Answer Key. The Nature Of God. by Don Hastings and Marc Gibson

Transcription

1 Answer Key The Nature Of God by Don Hastings and Marc Gibson

2 2012 One Stone Press. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. Published by: One Stone Press 420 Old Morgantown Rd. Bowling Green, KY Printed in the United States of America ISBN 10: ISBN 13: Supplemental Materials Available: ~ Power Point Slides for each lesson ~ Answer Key ~ Downloadable PDF

3 Preface The study of the nature and character of God is considered by the authors of this workbook as one of utmost important and greatly needed in the church today. There is, perhaps, no greater subject the human mind could contemplate. Every lesson was written with these considerations in mind. Each individual lesson was written by one of the authors of this workbook, and then reviewed by the other. The author of the individual lessons is as follows: Don Hastings Lessons 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 13 and Marc Gibson Lessons 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12. We have prepared this workbook in the hope that it contributes to a greater knowledge of our God and Creator, and brings glory to His name. Don Hastings & Marc Gibson

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5 Table of Contents Lesson Title Man s Greatest Need Is To Know God The Names Of God God Is The Eternal Creator (1) God Is The Eternal Creator (2) The Triune Nature Of God The All Power, Knowledge, and Presence Of God God Is Spirit And Is Holy God Is Love, Light, and Truth The Mercy, Grace, And Longsuffering Of God The Goodness, Compassion, Forgiveness Of God, and Immutability Of God God s Fierce Wrath The Providence Of God Misconceptions About God Page

6 6 The Nature Of God Questions 1. What is man s greatest need? a knowledge of God 2. What is the best way we can use our ability to reason? to understand God and His will for us 3. What does God s marvelous creation reveal about him? His glory, wisdom, and power (give scriptures) Psa. 19:1; 104:24; Rom. 1:20 4. Where is the only place to learn about God s will for us? the Bible 5. On what is eternal life dependent? (give scripture) knowing the only true God and Jesus (John 17:3) 6. What does Immanuel mean? God with us 7. Can one fully understand God s attributes? Explain. No, one would have to be on an equality with God to fully understand His nature. 8. Why should we not be discouraged that our knowledge of God is limited? We are able to know enough about God to cause us to love and obey Him. Fill in the Blank 1. A knowledge of God should produce faith in him. 2. To know Jesus is to know the Father. 3. To completely understand God s nature, we would have to be God. 4. Man is finite, but God is infinite. Give Book, Chapter, and Verse 1. There is no searching of His understanding Isa. 40:28 2. How unsearchable are His judgments Rom. 11:33-36

7 Answer Key Lesson The love of Christ passes knowledge Eph. 3:18 4. The peace of God surpasses all understanding Phil. 4:7 5. Fear God and keep His commandments Eccl. 12:13 Without a Knowledge of God, We Would Not Know: 1. How we came to exist and our purpose on earth. 2. The absolute standard of right and wrong. 3. God s immeasurable love for us and his plan of salvation. Thought Questions 1. Do you know the Lord? Explain how you came to know the Lord. One can only know the Lord through a study of God s inspired word, the Bible. 2. Define finite and infinite. Finite means, Having bounds, ends, or limits, as opposed to that which is infinite. Infinite means, So great as to be immeasurable and unbounded; limitless...

8 8 The Nature Of God Questions 1. What act soon after the creation illustrated the importance of a name? God brought the animals to Adam to be given a name. 2. How does the practice of naming someone differ today from that of Old Testament times? We select names for how they sound or the name of a member of the family. In the Old Testament, names were selected for their meaning. 3. What does it mean to take God s name in vain? Speaking God s holy name without reverence for Him as many do today. 4. Why must we never take God s name in vain? It shows disrespect for God and He will not hold him guiltless. 5. What are the three major names for God in the Old Testament? Elohim, Yahweh, and Adonay 6. What is the basic word for deity in the ancient Semitic languages, and what is its root meaning? El power or preeminence 7. Is Elohim a singular or plural word? Plural What does this teach about God as revealed in Genesis 1:26? The Godhead is plural personalities. 8. What is the most commonly used name for God in the Old Testament? Yahweh 9. At what occasion did God tell his name to Moses? Give scripture. At the burning bush that did not burn. (Exo. 3:14) What did it mean? I AM WHO I AM - to be, being, always existing, eternal. 10. Why does Jewish tradition require speaking another word in place of Yahweh? They didn t want to say Yahweh in vain by mispronouncing it. 11. Why is Yahweh a special name for God? It involved God s covenant relationship with Israel. 12. How did the word Jehovah originate? It was Latinized combination of the consonantes of Yahweh and the vowels of Adonay.

