Getting to Know You, God
The God Who Knows
Estrategia pedagógica
The focus of this lesson is on God’s all-knowing character. Of special note is how the intimate knowledge that God has of us works to draw us closer to Him.
Resultados del aprendizaje de los estudiantes
- Know: Understand the impact of God’s omniscience.
- Feel: Value the relationship that we have with God.
- Do: Draw closer to God through our openness with Him.
Cuerpo de la lección
Preguntas de discusión
A continuación se sugieren preguntas para utilizar durante la parte de debate guiado de la lección. También se sugieren respuestas a las preguntas para ayudar a los alumnos a comprender los distintos conceptos. Se proporcionan para ayudar al debate y no se consideran respuestas "correctas o incorrectas".
1. How does God help us relate to Him and what is the result?
God uses human and material images to reveal Himself to us in order to help us have a relationship with Him. We also see His greatness through the qualities He possess (love, compassion, forgiveness, understanding, etc.).
Many have observed that a husband and wife that have been married for many years seem to begin to favor one another physically. This is similar our relationship with God. As we mature in Christ, we also take on the characteristics of God, thus drawing us closer to Him (See Galatians 5:22-25).
2. What does imitating God's holiness require of us and what is the reward?
We go where God is (prayer, service, worship, etc.) We act in ways He acts – in purity.
The reward is getting to know God.
The use of "know" in this example signifies we have a closer relationship with Him through shared understanding.
3. What does God's quality of omniscience mean and how does this impact on our relationship with Him?
It means God is all knowing, seeing our exposed life every day. As we accept God's increased presence in our life, we become fully open and accepting of Him. He knows our strengths and weaknesses, and most of all, our needs. God doesn't condemn us because of our weaknesses. In truth, because of His intimate knowledge of us, He better understands, loves deeper and forgives His children much in the same way we understand, love and forgive our children (I John 1:5-10), despite their weaknesses.
4. How does God search and know us?
He searches through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27). He knows us because of the revelation of who we are from the searching of the Holy Spirit.
5. From the associated text for this lesson, what are the stages David goes through in his understanding of the omniscience of God (see Psalm 139)?
There are four stages David expresses:
- Discomfort at having someone's knowledge surround him
- Appreciation of that knowledge
- Praise for such knowledge
- Prayer and confidence based on that knowledge
6. Discuss your growth in awareness and appreciation from God's knowledge of your life and how this impacts your relationship with Him.
Be prepared to begin this discussion by answering it from your perspective. As students respond, look for responses that express the idea that our relationship with God is strengthened as we develop a deeper trust in the fact that He knows and provides for our needs, especially for our greatest needs - forgiveness and salvation.
7. What is David asking of God in Psalms 139:23-24?
David is asking God to search him and remove from him anything that would harm his salvation. In doing so, God will lead him into the everlasting way (eternity with God). This prayer represents full surrender to God, which is an excellent expression of faith.
8. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
Our surrender to God begins with our initial repentance and baptism. As we continue to grow in knowledge of Him, we then grow in trust. Together, these increase our desire to know and trust Him more. Greater knowledge then leads to greater willingness to trust. The end result of this process is an ever growing spiritual maturity.