Understanding God Through Revelation and Relationship

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound question of how we can know God, using the metaphor of a Labor Day picnic to illustrate the concept of cause and effect. Just as a grilled hot dog requires a griller, the universe requires a Creator. This analogy serves as a gateway to understanding God as the ultimate cause, a concept that has been discussed by philosophers and theologians throughout history. We delved into the idea that God has not left Himself without a witness, as stated in Acts 14:17, and that witness is His revelation through both the natural world and Scripture.

We examined two types of revelation: natural and special. Natural revelation is evident in the world around us and within ourselves, as we are made in the image of God. Special revelation is found in the Bible, with Christ at its center. Psalm 19 beautifully illustrates these two forms of revelation, showing how nature declares the glory of God and how Scripture provides a deeper understanding of His character and will.

The natural world, with its order and laws, points to a Creator. This is known as the cosmological argument, which posits that the universe, like a grilled hot dog, must have a cause. The harder task is to explain the universe without God. The Bible, on the other hand, reveals God's nature and His expectations for us, guiding us to live holy and righteous lives.

In Acts 17, Paul speaks to the Athenians about God as Creator and Judge, emphasizing that outside of Christ, we are enemies of God. However, through Christ, who is the image of God, we come to know God as Father. This relationship transforms our understanding and experience of God, moving from judgment to grace.

Ultimately, the best thing we can do is to know God as He truly is, not as we imagine Him to be. This knowledge is not only for our benefit but also for the benefit of those around us. By understanding and sharing the true nature of God, we can address the questions and concerns of others, pointing them to the ultimate truth of who God is.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Concept of Cause and Effect: Just as a grilled hot dog requires a griller, the universe requires a Creator. This analogy helps us understand God as the ultimate cause, a foundational concept in theology and philosophy. The universe, with its order and laws, points to a Creator, making the cosmological argument a compelling reason for belief in God. [02:07]

2. Natural and Special Revelation: God reveals Himself through both the natural world and Scripture. Natural revelation is evident in the world and within ourselves, as we are made in God's image. Special revelation, found in the Bible, provides a deeper understanding of God's character and will, with Christ at its center. [04:43]

3. Psalm 19's Dual Witness: Psalm 19 illustrates the dual witness of nature and Scripture. Nature declares God's glory, while Scripture reveals His character and expectations. This dual revelation helps us understand God more fully and guides us in living holy and righteous lives. [07:06]

4. The Role of Christ in Revelation: Outside of Christ, we are enemies of God, but through Christ, we come to know God as Father. Christ, the image of God, reveals God's glory and transforms our relationship with Him from judgment to grace. This understanding is central to our faith. [15:13]

5. Pursuing the Knowledge of God: The best thing we can do is to know God as He truly is, not as we imagine Him to be. This knowledge benefits us and those around us, as it allows us to address questions and concerns, pointing others to the ultimate truth of who God is. [18:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Labor Day Picnic Metaphor
- [01:36] - The Ultimate Cause
- [02:53] - Witness of God in Acts 14
- [03:45] - Types of Revelation
- [04:28] - Natural and Special Revelation
- [06:32] - Psalm 19's Dual Witness
- [08:51] - Cosmological Argument
- [10:13] - Laws of the Universe
- [11:24] - God as Creator and Judge
- [12:01] - The Gift of Scripture
- [13:41] - Knowledge of God as Creator
- [14:57] - Christ as the Image of God
- [16:19] - Studying God's Revelation
- [18:57] - Pursuing the Knowledge of God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 14:15-18
- Acts 17:16-34
- Psalm 19

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Observation Questions:

1. In Acts 14:17, Paul mentions that God has not left Himself without a witness. What does this mean in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to the concept of revelation? [03:25]

2. How does Psalm 19 illustrate the dual witness of nature and Scripture, and what are the specific ways each reveals God's glory? [07:06]

