.

When children know who God really is and what He says about who they really are, they can confidently navigate faith and life.

Kids must know both the Lord and themselves intimately—not superficially.

“Without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God. Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.” —John Calvin, Institutes

God matters most.

The entire universe revolves around Him.

The Lord is incomparably great—superior to everything else.

He outshines and overshadows all others.

God is the nucleus, heart, and centerpiece of existence.

Life begins and ends with Him.

Just as a jeweler delights in each facet of a beautiful diamond, as we examine each aspect of God’s character our love for Him grows.

Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God.

Socrates encouraged his students “Know thyself!” Why? “The unexamined life is not worth living.” People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how they are to live. These facts become foundation stones on which we build our lives. Put another way, our theology molds us into the people we become.

God deserves to occupy the central focus in the minds, hearts, and souls of every human being. May it be our daily ambition to know God intimately, to love Him passionately, and to serve Him selflessly—so we may enjoy the Lord endlessly!

“Who Is God?”

Short Answer

God is Supreme.

God exceeds the greatness of everything else; He is matchless.

Biblical Answer ()

One night, King Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by a mysterious dream. The king demanded the impossible of his court magicians and wise men: reconstruct his vision and explain what it means. They protested, (, ). Nebuchadnezzar promptly ordered the execution of all his advisors.

Daniel 2:10 KJV 1900

10 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king’s matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean.

Facing impending death, Daniel prayed to the supreme Lord. That night, God revealed the king’s secret. Daniel lifted his voice in praise to the all-knowing, all-wise God whom he served. The next morning, Daniel met with the king and fully unveiled the dream and its interpretation. Nebuchadnezzar responded, ().

Daniel 2:47 KJV 1900

47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.

Expanded Answer

God is Supreme. God exceeds the greatness of everything else; He is matchless. The one, true God is the Absolute Being—the Highest, Best, and Most Wonderful. He created and sustains all things.

The Scriptures declare, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all” (; NASB).

1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV 1900

11 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

The Lord God is far superior to all other beings. He reigns supreme throughout the universe. He holds the highest rank; He is the first, the best, and the most wonderful in every way. God remains in a category all by Himself. The mighty One with supreme authority has no rivals!

Rabbi Moses Maimonides wrote, “He is a Being to whom none of His creatures is similar.”

Pastor A.W. Tozer explained, “Forever God stands apart, in light unapproachable. He is as high above an archangel as above a caterpillar, for the gulf that separates the archangel from the caterpillar is but finite, while the gulf between God and the archangel is infinite.” —Knowledge of the Holy, p. 76

Teaching Analogy

Just as the Sun dominates and controls all the planets in our Solar system, God reigns supreme over the entire universe. The Sun is so huge that it contains 99.86% of the mass of the entire solar system. All the combined planets, comets, and asteroids comprise only 0.14%. The Sun governs our solar system.

The Sun has three important jobs:

The Sun’s gravity keeps the planets in orbit. Because the Sun is so large, its magnetic field attracts smaller objects and holds them in place.The Sun’s light helps us see. As the Sun burns immense amounts of hydrogen, it radiates brilliant light in every direction.The Sun’s heat energy helps things grow. The surface of the Sun is more than 9900°F. Thankfully, only a small fraction of that heat reaches the earth.

One Sun has three different functions. The Sun’s gravity, light, and heat energy all come from one source; the Sun is three-in-one. This analogy helps us understand a particularly difficult, but essential, truth about who God is. Though there is only one God, the Bible reveals that the Lord is Triune—three-in-one. God interacts in three distinct, united, and equal roles—Father, Son, and Spirit.

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” () Plural references to God (“Us” and “Our”) hint of His tri-unity.

Genesis 1:26 KJV 1900

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,” () Matthew breaks grammatical rules by linking a singular subject (“name”) with a compound predicate “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” He is saying, in effect, all three Persons are one God. (See also: ; ; .)

Matthew 28:19 KJV 1900

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Isaiah 48:16 KJV 1900

16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; From the time that it was, there am I: And now the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me.

Matthew 3:16–17 KJV 1900

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV 1900

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

The Sun’s gravity, light, and heat energy illustrate the Trinity. Just as one Sun has three different functions in our solar system, God is one Person with three different jobs:

The Sun’s gravity keeps the planets in orbit.

Similarly, God the Father created and rules the universe (; ).

The Heavenly Father is God.

The Father upholds the universe—all things seen and unseen (; ).

The Sun’s light helps us see. Similarly, God the Son came as the “light of the world.” Jesus showed people what God is like and how to follow Him ().

The Obedient Son is God.

The Son loves to fulfill the Father’s will; He always pleases the Lord (; ).The Sun’s heat energy helps things grow. Similarly, God the Holy Spirit enables believers to grow in their faith ().

The Holy Spirit is God.

The Spirit manifests the Lord’s dynamic presence on earth (; ).

Hebrews 11:3 KJV 1900

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Ephesians 4:6 KJV 1900

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Deuteronomy 32:6 KJV 1900

6 Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? Is not he thy father that hath bought thee? Hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Matthew 5:16 KJV 1900

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

John 8:12 KJV 1900

12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Isaiah 50:5–6 KJV 1900

5 The Lord God hath opened mine ear, And I was not rebellious, Neither turned away back. 6 I gave my back to the smiters, And my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

John 15:10 KJV 1900

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

Ephesians 2:21–22 KJV 1900

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Ezekiel 36:26–27 KJV 1900

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

John 14:16–17 KJV 1900

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Application Ideas

Just as the planets of our solar system circle the Sun, all your activities should revolve around God who reigns supreme over all.

