God Who?

June 11, 2023

A Pew Research study from 2008 revealed that nine out of ten Americans believe in God, but only a small majority believe in God as described in the Bible. How do we know there is a God, and even more importantly, how can we possibly know what He is like? Join us as we begin exploring the essential beliefs of Christianity by asking the question, God Who?

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Passage

Romans 1:19-20 & Hebrews 1:1-3

Principles

In essentials, we have __________; in non-essentials, we have ______________; and in all things, we aspire to ________ ________________ ____________.

Essential Belief #1: We believe in ______ the ____________, almighty ________ of ____________ and ________ of __________.

________ you believe about God matters as much as if you believe in God.

__________ is the only perfect reflection of God.

Practice

Spend the summer defining your essential beliefs.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Someone once said, “All Scripture is equally inspired, but not all Scripture is equally applicable or relevant to every stage of life.” Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Can you give examples of how different passages of the Bible may not be equally applicable or relevant?

Many have said this book is among the most relevant and applicable of the entire Bible. Do you agree or not? If you do agree, what makes Romans so relevant?

HEAR

Read Romans 2:1-5

What is the “therefore” in verse one there for? (Read Romans 1:26-32)
What is the intended consequence of God’s kindness? Do you find it easier to accept God’s kindness as it is directed toward yourself or when it is directed toward others?
In the context of this passage, what does it mean to have a hard and impenitent heart? What are the consequences of having such a heart? Relate this passage to Matthew 6:11-15.

Read Romans 2:6-16

Is Paul saying that our salvation is based on our good works? Why or why not?
What does it mean that God does not show partiality? If God doesn’t show favoritism, why does Paul say these things are first for the Jews and then the Greeks? (See also Romans 1:16)
Do those who are without the law have an excuse for their sin? Why or why not? How does the innate human understanding of good and evil explain the existence of God?

Read Romans 2:17-29

Is hypocrisy a new problem for the people of God? What are the consequences of the Jews’ hypocrisy? (See verse 24). Why does Paul equate hypocrisy with blasphemy?
Explain Paul’s position on circumcision. How does this relate to other religious practices?
What is your big takeaway from Romans 2? What will you do this week to apply what you’ve learned?

HUDDLE

Are you struggling with hypocrisy (yours or someone else’s)? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Readings

Our summer Bible reading plan will focus on passages related to our essential beliefs. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to affirm what is essential. How will this essential affect your life today?

Day 1: Romans 1
Day 2: Romans 2
Day 3: Hebrews 1
Day 4: Psalm 8
Day 5: Psalm 23
Day 6: Psalm 139
Day 7: Psalm 145