9 Answer Key Lesson What is the meaning of adonay? Lord or Master 14. Of the three major names for God in the Old Testament, how many are applied to Jesus in the New Testament quotations? All of them Complete the Scripture 1. Holy and reverend (awesome) is His name (Psa. 111:9b). 2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain (Ex. 20:7). 3. Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness (Gen. 1:26a). 4. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, You who set Your glory above the heavens! (Psa. 8:1). Match Name with Meaning 1. C El Roi a. Almighty God 2. G El Elyon b. Lord of Hosts 3. F Theos c. God Who Sees 4. I Pahad d. Everlasting God 5. A El Shaddai e. Mighty One 6. B Yahweh Saboath f. God 7. H Kurios g. God Most High 8. E Abir h. Lord 9. B El Olam i. Fear Thought Questions 1. Is it scriptural for a man or woman to wear a name or title as Reverend? Why or why not? No, only God was called reverend in the Bible (Psa. 111:9) 2. Why do you think it is important to know and understand these names of God, even though they were spoken and used long ago in Old Testament times? They reveal God s nature.

10 10 The Nature Of God Questions 1. Write Genesis 1:1 from memory. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2. The beginning of Genesis 1:1 refers to the beginning of what? The material universe with its plant and animal life; time. 3. What is the significance of the word create in Genesis 1:1? It is translated from the Hebrew bara which signifies out of nothing. Only God could create the heavens and earth out of nothing by the power of His word. 4. What distinguishes men and women from animals? (give scripture) We are made in God s image; therefore, we have immortal souls (Gen. 1:26-27). 5. How may God s wisdom be seen in the order of creation? God created light, water, and dry land before plants. He created plants before animals. 6. How long was each creative day? 24 hours, these were six successive creative days. 7. What are some theories that deny the literal, consecutive, and sequential creation days? Gap; Day-Age; Literal Day - Long Gap; Framework Hypothesis (see footnote 9). 8. How long is one year? A year is 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds which is one complete revolution of the earth. Fill in the Blank 1. God created everything out of nothing. 2. God gave man dominion over the animals. 3. In wisdom You have made them all (give scripture Psa. 104:24) 4. Perfection and completeness are marks of divine creation.

11 Answer Key Lesson Every created day consisted of evening and morning. 6. The sun s distance and temperature are just right for life on earth. 7. Where there is design there must be a designer. 8. For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God (give scripture Heb. 3:4) Match the Correct Day of Creation 1. C God created plant life a. 1 st Day 2. D God made the sun, moon, and stars b. 2 nd Day 3. A God said, Let there be light c. 3 rd Day 4. F God created land animals, man, and woman d. 4 th Day 5. E God created sea creatures and birds e. 5 th Day 6. B God called the firmament Heaven f. 6 th Day Multiple Choice (Circle the Correct Answer) 1. A house must be made by: a. Evolution b. Hurricane c. Animals d. Humans 2. A model of our solar system must be made by: a. Evolution b. Hurricane c. Animals d. Humans 3. The solar system must have been made by: a. Forces of nature acting on matter b. Animals c. Humans d. God Thought Questions 1. Give at least two reasons why you believe God is the Eternal Creator. Only a Divine mind could have produced the Bible and this enormous and orderly universe. Only Divine power could create matter out of nothing. 2. Why is it so critical to defend the literal, historical record of God s creation in Genesis 1? If one does not believe Gen. 1:1 is a literal historical record, there is no need to read the rest of the Bible for that destroys the foundation for faith in the truthfulness of God s word.

