Knowing God Group Member's Guide

Knowing God — My Father Applying the names of God to my personal life

Workbook Second Edition

By Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. Communications should be addressed to: Turning Point Ministries, Inc. P. O. Box 22127 Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127 Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version.® Copyright ©1972, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. ©Turning Point, 1993, 1998. All rights reserved.

All rights are reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the Turning Point Ministries.

ISBN 10: 1-58119-007-7 ISBN 13: 978-1-58119-007-6

Produced by

Cover Photo: Doug Barnette Cover Design: Graphic Advertising Layout: Louise Lee

Knowing God — My Father Applying the names of God to my personal life

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ontents

Page Preface • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Pronunciation of the Names of God

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The Attributes of God

Session 1 — A Prayer for You • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Session 3 — My Father — My Healer

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Session 4 — My Father — My Banner

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Session 5 — My Father — My Sanctifier

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Session 2 — My Father — My Provider

Session 6 — My Father — My Peace

Session 7 — My Father — My Righteousness

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Suggested Reading • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Session 8 — My Father — He Is There Session 9 — My Father — My Shepherd

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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Preface Welcome to the Turning Point small group study entitled Knowing God—My Father group. This is for those who want to grow in their knowledge of God as Father by applying the names of God to their personal lives. Each session highlights an aspect of God’s character and how He meets human need at the right time and the right place.

The purpose of Knowing God—My Father is to help participants strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father by studying the various names of God in the Scripture which apply to His works. It is important that each participant prayerfully apply each biblical principle with a sincere desire to know God as his/her personal Father.

Knowing God—My Father is not a substitute for medical or psychological care. We never advise anyone to stop taking medication or discontinue their doctor’s care. It is our prayer that God will use you as a “Turning Point” in the lives of many people. May the Lord bless you.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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Pronunciation of the Names of God

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Jehovah-jireh

je-ho’-vah yeer’-eh

Jehovah-rapha

je-ho’-vah raw-faw’

Jehovah-nissi

je-ho’-vah nis-see

Jehovah-M’Kaddesh

je-ho’-vah m’-kad’-desh

Jehovah-shalom

je-ho’-vah shal-lom

Jehovah-tsidkenu

je-ho’-vah tsid-kay’-noo

Jehovah-shammah

je-ho’-vah sham’-mah

Jehovah-rohi

je-ho’-vah ro’-ee

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

The Attributes of God God is omnipotent (Matthew 19:26).

God is omnipresent (Psalm 139:8; Jeremiah 23:23-24).

God is omniscient (Psalm 147:4-5).

God is love (1 John 4:8).

God is holy (1 Peter 1:16: 1 John 1:5).

God is a spirit (John 4:24).

God is changeless (Psalm 102:27; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17).

God is self-existent (Exodus 3:14).

God is infinite (Psalm 145:3).

God is truth (Deuteronomy 32:4; John 17:3).

God is life (John 5:26).

God is sovereign (2 Samuel 7:28; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; John 6:44).

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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1A Prayer for You

Session

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Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session One

elcome

Personal Notes

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Ephesians 1-3.

Describe in your own words what it means personally for you to be a part of God’s family.

The goal of Knowing God — My Father is to look at ways we can grow in our knowledge of God as Father by applying the names of God to our personal lives. Beginning with Session 2, the various names of God presented in the Scripture which apply to His works will be highlighted through an awareness and application of biblical principles. To be effective, let us prayerfully apply each biblical principle with an earnest desire to know God as our personal Father.

What do you want to receive from this group?

We approach (or have access to) God through Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul writes, “In him [Christ] and through faith in him [Christ] we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12).

In view of this verse, how can we approach God?

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 1

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piritual-Awareness Paul’s prayer (Ephesians 3:10-21) has personal significance to us.

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Notes from the Reading

Reference

❏ Ephesians 3:10-14

❏ Ephesians 3:15; John 1:12; John 8:42-47

❏ Ephesians 3:16

❏ Ephesians 3:17

❏ Ephesians 3:18

❏ Ephesians 3:19

❏ Ephesians 3:20-21

❏ Deuteronomy 4:7

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Session 1

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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pplication

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians clearly shows the love and power of God available in our personal lives.

