InstaStudy

Understanding God's Revelation

This study explores how God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has chosen to make Himself known to humanity through various means, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Nature of God's Revelation

1.1 God's Desire to Be Known

Verses: Jeremiah 9:24; John 17:3
  • God actively seeks to reveal Himself to humanity.
  • Knowing God intimately is essential for eternal life.

1.2 Progressive Revelation

Verses: Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:17
  • God revealed Himself in various ways and at different times throughout history.
  • The ultimate and complete revelation of God came through His Son.

1.3 The Uniqueness of God's Self-Disclosure

Verses: Isaiah 45:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:35
  • There is only one true God, and He alone reveals truth about Himself.
  • God's revelation is distinct from human speculation or philosophy.

2. God Revealed in Creation

2.1 The Heavens Declare His Glory

Verses: Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20
  • The natural world testifies to God's power, wisdom, and divine nature.
  • All humanity is without excuse, as God's existence is evident in creation.

2.2 The Order and Design of the Universe

Verses: Genesis 1:1; Job 38:4-7
  • The intricate design and perfect order of the universe point to an intelligent Creator.
  • God's wisdom and majesty are clearly seen in the works of His hands.

3. God Revealed in Scripture

3.1 The Inspiration of Scripture

Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21
  • All Scripture is God-breathed, originating from God Himself.
  • Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

3.2 The Authority and Sufficiency of God's Word

Verses: Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 40:8
  • The Bible serves as our infallible guide and light for life.
  • God's written Word stands forever, unchanging and eternally true.

3.3 Understanding God's Nature Through Scripture

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; John 1:1
  • Scripture consistently reveals God as one Lord, the only God.
  • He is the first and the last, and the Word, which was God, became flesh.

4. God Revealed in Jesus Christ

4.1 The Incarnation of God

Verses: John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The eternal Word, who was God, became flesh and dwelt among us.
  • God Himself was manifest in the flesh, a profound mystery of godliness.

4.2 Jesus as the Fullness of God

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, for He perfectly represents God.

4.3 Jesus as the Only Name for Salvation

Verses: Acts 4:12; John 10:30
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • Jesus declared, 'I and my Father are one,' emphasizing His singular identity with God.

4.4 The Titles of God Applied to Jesus

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8
  • Jesus is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
  • He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Almighty God.

5. God Revealed by the Spirit

5.1 The Spirit's Role in Illumination

Verses: John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
  • The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth and reveals the deep things of God.
  • Spiritual truths are discerned spiritually, through the Spirit's work.

5.2 The Spirit's Witness to Christ

Verses: John 15:26; 1 John 5:6
  • The Holy Spirit testifies of Jesus Christ and His saving work.
  • The Spirit is truth, confirming the reality and identity of Jesus.

5.3 The Spirit's Indwelling and Empowerment

Verses: Romans 8:9; Acts 1:8
  • Believers are indwelt by the Spirit of God, making them temples of the Holy Spirit.
  • The Spirit empowers believers for witness, service, and living a godly life.