KNOWING GOD MESSAGE 4
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KNOWING GOD
KNOWING GOD
MESSAGE 4
MESSAGE 4
Spirit
God is Spirit
God is Spirit
God is not material or corporeal (i.e. He does not possess a physical body).
God is not material or corporeal (i.e. He does not possess a physical body).
Two of the greatest implications of this truth are:
Two of the greatest implications of this truth are:
(1) God is not confined to any of the physical restraints so common to humanity, and
(1) God is not confined to any of the physical restraints so common to humanity, and
(2) God is not visible and therefore should never be degraded with images made by men.
(2) God is not visible and therefore should never be degraded with images made by men.
At times, the Scriptures speak of God as if He possessed a physical body.
At times, the Scriptures speak of God as if He possessed a physical body.
There are references to His arms, back, breath, ears, eyes, face, feet, fingers, etc.
There are references to His arms, back, breath, ears, eyes, face, feet, fingers, etc.
How do we explain these references in light of the truth that God is spirit?
How do we explain these references in light of the truth that God is spirit?
In theology, these references are considered anthropomorphic [Greek:anthrópos, man + morphé, form] expressions.
In theology, these references are considered anthropomorphic [Greek:anthrópos, man + morphé, form] expressions.
In other words, God is simply attributing to Himself human characteristics in order to communicate a truth about Himself in a way that men can comprehend.
In other words, God is simply attributing to Himself human characteristics in order to communicate a truth about Himself in a way that men can comprehend.
For example, the Bible speaks of God’s “wings,” and of His people “hiding under the shadow of His wings” (Exodus 19:4; Ruth 2:12; Psalm 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4 ).
For example, the Bible speaks of God’s “wings,” and of His people “hiding under the shadow of His wings” (Exodus 19:4; Ruth 2:12; Psalm 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; 61:4; 63:7; 91:4 ).
4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, Hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, Hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: For my soul trusteth in thee: Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, Until these calamities be overpast.
1 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: For my soul trusteth in thee: Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, Until these calamities be overpast.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
4 I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.
7 Because thou hast been my help, Therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
7 Because thou hast been my help, Therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, And under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, And under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
It would be absurd to interpret such statements literally.
It would be absurd to interpret such statements literally.
1. How do the Scriptures describe God in John 4:24?
1. How do the Scriptures describe God in John 4:24?
a. God is S____________.
a. God is S____________.
2. According to the following Scriptures, how shall we live in light of the truth that God is Spirit?
2. According to the following Scriptures, how shall we live in light of the truth that God is Spirit?
a. We must worship God sincerely (John 4:24).
a. We must worship God sincerely (John 4:24).
NOTES:
NOTES:
The reference to worshiping God “in spirit” has two possible meanings:
The reference to worshiping God “in spirit” has two possible meanings:
(1) we must worship God with all our being, sincerely and profoundly; or
(1) we must worship God with all our being, sincerely and profoundly; or
(2) we must worship God in the power and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
(2) we must worship God in the power and under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The reference to worshiping God “in truth” also has two possible meanings:
The reference to worshiping God “in truth” also has two possible meanings:
(1) we must worship God truthfully, sincerely, and with integrity; or
(1) we must worship God truthfully, sincerely, and with integrity; or
(2) we must worship God according to the truth—i.e. according to the will of God revealed in the Scriptures.
(2) we must worship God according to the truth—i.e. according to the will of God revealed in the Scriptures.
b. We must avoid associating God with a religious building or ascribing to God any human limitation or need (Acts 17:24-25).
b. We must avoid associating God with a religious building or ascribing to God any human limitation or need (Acts 17:24-25).
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
NOTES: The fact that God has no need is wonderfully demonstrated in Psalm 50:10-12— “For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
NOTES: The fact that God has no need is wonderfully demonstrated in Psalm 50:10-12— “For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, And the cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: And the wild beasts of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine.
I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine.
If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and all it contains.”
If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and all it contains.”
3. How do the Scriptures describe God in Hebrews 11:27?
3. How do the Scriptures describe God in Hebrews 11:27?
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
a. God is He who is U__________________.
a. God is He who is U__________________.
NOTES: If God is invisible, how do we explain the passages of Scripture where He seems to reveal Himself in a visible form?
NOTES: If God is invisible, how do we explain the passages of Scripture where He seems to reveal Himself in a visible form?
To answer, we must first understand two principles of Bible interpretation.
To answer, we must first understand two principles of Bible interpretation.
First, the Bible does not contradict itself.
First, the Bible does not contradict itself.
Second, the passages of Scripture that are difficult to interpret with certainty should be interpreted in light of those passages whose interpretation is unmistakable.
Second, the passages of Scripture that are difficult to interpret with certainty should be interpreted in light of those passages whose interpretation is unmistakable.
The Scriptures clearly state that God is invisible; therefore, the “visible” appearances of God in the Scriptures (with the exception of the incarnation of the Son of God) should be interpreted as “visions”—symbolic representations of spiritual reality.
The Scriptures clearly state that God is invisible; therefore, the “visible” appearances of God in the Scriptures (with the exception of the incarnation of the Son of God) should be interpreted as “visions”—symbolic representations of spiritual reality.
Ezekiel tells us (Ezek 1:1) that “the heavens were opened” and he “saw visions of God.”