Using Paul’s model and content, put into your own words a prayer for yourself.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 1

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2 My Father — My Provider

Session

Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session Two

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Personal Notes

eet With God

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Genesis 21-22.

Describe your first remembrance of God providing for you through a time of testing your faith.

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elf-Awareness Some people have a distorted view of God because of an earthly father who did not provide for them. Earthly fathers may not provide for a number of reasons including illness, absence, abusive behaviors, etc.

Although there are many reasons an earthly father may fail as a provider, God our Father always provides for His children. As we study the names of God, we will see that the compound name in each session, an aspect of God’s character, is highlighted as He meets a human need at the right time and exactly the right place.

In what ways can an earthly father contribute to distorted views of God our heavenly Father?

In what ways are the best of earthly fathers inferior to our heavenly Father?

Can you think of an event or situation that caused you to think m o re about God as provider?

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Session 2

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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piritual-Awareness Biblical Narrative Abraham is faced with a crisis and the supreme test of his life.

God asked him to take his deeply loved son, Isaac, to the land of Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice.

Abraham prepared an altar, arranged the wood, bound Isaac, and laid him on the top of the wood on the altar. With knife in hand preparing to slay his son, Abraham was stopped when the angel of the Lord appeared and instructed him not to harm the boy. God provided a ram as a substitute. “So Abraham called that place ‘The LORD Will Provide’ ” (Jehovah-jireh) (Genesis 22:14).

God provided Abraham a ram as a sacrifice in place of his son Isaac. ✓ Reference

Notes from the Reading

❏ Genesis 22:7-8; John 1:29

❏ Genesis 22:9

❏ Genesis 22:10-11

❏ Genesis 22:12

❏ Genesis 22:13, Mark 10:45

❏ Genesis 22:14

❏ Philippians 4:19

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 2

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A

pplication

Abraham showed trust in God when he said to Isaac, “God himself will provide the lamb” (Genesis 22:8). Another way to say God will provide is “God will see to it.”

As you trust God as your personal Father, name three areas that you will place (or have placed) on the “God will see to it” list.

1.

2.

3.

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Session 2

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

3 My Father — My Healer

Session

M

eet With God

Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session Three

Personal Notes

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Exodus 13-15.

Note carefully Exodus 13:17-18. Why did God not permit Israel to take the shortest distance but instead had them take the road toward the Red Sea?

S

elf-Awareness It is obvious that since the fall of man, human life has been in need of healing. Human suffering takes its toll through various diseases which cause sickness and pain. Our need for healing is not limited to physical needs. Moral and spiritual sickness can be described as a running sore with its source being a sin-sick heart (Jeremiah 17:9).

It is important that we recognize our heavenly Father as healer.

As humans, we cannot heal, but we can cultivate the garden of the human soil by being open to God for His work in healing physical problems, relationships, attitudes, etc.

Describe a situation in which God perf o rmed healing in your life.

In what ways does God use healing properties found in medicine, proper diet, exercise, etc.?

Mariam sang a song of victory soon after the crossing of the Red Sea: “Sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea” (Exodus 15:21).

Afterward they encountered bitter water that they could not drink.

Can you think of a victory in your life that was followed with “bitter waters”? Describe.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 3

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piritual-Awareness Biblical Narrative Abraham had seen the provision of God first-hand in the land of Moriah. Later God provided a way for the Israelites to go through the Red Sea. They were faced with the need for water soon after this great victory.

At Marah, the Israelites grumbled because they could not drink the bitter water. As Moses prayed, God instructed him to cast a tree into the water, and it became sweet. He urged them to give careful attention and obedience to God’s commands, and He would “not bring on [them] any of the diseases brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you” (Jehovah-rapha) (Exodus 15:26).

God turned bitter water into sweet water. After supplying the need, He declared that He is the Lord who heals.

Notes from the Reading

✓ Reference ❏ Exodus 15:22

❏ Exodus 15:23-24

❏ Exodus 15:25, Acts 5:30; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:24

❏ Romans 5:3-5

❏ Exodus 15:26

❏ 1Corinthians 10:1-6

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Session 3

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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pplication

Jehovah, our true and eternal God, has a history of healing and restoration in the Old Testament. What Jehovah did at Marah, Jesus will do for those who trust and obey him.

