a product of KNOWING GOD

Transcription

1 1 a product of KNOWING GOD

2 Meet with God is brought to you by... Powered by 4 is Back to the Bible s Web-based tool designed to help you engage in God s Word at least 4 times a week. You can divide this Meet with God study in a way that helps you meet this goal. Here are some daily suggestions: Read the passage and devotional. Answer one Consider It question each day. Read the passage and Apply It section. Write your plan to apply God s Word in the note space. Complete the Express It section. See how well you retain God s Word by answering the Remember It questions. Reflect on and journal about a verse or two. Use the Seek It section for additional days in God s Word. Sign up for Powered by 4 online at Meet with God, an official publication of Back to the Bible Copyright 2009 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Printed in the U.S.A. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Staff: Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Ben Zuehlke, Emily Wurl, Kathy Thorne, Leisa Larson Design: Brandy Griffin Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation ( Project staff: Neil Wilson Cover and Interior Photos: Meet with God is produced 12 times per year and sent with no obligation. back to the bible P.O. Box Lincoln, NE From the Author At Back to the Bible, we have a passion for Bible engagement. We want people to read, study and apply the Bible. We want them to think biblically. We want them to fill their conversations with biblical phrases and illustrations. These are not new ideas. Our English language has been shaped by the Bible (for example phrases like the sweat of your brow, a thorn in the flesh ). We would be deeply pleased to see a growing number of people take up their Bibles and discover all that God has waiting for them between the covers. This is not a time for collecting Bibles; it s a time to find a Bible you can read and actually read it! This month we want to underscore the significance of meeting and knowing God in the pages of Scripture. We know we can sense God s presence by what He has created the stars, the mountains and streams, all He s designed. But we need to allow God to speak to us through His Word. We will spend some time thinking about the kind of God we re going to meet when we spend time in the pages of Scripture. The benefits that flow into a person s life when he or she makes the commitment to become a person of the Word can hardly be measured. We trust you will experience some of those rich blessings as you spend time in His Word this month. 2 3

3 Meeting g God This week, look and listen for things that remind you of God. Readit Psalm 19:1 14 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork (Ps. 19:1). If God didn t want us to know Him, He could certainly make sure we didn t. But He does want us to know Him. So, He surrounds us with sights and sounds that can make us curious; then He introduces Himself to us in His written Word, the Bible. Psalm 19 reminds us that we get to hear a lot about God even before we meet Him. The created order declares, proclaims, pours out speech, and even silently tells us about its Creator. Like an artist whose work makes us want to meet him, God s workmanship and creativity in the universe touches a deep part in us that wants to know this One who made such marvelous things! Psalm 19 follows this sequence: first we see the creation; then we meet the Creator. David uses the first six verses to remind us how the heavens declare the glory of God. The second five verses point out the benefits of God s Law. The final three verses highlight what ought to be our response: to be blameless, and innocent of great transgression and to speak so that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart are acceptable in God s sight. When we genuinely meet God, we can expect to experience a new sense of humility as we get to know Him better. We are humbled by the beauty of His creation. We are humbled that such a great God loves us and wants to know us. We are humbled by His willingness to sacrifice His Son for us. David ends the Psalm, not with confidence about his own understanding or righteousness but with a quiet confidence in God. He knows he can turn everything over to God, even those things he finds confusing. Once we know God, we know Someone who can take care of us much better than we could ever take care of ourselves. Like David we can watch for God s creativity in all of life. We can expect to grow in intimacy with Him through His Word. And we can practice offering the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to Him. 4 5

4 considerit How do the heavens declare the glory of God? As you read Psalm 19:1 14, reflect on the following questions: What kind of communication do verses 2 4 talk about? How does David use the sun to illustrate God s glory? What three different kinds of sin does David mention in his prayer (vv )? Applyit Relationships must be nurtured in order to stay healthy. A friend we never spend time with will eventually feel more like a stranger. Too many people treat God like someone they met at some point in the past but who no longer matters in their lives. When we do that, we lose. But when we spend time with God in His Word, we receive all the benefits David mentions here and more. Expressit Use David s prayer to think about the condition of your life right now. Then verbalize that prayer to God, expanding where you need to in order to make it your own personal message to your heavenly Father. 6 7

