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We have seen that God is both totally distinct from and totally involved in his creation. Having considered first his holiness, we are now seeking to understand how he relates to his creatures. In this, because he is totally separate, we are dependent on him if we are to ever find him. No man can find God by himself. But because he is totally involved in his creation, God has revealed himself. We can’t find him, but he can make himself known to us. Part of that revelation is found in creation (see Romans 1:18-20). Ultimately we see most clearly what God is like in Jesus (see John 14:8-10; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). But in order to see what Jesus is like, we are totally dependent on the Scriptures. So it is in the Bible that we find God speaking to us. It is there that he reveals himself to us.
1. The Scriptures are in two parts. The Old Testament (Genesis to Malachi) looks forward to Jesus; the New Testament (Matthew to Revelation) looks back to him. Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17. What are the Scriptures able to do?
2. The Old Testament is often divided into two sections: the Law (the first 5 books written by Moses), and the Prophets (the rest). Read Luke 24:25-27. What did Jesus say was the purpose of both sections?
3. Read the passage in Exodus. This is part of the Law section; in fact it is a summary of the whole Law. Here God is revealing himself for it is he who speaks. Who is the God who is speaking? (Exodus 20:1-2) What does this reveal about the nature of other concepts of who God is?
4. The first 4 commands (Exodus 20:3-11) are about our relationship with God. What are some of the idols and false conceptions of God (mental images if not physical idols) that are worshipped today? How does God view this?
5. The remaining commands deal with human relationships. In the light of these, is it permissible to believe in God and at the same time sin against our fellow men?
6. Read carefully the passage in Jeremiah. This is an example of one of the prophets. What does the passage teach us about the ministry of the prophet? (Jeremiah 1:5-9)
7. A part of the prophet’s call has to do with predicting the future. What does Jeremiah foretell? (Jeremiah 1:14,15) A larger part of the prophet’s ministry has to do with holding God’s people accountable for their present failure to live according to God’s word. What charges did Jeremiah bring in this way? (Jeremiah 1:16; 2:4-9)
8. Read Galatians 3:21-24. This shows one of the ways that the Old Testament Scriptures point to Christ, as Jesus said they did (Luke 24:25-27). They hold up a standard which we cannot fulfill apart from him - and thus lead us to him with a sense of our need and sinfulness.
Discuss with the person who is helping you any areas where you realize you have fallen short of God’s standards.
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