Knowing God - Lesson 1 “Who Is God?” - Cameron Jungles Wed PM 1/8/14

“Knowing God”

 

This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jer. 9:23–24, NIV)

 

Lesson 1

 

“Who Is God?”

 

The Existence &

Self-Revelation of God

 

1. Who Is God?

 

Improper Views of God

Ø  Atheism

Ø  Agnosticism

Ø  Animism

Ø  Pantheism

Ø  Henotheism

Ø  Polytheism

Ø  Deism

 

Definition of God

Ø  God is the infinite and perfect Spirit in whom all things have their source, support, and end.

Ø  God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

 

2. How can I know God exists?

 

God’s Existence

Ø  Assumed in Scripture w/o proof

Ø  God is under no obligation to prove to man that he exists.

Ø  Proof of God’s existence is not necessary because everyone already has an innate knowledge of God (Psalm 19; Romans 1).

 

God’s Existence

Ø  Existence of God must be accepted by faith not reason.

Ø  Rational arguments are inadequate to prove the existence of God.

Ø  We know God because he has revealed himself to us.

 

3. How can I know God?

 

General Revelation

Ø  Declares God’s existence and greatness through his works

ü  Creation

ü  Man’s Conscience

ü  Providence/History

Ø  Lays framework for special revelation

Ø  Insufficient for salvation

 

Special Revelation

Ø  Declares God’s goodness and saving grace through his words

ü  Direct Revelation

ü  Angels

ü  Prophets/Apostles – Bible

ü  Jesus Christ

Ø  Completes/interprets general rev.

Ø  Sufficient for salvation