5 God s Character rememberit 1. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals, what? 2. In the heavens, God has set up what for the sun? 3. What is hidden from the sun s heat? 4. The perfect law of the Lord revives what? 5. In the final verse of Psalm 19, the psalmist refers to God as both his redeemer and what? seekit Go deeper into your study of this week s lesson. Creation: Genesis 1:1 2:4 Proverbs 8:22 31 John 1:1 5 Romans 1:19 20 Answers: 1. Knowledge (Ps. 19:2); 2. A tent (Ps. 19:4); 3. Nothing (Ps. 19:6); 4. The soul (Ps. 19:7); 5. His rock (Ps. 19:14) Readit Numbers 14:13 25 Please pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt until now (Num. 14:19). This week, reflect on one of God s character traits each day. God hasn t shown Himself to us as a vague power but as a vital personality full of fascinating character traits. When we read this prayer Moses prayed for the sinful Israelites, we are struck by the way he based it on the character of God. Moses didn t ask God for mercy because he thought the people deserved it; he made his request because he knew mercy was consistent with God s character. Notice the various features of God s character that Moses mentioned in this prayer. He reminded God about His ultimate purpose which was to convince the nations of His ways. Wiping out Israel would set back that plan. He also recited his firsthand knowledge of God s slowness to anger, His steadfast love and His willingness to forgive. He acknowledged, as well, God s holiness and justice, which God does not violate even when He is practicing mercy. 8 9

6 considerit Briefly review the context of Moses prayer (see Numbers 13:25 14:12). What similar instances can you identify in these times? As you read Numbers 14:13 25, reflect on the following questions: How does Moses prayer compare with your typical prayers? In what ways is God s Word presently informing and shaping your prayer life? What do you need to pray for in the same way that Moses prayed? Moses had an intimate prayer life. He didn t have to help God see His character; he simply made his prayers out of requests that were in harmony with God s will. That s why God s anger or disappointment didn t drive Moses away in fear but drove Him toward God in trust. Moses understood God s justice even when He was the one being disciplined. He understood why he could not enter the Promised Land. He knew it was because he failed at a moment when he should have been obedient just as the people failed during their first trip to the borders of the Promised Land (Num. 14:1 4). Even divine discipline drew Moses to God. Moses began the request section of his prayer with an appeal to God s power (see v. 17). We can get tripped up thinking that our sins or the sins of others somehow present a challenge to God s sovereignty. The truth is, He remains in control of His creation us included. The way people exercise their wills to do evil does not nullify God s power or ultimate sovereignty. Moses knew this, and it gave his prayers boldness! When events in our world or our country seem to spin out of control, we must remember Moses example and take our stand on the sovereignty of God. Human beings can create devastation, but God always retains ultimate control and has the last word. If we know Him and trust His Word, we will not be surprised by the outcome of God s plan. Applyit Most of us learned to pray by imitating others. Did you have good prayer models? How often do you deliberately use phrases from Jesus prayers or Paul s prayers to express yourself to God? Even using the Lord s Prayer as a basic structure that you pray through (thinking about each word and turning it into a prayer) can add significant intimacy to your times of talking with God. Expressit Use each of the phrases in the Lord s Prayer to tell God which of His character traits you see in that phrase and how you feel about those traits (for example, Our Father refers to His personal and intimate creation of each of us)