3. According to the sermon, what role does the cosmological argument play in understanding the existence of God? How is this argument illustrated through the metaphor of a grilled hot dog? [09:06]

4. In Acts 17, how does Paul address the Athenians' understanding of God, and what is the significance of knowing God as both Creator and Judge? [14:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of natural and special revelation help believers understand their relationship with God? What are the implications of being made in the image of God? [04:43]

2. The sermon mentions that outside of Christ, we are enemies of God. How does this understanding affect the way believers view their relationship with God and others? [14:57]

3. Psalm 19 describes the law of the Lord as perfect and reviving the soul. How does this description influence a believer's approach to Scripture and its role in their life? [12:01]

4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing God as He truly is, not as we imagine Him to be. How can this pursuit of true knowledge of God impact a believer's faith and interactions with others? [18:57]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the metaphor of the grilled hot dog and the cosmological argument. How can you use everyday experiences to explain your faith to others in a relatable way? [09:06]

2. Consider the dual witness of nature and Scripture. How can you incorporate both into your daily routine to deepen your understanding of God? [07:06]

3. The sermon discusses the role of Christ in transforming our relationship with God from judgment to grace. How can you actively seek to experience and share this grace in your community? [15:13]

4. In what ways can you pursue a deeper knowledge of God this week, and how might this pursuit change your perspective on current challenges or questions you face? [18:57]

5. Think about a time when you or someone you know struggled with the concept of God as Creator and Judge. How can you use the insights from Acts 17 to address these struggles and encourage a more comprehensive understanding of God? [14:30]

6. The sermon highlights the importance of knowing God as He truly is. Identify one misconception you might have about God and explore how you can correct it through study and prayer. [19:12]

7. How can you use the knowledge of God's revelation in nature and Scripture to engage in meaningful conversations with friends who have questions about faith? [11:45]

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding God as the Ultimate Cause
The universe, with its intricate order and laws, points to the existence of a Creator. This concept is akin to the idea that a grilled hot dog requires a griller. The cosmological argument suggests that everything that exists has a cause, and the universe is no exception. This line of reasoning leads us to consider God as the ultimate cause, a foundational concept in both theology and philosophy. The challenge lies in explaining the universe without acknowledging a Creator, as the complexity and order we observe seem to demand an intelligent source. By recognizing God as the ultimate cause, we begin to understand the profound nature of His existence and His role in the creation of all things. [02:07]

Isaiah 40:26 (ESV): "Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is missing."

Reflection: Consider a moment in your life where you witnessed something that seemed too complex or beautiful to be random. How does this experience shape your understanding of God as the ultimate cause?


Day 2: The Dual Revelation of God
God reveals Himself to humanity through two primary means: natural and special revelation. Natural revelation is evident in the world around us and within ourselves, as we are made in the image of God. This form of revelation allows us to perceive God's existence and attributes through the beauty and order of creation. Special revelation, on the other hand, is found in the Bible, where God's character and will are revealed with Christ at its center. Psalm 19 beautifully illustrates these two forms of revelation, showing how nature declares the glory of God and how Scripture provides a deeper understanding of His character and expectations. By engaging with both forms of revelation, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of who God is and how He desires us to live. [04:43]

Romans 1:20 (ESV): "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."

Reflection: Take a moment to observe the natural world around you today. What aspects of creation speak to you about God's character and presence?


Day 3: Nature and Scripture as Witnesses
Psalm 19 presents a dual witness to God's glory: the natural world and Scripture. Nature, with its vastness and beauty, declares the glory of God, while Scripture reveals His character and expectations for humanity. This dual revelation helps us understand God more fully and guides us in living holy and righteous lives. By observing the world around us and engaging with the Bible, we are invited to see the harmony between God's creation and His Word. This understanding encourages us to live in a way that reflects God's glory and aligns with His will. [07:06]

Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV): "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."

Reflection: How can you incorporate both nature and Scripture into your daily routine to deepen your understanding of God?