Ezekiel tells us (Ezek 1:1) that “the heavens were opened” and he “saw visions of God.”
1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
In verse Ezek 1: 28, the prophet summarizes these visions as “the appearance of the likeness God Is Spirit of the glory of the Lord.”
In verse Ezek 1: 28, the prophet summarizes these visions as “the appearance of the likeness God Is Spirit of the glory of the Lord.”
28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.
In Daniel 7:9-15, Daniel sees a symbolic vision of God the Father as the “Ancient of Days.”
In Daniel 7:9-15, Daniel sees a symbolic vision of God the Father as the “Ancient of Days.”
9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.
10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time.
13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.
14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.
In Luke 3:22, John the Baptist sees a vision of the heavens “opening” and the Holy Spirit descending with the appearance of a dove (the symbolism is obvious).
In Luke 3:22, John the Baptist sees a vision of the heavens “opening” and the Holy Spirit descending with the appearance of a dove (the symbolism is obvious).
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
4. What do the following Scriptures affirm about God, especially about His invisibility?
4. What do the following Scriptures affirm about God, especially about His invisibility?
a. I Timothy 1:17 b. I Timothy 6:15-16
a. I Timothy 1:17 b. I Timothy 6:15-16
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
NOTES: God’s invisibility is mentioned as one of the attributes that distinguishes Him from His creation. God’s person and existence are unfathomable.
NOTES: God’s invisibility is mentioned as one of the attributes that distinguishes Him from His creation. God’s person and existence are unfathomable.
He can only be known to the degree that He chooses to reveal Himself.
He can only be known to the degree that He chooses to reveal Himself.
5. According to the following texts, how should we live in light of the truth of God’s invisibility?
5. According to the following texts, how should we live in light of the truth of God’s invisibility?
a. Deuteronomy 4:11-12; 15-16
a. Deuteronomy 4:11-12; 15-16
11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.
12 And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.
15 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:
16 Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female,
NOTES: Any attempt to make a figure or drawing of the living God will lead to a distortion of His image and a diminishing of His glory.
NOTES: Any attempt to make a figure or drawing of the living God will lead to a distortion of His image and a diminishing of His glory.
Therefore, all forms of idolatry must be avoided like the plague.
Therefore, all forms of idolatry must be avoided like the plague.
Furthermore, we must seek to think only those thoughts about God that are firmly grounded and supported by the Scriptures.
Furthermore, we must seek to think only those thoughts about God that are firmly grounded and supported by the Scriptures.
b. I Timothy 1:17; 6:15-16
b. I Timothy 1:17; 6:15-16
17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
6. God is immaterial (i.e. spirit) and invisible.
6. God is immaterial (i.e. spirit) and invisible.
How then can we know such a God?
How then can we know such a God?
According to the following Scriptures, how has God revealed Himself (i.e. made Himself known) to men?
According to the following Scriptures, how has God revealed Himself (i.e. made Himself known) to men?
a. According to the words of Jesus in John 6:46, has any man ever seen the Father?
a. According to the words of Jesus in John 6:46, has any man ever seen the Father?
46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Who has seen the Father?
Who has seen the Father?
b. If no one has ever seen God the Father except for the Son, how has the Father made Himself known to men? How can we understand who God is? Who can explain such things to us? What does John 1:18 teach us? NOTES: The word “explained” comes from the Greek word exegéomai, which means, “to interpret, explain, exposit, or expound.” The Son explains God to us through His life and His teaching. The NET Bible provides us with a very useful translation: “No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known.”
b. If no one has ever seen God the Father except for the Son, how has the Father made Himself known to men? How can we understand who God is? Who can explain such things to us? What does John 1:18 teach us? NOTES: The word “explained” comes from the Greek word exegéomai, which means, “to interpret, explain, exposit, or expound.” The Son explains God to us through His life and His teaching. The NET Bible provides us with a very useful translation: “No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known.”
18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
c. According to the following Scriptures, why is Jesus uniquely qualified to show us God the Father?
c. According to the following Scriptures, why is Jesus uniquely qualified to show us God the Father?
(1) Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3 NOTES: The word “image” comes from the Greek word eikón, which is properly translated, “image” or “likeness.”
(1) Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3 NOTES: The word “image” comes from the Greek word eikón, which is properly translated, “image” or “likeness.”
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Who but God could be the exact image of God? Any lesser being would not be a true image of God’s infinite excellencies, but only a slight and distorted representation.
Who but God could be the exact image of God? Any lesser being would not be a true image of God’s infinite excellencies, but only a slight and distorted representation.
The Son can be the image of God only because “He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature” (Hebrews 1:3).
The Son can be the image of God only because “He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature” (Hebrews 1:3).
3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
(2) John 14:9
(2) John 14:9
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
NOTES: It is important to recognize that Jesus’ words would be blasphemy if He were not God in the fullest and strictest sense of the term.
NOTES: It is important to recognize that Jesus’ words would be blasphemy if He were not God in the fullest and strictest sense of the term.
It is a foundational truth of Christianity that everything that we might ever want to discover about God is found in the Man Christ Jesus.
It is a foundational truth of Christianity that everything that we might ever want to discover about God is found in the Man Christ Jesus.
