The Bible Unpacked

1. Gods Being

Comprehensive Study Series

A compilation of the Bibles teaching for believers established in the faith

paul mallison

The Bible Unpacked

Comprehensive Study Series

A compilation of the Bibles teaching for believers established in the faith

1. Gods Being

paul mallison

The Bible Unpacked Copyright 19942013 by Paul Ian Mallison. All rights reserved. This book may be freely reproduced for use for non-profit Christian purposes. Free electronic copies may be downloaded at: www.thebibleunpacked.net. In return, users are asked to increase their support of persecuted Christians in prayer and if possible financially. (See www.thebibleunpacked.net/persecuted_Christians.htm for a list of organizations that help persecuted Christians.) Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible copyright 19962006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://www.bible.org/ All rights reserved. Scripture quoted by permission. Scripture quotations marked CEV are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked GNT are from the Good News Translation in Todays English Version- Second Edition Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission. Scripture quotations marked GW are taken from Gods Word Copyright 1995 God's Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ISV are taken from the Holy Bible: International Standard Version, Release 1.44. Copyright 19962007 by The ISV Foundation of Fullerton, California USA. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC. All rights reserved internationally. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version. Copyright 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from The New King James Version / Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers., Copyright 1982. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Quotations of short phrases from other Bible translations are on occasions included in comments on the verses. The copyright notices for these translations are given below. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified Bible, Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org). Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989 by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. This copy made: 12-Jun-13.

1. Gods Being

iii

Contents
A Quick Word .................................................................................................. iv Suggestions for Study Groups ................................................................... v

I. Basics
a) Gods Form ........................................................................................... 2 b) Gods Glory ........................................................................................... 5 c) Gods Personhood ............................................................................. 9 d) Gods Eternity ................................................................................... 12

II. Gods Pre-Eminence

a) Gods Greatness ............................................................................... 16 b) Gods Power (I): Ultimate Power .............................................. 18 c) Gods Power (II): His Deeds ........................................................ 21 d) Gods Knowledge and Wisdom ................................................. 23 e) Addendum: Gods Name .......................................................... 26 Topics in This Series .................................................................................... 31 The Seven Editions ....................................................................................... 33 Supporting Persecuted Christians ......................................................... 34

iv

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

A Quick Word
This series of studies aims to present a compilation of the Bibles teachings in a clear and readable order. There are 40 booklets in the series, based on the 40 chapters of the book The Bible Unpacked Comprehensive Edition. Each booklet has two sections, which can be used for two or more studies. See Topics in This Series towards the end of this booklet for a full listing of all the topics. Note that studying booklets alternatively from the two major sections (What to Know and What to Do) would add variety. The material contains Bible verses. Before the verses are headings, which reflect what the verses say in particular the parts of the verses in italics. The verses are sometimes followed by a comment. The verses often have a brief introduction. Usually these state who is speaking and often who they are speaking to. Apart from God and Jesus Christ, the main speakers are: Moses who lead the Israelites and taught them Gods laws; David Israels greatest king who wrote many of the psalms, most of which are essentially prayers; Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and other prophets who spoke to the people of Israel on Gods behalf; and Paul, Peter, John and other leaders of the early church who spoke to various groups and wrote letters to believers. Much care has been taken in order to correctly interpret the verses. Nevertheless, if you encounter a verse that is used to teach something that is contrary to or goes beyond your understanding, assess its use by doing such things as: reading the passage it is from; and considering how its teaching fits in with Scripture as a whole (e.g. interpret OT teaching in the light of NT teaching). For more information on The Bible Unpacked and free downloads, go to the website: www.thebibleunpacked.net.

Paul Mallison

1. Gods Being

Suggestions for Study Groups

Preliminary matters:
Beforehand the leader should: check the context of any verses they are not familiar with; and review the questions. If need be, they should compose questions more applicable to the group. Each person should have a Bible, for th ings such as checking a verses context. It would also be helpful to have Bible commentaries on hand. Pray before beginning the study. Ask God for help in understanding the meaning of the verses and to affect your lives through them. Also pray together at the end.

Doing the study:

Ideally, read the material and answer the questions prior to the meeting. Then share answers and discuss any issues arising from the material in the meeting. Alternatively, read the material and answer the questions in the meeting reading either aloud as a group or individually (prior to sharing answers). If reading as a group, try having one person read the headings, another read the verses and another read the comments. Additionally, a fourth person could read the Bible references.

