Apicontent

As we’ve considered the different ways for you to grow in your relationship with God by hearing, reading, studying, and memorizing His Word, we’ve actually also been meditating on His truth, which is the focus of this lesson. Meditating involves taking a prayerful, serious approach to reflecting on a specific verse or passage.

As you’ve learned how to listen and read and study and memorize, you’ve also been meditating. But in this lesson, we’re going to specifically focus on meditation as its own discipline. 

There really is no better way to grow in your relationship with Christ than to meditate on God’s promises throughout the day. Whenever something stressful happens (and it will), you can think about a verse that applies to your situation. 

Meditating means you are giving extended, careful thought to God’s Word with the intent of conforming your life to His will. Meditating on God’s Word will result in knowing Him intimately and being obedient to Him in everything. Meditating means you are giving extended, careful thought to God’s Word with the intent of conforming your life to His will. 

Two questions to consider whenever you are meditating on a passage of scripture:

1. What is the meaning of this verse or passage based on its context?
2. How can/should this verse or passage affect my life?

Use these two questions right now as you consider Philippians 4:6–7:

“Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Power Over Bondage

In 1977, New York City was in turmoil because a troubled twenty-four-year-old man, David Berkowitz, who the media labeled “Son of Sam,” went on a killing spree. His target was young women, and before he was finally caught, five young women and one man were dead.

During his time in prison, David was approached by a young prisoner named Ricky Lopez. Ricky told David that regardless of what he had done, Jesus loved him and died for him.

Ricky gave David a Bible. As David Berkowitz read the Bible, God’s power began breaking him of his bondage to sin. In time, the Word of God brought him to a point of complete repentance—and the “Son of Sam” surrendered his life completely to Christ. Today, as he continues to serve his life sentence, David Berkowitz is the chaplain’s assistant at Sullivan Correctional Facility. (Read this, and other stories of God’s transforming power, in Fresh Power, by Jim Cymbala.)

David Berkowitz was transformed because he replaced his human viewpoint of life with God’s viewpoint.! He meditated on God’s truth! There really is no better way to grow in your relationship with God than to meditate on His promises throughout the day.

Psalm 1:1–3 says, “How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers! Instead, he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.”

Make sure your roots are deeply planted in God’s Word … just like a tree that survives and grows and bears fruit because its roots tap deep into the soil below.

In Psalm 119:97–105, what promises are made to the person who continually meditates?

“O how I love your law! All day long I meditate on it.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for I am always aware of them.
I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your rules.
I am more discerning than those older than I, for I observe your precepts.
I stay away from every evil path, so that I might keep your instructions.
I do not turn aside from your regulations, for you teach me.
Your words are sweeter in my mouth than honey!
Your precepts give me discernment. Therefore I hate all deceitful actions.
Your word is a lamp to walk by, and a light to illumine my path.”

Luke 6:45 says,

“The good person out of the good treasury of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasury produces evil, for his mouth speaks from what fills his heart.”

Meditating means thinking deeply about something. To meditate is to focus your thinking on something specific. It means to focus, contemplate, reflect, or think deeply about. You do it long enough that something changes (attitude, purpose, conviction), and then you have the perspective and wisdom to get up and make changes. In other words, meditation causes life change! 

It is important to think rightly and to have God’s perspective and discernment about everything, including money, Jesus, sin, marriage, sex, divorce, obedience, kids, work, honesty, trouble, yourself, the future, and a host of other things. Think like Jesus thinks, have His mindset. Meditation on God’s Word will help you to do that. But …. it will take planning and time. If you don’t plan it, it won’t happen. 

J. I. Packer wrote: “Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, thinking over, dwelling on, and applying to oneself the various things that one knows about the works, ways, purposes, and the promises of God. Its effect is to humble us as we contemplate God’s greatness and our own littleness—to encourage and reassure us as we contemplate the unsearchable riches of God as displayed in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Knowing God).

So meditate, but don’t meditate on your problems, your irritations, your hurts, and/or your enemies. Rather, meditate on the truth of God’s Word! The purpose of meditation is a life change. You want to experience God! Meditate until you not only understand a passage of God’s Word but until can’t wait to apply it! 

Application

Choose a verse or passage of scripture to meditate on … and then do it!

As we have been discussing, there are five basic ways for you to grow in your knowledge and experience with God’s Word: hear it, read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. In this lesson we will consider how memorizing God’s Word will help you tremendously.

One of the most important reasons for memorizing Scripture is because our memories are short. Research has shown that after 24 hours you accurately remember:

5% of what you hear

15% of what you read

35% of what you study

57% of what you see and hear

100% of what you memorize

Noted author and counselor, Henry Brandt, once wrote: “I still consider Bible memorization the single most important aid in my Christian life and in my counseling.”

Dawson Trotman, past president of the Navigators said, “I know of no form of intake of the Word which pays greater dividends for the time invested than Scripture memory.”

