Getting to Know You, God
The God Who is Able
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this final lesson of this series is on the relationship we have with God when we face trials and troubles. Of special note is God’s willingness to be ever present and our willingness to allow Him to help.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand that God is willing to help.
- Feel: Allow God to help.
- Do: Strengthen our relationship with God through the imitation of Him.
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 is the most accurate portrayal of Himself that God provides and what do we see in that portrayal?
The most accurate portrayal is through Jesus. In Him we see the attributes of God (Love, compassion, forgiveness, etc). Jesus stated this in John 14:9 when Philip asked Him to show them (the other apostles) the Father. Just like the apostles, we have to be willing to look for God. When we do, God will reveal Himself to us in growing ways as we develop spiritually.
2. What is the best way of knowing God?
We best come to know God by imitating Him. We put into practice the characteristics of God as taught and demonstrated to us by Jesus. In doing so we develop a deeper understanding of and appreciation of Him. We also grow in our knowledge through separating ourselves from things of the world. We fill this separation with study of God's word, prayer, worship, fellowship and service in His name.
3. What can we learn from Psalm 139 regarding our relationship with God?
Our relationship with God is a two-way street. He knows us and we should grow to know Him. When we do so, we go through a process of drawing closer to Him and in doing so also find ourselves drawing upon His strength.
4. State three things from the associated text that we can know about God, especially during times of trouble.
- God sometimes is silent, but never absent in the lives of the faithful. If God is absent, it is because we have removed ourselves from Him. God does not normally remove Himself from us (Romans 8:31-39).
- When we are in trouble, we should let God know about it.
- God has His purpose and our role is to submit ourselves to Him in order to accomplish that purpose.
5. What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God?
We know a lot about God intellectually as we've learned throughout our lives. This is not the same as actually knowing God. To know God is to have an intimate relationship with Him like a child has with a loving father. If we truly believe in Him then we will always turn to Him with conviction and confidence in our relationship with Him. Knowledge about something or someone is described as having an awareness. Knowing God and believing in Him is witnessed through a faithful acceptance and submission to Him and His will. This approach to God enables us to develop a deep and loving relationship with Him. This relationship will grow over time as we notice His increasing activity in our lives through the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit.
Note: If we do not believe, it is impossible to see or have a relationship with Him (Hebrews 11:6)
6. We know that God is all powerful and willing to be active in our lives. Why, then, does He not impose His will on us?
God created in us the freedom to choose. When we willfully choose to turn to Him we develop a loving relationship (See Psalm 139). When we choose God we receive His blessings and power working for and through us (See Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 3:20-21; Romans 8:31).
7. Discuss from the associated text the two things God can and will do for us.
Note: This should be a personalized and not generalized point. What can God do for "me"?
- He deals with things we bring to Him. Nothing is beyond God's power.
- God can save us. We have to be willing to turn to Him.
8. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
A key point in our relationship with God is our willingness to obey Him. It begins with our confession of who He is and our need for His forgiveness. We then turn to Jesus in repentance and submit to baptism (Mark 16:15-16). This is the beginning of our journey to growing into who God wants us to be.
To God be the glory because of His immeasurable love for us!