Understanding the Character of God: Revealing His Nature and Impact on Our Lives

• Sunday Schoo

Understanding the Character of God: Revealing His Nature and Impact on Our Lives

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand the character of God, define its significance in our lives, and identify key attributes of God with scriptural support.

What do you already know about the character of God?

Importance of Understanding God's Character

Understanding who God is and His character is vital because it influences our relationship with Him, guides our decisions, and brings us closer to the truth.

Defining the Character of God

The character of God refers to His attributes, qualities, and nature that define who He is. It encompasses His love, justice, mercy, wisdom, faithfulness, sovereignty, and power.

What attributes of God come to mind when you think about His character?

Attribute: Love

God's love is unconditional, sacrificial, and boundless. It is exemplified through His sending of Jesus to save humanity. John 3:16 - 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.'

How have you experienced God's love in your life?

Attribute: Mercy

God's mercy is His compassionate forgiveness towards those who repent. Psalm 103:8 - 'The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.'

What does God's mercy mean to you? How has it influenced your life?

Attribute: Justice

God's justice ensures fairness and righteousness. He judges all with perfect knowledge and wisdom. Deuteronomy 32:4 - 'He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.'

Why is it important for God to be just? How does His justice affect our lives?

Attribute: Wisdom

God's wisdom is perfect and surpasses human understanding. He knows all things and guides us in making wise decisions. Romans 11:33 - 'Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!'

How have you witnessed God's wisdom in your life? How has it guided you?

Attribute: Faithfulness

God's faithfulness ensures that His promises are reliable and trustworthy. He remains steadfast despite our shortcomings. Lamentations 3:22-23 - 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.'

In what ways have you experienced God's faithfulness? How has it influenced your faith?

Attribute: Sovereignty

God's sovereignty refers to His ultimate authority and control over all things. He is the supreme ruler of the universe. 1 Chronicles 29:11 - 'Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.'

Why is it comforting to know that God is sovereign? How does His sovereignty bring you peace?

Attribute: Power

God's power is unlimited and omnipotent. He has the ability to create, transform, and overcome any obstacle. Jeremiah 32:17 - 'Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.'

In what ways have you witnessed God's power? How has it inspired you?

Recap

• We talked about the importance of understanding God's character.
• We discussed some of the attributes of God: love, mercy, justice, wisdom, faithfulness, sovereignty, and power. 
• We talked about how understanding these attributes enhances our relationship with God and impacts our lives.

Final Discussion Question

Which attribute of God resonates with you the most? Why?

Conclusion

Understanding the character of God is a lifelong journey that deepens our faith and transforms our lives. Let us continue to seek Him, knowing that His character brings hope, love, and guidance.