12 12 The Nature Of God Questions 1. What is an axiom? Axiom is a self-evident or universally accepted truth. 2. Name two axioms. Out of nothing comes nothing. Something is therefore something was. 3. The choices for the origin of the universe and life are eternal matter or eternal intelligence. 4. Both choices must be accepted by faith. 5. Who made God? No one made God for He is eternal. 6. If one does not believe in God, what does one believe is the explanation of the existence of life? Evolution 7. The scientific method requires that an experiment be observable and repeatable. 8. Name two things that have been proven by science that agrees with the Bible. Life is generated only from living organisms. Plants and animals reproduce after their own kind. 9. Define theistic evolution. God created the materials of the universe and then used evolution to bring the various animals into existence. 10. Can a faithful Christian be a theistic evolutionist? Why or why not? No. Evolution contradicts the Biblical account of creation. Yes or No 1. Has macroevolution been proven to be true? No 2. Has microevolution been proven to be true? Yes 3. Is there only one missing link in the evolutionary chain? No 4. Can science discover how the universe and life originated? No

13 Answer Key Lesson Can science discover how God created all things? No 6. Does it make any difference if one believes Genesis 1 is figurative or literal? Yes Science Has Never Proven That: 1. God does not exist. 2. Matter is eternal. 3. Exploding matter could produce the universe. 4. Out of disorder came an orderly universe. 5. Lifeless matter could evolve into plant life. 6. Life can spontaneously generate. 7. Plants evolved into animals. 8. One-celled animals evolved into multi-celled animals. 9. Mindless matter evolved into man who has a brain. 10. Non-religious matter could create man with religious desires. Thought Questions 1. What are some of the problems with the Big Bang Theory? It assumes that matter always existed and that it exploded. What caused matter to explode? How did these gases originate? How could disorder (explosion) produce and orderly universe? It is impossible for lifeless matter to produce plant and animal life. 2. What are some blessings of believing in God as your Eternal Creator? The child of God may pray to him for mercy and grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16). The believer knows his purpose on earth is to fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13). He lives with the hope of eternal life with the Father in heaven (1 Pet. 3-4).

14 14 The Nature Of God Questions 1. How many true Gods are revealed in the Bible? One 2. List some polytheistic religions, both ancient and modern. Egyptians, Canaanites, Mormonism, Hinduism 3. What words in Genesis 1:26 indicate the plurality of God? Us and Our 4. What is the definition of deity? Diety means, divine character or nature, esp. that of the Supreme Being; divinity. 5. How are the concepts of deity and humanity similar? They both indicate nature and essence, but not the number of each. 6. List the three passages where the term Godhead is found. Rom. 1:20; Col. 2:9; Acts 17:29 7. Who are the three distinct persons who share the essence of God? Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 8. List some unique aspects of: a. God the Father Reconciler of man to God; Christians call Him Father and pray to Him. b. God the Son Born of a virgin; provided means of salvation; the promised Messiah; our High Priest and Mediator c. God the Holy Spirit Revealed God s word; gave spiritual gifts 9. List four passages that speak of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working together. Jn. 15:26; Matt. 28:19; 1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Cor. 12: Why is polytheism a false doctrine? There is only one God, not many gods. 11. Cite a Bible passage that proves that Jesus could not be a created being. Col. 1: What are some of the personality traits of the Holy Spirit? He speaks, teaches, guide, has a will, can be grieved, etc.

15 Answer Key Lesson How can we know that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit do not all exist as one person? At the baptism of Jesus: the Father spoke from heaven, Jesus was baptized, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove. Fill in the Blank and Give the Scripture 1. Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One! (Deut. 6:4) 2. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language (Gen. 11:7) 3. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Jn. 1:1) True or False God is: 1. F three distinct Gods 2. F three partitions of one Person 3. T three distinct persons sharing one essence 4. F many gods with different natures Thought Questions 1. If a Jehovah s Witness told you that you believe in three Gods, how should you respond? I would tell him that God is plural in personality, but singular in essence or nature. 2. Explain why Jesus statement, My Father is greater than I (Jn. 14:28) does not contradict the fact that the Son and the Father are equal as God [deity] (Phil. 2:6; Jn. 5:18). They are equal in nature, but Jesus, in HIs role as a Son, was subordinate to the Father.

16 16 The Nature Of God Questions 1. What is the meaning of the omnipotence of God? all powerful 2. What Hebrew names of God speak of his power? Elohim and El Shaddai 3. How did God demonstrate his power in creation? By the power of God s word, He created all things from nothing (Psa. 33:6-9; Heb. 11:3) 4. How did God demonstrate his power in providing salvation? He resurrected Jesus. 5. What is the meaning of the omniscience of God? all-encompassing knowledge 6. How do we know that God is able to know the future? He accurately foretold of many future events (prophecy) 7. What is the meaning of the omnipresence of God? ever-present in every place 8. Where is man able to escape the presence of God? nowhere 9. What does it mean to be cast from God s presence? One is cast from God s fellowship, protection, and care 10. If God has the power to destroy all evil, why does he not do it immediately? God is longsuffering, waiting so that sinful man can be saved from evil. 11. How is it possible for God to know the future and not predetermine our actions? God can foreknow our character and foreknow our actions without interfering with, or predetermining our free choice. We are responsible for our choices because of our free will. Example: Jesus foreknew Judas would betray Him and Judas coveted money (Matt. 26:14-16, 20-23; Jn. 12:4-6). Judas was responsible for his betrayal of Jesus (Matt. 26;24).

