Scripture Study: The Character of God

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.  John 17:3

It’s a new year. And with it comes new opportunities, possibilities, and anticipation. What does this year hold for us? What new adventures lie ahead? Will there be new challenges to face? Will life be better this year than it was last year?

For some, the unexpected is frightening. For others, new possibilities are exciting. Whatever this year holds for us, there is one thing that never changes. There is one thing that is constant, dependable and sure. There is one thing we can count on as we journey through deep valleys and grope in the darkness of uncertainty. And even when life is smooth and we stand on the heights of happiness, there is one thing beneath us, a firm and steady foundation.

The character of God

As we embark on a new journey this year, carrying bags packed with hope and expectation, let’s also begin our course with the knowledge of who God is. Knowing God’s character and his attributes empowers us to face the year with security and confidence. The more we know about our Creator and Savior, the more we grow in our love and faith in him. This increased faith carries us through challenging terrain and reminds us of his firm and unshakable grace for us. No matter what lies ahead, knowing who God is will give us strength to persevere as we enter into all the unknowns of a new year.

Below is a list of some of the attributes of God for person study:

1. Eternal: Genesis 21:33, Revelation 1:8

2. Infinite: Psalm 33:11, 90:1-2, 145:13, Hebrews 1:8-12)

3. Good: Psalm 25:8, 34:8, Titus 3:4

4. Incomprehensible: Job 5:9, Isaiah 40:28, 55:8, Romans 11:33

5. Omnipotent: Genesis 18:14, Jeremiah 27:5, Matthew 19:26

6. Truth: Numbers 23:19, Isaiah 45:19, John 3:33

7. Faithful: Psalm 33:4, 1 Corinthians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:24

8. Omniscient: 1 Kings 8:39, Proverbs 3:19-20, 1 Corinthians 2:10

9. Majestic: Exodus 15:7, Job 37:22, Jude 25

10. Supreme: Colossians 1:15, Exodus 15:1, Revelation 19:11-16

11. Grace: Nehemiah 9:1, Exodus 34:6-7, Isaiah 26:10

12. Holy: Isaiah 6:3, Psalm 77:13, 1 Peter 1:15-16

13. Glory: Psalm 19:1, 46:10, Revelation 15:8

14. Faithful: Genesis 28:15, Titus 1:2, Hebrews 10:23

15. Creator: Genesis 1:3, Jeremiah 27:5, 2 Corinthians 5:5

16. Accessible: Deuteronomy 4:7, Matthew 6:6, Ephesians 3:12

17. Immutable: 1 Samuel 15:29, Psalm 33:11, James 1:17

18. Just: Deuteronomy 32:4, Job 37:23, Hebrews 12:29, 1 John 1:9

19. Provider: Psalm 23:1, Matthew 6:33, 1 Corinthians 2:9

20. Wisdom: Isaiah 28:29, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Colossians 2:2-3

21. Savior: Psalm 27:1, 68:19, John 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 1:9

22. Jealous: Exodus 34:14, Nahum 1:2, Zechariah 8:2

23. Sovereign: Isaiah 46:10, Daniel 4:35, Ephesians 1:11

24. Love: Psalm 33:5,18, Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 3:17-19

25. Kind: 2 Samuel 22:51, Isaiah 54:8, Romans 11:22

26. Mercy: 2 Samuel 24:14, Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 12:9

27. Patient: Romans 3:25, 1 Timothy 1:16, 2 Peter 3:15

28. Transcendent: Exodus 33:20-23, Psalm 104:1-4, Isaiah 40:21-26

29. Perfect: Deuteronomy 32:4, 2 Samuel 22:31, Matthew 5:48

30. One and Only: Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Corinthians 8:6, 1 Timothy 2:5

As you study these attributes of God, consider using the attributes in your prayers. Thank God for each of his characteristics. Use them in prayers of praise. Confess how you may have failed to trust him for these attributes. Ask him to apply them to your heart so that you might have deeper faith and love for him.

May your journey with the Lord this year be sweet and may he bless you in ways you had not anticipated as you grow more in the grace and knowledge of him who has saved you.