Determine to know God more and more intimately.

As you grow to know Him better, you will ascend life’s opportunities and challenges.

To make God your supreme Leader, what activities do you need to start or stop?

Let your life tell the story of who your God is!

Quintessential Questions—

Who Are You?

(Part 2 of a Series)

This series delves into two essential topics:

God and people.

When children know who God really is and what He says about who they really are, they can confidently navigate faith and life.

Kids must know both the Lord and themselves intimately—not superficially.

God matters most. Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God. People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

The question, “Who are you?” follows naturally from the previous topic, “Who is God?” Read that article of this series here.

“Who Are You?”

Short Answer

“You are God’s priceless protégé.”

(A “protégé” is someone being trained by another wise, influential individual.)

Even though all humans sin, people remain priceless to the Lord.

Biblical Answer ()

The Lord skillfully formed Adam and Eve in His very own image. God created people to be like Himself so they could relate directly with Him—their supreme Role-model. God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, a place of pure paradise, where they could learn to be His protégés. God evidently met with them at regular times each day.

It probably didn’t take Satan long to come up with a strategy to ruin things. He tempted Adam and Eve to do what they knew was wrong. As soon as they disobeyed what God had said, the party was over! Adam and Eve “fell” from their state of innocence to a state of sin. They quickly learned that sin—though sometimes very appealing—simply isn’t worth it. They did, however, learn something new about God; He is merciful and forgiving.

Expanded Answer

The Lord treasures you for three big reasons:

YOU HAVE A DIVINE DESIGN.

People possess greatness and goodness; you delight in the Lord.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. ()

Ephesians 2:10 KJV 1900

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

God designed people with absolutely zero flaws. Humans bear God’s personal imprint; you are created to be like Him. The Lord gave people a special purpose; humans exist for God’s praise and pleasure in relationship with Him. God also designed humans to reflect His dignity, creativity, and authority; you are His masterpiece. The Lord expects people to put those talents to work as His ambassadors; you are appointed for good deeds.

YOU HAVE A HUMAN NATURE.

People enjoy happiness and harmony; you perform superbly.

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. 14I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; ()

Psalm 139:13–15 KJV 1900

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance was not hid from thee, When I was made in secret, And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

People are God’s very best work. Before their sinful “fall,” Adam and Eve’s bodies, brains, emotions, and actions operated perfectly. Consider how flawless those first two humans were: Their splendid bodies had phenomenal physical abilities. Their minds reasoned and remembered perfectly; they had staggering mental capacity. Because Adam and Eve lacked an awareness of evil, they instinctively trusted each other (and the Serpent). God gave them wills that were free to choose whatever good they desired.

YOU HAVE A TRAGIC HISTORY.

People rebel against the Lord; you forfeit His blessings.

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned ()

Romans 5:12 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

God gave Adam and Eve only one restriction—do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Unfortunately, their fatal, flawed decision has affected all people forever. God views humankind “in Adam,” so you were “present” in the garden. When Adam disobeyed God and broke the agreement, you were involved and affected. Adam transferred seeds of sin to all his descendants; you were infected. Ever since then, humans commit willful and unknown sins and are personally responsible for everything they have done.

****

So, who are you?

—“You are God’s priceless protégé.”

Although people made for God soon fell from innocence, humans remain His treasured possessions. You are of inestimable value.

Remember, you are the grand total of all your choices. You are accountable for each one. Every day is a fresh start with many opportunities to make wise, selfless decisions. Ask the Lord to help you listen to Him every minute of every day. He will fill you with His Spirit and show you how to walk with Him!

Application Ideas

Sin, though sometimes very appealing, simply isn’t worth it. Just say, “No!”God is always ready to forgive and restore His children to fellowship with Him. Just confess!Start every day with the Lord; get “clean” and just walk with Him!

Quintessential Questions—What Is God Like?

(Part 3 of a Series)

This series explores two essential topics: God and people.

When children know who God really is and what He says about who they really are, they can confidently navigate faith and life. Kids must know both the Lord and themselves intimately—not superficially.

God matters most.

Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God.

People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

The question, “What is God Like?” follows naturally from a previous topic, “Who is God?” Read that article of this series here.

“What Is God Like?”

Short Answer

The Lord is Perfect. God has every excellent quality; He is flawless.

Biblical Answer ()

Deuteronomy 32:4 KJV 1900

4 He is the Rock, his work is perfect: For all his ways are judgment: A God of truth and without iniquity, Just and right is he.

God refers to Himself as a “rock”—keeping His children safe from danger and secure from harm. But rather than an ordinary rock, think of the Lord as a fascinating “geode.” On the outside, a geode appears to be an ordinary rock, but after breaking it open, hundreds of beautifully shaped crystals glisten in the light. Inside the geode, each tiny surface or facet is slightly different from all the others. Similarly, once we start to explore what the Lord is really like, we realize how attractive He is. The closer we look, the more exciting and amazing God is. He has so many wonderful qualities!

Expanded Answer

Many people are confused about what God is really like. To some, He is a complete mystery. Others come up with their own ideas about the Lord; sometimes those ideas are accurate and other times they’re very mixed-up. The Bible is the only reliable source to learn about God’s character. By exploring the Scriptures, we can truly understand His personality and truly know what He is like.