General or concluding questions:

If time permits, conclude with one or more of the following questions: What is something that you either: did not know before; gained greater insight into; or needed reminding of? What verse would be helpful to memorize and bear in mind during the next week? In taking the verses seriously, is there anything you should change in: (a) how you relate to God and/or to other people; or (b) any other area of your life (e.g. attitudes, values or behavior)? If so, are there any specific steps you could take to do this?

I. Basics

The concepts in the first half of this chapter are fundamental to understanding what God is like, as they concern basic attributes of his being. These include attributes which show God to be very different to us, but also attributes which indicate that he is like us in that he is a personal being.

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

a) Gods Form
God is one
M ARK 12 : 29 B , 32 [J ESU S ,
Q U OTING M O S ES :] Listen, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 32The expert in the law said to him, That is true, Teacher; you are right to say that he is one, and there is no one else besides him.

In teaching that God is one, the Bible indicates that God is a single entity or being.

God is spirit . . . J OHN 4 : 24 God is spirit, and the people who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
Gods nature is spirit; he is a spiritual being. So God is not a physical being, in contrast to people and particularly to idols.

. . . As such, God cannot be seen by people

1T IM 6 : 16 [P AU L ,
S PEAK ING O F G OD :] He alone has endless life and lives in inaccessible light. No one has ever seen him, nor can anyone see him. Honor and eternal power belong to him! Amen. ISV

God is everywhere, not just in temples . . .

J ER 23 : 23 24 I am a God who is near, says the LORD. I am also a

God who is far away. 24No one can hide where I cannot see him, says the LORD. I fill all of heaven and earth, says the LORD. NCV
1K I 8 : 27 [S O LOM O N ,

PR AY ING AT THE D ED IC ATIO N O F THE TEM PLE :] But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! NKJV

. . . Thus, God is always near P S 46 : 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. GW P S 139 : 7 10 [D AV ID , TO G O D :] Where can I go to escape your spirit? Where can I flee to escape your presence? 8If I were to ascend to heaven, you would be there. If I were to sprawl out in Sheol, there you

1. I. Basics

would be. 9If I were to fly away on the wings of the dawn, and settle down on the other side of the sea, 10even there your hand would guide me, your right hand would grab hold of me. However, God primarily dwells in heaven
D EUT 26 : 15 A [M OS ES , TO G OD :] Look down from your holy dwelling place in heaven and bless your people

Verses which speak of God being in heaven are not understood to indicate that he is in any way confined to one location. But they do suggest that his form is such that his primary presence is in heaven. Note that some verses imply that God is present throughout the earth through his Holy Spirit (cf. Ps 139:710 ).

What does God being spirit mean for us in relating to him?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

How should the fact of God being everywhere always present with us stimulate and/or encourage us?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

What steps could you take to make yourself more consistently mindful of Gods presence with you?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Remember the persecuted

1. I. Basics

b) Gods Glory
Scripture often speaks of Gods glory in reference to his wondrous being. In doing so, it has in view Gods essence and/or his attributes. Regarding his essence, Gods glory pertains to his essential being itself, such that his presence is on occasions perceived as his glory and spoken of in terms of it. Regarding his attributes, Gods glory emanates in part from his attributes such as his power which in a sense reflect the glory of Gods essence and presence.

Glory is a prominent and key attribute of God

P S 138 : 5 They [kings] will sing about the ways of the LORD, for great

is the glory of the LORD! ISV R OM 3 : 23 All of us have sinned and fallen short of Gods glory.

CEV

In their sinful state, people are not compatible with Gods wondrous glory. The fact that it is Gods glory that people are measured by or compared to, underlines that glory is a key attribute of God.

Gods glory is an integral aspect of Gods presence . . .

P S 26 : 8 [D AV ID ,
TO G OD :] I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells. GNT

Here David speaks of Gods temple as being a prime location of Gods presence and thus his glory. As such, David associates Gods glory with his presence.

. . . Moreover, Gods glory manifests his presence

L EV 9 : 23 24 Moses and Aaron then entered into the Meeting Tent.

