Knowing God

Key Takeaways

• Our ignorance leaves us hopeless.

• God is near and can be personally known; he is not foreign.

• God gives and does not take.

• God is sovereign over history.

• The risen Jesus changes everything.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  John mentions two philosophical approaches to evil: Epicureanism (escape) and Stoicism (endure). How do you see these approaches manifested in our modern society? In your own life?

• Question 2

  Paul describes the true God as "not foreign," "giving rather than taking," "sovereign over history," and "near and personal." Which of these attributes resonates most with you and why?

• Question 3

  In light of Paul’s teaching that God made all nations and is Lord over all, why does Christian Nationalism not fit with the gospel?

• Question 4

  John emphasizes that "cultural differences aren't mistakes, but part of God's sovereign design to drive people towards himself." How might this perspective influence our approach to diversity and cross-cultural interactions?

• Question 5

  The resurrection is presented as both a comfort and a confrontation. How does this dual nature of the resurrection impact your faith and your view of judgment?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Knowing the True God

READING :

Acts 17:16-31

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul's encounter in Athens reminds us that even in a world full of competing philosophies and beliefs, the true God can be known. As you read, reflect on how God has revealed himself in your life. Have you ever felt like you were "groping in the dark" to find him? Remember that he is not far from any one of us. Today, take time to acknowledge God's presence in the ordinary moments of your day. How might recognizing his nearness change your perspective on your circumstances?

Day 2 : The Problem of Evil and the Hope of Resurrection

READING :

Romans 8:18-25

DEVOTIONAL :

John touched on how both Epicureans and Stoics failed to adequately address the problem of evil. As Christians, our hope in the face of suffering is in the resurrection. Paul writes that all creation groans, awaiting redemption. Consider the areas in your life or in the world that seem to groan under the weight of evil or injustice. How does the promise of resurrection and future glory change your perspective on these struggles? Pray for the strength to persevere in hope, knowing that God is working all things for good.

Day 3 : God's Sovereignty in Our Stories

READING :

Ephesians 1:3-14

DEVOTIONAL :

God is sovereign over history and orchestrates our individual stories. As you read this passage, focus on the phrases that highlight God's purposeful actions - "he chose," "he predestined," "according to his plan." Reflect on your own life journey. Can you see God's hand guiding you, even in difficult times? Take a moment to thank him for his sovereign care, and ask for the faith to trust his plan, even when it's hard to understand.

Day 4 : The Call to Repentance and God's Judgment

READING :

2 Peter 3:8-14

DEVOTIONAL :

Paul's message in Athens included a call to repentance in light of coming judgment. Peter's words echo this urgency while emphasizing God's patience. How does the reality of future judgment impact your daily choices? Rather than inducing fear, let this truth motivate you to live with purpose and holiness. Is there an area of your life where you need to turn more fully to God? Remember, repentance is an opportunity to experience God's grace and transformation.

Day 5 : Christ's Substitutionary Atonement

READING :

2 Corinthians 5:14-21

DEVOTIONAL :

John concluded his sermon this week with the powerful truth of substitutionary atonement - "Jesus took my place." As you read, meditate on verse 21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." This is the heart of the gospel. How does this truth impact your understanding of God's love and your own worth? Take time to thank Jesus for his sacrifice and consider how you can live as an "ambassador for Christ," sharing this reconciling message with others.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

All: For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.

Psalm 95:6-7

Confession of FAITH

We believe... he is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:15-20

Confession of Sin

Almighty God, we confess that like the Athenians, our lives are full of idols. We numb ourselves like Epicureans, or harden ourselves like Stoics, but neither can save us from evil or from judgment. We ignore your nearness, deny your gifts, and live as though you are unknown. Forgive us, Lord. Turn our ignorance into repentance, that we might take refuge in Christ, the risen Judge and Savior. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7

Looking Ahead

Join us next week for
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) Sunday!