Thursday, July 30, 2009

The Truth Project: Lesson 4

Lesson 4 - Theology: Who is God?
God is infinite in width and breadth. Without God’s revelation, we couldn’t have a clue about Him.

Theology: The study of the existence, character, and attributes of God.
Colossians 2:2-3 – the true treasures from each world view tour are really about God, whether we are studying anthropology, veritology, etc.
Nothing that is true can contradict God’s character.
What the Westminster Confession says about God: “There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute; working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him; and withal, most just, and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.” And that just barely scratches the surface!

R.C. Sproul: the bane of our age is the eclipse of God. Man ignores His existence by focusing on himself. This does not change the reality of God, just hides it. Our passion should be to remove the shadow eclipsing God.

Eternal Life: John 17:1-3 – A conversation that has been occurring forever.
KNOWING GOD affects our relationships, social order, personal communication, ETC. It is an intimate knowledge, like Adam knew Eve. We do not know God primarily by studying the Scripture, but by knowing Christ (John 5).

Spurgeon said that “the highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy” in which we can engage is the study of God. Paul: Philippians 3:8-10. God: Hosea 6:6, Jeremiah 9:23-24. You will never be able to know who you are until you gaze upon God’s face: Isaiah 6

Names of God
One which upsets many people: El Qanna – Deuteronomy 4:23-24 and Zechariah 8:2 – God is a Jealous God. His very name is Jealous – Exodus 34:14. Although many people find it offensive, God’s jealousy is a very good thing. His jealousy is a zeal against any sin that threatens His covenant relationships. It is therefore very unlike human jealousy (hating someone because they have something I want).

Theology is not to be a self centered quest, but rather a quest to know God which leads us to a greater understanding of ourselves.

God’s character and His Word are always under the greatest amount of attack by the world. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 R.C. Sproul says that 90% of the spiritual battle is directed against the existence of God and the trustworthiness of His Word. In the 1700’s, Voltaire claimed that there would be no Bible within 100 years of his death. 100 years later, his house was being used to store Bibles which were then spread throughout all of Europe!

[God is jealous for His glory. He will protect His word, and He will reveal Himself to those who have open hearts and minds.]