17 Lesson List four lessons we should remember in view of God s power/knowledge/presence? a. It is comforting to know God knows and will supply our needs (Phil. 4:19). b. We should show respect for God s greatness by obeying Him. c. God knows if we are hypocritical. d. We cannot hide our sins from God or defeat Him. Fill in the Blank and Give the Scripture 1. Is anything too hard for the Lord? (Gen. 18:14) 2. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite (Psa. 147:5-6) 3. Can anyone hide himself in secret places, so I shall not see him? (Jer. 23:23-24) 4. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20) 5. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33) Give the Verses Give the verses in Psalm 139 that describe God s: 1. Omniscience Omnipresence Omnipotence Thought Questions 1. How do God s power, knowledge, and presence make him a perfect and just judge? God knows and sees everything, cannot be deceived, shows no partiality, and his judgments are righteous. 2. How should daily meditation on these all attributes of God have a practical effect on our lives? It should give us peace and security, but also cause us to fear disobeying God.

18 18 The Nature Of God Questions Since God is Spirit : 1. He does not have flesh and bones. 2. No one has seen God at any time. 3. It is impossible for an idol to look like God. 4. He is not subject to sickness, decay, or death. 5. He is not confined to one place. Fill in the Blank and Give the Scripture 1. God is Spirit... must worship in spirit and truth (Jn. 4:24) 2. For I am God, and not man (Hos. 11:9) 3. God is not a man, that He should lie (Num. 23:19) 4. we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone (Acts 17:29) 5. The eyes of the Lord are in every place (Pro. 15:3) 6. He is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:27) 7. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts (Isa. 6:3) 8. For thus says the High and Lofty One whose name is holy (Isa. 57:15) 9. The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works (Psa. 145:17 KJV) 10. Be holy for I am holy (1 Pet. 1:16)

19 Answer Key Lesson 7 19 True or False 1. F God was once a man who evolved into God. 2. F God created our physical bodies like his body. 3. T We will be raised with a spiritual body. 4. T Man is unable to see spirits. 5. F Some material images are not corruptible. 6. F One can hide from God. 7. T Holy is the only attribute of God repeated three times in succession. 8. T Something is holy if it is separated for God s use. 9. T Jesus is called the Holy One. 10. F One can be a Christian, but not a saint. Fill in the Blanks 1. Who said, God is not a man that He should lie? Balaam 2. Anthropomorphism is a figure of speech ascribing human characteristics to God. 3. The worship of idols is condemned in both testaments. 4. Holiness is a great difference between God and idols. 5. Who said, There is none holy like the Lord? Hannah 6. Jesus addressed his Father as Holy Father. 7. Christians are sactified by Jesus blood when they are baptized. 8. Christians must abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

20 20 The Nature Of God 9. Who said, Woe is me for I am undone? Isaiah 10. Our most important goal should be to become as holy as God. Thought Questions 1. Name some things that God hates. See Prov. 6: How do we know that man did not write the Bible? Man would never have made the Lord absolutely holy and righteous and then make himself responsible for being like the Lord and accountable to him. Man would have never made his punishment for failure to obey the Lord s commandments eternal punishment in a lake of fire. 3. What must we do for God to receive us as his sons and daughters? We must be separate from the world, cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and perfect holiness in the fea r of God (2 Cor. 6:17-7:1).