In Matthew 4:1–10, we see Jesus overcoming Satan’s temptations by using scripture. He probably didn’t have the scriptures in written form … he was using them because he had learned them as a child and could recite them! Here’s the story:

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After he fasted forty days and forty nights he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’

“Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the highest point of the temple, and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you” and “with their hands, they will lift you up so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him, ‘Once again it is written: “You are not to put the Lord your God to the test.’

 “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their grandeur. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all these things if you throw yourself to the ground and worship me.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go away, Satan! For it is written: “You are to worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” Then the devil left him, and angels came and began ministering to his needs.”

People often say “I just can’t memorize things.” But that simply is not true! We memorize information all the time for business, sales presentations, stock market quotes, sports, and daily commitments. Athletes memorize whole playbooks, team standings, player stats, etc. It’s not a memory that is lacking, it’s motivation.

It’s actually easy to memorize verses: 

Start with one verse. Write it down if possible.
Repeat it several times.
Say it in your own words. Identify why it is important.
Repeat it to a friend or family member.
Think about how you might apply it to your life.
Once you have it memorized, review it every day for 30 days.
It will be yours to take with you wherever you go!

Here are a few verses for you to memorize to get started!

“How can a young person maintain a pure life? By guarding it according to your instructions! … In my heart I store up your words, so I might not sin against you.” —Psalm 119:9, 11

“Fix these words of mine into your mind and being, and tie them as a reminder on your hands and let them be symbols on your forehead. Teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up.” —Deuteronomy 11:18–19

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God.” —Colossians 3:16

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Romans 8:38–39

One way to improve your knowledge of the Bible, deepen your walk with God, and memorize verses that will carry you through the hard times of life is by using The Navigator’s Topical Memory System. You can online search for a way to obtain it or it is available in most Christian book stores.

Application

Choose a verse or passage today to start memorizing!

Studying God’s Word will make a difference in your life! When you study God’s Word you will gain insight into who God is and what He wants to do in your life. This topic is a continuation of our study on the five basic ways for you to experience God’s Word: hear it, read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. In this lesson, we will consider how studying God’s Word will make a difference in your life. 

Proverbs 2:1–5 instructs us: “My child, if you receive my words, and store up my commands inside yourself, by making your ear attentive to wisdom, and by turning your heart to understanding, indeed, if you call out for discernment—shout loudly for understanding—if you seek it like silver, and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand how to fear the Lord, and you will discover knowledge about God.”

Each time you approach God’s Word in study, you need to pray for God’s direction and then, observe, interpret, and apply what you are reading.

“Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.” —2 Timothy 2:15

Remember how in a previous lesson we talked about the importance of receptivity? Psalm 119:18 models for us our asking God to open us up to His Word: “Open my eyes so I can truly see the marvelous things in your law!”

The reason you need to study God’s Word is to gain insight into who God is and what He wants to do in your life! One way that you can achieve good results from your study time is to write down what you discover. Reading is faster than study and gives you the overall picture, but study requires that you think and remember. Yes, this is more time-consuming … but it will be worth the effort!

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him: ‘If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” —John 8.31–32

There are actually several ways you can study the Bible:

• A word (such as grace, faith, love, sin)
• A single verse (such as Hebrews 12:1; 1 John 1.5)
• A passage or chapter (such as Ephesians 1, or Ephesians 1:15–23, Proverbs 3)
• A book (any!)

A 4-Step Process

Before you begin your study, consider this 4-step process to help you gain the most from your time in God’s Word. Study is more than just reading. Reading is faster than study and gives you the overall picture, but study requires that you think and remember.

Step 1—Pray

Ask the Holy Spirit for insight and understanding! Open yourself up to what God wants you to see in His Word today.

Step 2—Observe

As you study the word, or verse, or passage, or book you’ve chosen, you are looking for answers to the following questions?

• What does it say?
• What does it reveal about God?
• What does it reveal about having a more intimate relationship with God?
• What does this teach me about faith, hope, and love?
• What new insights can I obtain about my new identity in Christ and how God has designed me?
• How does God want me to depend on Him for wisdom, strength, special abilities, and resources?
• What does this reveal about how God will meet my needs and accomplish His purposes?
• How can I resist Satan’s schemes and seek refuge in God from evil?
• How does God direct our steps toward the fulfillment of His specific plan for our life?

Not all of the studies that you do will answer every one of these questions, but they provide a good framework for your thought and reflection. As you study the word, or verse, or passage, or book you’ve chosen, you are looking for answers to at least one of these questions.

Step 3—Interpret

As you read and think and reflect, consider “What does this mean?” Here are a few other questions to help you identify the meaning of what you are studying:

• Is this passage to be interpreted literally or does it contain figurative words, phrases, or expressions?
• How does the context for this passage help in understanding its meaning?
• What other scriptures help to clarify or amplify the interpretation of this passage?
• What point is this trying to make?

