"God of... " - A Summary

As we finish our long-running “God of…” series, in which we learned many aspects of God’s character, majesty, and authority, I would like to take the time to summarize the past three and a half months of study.

Over the sixteen weeks we learned that God is the God of…

…hosts – stated 49 times in Old Testament, 9 of those in Amos (example: Psalm 89:7-8)

…heaven – found 17 times in Old Testament, 2 times in New Testament (example: Ezra 6:10)

…my salvation – found 11 times in the Bible (example: Psalm 18:46)

…peace – found 6 times in New Testament (Romans 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 13:20-21, “Lord of peace” found in 2 Thessalonians 3:16)

…gods – found 5 times in 4 passages (Deuteronomy 10:17, Joshua 22:22, Daniel 2:47 and 11:36)

…the earth – found 3 times in the Bible: in the beginning (Genesis 20:3), in the middle (Isaiah 54:5), and at the end (Revelation 11:4)

…glory – found 2 times in the Bible (Psalm 29:3-4 and Acts 7:2-3)

…justice – found 2 times (Isaiah 30:18, Malachi 2:17)

…comfort – found 2 times (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Romans 15:4-6)

…my life – 1 time (Psalm 42:8)

…my strength – 1 time (Psalm 43:1-2)

…my righteousness – 1 time (Psalm 4:1)

…mercy – found 2 times, both in Psalm 59 (please read the whole psalm to see them, it’s very good!)

…hope – 1 time (Romans 15:13)

…all grace – 1 time (1 Peter 5:10)

…recompense – 1 time (Jeremiah 51:56b)

…truth – 2 times in one verse (Isaiah 65:5)

…holy prophets – 1 time (Revelation 22:16)

Side note: One verse I did not include in the study is Matthew 22:31b-32, where Jesus asks, “…have you not read what was spoken by God, saying, ’I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (NKJV)

I hope you have discovered new aspects of God that help you to praise Him with your whole heart, humble you to seek and serve Him with your whole being, and motivate you to honour Him all your whole life!

You can do it! So can I!!   

"God of... truth... the holy prophets"

    This week we will look at two aspects of God: He being the God of truth (2x in Isaiah 65:16) and the God of the holy prophets (Revelation 22:6).

“So that he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from My eyes.” (Isaiah 65:16 NKJV)  

    The context in which this verse is found God describes “My people who have sought Me” (65:10) and those who “forsake the LORD” (65:11) and what their lives will be like.

    Those who have sought the LORD and seek to do His will to the best of their ability after returning from captivity will realize God’s mercy in renewing them and not holding their past against them, their past that led them straight into captivity in both a physical and spiritual sense.

    Today we can read this verse and see the enduring truth that those who have sought the LORD and seek to do His will to the best of their ability, who repented of (turned away from) their sins and were baptized for the remission of their sins (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:37-38, Romans 6:1-14), realize God’s mercy and grace in renewing them (Ephesians 4:20-24) and not holding their past against them, their past that led them straight into captivity in a spiritual sense (Romans 6:15-23, 1 John 3:8; 5:18-20).

    God is the God of truth. The Hebrew word behind “truth” is one that is very familiar to every one of us: ‘amen’ – did you know you were speaking Hebrew every time you finished a prayer?  Amen means so be it; it is a declaration that all the praise you have spoken about God is true and it also proclaims your confidence in God’s ability to hear what you have said and to do what is best with what you have requested.

    When ‘amen’ is used in this Isaiah passage it would read like this: “…he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of so be it; and he who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of so be it….”

    Simply put: If God says it, it will happen (Numbers 23:19, Joshua 21:45; 23:14, Ezekiel 12:25; 24:14). If God has made a promise it will be fulfilled (Psalm 145, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Hebrews 11:6, and consider John 17:4). God is truth and He can be counted on – you can trust Him with your life and with your soul.

“Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.” (Revelation 22:6 NKJV)

    “Lord God of the holy prophets” – a prophet was given words from God to speak to specific people (kings, tribes, cities, nations, etc.). The prophet was to speak God’s word faithfully (Jeremiah 23:28) and the people, if doubting, would know that the prophet was from God if what was said came to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). The LORD rose early (always well ahead of time) to warn people of their trespasses (Jeremiah 7:13, 25, 25:14) and encourage them toward repentance.

