PULPIT TODAY SERMONS
Robert D. Pace
An attribute of God is any quality or characteristic that is ascribed to God that defines His nature. We can understand God and His attributes in one of three ways: by Creation, by Revelation, and by His Written Word. I want to begin this lesson by asking a question: Why is it important to study the attributes of God? There are several answers to this question:
1. Studying God’s attributes increases our faith. When one learns of the perfection of God’s nature it anchors their soul and builds trust.
2. Studying God’s attributes reveals aspects of His glory.
(Illustration) There are times when we focus on an object far away. From a distance it appears beautiful and creates a desire to draw nearer. But as we draw closer we notice its flaws. But not so with God! The closer we draw to God the more magnificent He appears.
3. Studying God’s attributes brings man joy. The Psalmist said: “In His presence is fullness of joy.”
4. Acquainting yourself with God can transform your life. (This will be discussed in the final point of this outline.)
The Bible never provides an exhaustive list of God’s attributes. Notice what Job admitted after he encountered God: “Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him!” (26:14).
As the incomprehensible God He invites us to learn of Him and discover His nature. In fact, Jeremiah 9:23 says, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom or the strong man glory in his might, let not the wealthy boast in his riches (24) but let he that boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me.”
(Transition) Thus, let’s proceed by investigating three classifications of God’s Attributes:
Classifications of God’s Attributes:
A. God’s Moral Attributes
The holiness of (EXO 15:11)
The love of God (John 3:35; 17:24)
The righteous of God (Psalm 145:7)
The perfection of God (Psalm 50:10; HEB:6:18)
The faithfulness of God (1 Corinthians 10:13)
The goodness of God (Mark 10:18)
The truthfulness of God (John 14:6)
Merciful (1CH 16:34)
Gracious (EPH 2:7)
The forgiveness of God
The kindness of God
The compassion of God
The longsuffering of God
The justness of God
B. God’s Intellectual Attributes
The omniscience of God (Job 37:16)
The wisdom of God (1 Timothy 1:16-17)
The incomprehensibility of God (Job 11:7-9)
The impassable God. (He is not overwhelmed by emotion or grief. Though He passionately loves, He is never overcome by His passions. He is self controlled.)
The fellowshipping God (He communes with His creation.)
C. Sovereign Attributes
God is Sovereign –He answers to no one. “He does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3)
God is omnipotent (Matthew 19:6)
God is omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
God is immutable (James 1:17)
God is eternal (1 Timothy 1:17)
God is self-sufficient/existent (John 5:26)
God is infinite (Job 11:7-9)
God is the Creator (Genesis 1 & 2)
God is the Sustainer (Hebrew 1:3)
God is the Consummator (Revelator 21:12-15)
God decrees (Psalm 2:7; Acts 17:26-31)
God is invisible (John 4:23-24)
God is free
God is One
God is transcendent
(Insight) Despite this partial list of 34 characteristics of God, Job 26:14 says: “Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; and how faint a word we hear of Him!” Throughout eternity, men and angels will continue to discover the wonder of God’s character!
(Transition) Our final point illustrates how God can transform those that dare to draw near Him and investigate His glory:
“Knowing God” Can Transform Man
Though God is infinite and incomprehensible, Paul urged Christians to acquaint themselves with God in ways He has revealed Himself. This was the quest of Paul’s life and it’s why he wrote in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him.”
Notice the list of people that “drew near” God and the transformation it brought:
1. Moses at the “Burning bush” discovered God: “I Am Who I Am.”
2. Abraham at Mount Moriah discovered God, Jehovah-Jireh, as his Provider.
3. Jacob at Bethel discovered the God who blesses.
4. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, thrown into the fiery furnace, discovered God’s ability to miraculously deliver.
5. Jonah, discovered the God of forgiveness.
6. Gideon, hiding in a winepress, discovered God as the Captain of our Salvation.
7. The 12 Apostles, intimately acquainted with God through Christ, discovered the saving, healing, forgiving, loving, all-wise, (etc.) nature of God.
Conclusion
These are reasons it is imperative to know God. Seek Him today. He has a revelation of Himself that can transform you!