Step 4—Apply

This is the most important step! Ask yourself: What am I going to do with this new insight and understanding? 

Specific Suggestions for Studying a Single Word

It is actually much easier to study a verse when you are first starting to study the Bible. If you choose to study a single word, you can use on-line searching or you will need a good Bible concordance that contains single words and a list of the verse where that word is used. What you are looking for is the different ways that word is used and what is being communicated.

Specific Suggestions for Studying a Single Verse

Approach #1

Begin by reading the context of the verse … what comes before it and after it.

Next, ask yourself, “Who is speaking, to whom, and what is the situation?” Visualize yourself in the situation and customs of that time and place. If possible, read several different translations of the Bible (this is easy to accomplish with online resources such as Bible Gateway). Look up keywords in the dictionary and write down their definitions. Ask questions from the “Observe” step (Step 2) described earlier in this lesson. Take notes! Continue your study through the Step 3 and Step 4 processes!

Approach #2

Another way to approach a verse study is to look at each word individually within the verse.

Here is an example using the first phrase of Psalm 118: 6: “The Lord is for me …”

With this approach, you write the verse down the left side of your paper one word at a time. In some ways, we are crossing over into the “Meditate on It” process of experiencing God’s Word (to be discussed in a later lesson), but it is important to remember that all of these approaches interact with one another … not one truly stands alone! As you look at the first word, write down as much as you can about that word. Then take the second word of the verse, and spend time thinking and writing about that word, and so on until you finish the verse or phrase. Then write a reflection statement summarizing your insights.

The Lord—the mighty, almighty, creator, sovereign, loving, glorious God 

is—right now, presently, an absolute certainty

for—purpose, goal, God has my best interests at heart, He is on my side, He knows what is best for me

me—personally, not in general, but specifically, by name

Reflection: It is awesome and exciting to contemplate me personally having such intimacy…with God himself!!

Approach #3

Read the passage in at least two different versions of the Bible and then write what it means to you personally.

Specific Suggestions for Studying a Passage or Chapter

First, read the entire passage or chapter. Next, make an overall outline of what you have just read. Then, give it a title. Now determine which verse is most meaningful to you at this time in your life. Finally, consider what challenges you see in the passage. 

Specific Suggestions for Studying a Book

In many ways, the study of a book is similar to studying a passage or chapter, there’s just more of it at one time, but the process remains the same.

Another great way to study a book of the Bible is to go through a study that has already been put together! These are available at various online sites or through a Christian bookstore.

As you continue to study God’s Word, assemble books and Bible resources that will help you continue to grow in your relationship with God. Bible concordances contain Biblical words listed alphabetically, with indications to enable you to find the passages of the Bible where the words occur. If you purchase a concordance it should match the translation of the Bible that you are using. A Bible commentary will have explanations of various verses.

Application

Choose one way to study the Bible and work at it diligently for the next week or two (depending on what you have chosen to study).

Reading God’s Word can make a big impact on your life. As was presented in the previous lesson, there are five basic ways for you to benefit from God’s Word: hear it, read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it. In this lesson, we will consider how reading God’s Word can make a big impact on your life.

The purpose of reading God’s Word is to change your life! The great preacher D. L. Moody said it well: “The Scriptures were not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.”  With that in mind, it is important to remember that when you are reading the Bible, it’s best to read it slowly and thoughtfully. 

You should find some way to record your thoughts and be able to record key verses. Reading is more than just “reading” … you need to think as well! “Reading” is not as intense as “studying,” but you still have an intention of gaining something from the text!

“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16–17

As you read your Bible, ask yourself questions, and then answer them! Make your reading enjoyable! Go on a “hunt” to find promises God has for you.

This is especially easy if you are using an online resource. You can simply type in a keyword and off you go! Record the references so you can refer back to them later.

Many people find it helpful to keep a journal. You can record what you are reading and learning from the Bible as well as any other insights God gives you about your relationship with Him, how He is working in your life, and what He is doing in and through you. A journal can be a great reminder of God’s blessings and strength!

If this is your first adventure in reading the Bible, it can be easier to start in the New Testament, reading at least one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). Many teachers recommend starting with John. The book of Acts tells about the actions of the early Christians. Acts is a “must-read” at some point for all Christians. After Acts, you’ll find the letters to the first Christian churches, which give instruction and guidance for daily living. And finally, in the book of Revelation, you will see how Christ is going to end all things in this world and begin ruling as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” 

One way to read the Bible is to simply open it and read whatever is in front of you. You can definitely gain from this approach, but being a little more systematic will be more beneficial to you in the long run. If you can actually write down some of what you are reading and thinking, that can also be valuable.

