Introduction

In this second session, we explore the attributes and nature of God, which is essential for understanding who God is and how He relates to His creation. Knowing God's characteristics helps believers develop a deeper relationship with Him and strengthens their faith.

1. The Importance of Knowing God

• Purpose of Knowing God: Understanding who God is forms the foundation of Christian theology and practice. Our perception of God shapes our entire belief system.
• Personal Knowledge: Knowing God is not merely intellectual but deeply personal. Theological study leads to worship, obedience, and a transformed life.

2. The Existence of God

• Natural Revelation:
  • Creation: The natural world reveals God’s existence. The order, beauty, and complexity of creation point to a divine Creator.
    Psalm 19:1–4 (ESV) — 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    Romans 1:19–20 (ESV) — 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.‍
  • Conscience: Human morality and the sense of right and wrong suggest the existence of a moral Lawgiver.
    Romans 2:14–15 (ESV) — 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them

• Special Revelation
  • Scripture: The Bible is God’s self-revelation, where He has made Himself known explicitly. Boice underscores that without Scripture, our knowledge of God would be incomplete.
  • Jesus Christ: The ultimate revelation of God is in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ reveals God’s character, will, and redemptive plan.
    John 1:18 (ESV) — 18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
    Hebrews 1:1–3 (ESV) — 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

3. Understanding God’s Attributes

• Definition of Attributes: The attributes of God are the perfections of His nature, qualities that describe who God is. These are not separate parts of God but are aspects of His unified being.
• Importance: Knowing God’s attributes is essential for a proper understanding of who He is and how He interacts with the world. These attributes are foundational to Christian theology and practice.

4. Categories of God’s Attributes

• God’s attributes are categorized into two primary groups: Incommunicable Attributes and Communicable Attributes.

Incommunicable Attributes of God

• These are attributes that belong to God alone and are not shared with His creation.
  

• Self-Existence
  • Definition: God is self-existent, depending on nothing outside of Himself for His being.
    Exodus 3:14 (ESV) — 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”
  • Implications: This attribute assures us of God’s independence and sovereignty. He is the source of all life and sustains all things by His power.

• Immutability (Unchangeableness)
  • Definition: God does not change in His being, purposes, or promises.
    Malachi 3:6 (ESV) — 6 “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.
    James 1:17 (ESV) — 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
  • Implications: God’s immutability provides comfort, as His character and promises remain constant. We can rely on His unchanging nature, even when circumstances change.

• Omnipotence (All-Powerful)
  • Definition: God possesses all power and is able to do all things according to His will.
    Genesis 17:1 (ESV) — 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
    Revelation 19:6 (ESV) — 6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
  • Implications: God’s omnipotence assures us that nothing is impossible for Him. This power is evident in creation, providence, and redemption.

• Omniscience (All-Knowing)
  • Definition: God knows everything—past, present, and future—including all thoughts, actions, and events.
    Psalm 139:1–6 (ESV) — 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
    Isaiah 46:9–10 (ESV) — 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’
  • Implications: God’s omniscience means He understands our needs, thoughts, and desires completely. We can trust in His wisdom and guidance.

• Omnipresence (Everywhere Present)
  • Definition: God is present everywhere at all times.
    Psalm 139:7–12 (ESV) — 7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
    Jeremiah 23:23–24 (ESV) — 23 “Am I a God at hand, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? 24 Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.
  • Implications: God’s omnipresence offers assurance that we are never alone. He is always with us, regardless of where we are or what we face.

• Eternity
  • Definition: God exists outside of time; He has no beginning or end.
    Psalm 90:2 (ESV) — 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
    Isaiah 40:28 (ESV) — 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
  • Implications: God’s eternal nature assures us of His permanence and the everlasting nature of His promises. He is not constrained by time, allowing Him to work out His purposes in history.