“There is such a perfection in God’s nature and being that nothing is wanting to it or defective in it, and nothing can be added to it to make it better.” —A. W. Pink

What Is God Like?

“The Lord is Perfect. God has every excellent quality; He is flawless.”

God reveals His perfection in these six important ways:

GOD IS INFINITE.

The Lord possesses unlimited capacity; He is boundless in every way.

“Infinite” means without end, or limitless. Anything infinite goes on and on and on forever.

He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. ()

Psalm 147:4–5 KJV 1900

4 He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.

What are some ways God is infinite?

There is no end to God’s power; He is almighty and can do anything.

There is no end to God’s knowledge; He knows everything.

There is no end to God’s location; He is everywhere all the time.

There is no end to God’s life; He has no beginning or ending.

GOD IS MAJESTIC.

The Lord generates unsurpassed splendor; He is magnificent in every way.

“Majestic” means splendid, awesome, or spectacular. We address a king or queen as “your Majesty” to show great respect for someone very important.

“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.” ()

1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV 1900

What are some ways God is majestic?

The Lord is Light and shines through the darkness.

The Lord is Life and makes things live.

The Lord is Glorious—displaying His fame and prestige everywhere.

The Lord is Beautiful—elegant and most lovely.

GOD IS UPRIGHT.

The Lord maintains untarnished integrity; He is honorable in every way.

“Upright” means totally honest. God perfectly follows all His rules; He is always exactly right. God never does anything with even a hint of wrong.

Righteous are You, O Lord, And upright are Your judgments. You have commanded Your testimonies in righteousness And exceeding faithfulness. ()

Psalm 119:137–138 KJV 1900

137 TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments. 138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous And very faithful.

What are some ways God is upright?

The Lord is Holy—separate from all evil.

He is Truthful and cannot lie.

He is Faithful, keeping every promise forever.

God does everything right and nothing wrong.

He is always fair and stands up for what is good and right.

GOD IS BENEVOLENT.

The Lord bestows unbounded blessings; He is caring in every way.

“Benevolent” means full of good will and ready to help others. God benefits and blesses people.

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” ()

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV 1900

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

What are some ways God is benevolent?

The Lord is Good and Generous, always doing what is best.

He is Gracious (giving favor that people don’t deserve) and Merciful (withholding punishment that people do deserve).

God readily gives Peace and Hope.

GOD IS LOVING.

The Lord expresses unfailing affection; He is devoted in every way.

God takes “love” to the very highest level. His love is pure and selfless—staying strong no matter what. God’s love never fails.

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. ()

1 John 4:16 KJV 1900

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

What are some ways God is loving?

The Lord is Patient, Kind, and Gentle.

He gladly forgives all who sincerely repent.

Best of all, God’s love is steadfast—He never stops loving us!

GOD IS SOVEREIGN.

The Lord wields unwavering control; He is dominant in every way.

“Sovereign” means “sole ruler.” God directs every event across the whole universe. Though we don’t always see His hand, the Lord continues working out His magnificent plan.

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. ()

Psalm 103:19 KJV 1900

19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; And his kingdom ruleth over all.

What are some ways God is sovereign?

The Lord is Wise; He has the best plans and makes the best decisions. Every moment of every day, God actively uses all His abilities to accomplish His purposes on earth. Nothing can block His will.

Never forget: the Lord is Perfect. God has every excellent quality; He is flawless.

Application Ideas

Because God is infinite and perfect, we will always need His help!We exist for the Lord (not the other way around). He will not share His glory with anyone.As you read , replace the word “love” with “God.” He loves us no matter who we are or what we have done!

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 KJV 1900

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Quintessential Questions—What Are You Like?

(Part 4 of a series)

This series explores two essential topics: God and people.

God matters most.

Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God.

People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

The question, “What Are You Like?” follows naturally from a previous topic, “What Is God Like?” Read that article of this series here.

“What Are You Like?”

Short Answer

“You are God’s clueless creature.”

Although people are greatly influenced by both “nature” and “nurture,” apart from the Lord’s help humans remain essentially clueless.

Biblical Answer

In the Bible, God often refers to His people as “sheep.”

These woolly animals are generally compliant, cooperative “followers.”

Sheep are also notoriously stupid.

They don’t do well “on their own.”

Unless a flock of sheep is fenced in, many wander off and cannot find their way back home.

Sheep need someone to care for them nearly all the time. Sheep are “clueless creatures”—and so are we!

All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way ().

Isaiah 53:6a KJV 1900

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Jesus knows that human beings, like sheep, need God’s help finding their way home. “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep” ().

John 10:14–15 KJV 1900

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

The Lord told a touching parable about a faithful shepherd who looked everywhere for one lost lamb. When he finally found the sheep that had strayed, the shepherd told his friends and there was great rejoicing—even in heaven! ().

Luke 15:3–8 KJV 1900

3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes ().

Isaiah 40:11 KJV 1900

11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with his arm, And carry them in his bosom, And shall gently lead those that are with young.

So, like sheep without a shepherd, we are “clueless creatures” who need God’s direction throughout life.

Expanded Answer

To answer the question “What are you like?” we must understand two key words—nature and nurture. “Nature” has to do with our genetic makeup, our DNA. Every cell in the human body carries an individual’s hereditary blueprint. Babies are born with a fully-intact “nature” that will influence every aspect of their lives. “Nurture” is our personal story. Nurture relates to our specific upbringing and activities. Our personality is spawned by genes (nature) and it is shaped by experiences (nurture).