Start your reading time with two sheets of paper. On one, write down the things God is teaching you as you read, and on the second, jot down the things that come to mind that you need to take care of in your life. That will allow you to stay focused. There is no pressure. Simply read until God shows you something, then stop and think. As you read, ask yourself some of the following questions, and answer them!

What does this mean?

What caused this situation?

Why did God include this?

Why is this important?

Is this really true?

What difference does knowing this make?

What action should I take?

What am I missing?

What can I claim for myself?

In what ways am I really trusting God?

Talk to the Lord about what you read and make some notes. When you start to read God’s Word on a regular basis, you will find yourself growing in your relationship with your heavenly Father! As you read, talk to God about everything you are thinking. Cultivate the sense of His presence and His love. Worship Him. Thank Him for what you are reading and learning and thinking and experiencing. Give Him your intense attention and concentration Praise Him. 

Many people find it helpful to have a daily reading program helps them read steadily through the entire Bible in a systematic way. There are many plans available. Whatever method you choose to use, get started! Each day jot down the chapters that you read and then you will know where to start the next time. Modify the plan to suit your needs.

Application

As we grow in our relationship with God, it is very important to take time to read and study the Bible. There are actually five basic ways for you to experience God’s Word:

1. Hear it
2. Read it
3. Study it
4. Memorize it
5. Meditate on it

All of these ways to make God’s Word a bigger part of your life are important. And it is important to use a combination of all five to really grow in your relationship with God. For the next couple of lessons, we will look at each one of these separately … specifically in this lesson: “Hear it.”

Hearing God’s Word is the simplest way to get God’s Word into your life … and it involves listening.

Whenever you hear God’s Word, attempt to learn what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach you personally writing down your thoughts when possible. There are many ways you can hear God’s Word: At your Church, in a Bible Study, from a teacher in a Bible school, on Bible tapes and CDs and DVDs, by attending Christian Seminars, through a friend, listening to Christian radio, reading Christian books … non-fiction as well as fiction, and by searching online Bible-based web pages. It is important that when you are listening to anything that is not scripture, such as a Christian speaker, that you make sure that person is a reliable source of God’s truth. 

In the book of Acts we read that the New Testament Christians “eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if these things were so.” —Acts 17:11

Whenever you hear God’s Word, attempt to discern what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach you personally, writing down your thoughts when possible. 

“Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.” —Romans 10:17

As Christians, we are disciples of Christ who are committed to learning His truth and following His directions.

“So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.” —Ephesians 4:17–18

Romans 12:2 challenges us with a more positive approach with these words: “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.”

Listening is the easiest way to get God’s Word into your mind, but it isn’t a totally passive endeavor! Listening is the easiest way to get God’s Word into your mind, but it isn’t a totally passive endeavor! As you listen to God’s Word, you can use the following steps and questions to apply God’s truth in your life.

Receptivity—Check Your Attitude

God will not push His way into your life. He is waiting to transform you, but He also is waiting for you to open yourself up to Him. If God sees that you are not really willing to obey Him, then there is no point in revealing more truth to you. Because He is your loving Father, He will wait, but He desires a humble and submissive attitude.

The question to ask here is: Am I willing to let God’s truth change me and my life?

Comprehension—Check Your Understanding

There are several questions to ask when you are reflecting upon your comprehension: 

What new truth have I become aware of through reading my Bible, going to church and/or listening to other Christians?

What does this truth mean in relation to what I think, say, and do?

What are the consequences of not applying this truth to my life?

What benefits will I experience from acting on this truth?

Conviction—Check Your Level of Belief

The question to ask yourself regarding your conviction is: 

Why am I convinced that it is important to apply this revealed truth to my life?

Transformation—Check Your Commitment to Application

There are several questions here that will help you evaluate your commitment: 

What steps must I take to apply this truth to my life? 

Am I allowing Satan to use fear or difficulties to prevent me from following through with these steps of application? 

Am I allowing other concerns or my desire for wealth or pleasure to distract me from following through with these steps of application?

Application

James 1:22 encourages us with these words: “But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.”

We have a relationship with a big God and it is important to learn about all of His character. If we only focus on one or two of his attributes, we will have a distorted image of who He really is.

In the lesson previous to this one, we considered how God is sovereign, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere. This lesson will cover another five of God’s character attributes: the fact that He is unchanging, holy, just, love, and truth.

One or two scripture passages are included for each attribute, but the Bible is filled with many more descriptions of God’s character. You can easily use an on-line Bible reference such as Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com) to learn more about each attribute of God and deepen your understanding of who God is. As you consider each character quality, take time to think about each one and how that specific attribute shapes your view of God … and your relationship with Him.

God is Unchanging

Since we are always changing our minds or moods, it is hard to imagine anyone or anything that is always the same. In all of our human relationships, change is inevitable. But with God, no change is possible. His character is unchanging. He never changes his mood, never “cools off,” and never stops loving us, which means that He is completely trustworthy, dependable, and stable. It’s important to learn about all of His character.