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22 22 The Nature Of God Questions 1. What is the supreme expression of love? The Father allowing His Son to be crucified and Jesus willingly dying on a cross to provide a way of our salvation. 2. What is the only thing precious enough to remove sin from man s soul? Christ s blood (Rev. 1:5) 3. Who stopped Abraham from sacrificing Isaac? The Angel of the Lord 4. Name some beneficial things God s love does for us. God sends us sunshine, rain, and fruitful seasons; gives us life and food; provides a plan of salvation of our souls from eternal torment; forgives our sins; hears and answers our prayers; etc. 5. You should love God with all your what? heart, soul, and mind (Matt. 22:37-40) 6. You should love your neighbor as what? yourself 7. How do we prove our love for God? by keeping His commandments (Jn. 14:15) 8. What does the Bible call you if you say you love God, but hate your brother? a liar 9. If you love your neighbor, you will practice what? the golden rule 10. If we love our enemies, what will we do for them? pray for them; return good for evil; teach them God s plan of salvation 11. What does the Bible call those who claim to be in fellowship with God, but walk in darkness? liars 12. Why do some love darkness? their works are evil 13. Who called God the God of truth? Moses (Deut. 32:4) 14. What can God not do? lie (Titus 1:2)

23 Answer Key Lesson 8 23 Fill in the Blank and Give the Scripture 1. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jn. 3:16) 2. Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one s life for his friends (Jn. 15:13) 3. while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8) 4. I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for Me (Gal. 2:20) 5. He is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:27) 6. He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good (Matt. 5:45) 7. But You are God, ready to forgive (Neh. 9:17) 8. God is light and in Him is no dakrness at all (1 Jn. 1:5) 9. I am the light of the world (Jn. 8:12; 9:5) 10. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psa. 119:105) 11. light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Cor. 4:4) 12. The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abounding in goodness and truth (Ex. 34:6) 13. who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9) 14. all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone (Rev. 21:8)

24 24 The Nature Of God Thought Questions 1. How do Christians let their light shine? They follow the example of Jesus in their manner of life and teaching others God s word. 2. Why do you believe God s word is absolute truth? God cannot lie (Heb. 6:18).

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26 26 The Nature Of God Questions 1. What is meant by the mercy of God? A refraining from harming or punishing offenders; compassion, or pity, on the helpless. 2. What condition is the sinner before God? His sins separate him from God s fellowship. 3. What is the sinner s only hope? God s love, grace and mercy would provide a plan of salvation from the penalty of his sins. 4. Why is God s love vital to his mercy? Without love, there would be no mercy. 5. Why should we show mercy, and to whom? We should show mercy so we may be like our heavenly Father and receive His mercy. We should show mercy to everyone. 6. Give a definition of grace. Grace is to show favor even to those who do not deserve it; unmerited favor. 7. How do we access the grace of God? through faith in Jesus 8. How did God demonstrate his grace to man? God gave His Son to die for our sins. He has revealed His will and preserved it for us. 9. Where can we find our continual access to God s grace? In Christ 10. What is another word for the concept of longsuffering? Patience, endurance, or steadfastness 11. How is God s longsuffering involved in our salvation? He forgives our many sins when we meet His conditions of forgivenss; He provides time in His longsuffering for us to be saved. 12. How can longsuffering help the Christian today? It helps to be patient with the weaknesses and faults of others. Fill in the Blank and Give the Scripture 1. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting (Psa. 100:5)

27 Answer Key Lesson For by grace have you been saved through faith (Eph. 2:8) 3. for you are not under law but under grace (Rom. 6:14) 4. The Lord is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9) 5. warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all (1 Thess. 5:14) True or False 1. F We should extend mercy only toward those who are thankful and good 2. F We are saved by the grace of God alone, without any conditions of obedience 3. T Both a non-christian and a Christian can insult the Spirit of grace 4. F A sinner can be justified by perfect law-keeping 5. F God s grace is only available on Sundays from 9 am to 7 pm 6. T God s longsuffering will eventually end 7. T Preachers need to use longsuffering in their work of preaching Thought Questions 1. What are the differences and similarities between mercy and grace? Mercy is showing compassion by not inflicting just punishment on those who have sinned against us. Grace is showing favor to friends and enemies. We are saved by God s grace and mercy (Eph. 2:1-10). 2. Explain what it means that we are not under law but under grace (Rom. 6:14). We are not under law in that we are not under a system of perfect law-keeping to be justified before God. We are under grace, justified by faith in Christ when we obey the gospel of Christ and are forgiven of our sins. 3. Why is it so important to develop longsuffering as part of the character of a Christian? What areas of life will be affected? The Christian s longsuffering helps one to be faithful to the Lord and to get along with others. We need to be longsuffering at work, home, school, church, etc.