YOU RECEIVE A SINFUL NATURE.

Creatures inherit defective DNA; you trigger great grief.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. ()

Psalm 51:5 KJV 1900

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.

Humans have a divine design; we were made for fellowship with God. But ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God, all people are born with a “sinful nature.” Disobedience comes to us naturally because we are defective and incomplete.

People with a sinful nature are “broken.” That’s why our brains, emotions, consciences, wills, and bodies don’t always work the way we want. We seek to fill the emptiness with pleasures that cannot satisfy. Finding out what’s wrong with us helps answer the question “What are you like?”

The sinful nature affects us in many ways. Human brains generate false judgments and dark thoughts; we are mentally flawed (). Our emotions are erratic; we harbor improper, invalid feelings (). Our wills are naturally selfish; we pursue personal good and pleasure (). God gives each of us a conscience to discern right from wrong, so we are morally liable (). Our bodies are also affected. We must cope with pain, disease, and decay; we are physically fragile ().

Romans 1:21–22 KJV 1900

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Jeremiah 17:9 KJV 1900

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Romans 7:18–19 KJV 1900

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Titus 1:15 KJV 1900

15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

Psalm 103:14–16 KJV 1900

14 For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; And the place thereof shall know it no more.

YOU WEAVE A PERSONAL STORY.

Creatures search for significance; you forge a distinct disposition.

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.” ()

Matthew 12:33 KJV 1900

33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

“Nurture” describes our growth and development—how we are raised, our education, and environment. Unfortunately, even the best efforts of human nurture do not erase the influence and effects of our sin nature.

Our five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) send and receive sensory data (). We gravitate to individual interests and refine different skills (). We adopt family values and routines, learning from our relatives (). We also absorb the customs of our community, conforming to the culture (). All through life, our roles and responsibilities change; we build a reputation along the way ().

Proverbs 2:1–5 KJV 1900

1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, And hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, And apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, And liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, And searchest for her as for hid treasures; 5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.

Exodus 35:35 KJV 1900

35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

Proverbs 1:8 KJV 1900

8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother:

Leviticus 18:30 KJV 1900

30 Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that ye commit not any one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I am the Lord your God.

Proverbs 3:1–4 KJV 1900

1 My son, forget not my law; But let thine heart keep my commandments: 2 For length of days, and long life, And peace, shall they add to thee. 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the table of thine heart: 4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding In the sight of God and man.

YOU FACE DAILY TEMPTATIONS.

Creatures encounter evil enticements; you choose right or wrong.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. ()

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV 1900

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Believers realize that God’s way is truly best for us, but sometimes we seek fulfillment outside His will. We struggle to obey what we know is right. Here’s what takes place each time we encounter enticing situations.

Your Desire.

Humans prefer to please self; you want what you want ().

James 1:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Your Dilemma.

Humans hear God’s inner voice (conscience); you want what is right (; ).

Hebrews 13:18 KJV 1900

18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

Romans 7:21 KJV 1900

21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Your Debate.

Humans ponder facts and feelings; you weigh the options ().

Galatians 5:17 KJV 1900

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Your Decision.

Humans turn toward, or away, from God; you make the choice ().

James 4:7–8 KJV 1900

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Your Direction.

Humans follow familiar pathways; you form good and bad habits ().

Romans 5:3–4 KJV 1900

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

So, what are you like? —“You are God’s ‘clueless creature’.”

Both “nature” and “nurture” build your reputation. You prove that you belong to the Good Shepherd by how you respond to temptation. You are the grand total of all your choices.

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls ().

1 Peter 2:25 KJV 1900

25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Application Ideas

Every day is a fresh start with many opportunities to make wise, selfless choices.

In the morning ask the Lord to help you listen to Him all day long.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill your heart, mind, and body so you will walk in His steps.

The next time you face temptation, take a close look at what is really going on (see steps above) so you will be able to say “yes” to God and “no” to Satan.

Quintessential Questions—How Does God Relate to You?

(Part 5 of a series)

This series explores two essential topics: God and people.

God matters most.

Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God.

People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

The question, “How Does God Relate to You?” follows naturally from the previous topic, “What Are You Like?” Read that article of this series here.

“How Does God Relate to You?”

Short Answer

God Defeats Death. God unchains souls who are enslaved by sin. He is selfless.

God and people enjoyed a perfect relationship in Eden, but that fellowship was broken by “the fall” into sin.

People desperately needed to be liberated from the power of sin and the penalty of death.

Finally, Christ’s sacrificial death restored relations between God and humans.

Biblical Answer

People are slaves to selfishness and sin.

Every human being faces an unsolvable situation.

We have offended God and are therefore guilty of breaking His just law and must pay the penalty.

Unless God Himself does something, we have no hope.

Unless someone sets us free, we will someday face God’s just judgment.

“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” ()

Isaiah 12:2 KJV 1900

2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: For the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.

God took the initiative to resolve our dilemma.

First, He communicated to people through the wonders of creation and the words of the Bible.

Then, Jesus left heaven and lived a perfect life on earth. He died on the cross and endured God’s judgment that we deserved.

Jesus took our place.

Faith in Christ is the only way to escape slavery to sin and Satan.

For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. ()

Colossians 1:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Expanded Answer

“Salvation” is both wonderfully simple and profoundly complex.

In this series, two successive questions will address salvation from two complementary vantage points—divine and human.