James encourages us to “pray for each other so that [we] may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

In what areas of your life do you need healing?

Physical

Relationships

Attitudes

Others

How do you plan to focus on Jehovah-Jesus instead of the bitter water?

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 3

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4 My Father—My Banner

Session

M

Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session Four

Personal Notes

eet With God

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Exodus 16-17.

Note Exodus 17:10-13. Describe a time when you held up a person’s hands during a time of weakness or weariness.

Describe a time when someone held up your hands during a struggle.

S

elf-Awareness A banner often represents a standard or ensign of authority and power. Nations have flags or banners that represent a certain country and belief system and go to war with this flag as their rallying point.

As we study to enhance our relationship with our heavenly Father, we need to take an honest look at our belief systems which may represent biblically incorrect traditions, views of God as heavenly Father, behaviors, and so forth.

Describe your most memorable experience or event with a banner or flag (American flag, high school banner, service club banner, etc).

Describe belief systems that may represent a banner that is inconsistent with biblical truth.

In what ways can banners (a symbol or standard) become the object of worship instead of the Lord ?

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Session 4

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

The word banner is also translated pole, ensign, and standard. As Moses held his rod while lifting up his hands, the Israelites experienced victory; whereas, when he lowered his hands, they suffered loss. It was important that Aaron and Hur helped him keep his hands raised.

What significance do you see in the rod and hands raised as a rallying to and dependence upon God?

What ways can you make this applicable to your personal life?

S

piritual-Awareness Biblical Narrative The Israelites had experienced God as healer at the waters of Marah and had seen God bring water from the rock at Rephidim. Now, His character would be further revealed in meeting human need. While at Rephidim, the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites.

Moses instructed Joshua to select men for battle, and he went to the top of the hill with the rod in his hand. As long as his hands were raised, the Israelites experienced victory, but when his hands were lowered, they suffered loss. Aaron and Hur helped Moses by holding his hands up, and they remained steady. The Amalekites were defeated. “Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner” (Jehovah-nissi) (Exodus 17:15).

The Israelites were victorious over the Amalekites with the Lord as Banner.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 4

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✓ Reference

Notes from the Reading

❏ Exodus 17:8

❏ Exodus 17:9-10

❏ Exodus 17:11

❏ Exodus 17:12

❏ Exodus 17:13-14

❏ Exodus 17:15-16

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Session 4

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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pplication

The attack of the Amalekites upon the Israelites can be compared to spiritual warfare. Moses said, “The LORD will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation” (Exodus 17:16). With hands raised and rod in hand, Moses interceded for the Israelites. Jesus is interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25).

In another experience, when the people were plagued by snakes, the Lord instructed Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (Numbers 21:8). Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14). In our own strength, we will fail in spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

Describe in your own words the banner of the cross and how you plan to apply this symbol of redemption to your own spiritual warfare.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 4

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5My Father — My Sanctifier

Session

M

Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session Five

Personal Notes

eet With God

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Leviticus 18-20.

Note that Leviticus 20 lists several punishments for sin. What was the purpose for God’s punishment of sin? (See verses 22 and 26.)

S

elf-Awareness The word sanctify means to be clean, to dedicate, to consecrate, to hallow, to purify—each of which means to be holy. Being holy, we are set apart for the worship of God. Living a life separated from the world system and being a part of this world may seem difficult, but God has promised to set His children apart for His purpose.

As we study our heavenly Father as our sanctifier, the term holy may seem impossible for some who have experienced earthly fathers who were less than pure in their life-style. As we focus on the absolute purity of God, we can experience His purification process in our lives as believers when we practice obedience to God’s Word.

What does it mean to you to be holy?

What are some of the challenges of living a holy life in this society?

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Session 5

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

How can impure earthly fathers contribute to a distorted view of our holy and heavenly Father?

In view of 1 John 1:7, in what way do a believer and God work together in the setting-apart process?

S

piritual-Awareness Biblical Narrative Having already shown His character to the Israelites by making provision for them, healing life’s bitter experiences, and being their banner in warfare, God now turns to their need for holiness.

On Mount Sinai, Moses received the Ten Commandments directly from God. In the book of Leviticus, Moses explains God’s laws and statutes. From the Ten Commandments, God commanded, “Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the LORD, who makes you holy” (Jehovah-M’Kaddesh) (Leviticus 20:8).