    God used prophets – people among His people – to warn His creation from impending dangers and to trust in the mercy of the LORD, the last of all being His very Son, Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-4). “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken by angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him…” (Hebrews 2:1-3)

    Do you believe God to be the God of truth – the very so be it? Do you believe Him to be the God of the holy prophets, the very writers of the books contained in your bible? All His words have come to pass and we can trust that the words prophesied of what will yet be will be fulfilled. God is the God of truth and the holy prophets spoke only His words, only the truth (1 Thessalonians 1:13, Acts 3:18-21). I encourage you to read His word daily, fully trusting that it is Truth.

You can do it! So can I!!  

"God of... recompense"

“…for the LORD is the God of recompense, 
He will surely repay.” (Jeremiah 51:56b NKJV)

    Found within the prophecy against Babylon, foretelling their devastating fall from power and ultimate destruction, Jeremiah informs them that the LORD – the true holder of all power – is the God of recompense. The LORD who allowed them strength and power is the same LORD who has observed their murderous greed, their pride, and their wickedness and He will repay them for what they have done in the time He has granted them.

    “God of recompense,” like other terms we have recently looked at in this study, is found only once in scriptures but alluded to throughout the Bible. The overarching message? God wants us to lean on Him as the only true and proper Judge, trust in His knowledge and ability to do what is best, and leave our troubles with Him (1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7).

“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19, NKJV)

    When we have been mistreated we have God-given responsibilities:

• To not repay the evil (Romans 12:17) but follow in the steps of Jesus, who did not revile in return, nor threaten but turned wholly to God who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:18-24).
• Have regard for good things in the sight of all men (Romans 12:17). Jesus says to “bless those who curse you,” meaning that you speak only good things about the one who has spoken badly to/about you. Don’t go around bad-mouthing the one who mistreated you; remember ‘if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.’ Pour your heart out to God instead, He is the only one who can properly transform your heart and mind as your work through your hurt.
• Live peaceably with all men (Romans 12:18) as much as depends on you meaning that you seek peace (Matthew 5:9; 21-26) and speak peace (Proverbs 15:1, Colossians 4:5-6) – and ask God for wisdom to do this (James 1:5) because it is only wisdom from above that is pure and peaceable (James 3:13-18).   
• Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44) be kind and well-meaning, seeking only good for them (consider Mathew 22:37-40). Remember, if God can be patient and longsuffering with us to come to repentance, so we, too, can be patient and hope that our enemy may one day come to repentance and become a brother/sister in Christ – which is the ultimate good we could seek for them!
• Do good to those who hate you (Matthew 5:44) – consider Jesus’ kindness to Malchus amidst the angry mob and His kindness while hanging from the cross (Luke 23:34) – keep your focus on things above not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:1-10, Acts 7:54-60)
• Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5:44) whether it is by your government (1 Timothy 2:1-4) or a fellow citizen (1 Peter 2:18-20) we are to commit ourselves to God and pray for these people, because God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).
• Do not avenge yourselves (Romans 12:19) leave it with God – He will know what is best to do and when is best to do it. And it is not our place to stand around imagining or anticipating ‘the wrath to come,’ but to go humbly about our duties (listed above) and commit ourselves wholly to doing God’s will.

    The LORD is the God of recompense, He will surely repay – let that be enough.  You fulfill your part and wholly trust that God will do His part. Don’t get caught up in society’s temporary badges of honour and applause for ‘a perfectly formed comeback,’ desire, instead, to hear God’s true commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”      

You can do it! So can I!!

"God of... all grace"

“But may the God of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10 NKJV)

    Grace is an often misunderstood aspect of God, but the context in which we find this term, “God of all grace,” offers us much insight on the subject of grace.

Grace (from the Greek ‘charis’) is defined as kindness, a leaning toward to bless, a favour given although not earned.