When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people. 24Then fire went out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat parts on the altar, and all the people saw it, so they shouted loudly and fell down with their faces to the ground. A CTS 7 : 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently toward heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series Leviticus 9:2324 (above) correlates the glory of the LORD (v. 23) with the presence of the LORD (v. 24). Acts 7:55 (immediately above) correlates the glory of God with God himself and so likewise with Gods presence.

In association with his glory, God is surrounded by brilliant light . . .

E ZEK 1 : 26 28 A [E Z EK IEL ,
D ES CR IBING A V IS IO N O F G OD :] I then saw what looked like a throne made of sapphire, and sitting on the throne was a figure in the shape of a human. 27From the waist up, it was glowing like metal in a hot furnace, and from the waist down it looked like the flames of a fire. The figure was surrounded by a bright light, 28as colorful as a rainbow that appears after a storm. I realized I was seeing the brightness of the Lords glory! CEV

Here Ezekiel sees a vision involving what appears to be a manifestation of Gods glory.

. . . and God has great majesty

P S 145 : 5 A [D AV ID ,
TO

G OD :] I will meditate on the glorious splendor of

Your majesty

NKJV

Gods glory is reflected in his powerful deeds

J OHN 11 : 40 44 Jesus responded [to Martha], Didnt I tell you that if

you believe, you would see the glory of God? 41So they took away the stone. Jesus looked upward and said, Father, I thank you that you have listened to me. 42I knew that you always listen to me, but I said this for the sake of the crowd standing around here, that they may believe that you sent me. 43When he had said this, he shouted in a loud voice, Lazarus, come out! 44The one who had died came out, his feet and hands tied up with strips of cloth, and a cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, Unwrap him and let him go.
Gods glory was seen (v. 40) or reflected in the raising of Lazarus from the dead, with Jesus effectively calling on God and his power (v. 41) in raising Lazarus.

1. I. Basics

Gods glory is evidenced throughout the earth and the heavens . . .

P S 8 : 1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens. ESV P S 19 : 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork.
The above verses speak of how Gods glory is evidenced throughout the earth and the heavens. For God so wonderfully created them, reflecting his glory.

. . . Gods glory will be explicitly revealed throughout the earth, to all nations
H AB 2 : 14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of

the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

ESV

The revelation of Gods glory in the destruction of Babylon (cf. vv. 12 13) may initially be in view, but the verse probably also has a final fulfillment at the end of the age.

What is the relationship between God's glory and his presence?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

How is Gods glory evidenced in the world today?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

How should being mindful of God's glory affect the way we view and relate to God?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Remember the persecuted

1. I. Basics

c) Gods Personhood
God is not a thing but a personal being that one can interrelate with. God thinks, has a will, has feelings and has character. Furthermore, God is active, communicates and interacts with people.

God has a mind knowing and comprehending things . . .

1S AM 2 : 3 B

For the LORD is a God who knows; he evaluates what

people do.
1C HR 28 : 9 A [D AV ID :] And you, Solomon my son, obey the God of your

father and serve him with a submissive attitude and a willing spirit, for the LORD examines all minds and understands every motive of ones thoughts. . . . and God has a will
E PH 1 : 11 [P AU L , TO BELIEV ERS :] In the Messiah we were also chosen when we were predestined according to the purpose of the one [God] who does everything according to the intention of his will, ISV

God has feelings and character . . .

2C HR 36 : 15 But the LORD God felt sorry for his people, and instead of

destroying the temple, he sent prophets who warned the people over and over about their sins. CEV J AMES 5 : 11 B You have heard of Jobs endurance and you have seen the Lords purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. . . . and God feels emotional pain I SA 63 : 9 A Through all that they suffered, he suffered too.
God suffered in response to the suffering of his people.

God is active J OHN 5 : 17 But Jesus said to them, My Father never stops working, and so I keep working, too. NCV

10

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

God communicates . . .
P HIL 3 : 15 [P AUL ,
TO THE P HILIPPIAN BELIEV ERS :] All of us who are mature should think in this same way. And if any of you think differently, God will make it clear to you. CEV

H EB 1 : 1 2 After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various

ways to our ancestors through the prophets, 2in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world. . . . and people can communicate with God
D AN 6 : 10 B 11 Three times each day Daniel would kneel down to pray

and thank God, just as he always had done. 11Then those men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. NCV God interacts with people, responding to their requests and needs
J AMES 4 : 8 , 10 Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse

your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double minded. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.
P S 91 : 15 [G OD ,
S PEAK ING O F A PERSO N D EVO TED TO HIM :] When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him when he is in trouble; I will rescue him and bring him honor.

