Aligning Our Beliefs About God with His True Nature
Summary
Understanding who God is and what we believe about Him is foundational to our identity and actions. A.W. Tozer famously stated that what we believe about God is the most important thing about us. This belief surpasses our personality traits, such as being an introvert or extrovert, and even our Enneagram number. Our perception of God influences our decisions and the direction of our lives. For instance, a terrorist, a prosperity gospel preacher, and a Catholic nun all act based on their beliefs about God. These beliefs shape their actions, whether it's committing violence, accumulating wealth, or dedicating a life to service.
The essence of our spiritual journey is to align our mental image of God with His true nature. This alignment is crucial because it determines the kind of person we become. If our image of God is distorted, our actions and character will reflect that distortion. Conversely, a true understanding of God leads to a life that mirrors His love, justice, and mercy. Therefore, it is vital to continually seek a deeper understanding of God through prayer, scripture, and community. This pursuit not only transforms our lives but also impacts those around us, as our actions are a reflection of our beliefs.
Key Takeaways:
- Our beliefs about God are more significant than any personality trait or characteristic. They fundamentally shape who we are and how we live our lives. This understanding calls us to examine and refine our beliefs to ensure they align with the truth of who God is. [00:12]
- The actions of individuals, whether they are extreme or sacrificial, are deeply rooted in their perception of God. This highlights the power and influence of our beliefs, urging us to cultivate a true and healthy understanding of God. [00:29]
- A distorted image of God can lead to actions that are contrary to His nature. It is essential to seek a true understanding of God to ensure our lives reflect His love and justice. This pursuit is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and openness to growth. [00:47]
- Our mental image of God acts as a guiding force in our lives. By aligning this image with the truth of God's character, we can become more like Him, embodying His attributes in our daily interactions and decisions. [00:29]
- The journey to understanding God is not solitary. Engaging with scripture, prayer, and community helps us refine our beliefs and align them with God's true nature, leading to a life that positively impacts others. [00:47]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - The Importance of Belief
[00:29] - Actions Reflect Beliefs
[00:47] - Shaping Our Identity
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 22:37-40 - Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
2. Romans 12:2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3. 1 John 4:8 - Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does A.W. Tozer claim is the most important thing about a person? How does this compare to other traits like personality or Enneagram number? [00:12]
2. How do the actions of a terrorist, a prosperity gospel preacher, and a Catholic nun illustrate the influence of beliefs about God? [00:29]
3. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between our mental image of God and the person we become? [00:47]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the command to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-40) relate to the idea that our beliefs about God shape who we are?
2. In what ways does Romans 12:2 encourage believers to align their mental image of God with His true nature?
3. How does the statement "God is love" in 1 John 4:8 challenge or affirm the beliefs that shape our actions and character?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current beliefs about God. How do they influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [00:12]
2. Consider a time when your perception of God may have been distorted. How did this affect your actions or character? What steps can you take to seek a true understanding of God? [00:47]
3. How can engaging with scripture, prayer, and community help you refine your beliefs about God? Identify one specific action you can take this week to deepen your understanding of God. [00:47]
4. Think about someone in your life whose actions reflect a distorted image of God. How can you lovingly engage with them to encourage a healthier understanding of God?
5. Identify one attribute of God (e.g., love, justice, mercy) that you want to embody more in your life. What practical steps can you take to reflect this attribute in your interactions this week? [00:29]
6. How can you ensure that your beliefs about God positively impact those around you? Share a specific example of how you can be a reflection of God's love and justice in your community. [00:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Beliefs Shape Our Identity
Understanding who God is and what we believe about Him is foundational to our identity and actions. A.W. Tozer famously stated that what we believe about God is the most important thing about us. This belief surpasses our personality traits, such as being an introvert or extrovert, and even our Enneagram number. Our perception of God influences our decisions and the direction of our lives. For instance, a terrorist, a prosperity gospel preacher, and a Catholic nun all act based on their beliefs about God. These beliefs shape their actions, whether it's committing violence, accumulating wealth, or dedicating a life to service. [00:12]
"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. 'Eat and drink!' he says to you, but his heart is not with you." (Proverbs 23:7 ESV)
Reflection: Consider how your current beliefs about God influence your daily decisions. Are there any beliefs that need to be realigned with the truth of who God is?
Day 2: Actions Reflect Beliefs
The actions of individuals, whether they are extreme or sacrificial, are deeply rooted in their perception of God. This highlights the power and influence of our beliefs, urging us to cultivate a true and healthy understanding of God. Our actions are a direct reflection of what we hold to be true about God. If we perceive God as loving and just, our actions will likely mirror those attributes. Conversely, if our understanding is skewed, our actions may not align with His nature. [00:29]
"Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did your perception of God influence that decision, and what does it reveal about your beliefs?
Day 3: Aligning Our Image of God
A distorted image of God can lead to actions that are contrary to His nature. It is essential to seek a true understanding of God to ensure our lives reflect His love and justice. This pursuit is a lifelong journey that requires dedication and openness to growth. By aligning our mental image of God with His true nature, we can become more like Him, embodying His attributes in our daily interactions and decisions. [00:47]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 ESV)
Reflection: Identify one aspect of God's character that you feel you misunderstand. How can you seek a clearer understanding of this attribute through prayer or study this week?
Day 4: The Guiding Force of Our Image of God
Our mental image of God acts as a guiding force in our lives. By aligning this image with the truth of God's character, we can become more like Him, embodying His attributes in our daily interactions and decisions. This alignment is crucial because it determines the kind of person we become. If our image of God is distorted, our actions and character will reflect that distortion. Conversely, a true understanding of God leads to a life that mirrors His love, justice, and mercy. [00:29]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Reflection: Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you ensure that your understanding of God guides you in making a choice that aligns with His character?
Day 5: Community and Growth in Understanding God
The journey to understanding God is not solitary. Engaging with scripture, prayer, and community helps us refine our beliefs and align them with God's true nature, leading to a life that positively impacts others. This pursuit not only transforms our lives but also impacts those around us, as our actions are a reflection of our beliefs. By seeking a deeper understanding of God through these means, we can ensure that our lives reflect His love and justice. [00:47]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: How can you engage more deeply with your community to grow in your understanding of God? What specific steps can you take this week to connect with others in this pursuit?
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