This article focuses on God’s amazing sacrifice in securing salvation for people.

The next article, “How Do You Relate to God?” will target salvation from the human perspective

GOD SPEAKS.

The Lord communicates clearly and openly so people can know Him.

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. ()

Hebrews 1:1–2a KJV 1900

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

All people know about God because He reveals Himself in His glorious works in heaven and earth (, general revelation).

Psalm 19:1 KJV 1900

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork.

The Lord also imparts His trustworthy words in two treasured Testaments—the Bible (, special revelation).

1 John 5:9–12 KJV 1900

9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

God breathes life and power into the Bible’s sacred words (, inspiration).

2 Timothy 3:16–17 KJV 1900

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

He awakens hearts and minds to understand the Bible (, illumination;

1 Corinthians 2:10–12 KJV 1900

10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

, interpretation).

2 Peter 1:20–21 KJV 1900

20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

GOD SEEKS.

The Lord pursues people who value His love and forgiveness.

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” ()

Luke 19:10 KJV 1900

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

When anyone comes to the faith, God has been actively working beforehand.

He is anything but “passive” in the salvation process.

Jesus revealed that God cares so much for each lost sheep that He searches until He finds it.

God extends His benevolent hand to all people ().

Psalm 145:9 KJV 1900

9 The Lord is good to all: And his tender mercies are over all his works.

God examines everyone inside and out, discerning each motive ().

Psalm 33:13–15 KJV 1900

13 The Lord looketh from heaven; He beholdeth all the sons of men. 14 From the place of his habitation he looketh Upon all the inhabitants of the earth. 15 He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works.

The Lord exposes personal sin and warns of coming judgment ().

John 16:8–11 KJV 1900

8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

God selects undeserving people who believe His Word (). Finally, God calls to individuals who respond in faith and follow Him ().

Ephesians 1:3–4 KJV 1900

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Matthew 11:2–29 KJV 1900

2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. 20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.” ()

Ezekiel 34:11–12 KJV 1900

11 For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

GOD SAVES.

The Lord cancels all claims against people who trust Jesus, His Living Word.

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” ()

Acts 4:12 KJV 1900

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

When Jesus died on the cross, He accomplished many things that were impossible for people to achieve.

God’s innocent Son took the place of guilty people (, substitution).

Isaiah 53:5–6 KJV 1900

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

God’s sinless Son spilled His blood to settle the debt of sinful people (, redemption).

1 Peter 1:18–19 KJV 1900

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

God’s human Son satisfied every demand of divine justice and wrath (, propitiation).

Romans 8:1–2 KJV 1900

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

God’s risen Son conquered the curse of sin and death (, resurrection).

Colossians 2:13–15 KJV 1900

13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Because of Christ’s work on the cross on our behalf, God justifies us. He declares individuals “righteous” by grace through faith (, justification).

Romans 5:8–9 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

And it will be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.” ()

Isaiah 25:9 KJV 1900

9 And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; We have waited for him, and he will save us: This is the Lord; we have waited for him, We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

GOD SEALS.

The Lord treasures each believer as His prized possession.

“The Lord has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; 19and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the Lord your God, as He has spoken.” ()

Deuteronomy 26:18–19 KJV 1900

18 And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; 19 And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken.

The very instant we place our faith in Christ for forgiveness and salvation, God confirms our new relationship with Him in these ways:

He Raises.

God confers new life upon sinners who were spiritually dead (, regeneration).

Ephesians 2:4–6 KJV 1900

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

He Indwells.

God resides inside all who trust Him as Savior (, indwelling).

Romans 8:11 KJV 1900

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

He Befriends.

God reconciles with people who were formerly His foes (, reconciliation).

Romans 5:10–11 KJV 1900

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

He Adopts.

God awards His children the rights and responsibilities of legal heirs (, adoption).

John 1:12–13 KJV 1900

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

He Enrolls.

.He Enrolls. God enfolds His followers into the universal family of believers ().

God enfolds His followers into the universal family of believers ().

1 Corinthians 12:12–13 KJV 1900

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; 28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” ()

John 10:27–28 KJV 1900

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

So, how does God relate to you?

—“The Lord Defeats Death. God unchains souls who are enslaved by sin. He is selfless.”

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ()

1 Corinthians 15:55–57 KJV 1900

55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

God still seeks “lost” sheep. Perhaps you now understand Jesus’ love and forgiveness in an entirely new way. You realize that He died in your place and you need Him to forgive your own sins. If so, respond right now.

Quintessential Questions—How Do You Relate to God?

(Part 6 of a series)

This series explores two essential topics: God and people.

God matters most.

Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God.

People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

The question, “How Do You Relate to God?” follows naturally from the previous topic, “How Does God Relate to You?” Read that article of this series here.

“How Do You Relate to God?”

Short Answer

“You are God’s blameless believer.”

You express personal faith in God’s Son who died to forgive your sins.

At that moment, God erases your every mistake, declares you to be “righteous,” then He gives you salvation and eternal life.

You are “blameless” before Him!

Biblical Answer

As a direct result of faith in Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross, God transforms your world and renews your identity.

And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach ()

Instead of being “in Adam,” you are now “in Christ.”

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. ()

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. ()

Expanded Answer

Let’s examine “salvation” from the human perspective.

YOU MAKE A DO-OR-DIE DECISION.

Believers welcome the Lord as Savior; you embrace salvation.

The pivotal decision begins with understanding the “bad news”—we must face our personal sin.