How does God communicate and interact with us?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

1. I. Basics

11

How might the concept of God having feelings and even feeling emotional pain affect the way we view and/or relate to him?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Do you see God as a personal being that you can relate to? Explain.

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Remember the persecuted

12

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

d) Gods Eternity
God is alive
2S AM 22 : 47 The LORD is alive! My protector is praiseworthy! The God

who delivers me is exalted as king! God has always been alive, the first of all things . . .
P S 93 : 2 Your throne, O LORD, has been firm from the beginning, and

you existed before time began.

GNT

I SA 44 : 6 This is what the LORD, Israels king, says, their protector,

the LORD who commands armies: I am the first and I am the last, there is no God but me. . . . God existed even before the world began P S 90 : 2 [A PS ALM IS T , TO G O D :] Even before the mountains came into existence, or you brought the world into being, you were the eternal God. God will live forever . . .
D AN 4 : 34 B [K ING N EBU C HAD NEZZ AR :] I extolled the Most High, and I

praised and glorified the one who lives forever. For his authority is an everlasting authority, and his kingdom extends from one generation to the next. 1T IM 1 : 17 [P AU L , S PEAK ING O F G OD :] Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen. . . . In fact, God transcends time
2P ET 3 : 8 [P ETER ,
TO BELIEV ER S :] Now, dear friends, do not let this one thing escape your notice, that a single day is like a thousand years with the Lord and a thousand years are like a single day.

God dwells outside of the limitations of time, not bound by its finite perspective. From his eternal perspective, diverse periods such as a day and a thousand years are both small, even insignificant. To God the distinction between them is merely relative.

1. I. Basics

13

God is self-existing
J OHN 5 : 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the

Son also to have life in himself. God does not change

ESV

J AMES 1 : 17 All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.
Note that the Father of lights refers to God as the creator of the lights in the sky, i.e. the sun, moon, and stars (cf. CEV, GNT, NCV, NLT).

What evidence or reasons could you give to a non-believer that God is indeed alive, that he does exist?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Why would Gods eternity have evoked praise from Paul (cf. 1Tim 1:17)?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

How does Gods eternal perspective on time result in him viewing things differently to us?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

II. Gods Pre-Eminence

See also: [Gods] Holiness, Ch. 2 A failure of many of us in the church today is that we have an inadequate view of God, failing to fully appreciate his preeminence. All Christians need to understand and be mindful of Gods surpassing greatness and incomparable capabilities notably his power, knowledge and wisdom.

16

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

a) Gods Greatness
God is great and awesome
D EUT 10 : 17 [M O S ES ,
TO THE I SR AELITES :] For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who is unbiased and takes no bribe

God is greater than all others . . .

J OHN 10 : 29 [J ES US :] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater

than all, and no one can snatch them from my Fathers hand.
P S 150 : 2 [A
PS ALM IS T , S PEAK ING OF G O D :] Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him for his surpassing greatness!

. . . and God is exalted above all others P S 113 : 4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations; his splendor reaches beyond the sky. There is no one like God . . .
J ER 10 : 6 7 [J ER EM IAH :] I said, There is no one like you, LORD. You are

great. And you are renowned for your power. 7Everyone should revere you, O King of all nations, because you deserve to be revered. For there is no one like you among any of the wise people of the nations nor among any of their kings. . . . God does things which show that there is no one like him
I SA 40 : 22 26 God is the one who rules the whole earth, and we that

live here are merely insects. He spread out the heavens like a curtain or an open tent. 23God brings down rulers and turns them into nothing. 24They are like flowers freshly sprung up and starting to grow. But when God blows on them, they wilt and are carried off like straw in a storm. 25The holy God asks, Who compares with me? Is anyone my equal? 26Look at the evening sky! Who created the stars? Who gave them each a name? Who leads them like an army? The LORD is so powerful that none of the stars are ever missing. CEV

1. II. Gods Pre-Eminence

17

God is in fact beyond our comprehension

J OB 36 : 26 Yes, God is great beyond our knowledge! The number of

his years is unsearchable. J OB 11 : 7 9 Can you discover the essence of God? Can you find out the perfection of the Almighty? 8It is higher than the heavens what can you do? It is deeper than Sheol what can you know? 9Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.
The extent of Gods being and attributes are far beyond our understanding.

