Who is God? The Attributes of God: Knowing His Nature (2)

Introduction: One of the most vital aspects of our faith is understanding who God is. By exploring God’s attributes, we deepen our love, trust, and worship of Him.

   What are Attributes? Attributes are qualities or characteristics that describe an object, person, or concept. They provide specific details that help identify, categorize, or define something.

   EXAMPLE: My attributes might include height, eye color, or personality traits. Therefore, Kim is 5’6”, has brown eyes and, a gray goatee, is naturally quiet, and is bald.

Non-Moral and Moral Attributes

   We are going to cover what is called the non-moral attributes of God (those that belong to God exclusively, so that nothing resembles them in a created being or spirit) and the moral attributes of God (these attributes belong to God and are seen in God’s relating to mankind. We can see limited manifestations of these attributes in His created beings and spirits).

   Read: Psalm 145:8-9: “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made.” 

   Charles Spurgeon: “Plunge yourself in the Godhead’s deepest sea; be lost in His immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated. I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so clam the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.”

Reading through some of the names of God can be helpful in our search for what God is like. They are as follows:

Elohim - strong One, divine – Genesis 1:1

Adonai - Lord, indicating a Master-to-servant relationship – Exodis 4:10,13)

El Elyon - Most High, the strongest One – Genesis 14:20

El Roi - the strong One who sees – Genesis 16:13

El Shaddai - Almighty God – Genesis 17:1

El Olam - Everlasting God – Isaiah 40:28

Yahweh - LORD “I AM,” meaning the eternal, self-existent God – Exodus 3:13-14 (Got Questions.com)

Part 1: God’s Non-Moral Attributes

God is Sovereign (Chief, Highest or Supreme). There is no one like our God - Psalm 103:19; 2 Samuel 7:28; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

   Explanation: The idea of sovereignty is an encouraging one, for it assures the Christian that nothing is out of God’s control and that His plans do triumph.

   Knowing that God is sovereign means that I don’t have to worry about tomorrow. God is in control of my every tomorrow. This might be easy to say, but harder to live out. But we need to remember that God is in control of all things.

Applying this truth: So many areas of my life would change if I accepted the truth that God is in control of every aspect of my life (See Matthew 6:25-34 “Do not worry about your life”).

   Charles Haddon Spurgeon: "There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of Divine Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children of God ought more earnestly to contend than the dominion of their Master over all creation—the kingship of God over all the works of His own hands—the throne of God, and His right to sit upon that throne."

2. God is Eternal (Always been and will always be). There never will be a time when God is not. Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 44:6; Revelation 1:8; 1 Timothy 1:17

   Explanation: God has always existed, and there has never been a time when God has not been. He had no beginning, and He will never end.  

   We are bound by time, but God is not bound by time. He has always existed – He sees the past and the future as clearly as He sees the present. With this perspective, He has a better understanding of what is best for our lives.

   Knowing this truth means that we should be willing to trust Him with our lives (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Application: God's eternal nature assures believers that His promises never expire or change. For example, the promise of eternal life in John 3:16 is as relevant today as it was when first spoken.

   A.W. Pink in his book The Attributes of God writes: "God was under no constraint, no obligation, no necessity to create. That He chose to do so was purely a sovereign act on His part, caused by nothing outside Himself, determined by nothing but His own mere good pleasure; for He 'worketh all things after the counsel of His own will.' That He did create was simply for His manifestative glory. Do you not see, then, that God is eternal? He had neither beginning nor end. He is the cause of all things and the foundation of everything that exists."

3. God is omniscient (All-Knowing). He knows what is on each of our minds right now. We cannot hide anything from God. Psalm 139:1-4; Isaiah 46:9-10

   Explanation: God knows everything—past, present, and future—including our thoughts and desires. Nothing surprises Him.

  Imagine reading a book where the author already knows every twist and turn. God’s knowledge exceeds this, as He is the author of creation itself. God has the Ph.D. of all Ph.D. degrees in every subject matter conceivable to mankind.

Application: Trust God with your future, for He sees it clearly. Bring your questions and uncertainties to Him.

   J.I. Packer in his book Knowing God: "God knows everything, and it is only because He knows everything that we can know anything. His knowledge is not only comprehensive but also immediate and perfect—nothing escapes His notice, and everything is fully known to Him. He knows us better than we know ourselves. His knowledge, His wisdom, and His understanding are beyond our comprehension."

4. God is Omnipotence (All-Powerful). There is nothing God cannot do, but He does nothing that goes against His attributes. Jeremiah 32:17; Jeremiah 32:17,27; Matthew 19:26; Revelation 19:6

    Explanation: God has unlimited power and is able to accomplish anything according to His will. He will only act within his character.

   Scripture tells us that God spoke everything into existence out of nothing – ex nihilo (Latin phrase: creation from nothing). We live in a universe full of complexity—from galaxies to DNA. All of this points to God’s boundless power. Nothing is too hard for God.

Application: Rely on God’s strength in your weaknesses. Trust His power to work in and through you.

5. God is omnipresent (Present Everywhere). Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:23; Matthew 28:20

   Explanation: God is fully present everywhere at all times. There is no place we can hide from Him. This does not mean that God is everything.

   A great way to think about this is like the air around us that we breathe without thinking, God’s presence surrounds us constantly.

Application: Be comforted by God’s presence in times of loneliness or fear. He is always nearby.