God is holy and just; we do wrong and are separated from Him ().

God judges every sin; we must pay for all our wrongs ().

Thankfully, God provides a solution to this desperate situation.

God’s Son lived on earth but never sinned; He died on the cross in our place ().

Then Jesus Christ rose from the grave; He triumphed over our sin and death ().

As a result, God offers forgiveness and new life; we can trust Him to pardon our sins ().

And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, 30and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” ().

YOU BEGIN A TOTAL MAKEOVER.

Believers undergo conversion; you exchange old ways for new.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come ().

From this point forward, everything changes for the believer!

We have a new identity; united with God’s Son, we die on the cross and rise together “in Christ” ().

We escape sin’s enslavement and become free to follow God ().

Disciples renounce wrong allegiances and treasure friendship with God ().

We face forces of evil, but God helps us resist Satan’s schemes ().

Disciples abandon the darkness to live in the light; we prevail by faith ().

YOU GAIN A SPIRITUAL NATURE.

Believers walk in the Spirit; you deny self and obey the Lord.

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude ().

When we place our faith in Christ, God infuses us with a new “spiritual” nature.

The Holy Spirit indwells us.

Though we still wrestle with our old “sinful” nature, we now have God’s power to resist sin and follow Him.

Our spiritual nature affects every part of our lives:

Intellect.

Disciples value truth and wisdom; you retrain your brain ().

Emotions.

Disciples reveal passion for God and for good; you express righteous feelings ().

Conscience.

Disciples maintain moral integrity; you guard a virtuous life ().

Will.

Disciples surrender to God’s desires; you choose what pleases Him ().

Body.

Disciples are temples of the Holy Spirit; you present your anatomy to God ().

So, how do you now relate to God? —“You are God’s blameless believer.”

Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, ()

Application Ideas:

If you are not certain that God has forgiven your sins, make a “do-or-die” decision right now!

Thank God for solving your “sin problem” and for giving you a “spiritual” nature.

Pledge allegiance to please God by doing what is right!

Quintessential Questions—What Is God Doing?

DiscipleLand Staff July 27, 2018 Discipleship, Discipling Resources, Faith,Questions, Teaching the Bible No Comments

(Part 7 of a series)

This series explores two essential topics: God and people.

God matters most.

Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God.

People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

A single word answers the question, “What Is God Doing?”—sanctification.

From the divine perspective, God sets His disciples apart from the world—to become like Himself.

This article looks into God’s role in sanctification.

The question, “What Is God Doing?” follows naturally from the previous topic, “How Do You Relate to God?”

Read that article of this series here.

“What Is God Doing?”

Short Answer

“God Transforms Life. God rebuilds believers from the inside out. He is tireless.”

When we believe in Jesus and start following Him, God begins working on us.

He doesn’t let us stay the way we are. He changes us to love and serve Him.

The Lord begins by performing open-heart surgery—He removes our selfish heart that was disobedient and cold to Him.

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” ()

Ezekiel 36:26 KJV 1900

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

God replaces that old heart with a new heart that wants to obey Him and do what’s right.

The more we cooperate with God, the more He changes us.

This process of change is called “sanctification.”

God sets believers apart from the world to carry out His wonderful plan.

Expanded Answer

God is never passive or disengaged from earthly events. He is dynamically involved—every moment of every day.

From Adam and Eve, to Israel’s history, to the present, God’s activity is clearly visible.

He “sanctifies” His children—setting us apart from the world and transforming us for His own special purposes.

“You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” ()

Leviticus 20:7–8 KJV 1900

7 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God. 8 And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you.

Apart from the Lord’s daily activity in our lives, we can never be conformed to Christ’s image.

We desperately need His help to change and grow.

How does God sanctify His children?

He sustains us,

purifies us,

empowers us,

and directs us.

Let’s unpack those four words:

GOD SUSTAINS.

The Lord undergirds believers so they trust His goodness.

“You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, Your manna You did not withhold from their mouth, And You gave them water for their thirst. 21Indeed, forty years You provided for them in the wilderness and they were not in want; Their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell.” ()

Nehemiah 9:20–21 KJV 1900

20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. 21 Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

God cares so much for us that He never leaves our side; He never stops helping us deal with life.

He sustains us, holding us up.

We can trust the Lord to protect us from danger ().

2 Thessalonians 3:3 KJV 1900

3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

We can trust Him to provide everything we truly need ().

Philippians 4:19 KJV 1900

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

We can trust Him to answer our prayers ().

Psalm 34:17–19 KJV 1900

17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, And delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: But the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

We can trust Him to heal our diseases ().

Psalm 41:3–4 KJV 1900

3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. 4 I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: Heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

God also places believers in a like-minded community of people—like devoted teammates who support us through challenging times ().

John 17:20–21 KJV 1900

20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. ()

1 Peter 5:10 KJV 1900

10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

GOD PURIFIES.

The Lord refines believers so they reflect His holiness.

“He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.” ()

Malachi 3:3 KJV 1900

3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: And he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

God views each believer as a valuable treasure.

But like gold ore (gold mixed with worthless minerals), that treasure is not pure.

Miners who find rocks with flecks of gold or silver put those rocks into an iron pot that gets so hot that the rocks melt!

The gold or silver separates from the worthless minerals.

The refiner throws everything else away, but keeps the valuable metals.

The Lord is holy and wants to make us holy as well. He wants to remove our impurities.

God burns up the worthless stuff in our lives and refines the good stuff to purify us.