In what ways is God greater than everyone and everything else? (Do not limit your answer to just what is mentioned in the verses.)

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

What is one thing about God that you find particularly awe-inspiring and/or hard to comprehend?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

How should we respond to the greatness and awesomeness of God?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

18

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

b) Gods Power (I): Ultimate Power

God is mighty in power . . .
P S 106 : 8 Yet he [God] saved them for his names sake, that he might

make known his mighty power. ESV E PH 3 : 20 [P AU L , TO BELIEV ER S :] Glory belongs to God, whose power is at work in us. By this power he can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. GW . . . He is Almighty
R EV 15 : 3 B

Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! ESV
The words translated as Almighty are understood by many to convey Gods all-surpassing, infinite power (or omnipotence) and his sovereignty.

God can do all things nothing is too hard

J OB 42 : 2 [J OB ,
TO G OD :] I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ESV L UKE 1 : 36 37 [T HE ANG EL G ABR IEL , TO M ARY :] Your relative Elizabeth is also going to have a son, even though she is old. No one thought she could ever have a baby, but in three months she will have a son. 37 Nothing is impossible for God! CEV

God does whatever pleases him

P S 135 : 6 He does whatever he pleases in heaven and on earth, in the

seas and all the ocean depths. Gods power is far superior to that of anyone else . . .
2C HR 20 : 6 He [Jehoshaphat] prayed: O LORD God of our ancestors,

you are the God who lives in heaven and rules over all the kingdoms of the nations. You possess strength and power; no one can stand against you. E PH 1 : 18 B 19 [P AU L , TO BELIEV ERS :] that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in

1. II. Gods Pre-Eminence

19

the saints, 19the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe, as displayed in the exercise of his immense strength. . . . No being can do what God can do P S 86 : 8 [D AV ID :] No god is like you, O Lord. No one can do what you do. GW Power in fact belongs to God
R EV 19 : 1 [J O HN ,
D ES CR IBING A V IS IO N :] After these things I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a large crowd in heaven, saying, Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God. ISV

Verses which speak of power as belonging to God, point to him as having ultimate power and being all-powerful and even as being the ultimate source of all power.

Nominate one verse (not necessarily from the ones above) that for you epitomizes or sums up Gods power. Say why you chose it.

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

What are the implications of Gods supreme power for the world?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

20

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

What is one aspect of your life that should be affected by the Bibles claim that by his power God can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20)? How might or how should it be affected?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Remember the persecuted

1. II. Gods Pre-Eminence

21

c) Gods Power (II): His Deeds

Gods great power is shown in his deeds
P S 77 : 14 [A
PS ALM IS T , TO G O D :] You alone work miracles, and you have let nations see your mighty power. CEV

God performs great and awesome deeds

J OEL 2 : 21

Do not fear, my land! Rejoice and be glad, because the LORD has accomplished great things!
I SA 64 : 3 [I S AIAH ,
TO G OD :] When you performed awesome deeds that took us by surprise, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you.

Gods deeds are largely incomprehensible J OB 37 : 5 , 15 God thunders with his voice in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. 15Do you know how God commands them [clouds], how he makes lightning flash in his storm cloud? E CCL 8 : 17 [A WIS E TEAC HER :] then I discerned all that God has done: No one really comprehends what happens on earth. Despite all human efforts to discover it, no one can ever grasp it. Even if a wise person claimed that he understood, he would not really comprehend it.
The phrase what happens on earth alludes to the earlier phrase all that God has done. No one really comprehends all this, that God does.

Gods deeds are uncountable

J OB 5 : 9 [E LIPHAZ ,
S PEAK ING OF

G OD :] He does great and unsearchable

things, marvelous things without number; God is glorified in his powerful deeds P S 86 : 9 10 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. ESV
God is glorified through his powerful deeds partly in that people glorify him (v. 9), in response to his deeds.