God never changes … his love for you also never changes. It doesn’t fluctuate with your emotions or deeds.

“Since, I, the Lord, do not go back on my promises, you, sons of Jacob, have not perished.” —Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!” —Hebrews 13:8

God is completely trustworthy, dependable, and stable.

God is Holy

God is righteous and set apart from us. His holiness means He is perfect in every way. God cannot lie. He is totally trustworthy.

God has never thought an unrighteous thought … and never will! He is absolutely pure and perfect in every way! Holiness is a part of God’s very essence. It is unique to God and alone, and it is beyond our comprehension.

Psalm 145:17–20 teaches:

“The Lord is just in all his actions, and exhibits love in all he does. The Lord is near all who cry out to him, all who cry out to him sincerely. He satisfies the desire of his loyal followers; he hears their cry for help and delivers them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked.”

“And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and another book was opened—the book of life. So the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to their deeds. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.” —Revelation 20:12–15

Sin is the exact opposite of God’s nature … and without Christ’s death for you on the cross, you would be totally rejected from his presence. Christ’s death and resurrection give you access to our Holy God. This holiness is truly beyond explanation.

God is Just

When we say that God is just, we are saying that He is perfectly and completely fair. God is the supreme judge of the universe. He cannot make a mistake … and He is always totally fair in His judgments. 

Jeremiah 9:24 tells us “I the LORD, act out of faithfulness, fairness, and justice in the earth and that I desire people to do these things.”

God will always be fair by his perfect standard.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the life-giving Spirit in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For God achieved what the law could not do because it was weakened through the flesh. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” —Romans 8:1–4

God is Love

God will never love you less … and He cannot love you more! The Bible tells us that God doesn’t just have love, “God is love!” (1 John 4:16). The fact that your heavenly Father sent Jesus to suffer and die for you on the cross demonstrates the depth of his love for you. “God is love!”

“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been fathered by God and knows God. The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” —1 John 4:7–8

“That Christ will dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, you will be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God.” —Ephesians 3:17–19

God is Truth

The world is saying, “There are no absolutes. Truth is what you believe or what you say it is. What may be truth for you is not truth for me.”

In John 14:6, Jesus said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

He also said in John 17:17, “Your word is truth.”

God cannot lie. He is totally trustworthy. Everything He says is true. And His truth is clearly revealed in the Bible, His Word. Since God is truth, you can always count on Him …and you can always trust His promises to you!

It is possible to read God’s words of truth and not understand them or be changed by them. It is important to remember that we need God himself to reveal His truth to us. Since God is Truth, you can always count on Him … and you can always trust his promises to you! Someone once said, “When you know God, really know God, what you don’t know is irrelevant.”

Several great resources for learning more about God’s character include God: Discover His Character by Dr. Bill Bright and The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer.

Application

God is totally amazing … and His greatness is far beyond our human understanding.

However, even though we can’t totally understand God’s greatness, the Bible does give us a picture of who He is! There are actually ten fundamental character qualities of God: God is sovereign, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, present everywhere, unchanging, holy, just, love, and truth.

Sometimes those words can seem intimidating or even irrelevant. But they are important words that ground us in really knowing and trusting God! Knowing God’s character will help us to really know and trust Him!

In this lesson, you will learn about the first five of those attributes. One or two scripture passages are included for each one, but the Bible is filled with many more descriptions of God’s character. You can easily use an online Bible reference such as Bible Gateway to learn more about each attribute of God and deepen your understanding of who God is. As you consider each character quality, take time to think about each one and how that specific attribute shapes your view of God … and your relationship with Him.

God is Sovereign

The word “sovereign” refers to a supreme power having freedom from external control. When we refer to God as sovereign, we are saying that He alone has control of the universe. He is in charge of all things. He has complete authority to do whatever pleases Him. Nothing is out of His control. God is sovereign . . . He alone has control of the universe.

Consider these two verses from the Bible:

“The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom extends over everything.” —Psalm 103:19

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

God is Eternal

We live in a time dimension. God does not. God has always existed … and He always will. When we join God in heaven, we will live forever with Him. He gives us eternal life! Being eternal, God is not bound by time. He lives in an everlasting “now,” without past or future. Having always existed, He sees the past and future as clearly as the present and simultaneously. With this perspective, He has infinite understanding as to what is best for us. 

“The grass dries up, the flowers wither, but the decree of our God is forever reliable.” —Isaiah 40:8

“Your throne, O God, is permanent. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.” —Psalm 45:6

God is All-Knowing

God knows everything! He knows everything in the past. He knows everything that is going on in the universe now. And He knows everything that is going to happen in the future. God is never surprised! 

Psalm 139 tells us a lot about God and how much he knows about each one of us! Read this passage and write down all of the phrases that are meaningful to you. 

