Getting to Know You, God
The Character of God: Holiness
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is what God wants from us as we get to know him intimately. Of special note is the holiness of God and why we should not fear Him as many understand the word fear.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the holiness of God.
- Feel: Value the loving relationship we have with God.
- Do: Remain separate from the worldliness around us.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. What are some reasons for the mistaken belief that God wants us to be afraid of Him and what is the true way God wishes for us to view Him?
Answers will vary but look for comments and ideas that mention the insignificance of man when compared with God. Ask students to read and comment on the meaning of the following scripture:
- Job 40:4; 42:5-6 (We are insignificant as we stand before God)
- Revelation 1:17 (We are overcome by the majesty and greatness of God)
- Psalm 8 (Who are we that God would consider us worthy?)
Even though those that have encountered God and speak of God expressed the experience with the word, "fear", it is not the feeling of terror but rather that of awe and reverence. For those who seek God, His greatness and holiness instills a desire to serve and to be like Him.
John writes in I John 4:7-12 that the true character of God is love. That love is not the emotional expression commonly associated with love, but rather that of putting others above self. Again, the psalmist expresses that in Psalm 8. It is the kind of love expressed in John 3:16.
2. The writer of the associated text for this lesson states that imitating God is the best way to know Him. How is the description of God as holy used and how do we become holy as He is holy?
God is holy and wishes us to be holy. The term holy means to be separated or set apart for a special purpose. God is separated from us and the world. In a similar way, we must be separated from the worldliness around us. This does not mean we are not part of this world, but in a spiritual sense, we keep separate from the things in this world that can spoil our purity.
We cannot make ourselves holy. God makes us holy through our obedient faith in Jesus Christ. A key way for us to remain holy is to go where God is through His Word (John 1:1) in prayer, (I John 5:14) in worship, (John 4:23) in battle against sin, (Romans 8:13) and in teaching others about Him (Matthew 28:20).
3. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others enter into a relationship with Jesus?
We need not approach God in terror unless it is in judgment for impure living. When we come to Him as penitent believers and obey His commands to express our faith through baptism, He forgives our sins, fills us with His Spirit and welcomes us into a loving relationship with Himself. We become part of Him and separated from the wrath reserved for those who choose to disobey Him. This escape from His wrath is granted to us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our sins. The wrath owed us for our disobedience fell on Jesus, not ourselves. This was God's plan from before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).