22

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

Apparently scientists still do not understand what makes lightning flash (cf. Job 37:15). What is one thing in nature that you find particularly incomprehensible or stunning?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

What is something that God has done in your own life or in the life of someone close to you, that you do or should exalt him for?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Is there anything that God does not do or has not done yet that you wish he would do? Why do you think he does not or has not done this?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Remember the persecuted

1. II. Gods Pre-Eminence

23

d) Gods Knowledge and Wisdom

God knows everything
1J N 3 : 20 B God is greater than our conscience and knows all things. J OB 37 : 16 [E LIHU ,
TO J O B :] Do you know about the balancing of the clouds, that wondrous activity of him who is perfect in knowledge?

God sees all people, seeing and knowing all that they do . . . P S 33 : 13 15 The LORD watches from heaven; he sees all people. 14 From the place where he lives he looks carefully at all the earths inhabitants. 15He is the one who forms every human heart, and takes note of all their actions. P S 139 : 2 3 [D AV ID , TO G O D :] You know when I sit down and when I get up; even from far away you understand my motives. 3You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do. . . . No one can hide themselves or what they do from God J OB 34 : 21 22 Gods eyes are on a persons ways. He sees all his steps. 22 Theres no darkness or deep shadow where troublemakers can hide.
GW

God knows all peoples hearts and minds P S 44 : 21 God would have known, because he knows what is in our hearts. NCV
E ZEK 11 : 5 B This is what the LORD says: This is what you are thinking,

O house of Israel; I know what goes through your minds. God knows the future
I SA 46 : 10 [G OD , TO I SR AEL :] From the beginning I revealed the end. From long ago I told you things that had not yet happened, saying, My plan will stand, and Ill do everything I intended to do. GW

God has incredible wisdom

P S 147 : 5 Our Lord is great and has awesome power; there is no limit

to his wisdom.

24

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

Gods knowledge and wisdom is far superior to that of people beyond our comprehension
I SA 40 : 13 14 , 28 B Who has known the mind of the LORD or been able

to give him advice? 14Whom did he ask for help? Who taught him the right way? Who taught him knowledge and showed him the way to understanding? 28 No one can understand how great his wisdom is. NCV As such, God knows much that people do not know . . .
D EUT 29 : 29 A [M O S ES ,
TO THE

I S R AELITES :] There are some things the

LORD our God has kept secret, but there are some things he has let us know. NCV 1K I 8 : 39 B [S O LOM O N , TO G OD :] Only you know what is in everyones heart. NCV . . . Furthermore, God can take away worldly wisdom
1C OR 1 : 19 B [G OD :] I will cause the wise men to lose their wisdom; I

will make the wise men unable to understand.

NCV

How do you feel about God knowing everything? encourage or challenge you?

How does it

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

List some factors that set Gods wisdom apart from human wisdom.

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

1. II. Gods Pre-Eminence

25

How can we utilize Gods incredible wisdom in our own lives?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

Remember the persecuted

26

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

e) Addendum: Gods Name

In biblical times, a persons name represented or embodied their whole person including their nature, authority and even their purpose or significance. This is highlighted by references to the name of the person. Thus when used in regard to such things as Gods interaction with his people, references to Gods name are understood as being synonymous with God himself. For example, Gods name is used in expressing Gods presence amongst his people and also his care of them. Furthermore, Gods people are said to do such things as trust in, fear, love and praise his name.

Gods name is synonymous with God himself . . . I SA 48 : 9 A , 11 A [G OD :] For My names sake I will defer My anger, 11 For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it NKJV
Here and in the following verse, Gods name is shown to be synonymous with God himself by the same or similar things being done in regard to God and also to his name.
P S 18 : 49 [D AV ID :] For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name. ESV

. . . Likewise, Gods name is synonymous with his presence

1K I 9 : 3

And the LORD said to him [Solomon], I have heard your prayer and your plea, which you have made before me. I have consecrated this house that you have built, by putting my name there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. ESV
Note that the house refers to the temple that Solomon had built for God.

Gods name is synonymous with God in him helping his people . . .

P S 20 : 1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the

name of the God of Jacob protect you!