Day 4: Christ as the Image of God
Outside of Christ, humanity stands as enemies of God, but through Christ, we come to know God as Father. Christ, being the image of God, reveals God's glory and transforms our relationship with Him from one of judgment to one of grace. This transformation is central to the Christian faith, as it allows us to experience God's love and forgiveness through Jesus. By understanding Christ's role in revealing God's nature, we are invited to embrace a relationship with God that is rooted in grace and truth. This relationship not only changes our perception of God but also impacts how we live and interact with others. [15:13]

Colossians 1:15-16 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."

Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Christ. How does understanding Him as the image of God influence your daily walk with Him?


Day 5: Pursuing True Knowledge of God
The pursuit of knowing God as He truly is, rather than as we imagine Him to be, is a lifelong journey. This knowledge is not only for our benefit but also for the benefit of those around us. By understanding and sharing the true nature of God, we can address the questions and concerns of others, pointing them to the ultimate truth of who God is. This pursuit requires humility, openness, and a willingness to be transformed by God's revelation through Scripture and the natural world. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we are better equipped to live lives that reflect His love and truth to those around us. [18:57]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "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.'"

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding of God and share His true nature with others?

Quotes

"Grilled hot dogs need a hot dog griller because every thing is an effect. Grilled hot dogs are in effect, and every effect has a Cause. This is very important to this question of how can we know God because God is the ultimate hot dog griller; he is the ultimate cause." [00:01:49]

"Yet God has not left himself without a witness, and that witness is his revelation. That witness is the effects. Now let's go to the chalkboard if God is known by revelation, we can break this down into two kinds of Revelation: there is natural and special." [00:03:25]

"Natural Revelation can be broken down into the world and the self. The self is part of the world, but we as human beings are a special creation. We are unlike everything else that is created; we are in the image of God. Special Revelation is the Bible, and at the center of the Bible, and at the center of the revelation of who God is, is Christ." [00:04:28]

"Psalm 19 verse 1 Begins the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night tonight reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor are there words whose voice is not heard." [00:07:16]

"The cosmological argument is very important here and the beginnings understand the beginnings of the understanding of this question, the answer to this question how we know God. It's called the cosmological argument because the word for world is cosmos. The cosmos is the effect; the cosmos is the grilled hot dog." [00:09:01]

"We know the law of non-contradiction that is at work. I can't say it's sunny outside and rainy outside at the same time. A cannot be non-a. This is what makes speech intelligible. This is what allows us to reason together to have any conversation, let alone a conversation about who God is." [00:10:25]

"The harder explanation is to try to explain the world apart from God. The harder explanation is to try to offer some sort of sensical reason for the existence of this world apart from a god at the beginning of the universe and at the beginning of all things." [00:11:12]

"Outside of Christ, our relationship to God is as enemy; we are his enemies outside of Christ. But when we know God in Christ, who is the image of God who came to manifest his glory, that's what Christ came to do, to make God's glory known." [00:14:57]

"And in Christ, we come to know God as father, and as we study scripture just as we study the world and we see the world as revelatory of God. This was you see this all through church history. This was Jonathan Edwards who loved to go on horseback rides to see the beauty of God and nature." [00:15:39]

"We learned that he is just and true and righteous. We learned that he is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. That means that God is all-powerful, that God is all-knowing, that God is all present. And if you want a really big syllable word today, here it is: omnibenevolence. God is all good." [00:16:31]

"The best thing you can do in life and the best thing you can help your friends to do is to know this, to know who God is. When they find out you're a Christian or if you want to engage with your friends as a Christian and share your faith and share your testimony, very often what happens is all sorts of questions pop up." [00:17:22]

"And so the best thing you can do is for you to pursue the answer to that question, to know who God is, not the god that we want, not the god of our making, but The God Who is. And the very best thing you can do for your friends is to help them know this God too." [00:18:57]

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Transcript
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