7 Apply it Most of the physical landmarks that we deal with are part of a long-standing but not eternal creation. But the truth of God s Word stands for time and eternity. The directions God provides (even the painful ones) give us a dependable route and effective rules for living. If we ve got God s eternal landmarks in mind, we ll adopt a pilgrim mindset, never thinking of this world as our permanent home. We will make it a habit to check God s landmark presence every day for correction and encouragement. And we will live by those instructions we find chiseled in the landmark of God s Word. Express it Proverbs is filled with short landmark statements that provide us with food for thought and reflection each day. Choose one of the proverbs from today s reading, and express it in a prayer. Ask God to keep bringing His words of direction to mind throughout the days of your journey ahead. rememberit 1. Who is speaking at the beginning of today s Scripture passage? 2. The Lord is slow to what, and abounding in love? 3. The earth shall be filled with what? 4. How many times had Israel put God to the test in the wilderness? 5. Who does God name that would be able to see the Promised Land? seekit Go deeper into your study of this week s lesson. God s Personality: Exodus 33:18 19; 34:5 9 The Lord s Prayer Matthew 6:9 13 God s Sovereignty: Isaiah 44:6 8 Revelation 4:8 11 Answers: 1. Moses (Num. 14:13); 2. Anger (Num. 14:18); 3. The glory of the Lord (Num. 14:21); 4. Ten (Num. 14:22); 5. Caleb (Num. 14:24) 12 13

8 The Answer This week, watch for billboards, bumper stickers and advertisements that can start conversations about Christ. For a while there was a popular bumper sticker that declared: Jesus is the Answer. Then someone came up with a sarcastic counter-bumper sticker with the words, What s the Question? Although the second approach was intended to mock the original statement, both stickers actually served to start a number of conversations about Jesus. One way to treat this kind of question is to make it personal by saying, Well, what is your deepest question? If you could ask God what you think is the most significant question He could answer, what would that be? Let s think for a moment what they might say. Readit John 1:1 5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God (John 1:1 2). God, why is there so much evil in the world? Jesus is the answer to evil. He defeated evil on the cross and by doing so prevented God from having to destroy each of us for our allegiance to evil. God, why is there so much suffering in the world? Jesus is the answer to the sin that has infected and filled creation with suffering. He took it to the cross and gave what s left of it meaning as part of the way God is working out His plan in history. God, how can I live with You forever? Jesus is the answer because He provided the way! God, why won t You show Yourself or prove Yourself to me? Jesus is the answer He is God in human form (see Col. 1:15 20). He has shown Himself to us! God, what can I do about my sins? Jesus is the answer because we can t do anything about our sins. God forgives our sins based on what Jesus did on the cross (Rom. 6:23; 1 John 1:9). Yes, Jesus is the answer. And the more important the question, the more crucial Jesus becomes as the answer. If there is any doubt who John was talking about in this lesson s verses, well, Jesus is the answer! Later in the same chapter in verses we see this clear identification that God Himself visited His creation in the flesh. God became Man the unique, one-of-a-kind God-Man. How did He do that? Jesus is the answer! 14 15

9 considerit List everything you find out about the Word in these five verses. How clearly do they identify Jesus? As you read John 1:1 5, reflect on the following questions: How important do you think it is to recognize Jesus as God? How do you personally connect with the statement, without him was not any thing made that was made (v. 3)? In what ways does this Gospel start off differently than the other three Gospels? Applyit When it comes to knowing God, Jesus is also the answer. This is such a powerful idea that Jesus connected it directly with eternal life in John 17:3, And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Make it a long-term project to become very familiar with at least one of the Gospels. Memorizing it would be the ultimate objective as part of knowing Jesus. Expressit In your prayer times, talk to Jesus about what it means to you to be able to know Him. Express your present commitment to knowing Him better

