Who is this God?
Since the dawn of civilization, Mankind has sought to know God and worship him. The Egyptians saw God in the Sun, the source of life for the creation. The Greeks and the Hindus worship many gods and goddesses, who have specific powers over nature. The Greek mythology shows the gods with personalities, emotions, conflict,s and dramas, just like humans
The God of Jesus and the Bible calls himself YHWH*, meaning I am who I am. He, too, has emotions like humans. On the one hand, this God is not mysterious or difficult to understand, as he tells us plainly about himself in the Bible: his personality, his likes and dislikes, what he thinks of us, Mankind, and ultimately, what he expects from us. On the other hand, the knowledge of God and the universe he creates is so profound and unfathomable that our knowledge barely scratches the surface of who he is. Still, what we may know is sufficient for us to know how to worship him and to have a relationship with him. And because the Bibe says that we are made in God’s image, in his likeness and that he is actively involved in our lives, knowing God then is the first step towards knowing ourselves.
Getting to know is a lifetime learning. In this Bible Study, we lay the foundation by highlighting key features about God and by examining what it means in our daily life if we truly believe in him.
*The Jewish tradition gives God other names like Adonai (the LORD), and El Shaddai and Elohim (God almighty) to avoid misusing the name YHWH, which to be revered.
He is the Creator of the Universe
While many religions call created things like the sun and fire their gods, the Bible calls the Creator Himself the one and only God. This God demonstrates his all-powerfulness (omnipotence) not only in the creation of the universe, but also in his power to preserve and destroy it.
His Power to Create
Genesis chapters 1 and 2 describe how God created the world by spoken words. When he made Mankind on Day 6, however, he took the dust from the earth to form a being, then he breathed into its nostrils to bring it to life.
Please note that the account of creation is not intended as a scientific proof, but rather it should be read as a literary work to help us gleam from the story the meaning of the Creation.
His Power to Preserve
Psalm 36:6b and Job 28, where God talks about the works he does to keep the universe in balance and in continuous operations.
His Power Destroy
Read Genesis 6:7, Genesis 19:13, and 2 Peter 3:10
Reflection
We humans call the earth our home, and we take ownership of everything in it. But we often forget that we didn’t create it. God did. And he gladly let us live in it. What do these Bible verses tell you about how God feels about his creation?
God has Sovereignty over the Creation
To have sovereignty over something is to have the rights, authority, and power to rule over it. We have already established that God has the power to control the universe. Here God claims the ownership that gives Him the right to rule.
Read Psalm 50:10-12 of all living things
Read Isaiah 43:1 of people
Read Psalm 60: 7- 8 of nations
Furthermore, God claims authority over the creation because his plans always triumph.
Read Job 42:2 and Proverbs 16:9
Reflection
1. What do you hear in God's voice when he speaks in no uncertain terms that everything belongs to him? How does it feel to know that God claims you as one who belongs to him? Your life is not a random accident. Your existence in this world matters to your Creator.
2. We often make plans for our lives without much thought about God or his plan. We decide what to study, where to work, and whom to vote for political office. As you become more aware that God, too, has a plan for us, does that motivate you to go to him for guidance and directions?
Read Psalm 33:13-15 God watches over human activities
Read Matthew 10:29-30 God knows everything - even small things we don't notice
Read Psalm 139:4-12 God knows our thoughts
Read 1 Kings 8:39 God knows our hearts
Read Hebrews 4: 13 Nothing is hidden from God’s sight.
Reflection
It may be hard to believe that the God of the Universe, who has more important things to do, pays attention to my little life. Not only does he know about my heart, my thoughts, and my movements, but he actually really cares! God notices me even among the 8.2 billion people in the world today. He values me as an individual, and he cares about the choices and decisions I make. This is a God who sees me.
God is All Knowing
God Made Mankind in His Image
Mankind is made from the dust, to walk on earth with flesh and blood, like other creatures God made. Though we share many similar characteristics with them, God sets us apart from the rest of the creation because we are made to be like him. (Genesis 2:7). Here are some of our god-like qualities.
Creative, Expressive, and Passionate. We have the passion to create and the imagination to be creative. We express our creativity not only in the arts, music, and literature. Human creativity is also evident in the tools we develop, the discovery of science, in the making of laws, and in the planning and organization of cities and roads. The list goes on.
Relationship and Connection. We are relationship-oriented. We long for connection and intimacy with other human beings and with God.
We are sovereign – we are given the sovereignty over our lives. We have authority and control over ourselves. And along with that, we are responsible and accountable for our actions.
We have the moral consciousness that tells us what is right and wrong, and when we do wrong, we have the capacity to feel shame and guilt.
This characteristic draws us to worship God as our Creator. They also generate the desire in us to know God and to connect with him personally.
Reflection
Humans are the crown jewel of God's creation! And each one of us is unique and special. God gives me the gifts to be creative and purposeful. He instills in me the desire for love and the need for connection. But because we live in a fallen world where our self-image may be obscured or our sovereignty may be robbed, we may feel inhibited from being authentic and fearful of being judged. But it's never too late to turn to God for healing and be restored to our glorious and godly image.
God is Our Father and Mother
We have already seen that God creates every person on earth, and we all belong to him. In practice, God uses human biology to bring new lives to the world – and we call the people who conceive us our human father and mother. God entrusts them with the authority and responsibility to take care of the human babies until adulthood. All along, however, God never relinquishes his role as the heavenly father and mother for us. This is how we know:
Read Matthew 6: 25-32 God provides for our basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
Read Psalms 68: 5 – 6 God defends and cares for those who are alone.
Read Hebrews 12: 1-12 God disciplines us
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3 – 7, Isaiah 66: 13 & Revelation 21:3-5 God comforts us.
Read Psalm 142:3 God watches over me when I am weak
Reflection
Are you surprised to see so many parental attributes of God in the Bible? And there are even more: God is also our defender, vindicator, deliverer, and refuge. Elsewhere in the Bible, God expresses his tender desire and longing for us to love him, and to have a relationship with Him.
Most of us tend to project our experience with our parents or caretakers on God. For example, If we were neglected by our parents, we assume God would reject us. Study out these Bible verses and build a true image of God by his own words and promises.
What God Expects of Us
To worship and honor Him as the One and Only God
God expects us to worship him as the One and Only God. Celestial beings like angels and demons may assert their spiritual power over Mankind, but they are not God and we are strictly prohibited from obeying or worshiping them. God demands our total and undivided devotion to Him, the one true God.
Read Exodus 23:3-4, 34:14, and Matthew 6:24
To Trust Him and to Obey His Commands
Read Deuteronomy 30
To Trust Him to Judge, Revenge, and Deliver Justice
Read 1 Peter 2:23 and Romans 12:19
To Trust Him to Provide for our Daily Needs
Read Matthew 6:33
Reflection
The Bible has much more to say about what God expects of us. Most of us are brought up to believe that God has a list of rules for us to follow, and when we fall short, He is ready to punish us. So we tend to want to hide from God. These Bible verses show us that our God is much more than a list of do's. God is making a covenant with us. Our part is to trust him, depend on him, and obey him. He in turn promises to provide for us, protect us, bless us, and show us infinite love and mercy. Can this deal be too good to be true?
Final Reflection
You may have an image of God before starting this Bible Study. I hope the Bible Studies open your eyes to see how much God talks about Himself in the Bible and motivate you to want to learn more. Has your picture of God changed? Or perhaps you have more questions now. Go to God in prayers to let him know what you love about him, what you don't understand about him, and how you want to get to know him more.
Let this Bible Study serve as an appetizer. Continue to grow in your hunger for God and for a deeper connection with Him.