    We can never repay God for what He has done for us: giving us life, breath and all things, giving us His Son to die for us so we can have remission of sins and live in hope, granting us the necessities of life (food, water, and clothing). We could never be in a position where God would owe us, we are all reliant on His grace, but we can prove to Him that we desire His blessings, value His wisdom, and appreciate His mercy and grace by diligently searching for Him and finding Him (Acts 17:24-27), by walking just as Jesus walked and loving one another (1 John 2:1-11; 4:7-19), and seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34).    

Look at 1 Peter 5:5-12:

Your part:

• If you are a younger person, you must submit to your elders (obey instruction of those older in the faith, those who hold the office of the elders Hebrews 13:17)
• All of us must be submissive to one another and clothed in humility (not seeking power/control over another, but having lowliness of mind knowing that you make mistakes and are still learning, and so are your brethren, Galatians 6:1-3)
• You must humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God (James 4:7-10)
• You must cast all your care upon Him (Philippians 4:6-7)
• You must be sober and vigilant (serious and watchful, consider 1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 5:15-17, 1 Peter 1:13-16)
• You must resist the devil and remain steadfast in the faith (your brethren suffer in the same way, Ephesians 6:16, 1 Corinthians 15:58)
• You must suffer awhile (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-9; 4:12-19)

God’s part:

• He will give grace to the humble (James 4:4-7, Proverbs 3:31-35)
• He cares for you (consider Hebrews 4:16, anytime, anywhere)
• He has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus (God calls us by the gospel, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17)
• He will perfect you (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 5:14)
• He will establish you (Romans 5:25-27, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)
•  He will strengthen you (Ephesians 1:17-19; 6:10-11)
•  He will settle you (Philippians 4:1-13, the assurances of “by this we know”/”we know” statements throughout 1 and 2 John)

“I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the grace of God in which you stand.” (1 Peter 5:12b NKJV)

 God graciously promised these blessings to those who submit to Him and obey His instructions, declaring to Him our desire to be pleasing to Him and right in His sight – will we ever get it all right? No, and that is why we are so thankful for His grace. God will do His part if we do our part to the best of our abilities! Show the God of all grace whose side you desire to be on! Do what He asks of you and wholly appreciate His wonderful gift of grace!!

You can do it! So can I!!

"God of... hope"

    Similar to the term “God of mercy” (that we studied last week), the term, “God of hope,” is alluded to throughout the bible but the actual term is only found once in the bible, in Romans 15:13.   

“Now may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NKJV)

hope (from the Greek, ‘elpis,’ Strong’s #G1680) meaning expectation of good, joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation

    God is the author and origin of our hope, the very reason for our hope. It was by His plan, formed before the foundation of the world, that we have hope in Him through His Son: “…knowing you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot. He was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” (1 Peter 1:18a, 19-21 NKJV)

    Consider Jeremiah’s words:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and it will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:1-8 NKJV)

    The prophet paints a picture of peace, contentment, and joy, as the ‘tree’ remains healthy and continues to develop and produce fruit even during ‘the year of drought.’ That is what the God of hope can do for us! He can fill us with joy and peace in believing!

    Why?

    That we may ABOUND in hope!

abound (from the Greek, ‘perisseuo,’ Strong’s #G4052) means to overflow, to have above and beyond ordinary measure, to exceed

    Think on this definition of hope – and consider the fact that God desires you to abound in it:

“Biblical hope not only desires something good for the future – it expects it to happen. And not only expects it to happen – it is confident it will happen. There is a moral certainty the good we expect and desire will be done.” - John Piper

    Hope is the great stabilizer – think again of the strong, well-rooted, and well-nourished tree, able to withstand the storms of life. When your origin of hope is in God, it gives you great peace and enduring joy even amidst the trials of life, because you are wholly confident in His power, faithfulness, goodness, grace, and mercy!

“For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth. By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You. I have become a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day… I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.” (Psalm 71:5-8, 14-16 NKJV)

    God wants you to abound in hope – a hope that nourishes you with joy and roots you in peace through the good days and the bad, a hope that overflows and becomes evident, causing you to be a wonder to many, and giving you opportunity to proclaim the reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)!

    Let your hope be in our loving God of hope – joying in His provision and living in true peace as you trust in His abilities – and develop a hope that absolutely ABOUNDS!!

You can do it! So can I!!