1. O Lord, you examine me and know.
2. You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives.
3. You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do.
4. Certainly my tongue does not frame a word without you, O Lord, being thoroughly aware of it.
5. You squeeze me in from behind and in front; you place your hand on me.
6. Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it.
7. Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence?
8. If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.
9. If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn, and settle down on the other side of the sea.
10. Even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would grab hold of me.
11. If I were to say, “Certainly the darkness will cover me, and the light will turn to night all around me.
12. Even the darkness is not too dark for you to see, and the night is as bright as day; darkness and light are the same to you.”
13. Certainly you made my mind and heart; you wove me together in my mother’s womb.
14. I will give you thanks because your deeds are awesome and amazing. You knew me thoroughly;
15. my bones were not hidden from you, when I was made in secret and sewed together in the depths of the earth.
16. Your eyes saw me when I was inside the womb. All the days ordained for me were recorded in your scroll before one of them came into existence.
17. How difficult it is for me to fathom your thoughts about me, O God! How vast is their sum total!
18. If I tried to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. Even if I finished counting them, I would still have to contend with you.
19. If only you would kill the wicked, O God! Get away from me, you violent men!
20. They rebel against you and act deceitfully; your enemies lie.
21. O Lord, do I not hate those who hate you, and despise those who oppose you?
22. I absolutely hate them, they have become my enemies!”
23. Examine me, O God, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns!
24. See if there is any idolatrous way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way!”

God is Present Everywhere

This universe is about thirty billion light years across … and contains at least ten trillion stars (more than all the grains of sand on earth!). Yet God is present on every star, and in every inch of space. It really is more than we can imagine! We cannot hide from Him or act without His knowledge. God is always with us! 

“Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence? If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you would be.” —Psalm 139:7–8

Several great resources for learning more about God’s character include: God: Discover His Character by Dr. Bill Bright and The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer.

Application

Read and pray David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:11–13: “O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You, Lord, have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all. You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. You possess strength and might to magnify and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your majestic name!” 

What is the most important thing that has ever happened to you? If you are a Christian, it was when you decided to receive Christ into your life as your personal Savior! And this is good news to share with others! As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege and responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us! When you “witness” about Jesus, you are telling about who He is and what He has done for you.

Think for a moment about the people you know and interact with on a regular basis who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus said: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.”

This verse is for all believers! You are a unique person with a unique sphere of influence no one else has.

A witness is someone who tells what he or she knows about a given situation. When you “witness” about Jesus, you are telling about who He is and what He has done for you. 

You are a unique person with a sphere of influence no one else has. As you ask the Holy Spirit to direct you, you will find opportunities to “witness” everywhere!

Peter wrote these words in the New Testament:

“But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.” —1 Peter 3:15

You don’t have to make a complete presentation of the Gospel to make an impact for Jesus Christ. The key to sharing your relationship with Jesus is to be available. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to someone who is open to hearing more about Christ. If you sense that person is open to hearing about Jesus, but may not be ready for a real conversation about Him, you can:

• Invite them to attend church with you or to visit a study group you are part of.
• Ask them to join you at a Christian event.
• Introduce them to other Christians.
• Give them a Christian book or tract along with an invitation to discuss it with you after they finish reading it. Start out with an easy question to get you into a spiritual conversation.

If the Holy Spirit is directing you to have a conversation with someone, you can start out with an easy question to get you into a spiritual conversation. Here are a few ideas:

“Do you think about God very often?”

“Have you ever read the Bible?”

“What is your purpose in life? Why are you here?”

One of the greatest problems we all face is the problem of getting started. This is a great barrier to communication of the good news of Jesus Christ. The great evangelist Bill Bright once said, “Successful witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit—and leaving the results to God.”

Do not wait for people to come to you. Go to them with the good news! Be friendly. Focus the conversation on Jesus Christ. Ask God for wisdom as you talk. God loves this person. You don’t need to be pushy or preachy or combative. Expect results. When you are under the Holy Spirit’s control and you talk about Jesus, you can expect results … not on the basis of positive thinking but because of your confidence in God and His love for people! Expect people to respond because Jesus himself has commissioned us to go into all the world and spread the good news!

Most people reject Christianity because they really don’t understand what it is all about, or they misunderstand and think it is just “religion.” They don’t realize being a Christian means having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ!

The best way to witness … so that people really understand what the Bible says … is to stick to the facts of who Jesus is. For this reason, it can be very helpful to use a good Gospel tract, such as Would You Like to Know God Personally by Cru or The Bridge to Life by The Navigators.

This JO App also has several articles (“Evangelistic Articles”) and videos (“Evangelistic Videos”) you can share with others. Explore “Share Jesus” from the main menu.