ESV

1. II. Gods Pre-Eminence

27

. . . and it is also synonymous with God in people relating to him

P S 116 : 13 [A
PS ALMIS T :]

I will celebrate my deliverance, and call on

the name of the LORD. Gods name is correlated with his authority and power
D AN 9 : 6 [D ANIEL ,
TO G OD :] We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our rulers, our ancestors, and our whole nation. GNT J OHN 10 : 25 B [J ESU S :] The deeds I do in my Fathers name testify about me.

Jesus performed his miracles in the name of his Father i.e. by the authority (CEV, GNT) or power (AMP) of God.

Gods name is holy

L UKE 1 : 49 [M ARY :] God All-Powerful has done great things for me,

and his name is holy.

CEV

Gods name is great . . .

P S 99 : 3 A [A
PS ALM IS T , TO

G O D :] Let them praise your great and

awesome name! . . . Gods name is glorious and exalted N EH 9 : 5 B May you be blessed, O LORD our God, from age to age. May your glorious name be blessed; may it be lifted up above all blessing and praise. Note: God declared his actual name to be the LORD E X 34 : 5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with Moses, and the LORD called out his name: the LORD. NCV E X 3 : 13 15 Then Moses said to God, If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, What is his name? what shall I say to them? 14God 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. 15God also said to Moses, Say this to the people of Israel, The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to

28

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

you. This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations. ESV
LORD (v. 15) can be derived from I AM (v. 14). For the actual Hebrew that is rendered as LORD is YHWH (most likely pronounced Yahweh) and it is derived from the verb HAYAH, to be (NASB text note) to which I AM is also related. Note that I AM WHO I AM (v. 14) may well have the sense: I will be who I will be (cf. NIV text note). This title and its shortened form I AM (v. 14) appear to express Gods unchanging nature, self-existence, selfdetermination and omnipresence.

What is the significance of ones name in the Bible?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

What is meant by the expression call on the name of th e LORD (cf. Ps 116:13)?

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

As best as you can, explain Gods reply to Moses question regarding his name (cf. Ex 3:14).

____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

1. Gods Being

29

Notes
____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

30

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

Notes
____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

1. Gods Being

31

Topics in This Series

Section I: What to Know
Part A. God and Spiritual Powers
1. Gods Being
I. Basics II. Gods Pre-Eminence

Part C. God and the World: Jesus Christ

11. Gods Promised Messiah
I. The Messiahs Identity II. The Messiahs Purpose and Person

2. Gods Character
I. Holy Characteristics II. Loving Characteristics

12. Jesus Christs Mission

I. Gods Enablement of Jesus Christ II. Jesus Christs Ministry, Death and Resurrection

3. Jesus Christ
I. General II. Jesus Christ and God

13. Salvation through Jesus Christ

I. Salvation from Sin II. Salvation for the World

4. The Holy Spirit

I. General II. God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

14. The New Order

I. Jesus Christ and the Laws Diminished Role II. Key Elements of the New Order

5. Angels, Satan and Demons

I. Angels II. Satan and Demons

15. The Last Things

I. Jesus Christs Return and the Final Judgment II. The Afterlife

Part B. God and the World: Basics

6. Gods Creation
I. General II. Gods Creation of People

Part D. God and His Own People

16. The Standing of Gods People
I. Basics II. Being in Jesus Christ

7. Gods Sovereignty
I. Gods Supreme Authority II. Gods Control over the World

17. Keys to Gods Interaction with His People

I. Basics II. Gods Holy Spirit in His People

8. Gods Word
I. General II. Key Old Testament Covenants

18. Gods Transformation of His People

I. General II. Spiritual Attributes

9. The Problem of Sin

I. General II. The Laws Provision for Israels Sin

19. Gods Care of His People

I. Gods Saving of His People II. Gods Preservation of His People

10. Gods Judgment

I. Basics II. The Manifestation of Gods Judgment

20. Gods Plans for His People

I. General II. Gods Plans for Israel

32

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

Section II. What to Do

Part E. Relating to God
21. Being Right with God
I. Getting Right with God II. Staying Right with God