He cleans up our sinful habits and selfish motives.

Sometimes He puts us through the fire—which is not much fun—but the result is worth it!

He purifies us by praying for us (, ),

Romans 8:26–27 KJV 1900

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Romans 8:34 KJV 1900

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

disciplining us (),

Hebrews 12:7–8 KJV 1900

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

forgiving us (),

Jeremiah 33:8 KJV 1900

8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.

restoring us (),

1 John 1:6–7 KJV 1900

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

and consecrating us ().

Revelation 1:5b–6 KJV 1900

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ()

Hebrews 10:22 KJV 1900

22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

GOD EMPOWERS.

The Lord strengthens believers so they magnify His greatness.

The Lord God is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places. ()

Habakkuk 3:19 KJV 1900

19 The Lord God is my strength, And he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, And he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

God’s enemy, Satan, is determined to stop what the Lord is doing throughout the world—and in your life.

The only way believers can build God’s kingdom is through the power that the Lord supplies.

We must rely on God to supply the energy and power to follow His ways.

Without His help, we soon become weak and weary.

What are some ways the Lord strengthens us?

He Fills.

God infuses His children with the Spirit’s supernatural power ().

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

•He Enables.

God partners with His followers to produce spiritual fruit ().

John 15:5 KJV 1900

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

•He Equips.

God distributes gifts from the Spirit to build others up ().

1 Peter 4:10 KJV 1900

10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

•He Anoints.

God appoints specific people to fulfill vital ministries ().

1 John 2:27 KJV 1900

27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

•He Sends.

God commissions witnesses to make disciples everywhere ().

Jeremiah 1:7 KJV 1900

7 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. ()

GOD DIRECTS.

The Lord guides believers so they affirm His faithfulness.

“You, in Your great compassion, Did not forsake them in the wilderness; The pillar of cloud did not leave them by day, To guide them on their way, Nor the pillar of fire by night, to light for them the way in which they were to go.” ()

Nehemiah 9:19 KJV 1900

19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.

A real battle takes place inside us each day.

The flesh fights against the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit tells us what is right and what He wants us to do.

But the flesh tries to divert us from God’s plan by doing wrong.

The Holy Spirit is like heaven-sent wind that guides disciples along God’s path ().

John 3:8 KJV 1900

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Have you ever tried to run or ride a bike directly into the wind? It’s hard! But when the wind is blowing hard in the same direction you are going, it’s easy.

God wants us to move with the Spirit, not against Him.

To direct His children,

the Lord promises to teach us (),

1 John 2:27 KJV 1900

lead us (),

John 10:3–4 KJV 1900

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

counsel us (),

Proverbs 19:21 KJV 1900

21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; Nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.

and give us wisdom ().

James 1:5 KJV 1900

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

He also warns us to stay alert against deception and disloyalty ().

1 Timothy 4:1 KJV 1900

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” ()

———–

So, What Is God Doing? —

“God Transforms Life.

God rebuilds believers from the inside out. He is tireless.”

It is primarily God’s job to sustain, to purify, to empower, and to direct His children.

for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. ()

Philippians 2:12–13 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Application

Ask God to remove their old heart of stone and replace it with a new heart of flesh.

Trust God to sustain you and to supply your daily needs!Invite God to clean up your sinful habits, wrong actions, and selfish desires!

Ask for God’s power to do the work He gives you!

Thank God who always directs you to do the right thing!

Quintessential Questions—What Are You Doing?

(Part 8 of a series)

This series explores two essential topics: God and people.

God matters most.

Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God.

People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

Sanctification has two sides. From the divine perspective, God sets His disciples apart from the world—to become like Himself. The previous article, “What Is God Doing?” considered God’s role in sanctification. This article focuses on the human side: how disciples grow in holiness by dying to self and living for God. The question, “What Are You Doing?” points directly to how we live as Christians.

“What Are You Doing?”

Short Answer

“You are God’s dauntless disciple.” You pledge allegiance to obey God’s ways.

The Bible compares growing believers to healthy trees that produce good fruit:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord And whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.” ()

Jeremiah 17:7–8 KJV 1900

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. 8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.” ()

Matthew 12:33 KJV 1900

33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

To thrive, Christians must stay connected to the source of our sustenance—God’s water of life—the Holy Spirit.

As our roots grow deep into Christ, we continue to grow and bear good fruit.

Expanded Answer

Before Moses died, he delivered a final sermon to the nation of Israelites who would soon enter the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership.

Moses wanted to make absolutely sure that the people understood what God expected of them.

Note the five underlined action verbs that Moses chose:

“Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?” ()

Deuteronomy 10:12–13 KJV 1900

12 And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 13 To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?

Those words summarize what Israel was to do every day—diligently and dauntlessly.

British theologian D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones echoed Moses’ challenge for Christian ears:

“There is one reason, and one reason only, why we should all be sanctified and holy, and it is this: not that we may be happy, nor that we may get rid of our problems, but because God is holy, because we are God’s people and because Christ has died for us, and purchased us.

We do not belong to ourselves. We have no right to live a sinful life.” —Great Doctrines of the Bible; volume II – God the Holy Spirit (p. 200), Crossway Books.

Unpacking these five verbs helps us understand what it means to be Jesus’ disciples today:

FEAR.

Disciples demonstrate utmost respect; we revere the Lord alone.