If you are really ambitious, you can memorize this information during your daily time with God and then you’ll have it available to you whenever you want to share it! Many times it can be helpful to share your personal testimony. Your “testimony” is when you “testify” as to what God is doing in your life. Your testimony should be short—less than 5 minutes—and should focus on how Christ has changed your life … and how much He means to you. Be enthusiastic … but not phony. Be transparent. As you think about your testimony consider these three questions:

“What was my life like before I had a relationship with Jesus Christ?”

“When did I begin my relationship with Jesus Christ?”

“What has God been doing in my life since I began my relationship with Jesus Christ?”

Take time to write out your testimony. Share it with a trusted friend and get some feedback. Keep your sharing short and to the point. Stay Focused! You fight a spiritual battle when you share Christ with an unbeliever.

There may be unusual interruptions …or the person might try to evade the real issues and get you off track. Focus on Christ’s love and his death on the cross. Emphasize how important that person is to God. At some point in the conversation, as the Holy Spirit leads, ask for a decision. Expect God to be working in their heart. Ask one of the following questions:

“Does this make sense to you?”

“Would you like to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ?”

“Would you like to ask Jesus to be a part of your life?”

Finally, if they are ready to receive Christ, pray with them, using the prayer in your tract (or go back to lesson 3 at the beginning of all of this study!). Encourage them to find a church or another Christian to help them grown in their relationship with God.

When you wake up each morning, thank the Lord Jesus that He lives within you, tell Him that you are available, and stay alert so He can use you to speak of His love and forgiveness at every opportunity throughout the whole day.

Application

Ask God to bring someone into your life whom you can introduce to Jesus!

Prayer is talking with God: asking Him for guidance, praising Him for His goodness, sharing with Him the needs of ourselves and others, and knowing by faith that He hears and will grant our requests.” The important thing is to take time to be still with God. The big question is … how?

Bill Bright once wrote, “Prayer is the most intimate communication ever devised. It is heart to heart, spirit to Spirit communication between creation and Creator. Enjoy His presence.”

We can pray in many ways! In this lesson, we will discuss a couple of different ideas and approaches that will help you to actually pray!

Be Still

Allow God to speak quietly to you. First of all, take time to be still! The great theologian, A.W. Tozer, once said, “More spiritual progress can be made in one short moment of speechless silence in the awesome presence of God than in years of mere study.” This can be a frightening concept in a world of constant activity! But take the time each day to stop and be still with God. Let the Holy Spirit fill you.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!”

Choose a Specific Time to Meet with God Every Day

If you want your relationship with Christ to grow, plan to meet with Him every day! Many Christians find that morning works best before the busyness of the day sets in. But everyone is different! Choose a time that really works for you!

Prayer Notebook or Journal

Many people find it helpful to keep a prayer notebook or journal. You can actually combine this with a study journal or notebook where you record all of your thoughts and anything that you are learning about your walk with God. Simply record your requests and how and when God answers them. A prayer notebook can be especially helpful when you feel that God is far away. As you review the times and places when you have experienced his specific answers to your prayers you will be encouraged by His faithfulness to you!

Claim God’s Promises

Apply the truth of God’s Word to each day and claim His promises by praying verses of scripture. Here’s a great verse to get you started:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5–6

Pray: “Lord, today, I am going to trust You with all my heart. Help me not to depend on my own understanding, but to seek Your will for my life in each situation. Help me to trust that You will show me throughout the day which path to take.” 

The ACTS Approach to Prayer

Rather than simply rambling all over the place when you pray, you can try to be more focused by using the acrostic ACTS. ACTS stands for four points: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. It’s a great way to center your thoughts on what you are talking to God about.

Adoration

Adoration of God involves acknowledging His character and reflecting on His power, majesty, and holiness with humble praise and worship. Worship is a part of adoration. Confession is only possible for a person who is willing to submit to God.

Worship is not a fuzzy feeling brought on by soft lighting and music, nor is it limited to a place such as a church building. It does not consist simply of religious duty, listening to a great sermon, or hearing the choir. Singing hymns may not be worship if our hearts are not in the right place, and even prayer can be from purely selfish motives and therefore not worship. True worship is “in Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

One of the ways to worship and adore God is to use scripture. Pray a passage or use keywords to help you express your love and admiration for God.

As you read Psalm 145:1–6, look for keywords and phrases of worship …

“I will extol you, my God, O king! I will praise your name continually! Every day I will praise you! I will praise your name continually! The LORD is great and certainly worthy of praise! No one can fathom his greatness! One generation will praise your deeds to another, and tell about your mighty acts! I will focus on your honor and majestic splendor, and your amazing deeds! They will proclaim the power of your awesome acts!”

Worship is our response to God. It is what happens in our hearts when we know God well, and love Him deeply. This response comes from an intimate relationship with Him and is enabled by the Holy Spirit. Our worship includes praise, thankfulness, wonder, joy, delight, trust, obedience, awe, and reverence. 

