Bulletins
The Character of God
God has a nature that is in some ways beyond our comprehension. He has, though, revealed some significant truths to us about who He is. Consider seven of these truths that relate to God’s character.
God is All-Seeing: Hebrews 4:13 teaches, “There is no creature that is hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” God sees everyone everywhere at all times. God knows our every action, word, and thought (Prov. 15:3).
This serves as motivation for fleeing unrighteousness. Others may not know something evil we’ve done, spoken, or thought, but God does (Luke 16:15).
On the other hand, God’s all-seeing nature is a comfort to the righteous. God “sees in secret” (Matt. 6:6) the good deeds that often go unnoticed by others. One who sincerely serves God can find joy in His all-seeing eye.
God is All-Powerful: God is also all-powerful. When Sarah laughed within herself upon hearing she’d have a child in her old age, God responded, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (verse 14).
God can do whatever He pleases with His creation. This doesn’t negate free will, but it should motivate us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand (1 Pet. 5:6), submitting with reverence and godly fear (Heb. 12:28).
God’s omnipotence is a comfort to the righteous, who can rest assured that no matter the trial faced, God in His power allows us to overcome (cf. Rev. 1:17-18).
God is Light: Scripture further teaches us “that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Everything God chooses to do with His infinite power is righteous.
Because He is light, it’s not within God’s character to be in fellowship with those in darkness, but only those walking in the light (1 John 1:6-7).
God is Just: Not only does God not have fellowship with darkness, but, as a perfectly just God, He does not ignore sin. His righteousness demands He punish sin justly (cf. Acts 17:31). This is part of God’s character that makes hell a reality.
God is Love: Though God punishes sin justly, His love causes Him to not desire this punishment for anyone.
Thus, God in His love sent Jesus to die for people who’ve grossly mistreated Him (Rom. 5:8). God’s love is such a primary part of who He is that Scripture teaches “God is love” (1 John 4:8). God’s love assures salvation for all who are willing to receive it (Heb. 5:9).
God is Longsuffering: God’s love is further demonstrated in His longsuffering character. 2 Peter 3:9 teaches, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Had God sent Jesus to judge the world already, some who are now saved would still be lost. Because God doesn’t wish for anyone to be lost, He has suffered mistreatment from mankind without rendering immediate vengeance. When we reflect on the fact that the Day of Judgment has yet to come, it reminds us of how longsuffering He is.
God is Faithful: Though God is longsuffering, 2 Peter 3:10 assures that the Day of Judgment will come. This assurance rests in God’s faithfulness.
Titus 1:2 says that God “cannot lie.” This passage emphasizes the surety of eternal life for the righteous. God’s faithfulness also assures that the unrighteous will face eternal punishment in hell (Matt. 25:46), just as God’s said.
Another application of His faithfulness is seen in 1 Corinthians 10:13. God in His faithfulness provides us the opportunity to obey Him. As difficult as temptations may be, we always have a choice to do right, because our faithful God makes it so.
May we internalize the important truths God teaches us about who He is, and thereby strengthen our motivation to give our lives wholeheartedly to Him.
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