28 28 The Nature Of God Questions 1. Define goodness. Upright, righteous, kindly disposition toward others 2. How can we know the standard of what is good? The Bible tells us; God is the perfect standard of goodness. 3. Where can we see God s first act of goodness? His creation of heaven and earth (Gen. 1). 4. How is God continually good to his creation? He continually provides food for His creation of plants, animals, and humans. 5. To whom will God give good things? Every living thing (Psa. 145:9; 15-16) and to those who ask Him (Matt. 7:11) 6. What is the meaning of compassion? A sorrow for the suffering of others accompanied by desire to help them. 7. Why did Jesus look upon the multitudes with compassion? They were like sheep without a shepherd. 8. What is compassion the key to? Forgiveness, helping, and teaching others 9. What does it mean that God is ready to forgive? God wants to forgive us and desires our repentance. 10. What are the conditions for a child of God to be forgiven? One must repent and confess his sins to God (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9) 11. What depends on our forgiving others? God s forgiveness of our sins 12. What does immutability mean? unchangeable 13. Name something about God that does not change. His nature. 14. Describe the three blessings the Christian finds in the immutable God. a. Complete trust in God s word b. Peace of mind c. Hope of eternal life

29 Answer Key Lesson Fill in the Blank and Give the Scripture 1. the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord (Psa. 33:5) 2. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works (Psa. 145:9) 3. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness...for He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness (Psa. 107:8-9) 4. Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another (1 Pet. 3:8) 5. O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You (Psa. 130:3-4) 6. But you are the same, and Your years will have no end (Psa. 102:25-27) True or False 1. T The goodness of God can help us even in our darkest hours. 2. T God is described as full of compassion. 3. F God s compassion will save everyone regardless of how they have lived. 4. F We should forgive others even if they have not repented. 5. F Since God does not change, once I m saved, I m always saved. 6. T I can fully trust that the Bible is true and that God will keep his promises. Thought Questions 1. How do we answer someone who argues that since God is so loving, good, and compassionate, he will somehow save everyone? God is loving and just. His justice demands obedience to His conditions of salvation or suffer the punishment for disobedience. 2. How would you explain the phrase God is faithful (1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13) in view of the immutability of God? One con trust God to faithfully keep His promises for He does not change.

30 30 The Nature Of God Questions Fill in the Blank (give scripture where required) 1. God wants us to be aware of his immeasurable love and awesome wrath. 2. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God. (Rom. 11:22) 3. Many are not afraid of God s wrath because they have no fear of God. 4. Moses pleaded with God to turn from his fierce wrath. 5. In Revelation, one reads about the fierceness of His wrath. (Rev. 16:19) 6. We must serve God with reverence and godly fear. 7. God s fierce wrath is just. 8. It is impossible for a just God not to have wrath toward sin. 9. Proverbs has many verses describing the horrible consequences of a sinful life. 10. It is indifference, not love that causes parents to overlook their children s bad behavior. 11. So rend your heart, and not your garments. (Joel 2:13) 12. Those slow to wrath : have great understanding; will appease strife; and are better than the mighty. 13. Do not make My Father s house a house of merchandise! (Jn. 2:16) 14. You hate all workers of inquity. (Psa. 5:5) 15. We often sin because we seek the pleasure in unrighteousness.

31 Answer Key Lesson True or False 1. T God threatened to destroy the Israelites. 2. F God delights in punishing sinners. 3. T God delights in showing mercy. 4. T It is possible to be angry and not sin. 5. F One may love the Lord and not hate evil. 6. F After God closed the door of the ark, ten people got aboard. 7. T The Israelites often provoked God to anger in the wilderness. 8. F God killed Ananias and Sapphira because of their pride. 9. F Herod died from a heart attack. 10. F A foolish person learns from the mistakes of others. Match the Verse with the Correct Scripture Reference 1. F For our God is a consuming fire a. Genesis 6:8 2. I You have loved righteousness & hated lawlessness b. Psa. 36:1 3. G A righteous man hates lying c. Romans 2:5 4. A Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord d. Genesis 19:24 5. D Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire e. Ecclesiastes 8:13 6. L Therefore the Lord heard this and was furious f. Hebrews 12:29 7. B There is no fear of God before his eyes g. Proverbs 13:5 8. J Do you not fear Me? h. Romans 5:9 9. M Blessed is the man who fears the Lord i. Hebrews 1:9 10. O it will be well with those who fear God j. Jeremiah 5: E But it will not be well with the wicked k. Ecclesiastes 12: K Fear God and keep His commandments l. Psalm 78: C you are treasuring up for yourself wrath m. Psalm 112:1 14. H we shall be saved from wrath through Him n. Acts 22: N Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins o. Eccl. 8:12 Thought Questions 1. How does proper discipline of children show love? Parents are taking time and energy to train their children to speak and act properly which will help them in every relationship in life. 2. Define and give an example of righteous indignation. It is anger caused by injustice, ingratitude, or meanness. An example is Jesus cleansing the temple (Jn. 2:13-17).