10 Knowing God s Deep p Love rememberit 1. In the beginning was what? 2. The Word was with whom? 3. What things were made through the Word? 4. In Christ was life and the life was the what of men? 5. What has not overcome the light? seekit Go deeper into your study of this week s lesson. Questions Asked of Jesus: Matthew 9:14 17 Mark 4:10 20 Luke 7:18 23 John 3:1 15 Answers: 1. The Word (John 1:1); 2. God (John 1:1); 3. All things (John 1:3); 4. Light (John 1:4); 5. The darkness (John 1:5) Readit John 3:16 21 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). The most important truth we need to know and accept is that God loves us. This amazing verse helps us understand that truth through four great thoughts: This week, ask someone what John 3:16 means to them. 1. For God so loved the world God s motivation was love. He has what we could call an unshakable commitment to His creation. His desire is to restore it as He originally intended it to be. God s love was such a powerful force that it set into motion a plan. God s love always expresses itself as action, never just feelings. 2. that he gave his only Son The second phrase answers the question: How much did God love us? This tells us God did not put any limits on the expression of His love, including His own Son. Romans 8:32 says, He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 18 19

11 considerit How does this passage recognize the fact that many people are going to reject the Gospel? As you read John 3:16 21, reflect on the In what ways does v. 17 clarify and emphasize the previous verse? In response to God s love for you, in what ways have you expressed your love for God? following questions: How does John 3:16 connect with Mark 12:30 31? Which comes first? 3. that whoever believes in him God presented an offer, not a requirement. Those who get the benefit of Jesus death are those who want it and ask for it. It is forced on no one. Once love has been expressed, a response is expected. Love can be rejected, but that is a tragedy. Why on earth would we want to reject God s boundless love? 4. should not perish but have eternal life God expressed His love to a fallen world. But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). The choice we make is to believe in Christ and receive a different destination (eternal life with God in heaven) than the destination to which we were already headed. This verse summarizes in a powerful way all the key points in the Gospel. It clarifies all that God has done out of love and presents life s greatest choice to each person. We simply cannot imagine a greater gift or gesture God could make that would equal what Jesus did for us. In the four phrases above, God does all the heavy lifting and painful giving. Our only role is to respond to God s offer. His love, His Son and eternal life with Him are all His gifts to us. The only reason we would reject such gifts would be if we were determined to go our own way, even if it led to perishing in an eternity without Him. Applyit It is probably safe to say that most people who see the John 3:16 sign that someone holds up behind the goal posts at football games don t have any idea what they are seeing. The level of Bible illiteracy in our country causes that wonderful scripture to send a largely meaningless message to most viewers. But not recognizing the address doesn t mean they don t desperately need the message! The question we need to face is, who will give them the message God has for them in John 3:16? Expressit Knowing God hasn t really settled into your life until you begin to invite others to know Him too. And developing the compassion necessary for that mission comes from God. Take some time to pray about your willingness to share with others what you have found in Jesus Christ

12 rememberit 1. Those who believe in the Son will not what? 2. The Son was not sent into the world to do what? 3. People loved what, rather than the light? 4. The works of these people were what? 5. Whoever does what comes to the light? seekit Go deeper into your study of this week s lesson. Salvation: Romans 10:9 10 Ephesians 2:8 9 Christ s Return: Matthew 16:24 28 Titus 2:11 15 Answers: 1. Perish (John 3:16); 2. Condemn the world (John 3:17); 3. The darkness (John 3:19); 4. Evil (John 3:19); 5. What is true (John 3:21) 22 23

13 How to Find $13.00 (U.S.) $XX.XX (Canada) God in the Bible #12951 by Woodrow Kroll $6.00 (U.S.) $XX.XX (Canada) #08035 If you want to know God s heart, the best way is to read His Word. Designed to help ordinary people connect with God through His Word, this book by Woodrow Kroll explores tangible ways to prepare yourself, define your expectations and profit from the experience. You ll find simple keys to understanding the Bible and solid insights on making the intimate connection with God happen. Shipping & Handling not included Product cost and availability subject to change. FOR order and shipping information, see inserted envelope. With a broadcast and Internet reach to millions, Back to the Bible teaches the Word and touches the world. Powered by 4 is Back to the Bible s Web-based, life-changing Bible engagement plan. Sign up at FOR questions, CONTACT: Back to the Bible P.O. Box 82808, Lincoln, NE back to the bible - Canada P.O. Box 700 Chatham, ON N7M 5K