Part G. Relating to People

31. Love
I. Loving Qualities II. Antitheses of Love

22. Having Faith in God

I. Faith and Hope II. What Not to Do

32. Justice
I. Justice in Action II. Being True

23. Loving, Fearing and Obeying God

I. Loving and Fearing God II. Obeying God

33. Wisdom
I. Being Wise II. Antitheses of Wisdom and Knowledge

24. Connecting with God

I. Being Close to God II. Praying to God

34. Common Relationships

I. Family Relationships II. Civil Relationships

25. Exalting God

I. Instructions II. Reasons to Exalt God

35. Spreading the Gospel

I. Instructions II. Insights

Part F. Church Life

26. Being One Body
I. General II. Caring for the Body

Part H. Persevering
36. Standing Firm
I. General II. Spiritual Warfare

27. Worshiping God

I. General II. Offerings

37. Rejecting Sin

I. Encountering Sin II. Avoiding Sin and Being Holy

28. Serving God

I. Preliminary Instructions and Insights II. Doing Gods Work

38. Major Pitfalls

I. Pride II. Riches and Sex

29. Significant Practices

I. Symbolic Rites II. Other Significant Practices

39. Hard Times

I. General II. Praying in Hard Times

30. Church Leadership

I. General II. Teaching in the Church

40. Persecution
I. The Persecution of Gods People II. What to Do in Persecution

1. Gods Being

33

The Seven Editions

There are seven editions of The Bible Unpacked, as shown below. Each edition is an abbreviated version of the next one. Four of the editions have studies based on them, with the same text and questions added. For more details and free downloads, go to www.thebibleunpacked.net. Two-Minute Edition Key Bible teachings for people on the run. For giving to non-Christians. Pocket Edition Key Bible teachings for seekers of truth. Largely for giving to inquiring nonChristians or young new Christians. Concise Edition Key Bible teachings for new believers. For either new or young Christians. Suitable to give to non-Christian friends. Has study series based on it. Foundations Edition A compilation of the Bibles teaching for believers consolidating their faith. For newer Christians. Study series is ideal for studies with newer believers. Intermediate Edition A compilation of the Bibles teaching for believers growing in the faith. For developing a sound understanding of the faith. Studies are excellent for Bible study groups. Comprehensive Edition A compilation of the Bibles teaching for believers established in the faith. For a more comprehensive knowledge of the faith. Studies are ideal for studying topics in detail.
Studies

Studies

Studies

Studies

In-Depth Edition A compilation of the Bibles teaching for teachers and students of the Bible. For pastors, church leaders, Bible students and all who want a deep understanding of the faith. Available in a single pdf file with over 90,000 hyperlinks.

34

The Bible Unpacked - Comprehensive Study Series

Supporting Persecuted Christians

Over 200 million Christians in at least 60 countries are denied basic human rights solely because of their faith. (Source: World Evangelical Alliance) Every year many Christians are killed because of their faith. Through prayer, encouragement and practical assistance we can assist and fellowship with persecuted Christians in their suffering. You can play a vital part in this through contacting one of the organizations listed below. Most produce regular news/prayer letters. Barnabas Fund www.barnabasfund.org It provides material and spiritual support based on locally identified needs. Christian Faith and Freedom www.cffreedom.org It advocates on behalf of and aids persecuted Christians. Christian Solidarity International www.csi-int.org CSI works to defend religious liberty and help persecuted Christians. Christian Solidarity Worldwide www.csw.org.uk It advocates for freedom of religion and justice for persecuted believers. Compass Direct www.compassdirect.org This is a Christian news service focusing on persecuted Christians. Open Doors sb.od.org; www.opendoors.org.au It equips believers for persecution and maintaining a witness to the Gospel. Religious Liberty Commission www.worldevangelicals.org/commissions/rlc RLC defends and aids persecuted Christians. See also www.idop.org. Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com.au It provides weekly bulletins. Send a blank email to [email protected]. The Bible League www.bibleleague.org/persecuted; www.bibleleague.com It supplies Bibles to persecuted Christians and also provides training. Voice of the Martyrs www.persecution.com; www.persecution.com.au VOM helps persecuted Christians spread the gospel. It also gives material aid. Then the King will answer, I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me. Matthew 25:40 NCV

This series of studies is based on the Comprehensive Edition of The Bible Unpacked. There are seven editions of The Bible Unpacked. These aim to address the needs of
NON-CHRISTIANS

through to MATURE CHRISTIANS,

from TEENAGERS to ADULTS. For more information and free downloads go to: www.thebibleunpacked.net.