32 32 The Nature Of God 3. How did Jesus make it possible for us to escape God s fierce wrath? Jesus, our sacrificial Lamb, died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:13). In His death, His blood was poured out (Jn. 19:34). When we are baptized into His death, His blood washes away our sins (Rom. 6:3; Rev. 1:5).

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34 34 The Nature Of God Questions 1. Why is God s providence difficult to recognize? It is non-miraculous and behind the scenes 2. Give your own short definition of divine providence. It is God s intervention in the affairs of man using non-miraculous means by working within the laws of nature which He established. 3. What does general providence have reference to? It refers to the care and supervision of God over the creaed universe. 4. In what ways does God provide for the existence of the earth and its inhabitants? He made the rain to provide water, sun which is beneficial, and soil producive to provide food for plants and animals. 5. What does special providence have reference to? I has reference to the specific care of God for His people. 6. What does Paul mean that all things work together for good to those who love God? God s righteous ways will always work for the spiritual good of His obedient children. 7. How was God responsible for Joseph being in Egypt? God used the jealousy of Joseph s brothers to motivate them to sell him to some Midianites who took him to Egypt, then worked through various events to place him on a throne of power. 8. How did God use Esther to save the Jewish people? Esther was chosen to be the queen and, as the queen, she was in a position to plead with the king to spare the Jews. 9. How can God influence us without interfering with our free choices? God can influence us through His holy word and other non-miraculous avenues, but we must choose whether to do what is right or wrong. 10. What is the ultimate goal of God s providential work? That He may be glorified and the faithful to with Him in heaven.

35 Answer Key Lesson Why should we not blame God for all the bad things that happen to us? Tragic events are often the result of evil choices made by man blame Satan, not God. 12. How can I know that God loves me if my life is going so badly? You know that God loves you for He sent His Son to die for you (Jn. 3:16; 15:13; Rom. 8:31-39). 13. How will prayer help our daily lives? Prayer helps to keep our minds focused on God and truth which helps us to avoid immoral activities and false deceptions. 14. What should be our reaction when tragedy occurs? We should never doubt God s love for us, but turn to Him for help and comfort. 15. List some positive responses of the Christian to the providence of God. We should be filled with adoration, reverence and gratitude for God s wonderful blessings generously given to us. His providential care frees us from fear and worry and gives us peace and security. Fill in the Blank and Give the Scripture 1. Your will be done (Matt. 6:10) 2. Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them (Psa. 37:24) 3. And he changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings (Dan. 2:21) 4. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand (Psa. 37:24) 5. do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life (Gen. 45:5) 6. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)

36 36 The Nature Of God 7. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (Jas. 5:16) 8. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against You (Psa. 119:11) 9. you ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live and do this and that (Jas. 4:15) 10. It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him (1 Sam. 3:18) True or False 1. F The providence of God describes how God performs miracles on our behalf. 2. T God is aware and involved in the affairs of men and nations today. 3. F Special providence refers to God s care and supervision over the created universe. 4. F Joseph never understood why he ended up in Egypt. 5. T Esther was willing to die to try and save her people. 6. F If I choose to step off a cliff, it is God s fault if something bad happens. 7. T How God answers my prayer is decided by God himself. 8. F If I am a Christian, God will keep me from ever suffering through any tragedy. 9. F A humble, godly life will not help me live a safer, healthier, and longer life. 10. T God s providence helps us overcome earthly fears, pressures, and worries. Thought Questions 1. List some specific truths (principles, warnings, commands) that God reveals in his word that will help a person live a life that is healthier, safer, longer, and happier. Proverbs 1:10-19; 4:14-19 warns about the evil consequences of being with bad company; Prov. 5:1-14; 7:7-23 tells about the painful results of being enticed to engage in sexual immorality; Prov. 23:29-35 tells of the bodily harm caused by drinking alcoholic beverages; 1 Cor. 15:33 tells us to avoid bad companions.