God instructed the Israelites to set themselves apart for a life of moral and spiritual purity.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 5

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✓ Reference

Notes from the Reading

❏ Leviticus 20:7

❏ Leviticus 20:8

❏ Deuteronomy 4:35

❏ Isaiah 44:6

❏ Leviticus 19:2

❏ 2 Timothy 1:9

❏ John 17:17

❏ 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4

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pplication God promises to sanctify the whole person (body, soul, and spirit). Paul writes,“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). However, Paul lists three important areas for the believer in this sanctification process: “Test everything.

Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

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Session 5

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

List ways you will do your part in each of the three areas.

Test everything.

With God’s help, I will . . .

Hold on to the good.

With God’s help, I will . . .

Avoid every kind of evil.

With God’s help, I will . . .

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 5

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6 My Father — My Peace

Session

M

Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session Six

Personal Notes

eet With God

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Judges 6-7.

Have you ever felt like Gideon in Judges 6:13: “If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?” If so, describe.

S

elf-Awareness Having already focused on My Father—My Sanctifier working with me to set me apart for His use, we see in this session that the result is peace through our heavenly Father. Ever since the sin of Adam and Eve, man’s deepest need has been for peace with God. This longing for peace is expressed in many ways. Bumper stickers, political reform, new age philosophy, etc., are set to point us in the direction of peace for our families and communities. However, the source of peace is often flawed. The only lasting peace which brings harmony and restoration in a relationship with God comes through Him, our heavenly Father.

What are some channels you have used to seek peace?

Is there a certain area in your life in which you have a longing for peace? Describe.

Why do you think it is important to set yourself apart for God so that the peace that obedience brings will come to your life?

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Session 6

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Gideon was called by God during a time when Israel had no spiritual vision. “Everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25).

How does this relate to today’s society?

S

piritual-Awareness Biblical Narrative Several years after God had shown Himself as “the LORD who makes you holy” (Leviticus 20:8), the Israelites were inconsistent in following God. With no central vision of God’s laws and statutes, “everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25).

Again the Israelites turned from the Lord, and for seven years they were placed into the hands of the Midianites. During this oppression, the Israelites lived in caves and other shelters. They cried to the Lord for help, and God sent the angel of the Lord to Gideon. The Lord showed Gideon His presence and power to lead them out of this impoverishment. After several conversations with the angel, “Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it ‘The LORD is Peace’ ” (Jehovah-shalom) (Judges 6:24).

God called Gideon to bring the Israelites deliverance from the Midianites. Gideon was shown that God was his peace.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 6

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✓ Reference

Notes from the Reading

❏ Judges 6:1

❏ Judges 6:2-5

❏ Judges 6:6-10

❏ Judges 6:11-12

❏ Judges 6:13

❏ Judges 6:14

❏ Judges 6:15-16

❏ Judges 6:17-23

❏ Judges 6:24

❏ Isaiah 26:3

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Session 6

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

A

pplication

Through Christ, we have peace with our heavenly Father.

Being alienated from God, we receive peace “through [Christ’s] blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:20).

Christ is the “Prince of Peace,” and we are called to be peacemakers (James 3:18).

What relationship is less than peaceful in your life?

In what ways are you looking to your heavenly Father for help?

In what ways can you “sow in peace”?

James says there is a result for “peacemakers who sow in peace” (James 3:18).

What is it?

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 6

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Father — My 7 My Righteousness

Session

M

eet With God

Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session Seven

Personal Notes

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Jeremiah 23-25.

How does God describe His Wo rd in Jeremiah 23:28-29?

S

elf-Awareness To be righteous means to be upright, just, pure, straight, or to do the right thing, “He who does what is right is righteous” (1 John 3:7). Living a righteous life is not a human characteristic. Paul says, “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). It is only through Christ that we can become righteous.

It is common for us to try to be righteous through our own deeds by supporting worthy causes, through regular church attendance, and through hiding behind a variety of masks.

Family members often face disappointment and pain because of unrighteousness in families.

Describe a personal experience of trying to do what was right in your own strength and the frustration that followed.