Worship is recognizing God’s majesty, glory, honor, power, wisdom, love, and justice. It is finding God to be of infinite worth! Worship is when we are overwhelmed by God’s sovereignty, person, and works. Express gratitude for all your blessings and privileges, as well as your trials and troubles!

Confession

When you sin and feel like no one cares about you, run to your Heavenly Father’s waiting arms. He will gladly welcome you! To restore fellowship with God, simply tell Him that you have sinned (name it), ask for His forgiveness, and then choose to let the Holy Spirit control your life. First John 1:9 promises, “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.”

Confession is only possible for a person who is willing to submit to God. You cannot spend your day being angry, deceitful, selfish, lustful, or proud, and then decide to “worship” God. Confess your sin to God and restore your relationship with Him! 

Thanksgiving

This part of your prayer involves expressing gratitude for all your blessings and privileges, as well as your trials and troubles! A thankful spirit is very pleasing to God.

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for each other in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” —Ephesians 5:20

Take time to thank God for all He is and does for you! Think about his love and grace. If you are having a hard time thanking Him, read the Psalms, and as you read the many praises, stop and make them your own. Think about God’s greatness and his great love for you!

Supplication (Request)

God wants you to bring your requests to Him! By approaching Him through adoration, confession, and thanksgiving, you will often find that you are more in tune with Him as you present your requests to Him. Know that God delights in your requests! Never stop asking Him for things that are Biblical and within His will. He promises to answer those prayers … in His time! Ask God to supply your needs, making special requests and desires known to Him. Don’t hesitate to pray for the needs and desires of others. As you read God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to control your life, you will find yourself naturally talking with God more.

The important thing here is to take the time to pray! Don’t get stuck on one type of approach. Keep your conversations with God alive! Pray with others, pray alone, pray any time!

Here is a helpful and concise resource in PDF: The Navigators “How to Have a Daily Quiet Time” [external link]

Application

For the next 30 days start a prayer list. Add to it each day. Record how and when God responds:

• Ways you are growing in your relationship with God
• Specific issues regarding your family and friends
• Non-Christians you desire to know Christ
• Other Christians you can help in some way: physically, emotionally, or spiritually
• Other requests

We serve a great God! And that great God loves us unconditionally and wants what is best for us! As you learn more about the faithfulness of God and His Word, the more you will trust Him; and the more you trust Him, the more you will enjoy talking with Him. God is your perfect Heavenly Father and you can pray with confidence knowing that He is listening and will answer your prayers!

Why can you pray with confidence? God’s Word gives many reasons, here are a few:

Because you belong to Christ. Many people pray instinctively, even if they do not have a relationship with God. However, it because you have a relationship with God through Christ that God your heavenly Father hears your prayers! It is important that you remember that you pray to the only true God, our Creator, and heavenly Father. 

In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Praying in His name means far more than just adding those words as a sort of good-luck charm to the end of your prayer. It means you speak to your Father with all the authority of Christ! It is like placing a draft on the bank of heaven with the check signed by Jesus Christ! Asking in His name means on the basis of who He is. Many people today think that Jesus Christ doesn’t really matter … God will hear whoever calls out to him.

But the Bible is clear that it is through Jesus Christ alone that we come to God! It means you speak to your Father with all the authority of Christ!

When you have a clean heart. Psalm 66:18–20 says, “If I had harbored sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. However, God heard; he listened to my prayer. God deserves praise, for he did not reject my prayer or abandon his love for me!”

Jesus paid for your sin on the cross, but you need to confess that sin to God!

When you have a forgiving spirit. An unforgiving spirit is a terrible roadblock to your fellowship with God. If you hold anything against anyone, take care of it at once!

Mark 11:25–26 tells us, “Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your sins.”

You can be confident that God will answer any prayer that is according to His perfect will.

When you come in faith. You must have a believing heart if you are to communicate with your Father.

James 1:6 says, “But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind.”

Ask God today to help you to embrace his design for having a right relationship with Him. 

“Dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have confidence in the presence of God, and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing to him. Now this is his commandment: that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he gave us the commandment. And the person who keeps his commandments resides in God, and God in him. Now by this we know that God resides in us: by the Spirit he has given us.” —1 John 3.21–24

God’s Word tells us that as his children we are always welcome in his presence!

Hebrews 4:16 explains, “Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.”

God answers the prayers of his children! John 15:7 says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.”

“And this is the confidence that we have before him: that whenever we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” —1 John 5:14

You can be confident that God will answer any prayer that is according to His perfect will. Don’t give up on prayers that don’t get answered right away. Countless Christians will tell you stories of God’s faithfulness in answering prayers after many years of continual prayer. It is important to focus on God rather than on your requests when you pray. He already knows what you are praying about and His answer to your situation. 

Trust His heart, His answers, and His timing.

Application

Commit yourself to whatever it is you have chosen to do … and ask God for the strength and discipline to do it!