6. God is Immutable (Unchanging in His Attributes). God never changes. Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 102:26-27; Hebrews 13:8

   Explanation: God’s nature and character never change. His promises and purposes are steadfast.

   God is a Constant – He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). Now, contrast God’s constancy with the shifting sands of culture and human emotions. Science is always changing because the field is evolving.

Application: Anchor your life in God’s unchanging truth and character, especially in uncertain times.

   John Piper in his book Desiring God: "God’s immutability means that he is utterly trustworthy. He never changes in his nature, promises, or purposes. If God was ever different from what he is now, we could not trust him. But he is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

7. God is Holy (Separated from all moral defilement and hostile toward it). Exodus 3:2, 4-5; Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 1:13; Hebrews 12:29; Revelation 4:8

   Explanation: God is completely set apart from sin and wholly pure.

   Can you define the word “holy”? Give it a try (Wait for some answers).Think of the sun—powerful, pure, and untouchable without protection. God’s holiness is far greater (Read: Isaiah 6:3).

Application: Approach God with reverence and humility, acknowledging His perfection.

   R.C. Sproul wrote: "Holiness is not one of God's attributes among others; it is the very essence of His being. It is His holiness that defines His other attributes. His justice is holy, His mercy is holy, His love is holy. To know God is to know Him as holy."

Part 2: God’s Moral Attributes

   The moral attributes of God are seen in God’s relation to mankind. We can see limited manifestations of these attributes in His created beings and spirits. For example:

God is Love. Love is a verb. God shows His love toward His creation. 1 John 3:1, 4:8; Romans 5:8

   Explanation: God’s love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.

   A great way to think about God’s love is that of a parent’s love for a child—imperfect yet enduring—reflects God’s perfect love for us.

Application: Reflect God’s love in your relationships. Love sacrificially and unconditionally.

   Tim Keller wrote, "The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope."

2. God is Just (He is no respecter of persons in the sense of showing favoritism). Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 18:30; Micah 6:8

   Explanation: God upholds perfect justice, ensuring that all wrongs are addressed in His time.

  What is the purpose of a judge in a courtroom?  He helps ensure that laws are upheld. God’s justice is far greater, motivated by His perfect holiness.

Application: Pursue justice in your community while trusting God to bring ultimate justice.

   Alistair Begg penned: "God’s justice means that He will right all wrongs, and He will do so in His perfect time and in His perfect way. His justice is neither arbitrary nor capricious, but is always fair, righteous, and in alignment with His holiness."

3. God is Merciful. Ephesians 2:4-5; Lamentations 3:22-23

   Explanation: God’s mercy withholds the punishment we deserve and offers grace instead.

   I heard a story years ago about the emperor Napolean judging criminals. A young boy came before him who was accused of being a horse thief. Napolean asked the boy his name.  The boy hesitated, and then answered, “My name is Napolean.” The emperor said, “I have never done this before, but today I am going to show you mercy and let you go.” The boy turned around and started to walk away. The emperor told the boy to stop and turn around. The emperor looked at the boy and he said, “Change your ways, or change your name.” This story mirrors God’s mercy toward us. We deserve God’s wrath, but He gives us mercy.

Application: Extend mercy to others, remembering how God has been merciful to you.

4. God is Faithful. 2 Timothy 2:13; Lamentations 3:23

   Explanation: God is reliable and keeps His promises.

   What is the purpose of a lighthouse? The lighthouse guides ships through storms.  It is there to remind ships of pending danger. The lighthouse reflects God’s unwavering faithfulness.

Application: Trust in God’s promises, even when circumstances challenge your faith.

5. God is Good (Everything God does is good). Psalm 34:8; James 1:17

   Explanation: The goodness of God is His perfect moral character and inherent nature to act with love, kindness, mercy, justice, and faithfulness. It reflects His unwavering commitment to what is right and beneficial for His creation, revealed through His actions, provisions, and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

   A gardener tending plants with care and patience reflects God’s goodness toward us.

   Here at SLBC, we have a thing we do at certain times. From the pulpit, I will say, “God is Good” and the congregation says, “All the time.” Then I say, “All the time” and the congregation says, “God is Good.” And He is!!!

Application: Recognize and give thanks for God’s goodness in your daily life. Share His goodness with others.

Conclusion: Understanding God’s attributes is not just an intellectual exercise—it’s a life-changing truth that deepens our faith, strengthens our trust, and fuels our worship. When we grasp who God truly is, our worries fade, our faith grows, and our hearts are moved to love Him more.

   This week, I challenge you to meditate on one attribute of God each day. Ask yourself—how does this truth about God shape my life, my decisions, and my relationship with Him?

When you feel uncertain, remember that God is sovereign—He’s in control.

When you feel alone, remember that God is omnipresent—He is with you.

When you feel weak, remember that God is omnipotent—He is your strength.

When you feel unworthy, remember that God is love—His grace covers you.

   A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Let’s make sure our thoughts of God are shaped by His Word, not by the world.

   This week, memorize Psalm 145:8-9 and share with someone how one attribute of God has impacted your life. As you do, may your heart be filled with awe, your faith be strengthened, and your love for God be renewed.

   Here at SLBC we often will do the following as a Pastor and People. I will say, God is good, and the congregation will say all the time. I then say, All the time, and the congregation says, God is good!

   Let’s live in the light of who He is!