Describe various masks of righteousness you have experienced in your own life or have seen in others.

What are some of the disappointments and pain that may exist in unrighteous families?

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Session 7

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Isaiah likens our righteous acts to that of “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Jesus said to the Pharisees, “What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight” (Luke 16:15).

In what ways do we try to justify ourselves with righteous acts that are impressive to man yet displeasing to God?

S

piritual-Awareness Biblical Narrative The nation of Israel once again finds themselves rebelling against the Lord. The ten tribes of Israel having already fallen, Judah is also on a fast track to destruction. During this time of moral and spiritual decay, Jeremiah prophesied that the nation of Israel would be scattered but God would raise up a king through the line of David.

In the days to come, the Lord promised to “raise up to David [through David’s line] a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness” (Jehovahtsidkenu) (Jeremiah 23:5-6).

God, at a time of unfaithfulness, promised to raise up a righteous standard through the line of David. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 7

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✓ Reference

Notes from the Reading

❏ Jeremiah 23:1-2

❏ Jeremiah 23:3-4

❏ Jeremiah 23:5-6

❏ Jeremiah 30:9; Isaiah 4:2; Matthew 1:1; Matthew 1:17

❏ Psalm 129:4; Isaiah 45:21

❏ Romans 5:17-21

❏ 2 Corinthians 5:21

❏ 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

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Session 7

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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pplication

The Apostle Paul had an impressive résumé but considered it rubbish when compared to knowing Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:4-8). He said he wanted to “be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith” (v9).

What areas of your life need to be put on the rubbish (worthless) list?

Describe in your own words your desire to know God, your heavenly Father, as your robe of righteousness. See Isaiah 61:10.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Session 7

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8 My Father — He Is There

Session

M

Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session Eight

Personal Notes

eet With God

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Ezekiel 48 and Revelation 21-22.

Our heavenly Father promises to be with us in heaven. In addition to His presence, what other promises do we have in Revelation 21:3-4?

S

elf-Awareness Our heavenly Father is always present and is attentive to our needs. Psalm 46:1 describes him as “an ever present help in trouble.” One of the great truths of the Bible is that a holy God dwells with His people. “What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him” (Deuteronomy 4:7)? In the New Testament we see that entrance into the presence of God is through our personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Many children grow into adulthood with an absent earthly father because of illness, work, unconcern, or separation.

Others have fathers who were (are) present in the home but did (does) not provide a positive and meaningful presence.

(Examples: More interest in the newspaper than children; preoccupied with drinking, sports, work, etc.) The meaningful presence of an earthly father is important for the well-being of the children. However, earthly fathers will always be imperfect, but they can be a vessel to lead their families into the presence of the Lord (Exodus 33:14-15).

Describe a memory that stands out which relates to the presence or lack of presence of your earthly father.

How do you view the benefits of children having an earthly father who is there (present) in the home, at their school activities, at church with them, etc.?

What are some of the aspects re g a rding the presence of eart h l y fathers that will always fall short of our heavenly Father?

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Session 8

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

God knew Moses by name as He does each of us. Faced with the challenge of leading the Israelites, Moses asked his heavenly Father whom he would send with him. “The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you’ ” (Exodus 33:14). Each of us has or will face challenges throughout our life.

What significance does the Lord’s presence in your life mean to you personally?

Describe a time when His presence helped you in a difficult situation.

S

piritual-Awareness Biblical Narrative Living with other exiles in Babylon, Ezekiel prophesied during a gloomy time in the history of Israel. Israel was at its lowest point both spiritually and as a nation. All of Ezekiel’s prophecies were spoken during this captivity.

During this time of upheaval, Ezekiel’s prophecies offered hope through the future restoration of Israel. Although Jerusalem had fallen. Ezekiel saw in a vision the future city of Jehovah where God himself would dwell. “And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE” (Jehovah-shammah) (Ezekiel 48:35).

God our heavenly Father is present in earthly life but ultimately we will see him face-to-face in heaven.

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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✓

Reference

Notes from the Reading

❏ Isaiah 7:14

❏ Matthew 1:22-23

❏ John 1:14

❏ 1 Corinthians 6:19

❏ 2 Corinthians 6:16

❏ Matthew 28:20

❏ Ezekiel 48:35

❏ Revelation 21:1-4

❏ James 4:8

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Session 8

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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pplication

Growing in knowledge of our heavenly Father is a lifetime process. The Apostle Paul says: “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12).