• Sovereignty
  • Definition: God has supreme authority and control over all creation. He works all things according to His will.
    Ephesians 1:11 (ESV) — 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
    Romans 8:28 (ESV) — 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
  • Implications: God’s sovereignty provides comfort that He is in control of all situations. This means that nothing happens outside His will, and He can bring good out of all circumstances.

Communicable Attributes of God

• These are attributes that God shares with humanity, though in a limited way.
  

• Holiness
  • Definition: God is morally perfect, pure, and separate from sin.
    Isaiah 6:3 (ESV) — 3 And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
    1 Peter 1:15–16 (ESV) — 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
  • Implications: God’s holiness calls us to live lives of purity and moral integrity. It also underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement through Christ.
    

• Love
  • Definition: God’s nature is love. His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and redemptive.
    1 John 4:8–10 (ESV) — 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
    John 3:16 (ESV) — 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
  • Implications: God’s love is the basis for our salvation and our relationship with Him. It compels us to love others selflessly, as He has loved us.
    

• Justice
  • Definition: God is just and fair in all His dealings. He upholds righteousness and punishes sin.
    Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV) — 4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
    Romans 3:25–26 (ESV) — 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
  • Implications: God’s justice means that He cannot ignore sin. This attribute assures us that evil will be judged, but it also highlights the need for Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

• Mercy
  • Definition: God shows compassion and forgiveness, withholding the punishment we deserve.
    Exodus 34:6 (ESV) — 6 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,
    Ephesians 2:4–5 (ESV) — 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
  • Implications: God’s mercy offers hope to sinners. It encourages us to approach Him in repentance and to show mercy to others.
    

• Grace
  • Definition: God’s grace is His unmerited favor, giving us blessings we do not deserve.
    Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV) — 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
    Titus 2:11 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
  • Implications: God’s grace is central to our salvation and daily life. It teaches us that we are saved and sustained by His kindness, not by our own efforts.
    

• Truth
  • Definition: God is the ultimate source of truth. He is trustworthy and cannot lie.
    John 14:6 (ESV) — 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
    Titus 1:2 (ESV) — 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began
  • Implications: God’s truthfulness assures us that His Word is reliable. It challenges us to live lives of integrity and to speak the truth in love.
    

• Goodness
  • Definition: God is the ultimate standard of goodness. He does what is best and provides for His creation.
    Psalm 34:8 (ESV) — 8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
    Nahum 1:7 (ESV) — 7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.
  • Implications: God’s goodness leads us to trust in His provision and to respond with gratitude. It also calls us to reflect His goodness in our actions toward others.
    

• Faithfulness
  • Definition: God is always faithful to His promises and to His people.
    Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV) — 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
    1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV) — 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
  • Implications: God’s faithfulness provides security and confidence that He will never abandon us. It inspires us to be faithful in our commitments and relationships.
    

• Wisdom
  • Definition: God’s wisdom means He knows the best goals and the best means to achieve them.
    Romans 11:33 (ESV) — 33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
    Proverbs 3:19 (ESV) — 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;
  • Implications: God’s wisdom reassures us that His plans are perfect, even when we don’t understand them. We are called to seek His wisdom in our decisions.

Practical Applications: Living in Light of God’s Attributes

• Worship: Understanding God’s attributes should lead us to deeper worship. Recognizing His greatness, holiness, and love compels us to honor Him with our lives.
  Psalm 95:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice,
  
  
• Trust: Knowing God’s attributes, such as His omniscience, omnipotence, and faithfulness, encourages us to trust Him fully in all circumstances.
  Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV) — 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
  
  
• Imitation: While we cannot possess God’s incommunicable attributes, we are called to reflect His communicable attributes in our lives—pursuing holiness, love, justice, mercy, and truth.
  Ephesians 5:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
  
  
• Service: God’s attributes motivate us to serve others. His love, mercy, and grace inspire us to reach out to those in need, reflecting His character in the world.
  1 Peter 4:10–11 (ESV) — 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

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Written By
‍Mawuli Tsikata
Lead Pastor, Grace Centre

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