For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. ()

Psalm 96:4 KJV 1900

4 For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: He is to be feared above all gods.

Believers fear the Lord when we display reverence in God Almighty’s presence, when we yield to and carry out God’s Words, when we support and honor our leaders, when we adopt God’s values, and when we heed God’s warnings.

“Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed.” ()

Revelation 15:4 KJV 1900

4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

FOLLOW.

Disciples develop vital skills; we build faith and bear fruit.

“You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.” ()

Deuteronomy 13:4 KJV 1900

4 Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

This simple P-O-W-E-R acrostic helps us remember what it means to follow Jesus:

P-ray. Call on God from the heart. (; )

Jeremiah 29:12–13 KJV 1900

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

1 John 5:14–15 KJV 1900

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

O-bey. Submit to God’s loving leadership. (; )

Deuteronomy 28:1 KJV 1900

1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

John 14:21 KJV 1900

21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

W-orship. Delight to meet with God. (; )

Psalm 100:1–2 KJV 1900

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before his presence with singing.

Colossians 3:16 KJV 1900

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

E-vangelize. Explain the Good News to others. (; )

1 Kings 8:41–43 KJV 1900

41 Moreover concerning a stranger, that is not of thy people Israel, but cometh out of a far country for thy name’s sake; 42 (For they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy strong hand, and of thy stretched out arm;) when he shall come and pray toward this house; 43 Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

R-ead. Spend time daily in the Holy Scriptures. (; )

Psalm 1:2 KJV 1900

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 1900

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

LOVE.

Disciples show passionate affection; we please the Lord first and foremost.

“and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” ()

Mark 12:30–31 KJV 1900

30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Jesus taught His followers to love the Lord with hearts that cherish God’s friendship, with souls that grow in godly character, with minds that filter out selfish thoughts, with strength that strives for peak health and pure habits, and with neighbors by treating others just as we hope to be treated.

SERVE.

Disciples engage in worthy endeavors; we honor the Lord and help people.

When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” ()

Daniel 6:20 KJV 1900

20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

We serve the Lord at home by truly caring for family members, at Church by exalting God together, at school by working hard and honestly, and everywhere we go by investing our time, talents, and treasures in worthy ways.

STAND.

Disciples persevere to the very end; we stay strong in the Lord.

He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. ()

Isaiah 40:29–31 KJV 1900

29 He giveth power to the faint; And to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint.

Christians must never forget that Satan always opposes us.

We can learn to stand for the Lord and against evil.

We must expect to engage the enemy in ongoing spiritual warfare, always being ready to use our spiritual gifts and personal skills for the glory of God.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ()

James 1:12 KJV 1900

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

———–

So, What Are You Doing? —

“You are God’s dauntless disciple.”

You pledge allegiance to obey God’s ways. It is your job to fear, follow, love, serve, and stand for the Lord.

so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. ()

Colossians 1:10–12 KJV 1900

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Quintessential Questions Discipleship

Quintessential Questions—

Who Is God?

God matters most.

People matter to God.

“Who Is God?”

Short Answer

God is Supreme.

God exceeds the greatness of everything else; He is matchless.

Biblical Answer ()

Expanded Answer

Teaching Analogy

The Heavenly Father is God.

The Obedient Son is God.

The Holy Spirit is God.

Application Ideas

Quintessential Questions—

​

Who Are You?

“Who Are You?”

Short Answer

“You are God’s priceless protégé.”

(A “protégé” is someone being trained by another wise, influential individual.)

Even though all humans sin, people remain priceless to the Lord.

Biblical Answer ()

Expanded Answer

The Lord treasures you for three big reasons:

YOU HAVE A DIVINE DESIGN.

YOU HAVE A HUMAN NATURE.

YOU HAVE A TRAGIC HISTORY.

—“You are God’s priceless protégé.”

Application Ideas

Quintessential Questions—What Is God Like?

“What Is God Like?”

Short Answer

The Lord is Perfect. God has every excellent quality; He is flawless.

Biblical Answer ()

Expanded Answer

What Is God Like?

“The Lord is Perfect. God has every excellent quality; He is flawless.”

God reveals His perfection in these six important ways:

GOD IS INFINITE.

What are some ways God is infinite?

GOD IS MAJESTIC.

What are some ways God is majestic?

GOD IS UPRIGHT.

What are some ways God is upright?

GOD IS BENEVOLENT.

What are some ways God is benevolent?

GOD IS LOVING.

What are some ways God is loving?

GOD IS SOVEREIGN.

What are some ways God is sovereign?

Never forget: the Lord is Perfect. God has every excellent quality; He is flawless.

Application Ideas

Quintessential Questions—What Are You Like?

“What Are You Like?”

Short Answer

“You are God’s clueless creature.”

Although people are greatly influenced by both “nature” and “nurture,” apart from the Lord’s help humans remain essentially clueless.

Biblical Answer

Expanded Answer

YOU RECEIVE A SINFUL NATURE.

YOU WEAVE A PERSONAL STORY.

YOU FACE DAILY TEMPTATIONS.

Your Desire.

Your Dilemma.

Your Debate.

Your Decision.

Your Direction.

So, what are you like? —“You are God’s ‘clueless creature’.”

Application Ideas

Quintessential Questions—How Does God Relate to You?

This series explores two essential topics: God and people.

God matters most.

Learning about the Lord is more important (and more rewarding) than anything else we can do!

People matter to God.

People who truly grasp what God says about their identity finally understand who they are and how to live.

“How Does God Relate to You?”

Short Answer