37 Lesson Why should a Christian still pray for the sick to recover, those traveling to be safe, and the lost to obey the gospel if there is no absolute guarantee that it will happen? We should see God s providential assistance for others and ourselves in all things for we know He loves us and desires what is in our best interest even though He is working behind the scenes. Being spiritually minded can help us avoid many dangers in this life because we will be alert to danger and avoid trouble. 3. How does the providence of God make us stronger as we encounter and experience the evil and suffering of this present world (consider 2 Cor. 12:7-10 and Jas. 5:10-11)? So Paul would not be filled with pride, he was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Job s faith in God grew stronger by suffering through severe trials (Job 42:5; Jas. 5:10-11). The Psalmist said, It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statues, (Psa. 119:71).

38 38 The Nature Of God Questions 1. In Psalm 50:16-21, why did the wicked think that God would not punish them for their sins? God did not punish them immediately when they sinned. 2. Sinners are in grave danger of God doing what to them (Psa. 50:22)? Tearing them to pieces. 3. Does God approve, or disapprove, whatever we approve or disapprove? No. 4. How much higher are God s ways and thoughts than ours? As the heavens are higher than the earth (Isa.55:8-9). 5. What color is God? Explain. He does not have any color. He is spirit. 6. Why is it impossible for God to die? He is without corruptible flesh. 7. Why did Jesus put on a body of flesh? To be tempted as we are and to be subjectedto death. 8. Has God ever been sick or tired? No. 9. What does it mean that God rested from His work? He ceased His work of creation. 10. When God makes an unconditional promise, are there any circumstances that may arise to keep him from keeping that promise? No. 11. What removes sin from our souls? Christ s blood. (give scripture Matt. 26:28; Rev. 1:5) 12. When is sin removed from the soul of the non-christian? In baptism (give scripture Acts 22:16) 13. What separates us from God s fellowship? Sin 14. Should we rejoice when something bad happens to our enemies? No (Prov. 24:17)

39 Answer Key Lesson What does reconcile mean? Reconcile means, To bring back to friendship after estrangement 16. Who took the initiative in reconciling God and man? God 17. Who spoke often about the existence of hell? Jesus 18.Does God know your thoughts? Yes (give scripture Psa. 94:11; Matt. 9:4) 19. When will every secret be revealed? In the judgment 20. Where is the scripture that teaches that God approves of all religious denominations? There is none. 21. What is our most important concept? Our concept of God s nature and will. Fill in the Blank 1. God s judgment is different from man s because he looks on the heart and man looks at the outward appearance (give scripture 1 Sam. 16:7) 2. God cannot lie (give the scripture Titus 1:2). 3. God cannot be deceived (Galatians 6:7-8). 4. Since God is a just God, he cannot be bribed. 5. Many want their God to allow them to live as they please. 6. God wants all to be saved. (1 Tim. 2:3-4). 7. The eyes of the Lord are in every place. (give scripture Prov. 15:3) 8. Denominationalism involves religious division. 9. He who believes and is baptized will be saved (give scripture Mk. 16:16)

40 40 The Nature Of God Match the Verse with the Correct Scripture Reference 1. B For the Lord does not see as man sees a. Numbers 23:19 2. D For there is no partiality with God b. 1 Samuel 16:7 3. F Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God c. Isaiah 1:11 4. A God is not a man, that He should lie d. Romans 2:11 5. C To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me e. Isaiah 40:28 6. E The Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary f. Psalm 90:2 True or False 1. F God does not look on sin as terrible. 2. F God delights in punishing us. 3. F God will not punish anyone eternally in hell. 4. T If your name is not in the Book of Life, you will be cast into hell. 5. T God wants the sinner warned about hell. 6. T God can see in the darkness. 7. F It is alright to disobey God if it makes you happy. 8. T Jesus prayed for all disciples to be united. 9. F The Bible teaches that Jesus was born on Christmas. Thought Questions 1. What proves how much God hates sin? He planned and permitted His beloved Son to die a very painful deathon a cross,even though Jesus pleaded with Him to find another way to save man if possible. 2. Why does God s love for sinners not prevent him from casting the wicked into hell? His justice demands that sinners be punished for disobeying Him or no one would respect his commandments. 3. How can one be reconciled with God? One can only be reconciled to the holy Father by having his sins washed away with the precious blood of Jesus in baptism. 4. List several reasons why God does not approve of denominational churches. Jesus prayed for unity, but they cause division (Jn. 17:20-23). They deceive people into believing false doctrines, they are

41 Lesson members of the Lord s church, their worship is acceptable to God, and they are saved from God s wrath.