In future days we will see the Lord face-to-face. Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).

Jesus has prepared a place for us—the ultimate healing of sicknesses, relationships, sorrows, etc.

What are you doing to prepare a place for Him in your heart?

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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Father — My 9 My Shepherd

Session

M

Personal Preparation: Getting Ready for Session Nine

Personal Notes

eet With God

Take 30 minutes each day to be alone with God in meditation and prayer. Read Psalms 22-27.

Write down your thoughts on Psalm 24.

S

elf-Awareness Having studied the aspects of God’s character and how He meets human need at the right time and right place, we will now see our heavenly Father in a personal relationship. Our heavenly Father as shepherd is one who tends to, watches over, feeds, keeps company with, and is a personal friend.

Many children do not have the benefit of an earthly father who shepherds them with care, security, consistency, gentleness, or as a personal friend. Some children grow into adulthood with this vacuum. The best of earthly fathers cannot provide the gentleness, consistency, or personal friendship our heavenly Father brings.

What do you remember most about your father or another father as shepherd ?

What are some of the benefits of children who have earthly fathers who shepherd them with personal care, consistency, and understanding?

What are some aspects of earthly fathers that will always fall short of our heavenly Father?

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Session 9

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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piritual-Awareness Biblical Narrative David wrote Psalm 23, but it is unclear when it was written. It may have been as a young man watching over his flock or at the challenge of facing the giant, Goliath. Perhaps it was written during Absalom’s rebellion toward him or when he was an old man reflecting back over his life.

Having a close relationship with his heavenly Father, David was a man who sought the heart of God. Psalm 23 describes this picture of God as his shepherd. “The LORD is my shepherd (Jehovahrohi), I shall not be in want” (v1).

David relates to his heavenly father in a personal way.

✓ Reference

Notes from the Reading

❏ Psalm 23:1

❏ Psalm 23:2

❏ Psalm 23:3

❏ Psalm 23:4

❏ Psalm 23:5

❏ Psalm 23:6

❏ John 10:11

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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A

pplication

Psalm 23 shows characteristics of each compound name of God studied in Sessions 2-9. For each name, describe a characteristic of God found in this chapter.

My Father—My Provider:

My Father—My Healer:

My Father—My Banner:

My Father—My Sanctifier:

My Father—My Peace:

My Father—My Righteousness:

My Father—He Is There:

My Father—My Shepherd:

Which session was the most helpful to you in strengthening your relationship with your heavenly Father? Describe.

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Session 9

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Write a letter to your heavenly Father. Describe your view of Him and your desire to know Him. Dear Father,

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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Suggested Reading for Knowing God — My Father

Augsburger, David, Caring Enough to Confront, Regal Books, Glendale, 1980.

Balswick, Jack O., and Judith K. Balswick, The Family—A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1991.

Crabb, Lawrence J., Effective Biblical Counseling, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, 1977. ______, The Marriage Builder, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, 1982.

Davis, Phil, The Father I Never Knew, Navpress, Colorado Springs, 1991.

Hestenes, Roberta, Using the Bible in Groups, The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, 1983.

Lee, Jimmy Ray, Understanding the Times, Turning Point, Chattanooga, 1997.

McGee, Robert S, Father Hunger, Servant Publications, Ann Arbor, 1993.

Meier, Paul, Donald Ratcliff, and Frederick Rowe, Child-Rearing, Baker Books, Grand Rapids, 1993.

Packer, J.I., Knowing God, InterVarsity Press, Downers Grove, 1973.

Smalley, Gary, For Better or Best, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, 1988.

Stanley, Charles F., Handle with Prayer, Victor Books, Wheaton, 1988.

Stone, Nathan, Names of God, Moody Press, Chicago, 1944.

Taylor, Jack R., One Home Under God, Broadman Press, Nashville, 1974.

Wright, H. Norman, Marital Counseling, Harper and Row, San Francisco, 1983.

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Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

Workbook: Knowing God—My Father, Turning Point, P. O. Box 22127, Chattanooga, TN 37422-2127

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