Systematic Theology Part 2

PART II — THE DOCTRINE OF GOD (THEOLOGY PROPER)

Chapters: 4-6

What Christians Mean by “God”

P 31. “When something means everything it means Nothing” How has our vagueness to God potentially called people to miss who HE is?

The Attributes of God

I. God is the personal:

Personhood:

a. Mind - He thinks and Plans

b. Will - He chooses and Acts

c. Emotion - He feels both Love and Grief

He has emotions. He is not ruled by them.

Does that mean becoming emotionally regulated is spiritual formation?

Spiritual Formation = The intentional process of being transformed into Christ’s Image (Romans 12:1) by Holy Spirit’s power. It is the reason an individual can follow the greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37-39, Deuteronomy 6:5) It reforms the inner man by reshaping of the mind, will and emotions. It goes far beyond intellectual consumption.

God possesses emotions. He is not possessed by them. (Ex, 1 John 4:8,Zephenian 3:17,Psalm 7:11,Exodus 20:5,Genesis 6:6, Psalm 37:12-13)

A. Gods attributes can be seen in Creation Itself

Romans 1:19–20 NKJV

because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

In Nature we see:

Intelligent Design

Order in the cosmos

A systematized Creation

From a naturalistic viewpoint this would be be referred to as Teleological (Telos= end,purpose). This thought process argues that creation is designed purposefully. It is well beyond cause and effect. Therefore a complicated creation, has to have an intelligent designer. For example, a car must have an engineer.

p33. God Immenent. He sustains the world.

Hebrews 11:3 NKJV

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Acts 17:27–28 NKJV

so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

Psalm 139:7–10 NKJV

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.

Acts 17:27–28 NKJV

so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

B. God is Creator

The Trinity

Key Scriptures:

Exodus 3:14 NKJV

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

God is the initial cause and has no end.

Psalm 50:12 NKJV

“If I were hungry, I would not tell you; For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.

Aseity from Himself= God’s total indepence, self sustainment and existence or

Acts 17:24–25 NKJV

God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.

Since God does not need us, Our very existence declares how generous his by giving us life.

Isaiah 6:1–5 NKJV

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts.”

John 4:24 NKJV

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Matthew 28:19 NKJV

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Questions:

What does God’s name “I AM” reveal about His nature?

(Exodus 3:14)

How does God’s holiness redefine how we approach Him?

(Isaiah 6:1–5)

What does it mean that God is Spirit, and how does that shape worship?

(John 4:24)

How do God’s attributes (love, justice, mercy) work together without contradiction?

(Psalm 89:14)

What is the danger of creating a version of God based on preference rather than Scripture?

How can we hold both the transcendence and nearness of God in tension?

(Isaiah 57:15)

What is the Trinity, and why is it essential to Christian faith?

(Matthew 28:19)

How do we see each Person of the Trinity active in salvation?

(2 Corinthians 13:14)

Why is understanding God foundational to every other doctrine?

How should studying God lead to awe, humility, and worship?