The
title
“Loving
God”
has
two
meanings.
The
first
declares
the
heart
of
God—for
He
is
a
loving
God
who
loves
us
beyond
human
comprehension.
The
second
is
based
upon
our
response
to
God’s
love—for loving God in return is His desire from each of us.
God is a Loving God
The
actions
of
God
throughout
time
reflect
His
love
for
His
creation,
and
His
desire
for
a
relationship
with
each
of
us.
However,
throughout
time,
mankind
has
sinned
by
choosing
to
reject
Him,
disobey
Him,
and
vainly
seek
things
upon
earth
to
fulfill
a
void
within
our
heart
and
soul—a
void
that
He
designed within us, and a void that only He can fill.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6;
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
Sin has many consequences. For example, sin:
•
Separates us from having a loving relationship with God.
Isaiah 59:2
;
Romans 8:7
;
Col. 1:21
•
Controls the sinner.
Romans 6:12
;
Romans 7:13-20
;
John 8:34
•
Creates darkness and an inability to see truth.
Romans 1:21
;
2 Corinthians 4:4
;
Ephesians 4:18
•
Hardens the heart.
Romans 2:5
;
Exodus 7:13
;
Ezekiel 36:26
•
Causes spiritual death.
James 1:14-15
;
Romans 6:23
;
Ephesians 2:1
In addition, all aspects of sin is a lie that separates us from truth in that God desires to:
•
Develop a relationship with each of us.
Rev. 3:20
;
Jer. 29:11
;
Mat. 28:20
;
James 4:8
;
Deut. 31:6
•
Free us from our slavery to sin.
John 8:34-36
;
Rom. 6:18
;
Col. 1:13
;
Gal. 5:1
;
1 John 1:9
•
Illuminate our spiritual understanding and wisdom.
John 1:6-9
,
14:26
,
16:13-15
;
Eph. 1:17-18
•
Soften our hearts.
Ezekiel 36:26
;
Eph. 4:18
;
John 12:40
•
Magnify our righteousness.
2 Cor. 9:10
;
Prov. 10:6-25
;
Mat. 6:31-33
;
Heb. 1:9
;
1 Pet. 2:24
•
Spend eternity with us.
John 5:24
,
10:28
,
14:3-4
;
1 Pet. 1:3-4
;
1 John 2:17
;
2 Cor. 5:1
;
Phil. 3:20-21
God’s
plan
to
develop
a
relationship
with
us
and
break
the
power
of
sin
over
us
is
for
us
to
realize
and
embrace
His
love,
His
grace,
and
His
mercy
in
that
He
will
forgive
us
for
our
sins—regardless
of
what
we have done—by believing in what His Son, Jesus Christ, did for us on the cross of Calvary.
“For
God
so
loved
the
world
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
believes
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have
everlasting
life.
For
God
did
not
send
His
Son
into
the
world
to
condemn
the
world,
but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“But
God,
who
is
rich
in
mercy,
because
of
His
great
love
with
which
He
loved
us,
even
when
we
were
dead
in
trespasses,
made
us
alive
together
with
Christ
(by
grace
you
have
been
saved).”
Ephesians
2:4-5
“But
God
demonstrates
His
own
love
toward
us,
in
that
while
we
were
still
sinners,
Christ
died
for
us.”
Romans 5:8
Our Response to God’s Love
When
one
realizes
God
is
a
loving
God
who
has
provided
us
with
a
means
to
overcome
sin
and
darkness—by
believing
in
His
Son—is
when
the
power
and
bondage
of
sin
begins
to
loosen
its
grip.
This
is
when
the
illuminating
light
of
Jesus
begins
to
permeate
into
the
darkness.
This
is
when
we
begin
to
see
the
difference
between
Satan’s
lies
and
God’s
truths.
This
is
also
when
we
begin
a
transformation from eternal death into eternal life.
There
is
nothing
this
world
has
to
offer
that
will
fulfill
the
deepest
needs
of
our
soul.
Those
who
seek
fulfillment
through
sex,
drugs,
power,
wealth,
fame,
possessions—including
attempts
to
obtain
respect,
recognition and acceptance from others—will find fulfillment transitory, short-lived, and more is needed.
King
Solomon—whom
God
appointed
as
the
third
king
of
Israel—had
positional
power
and
wealth
that
allowed
him
to
try
every
type
of
sin
“under
the
sun”
that
the
world
has
to
offer.
God
allowed
Solomon
to
go
on
his
own
journey
as
he
vainly
attempted
to
find
meaning
and
fulfillment
in
life.
Eventually
Solomon
realized
all
that
this
world
has
to
offer
is
meaningless,
madness,
folly,
and
is
like
“chasing
after the wind.” (
Click here
for an excellent study on Solomon.)
God’s grace and mercy—extended to us who are not worthy—draws us towards Him.
•
God’s grace is receiving a gift we do not deserve.
•
God’s mercy is not receiving the punishment we deserve.
God
will
not
“beat”
us
into
compliance
and
submission
to
His
will
as
a
tyrannical
dictator.
For
this
approach
motivates
by
fear
of
punishment
and
not
by
love.
Besides,
pure
love
(God’s
perfect
love)
and
fear
are
mutually
exclusive
(they
cannot
coexist).
As
one
increases
the
other
decreases.
This
is
why
God
extends
His
love
towards
us
(through
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ)
so
that
it
will
draw
us
closer
to
Him.
“There
is
no
fear
in
love;
but
perfect
love
casts
out
fear,
because
fear
involves
torment.
But
he
who
fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19
As
our
love
for
God
grows
we
increasingly
despise
the
things
of
the
world
and
s
eek
after
the
righteousness of Jesus. This occurs because of the Holy Spirit who:
•
Enables us to see the darkness of Satan’s lies and the consequences.
•
Guides us through the process of sanctification and into spiritual maturity.
For
more
information
on
how
God
transforms
us
into
spiritual
maturity
and
prepares
for
eternity, read “Sanctification” on UniqueBibleStudies.com.
“Do
not
love
the
world
or
the
things
in
the
world.
If
anyone
loves
the
world,
the
love
of
the
Father
is
not
in
him.
For
all
that
is
in
the
world—the
lust
of
the
flesh,
the
lust
of
the
eyes,
and
the
pride
of
life—is
not
of
the
Father
but
is
of
the
world.
And
the
world
is
passing
away,
and
the
lust
of
it;
but
he
who
does
the
will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
How to Love God
Jesus
declared,
‘“Love
the
Lord
your
God
with
all
your
heart,
with
all
your
soul,
and
with
all
your
mind.’
This
is
the
first
and
great
commandment.
And
the
second
is
like
it:
‘You
shall
love
your
neighbor
as
yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
The
expression
of
our
love
for
God
and
others
is
based
upon
making
personal
free
will
choices
that
align with His will and desires for our lives.
•
“And
do
not
be
conformed
to
this
world,
but
be
transformed
by
the
renewing
of
your
mind,
that
you
may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
•
Jesus said,
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14:15
•
“Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.” 1 John 2:5
Here are some thoughts to ponder:
•
Attempt to identify at least one of God’s commandments that is not for our benefit and wellbeing.
•
As we give up each “thing” that causes us to sin:
o
An oppressive “weight” seems to lift from our shoulders.
o
The associated turmoil from within is replaced by joyful freedom.
o
It
enhances
our
empathetic
understanding
and
compassion
towards
others
who
are
controlled
by
the sin.
•
Nothing
this
world
has
to
offer
compares
to
the
indescribable
joy
and
peace
that
occurs
deep
within
our heart and soul when we obey and do things that are pleasing to God.
•
Our
love
for
God—because
of
what
He
has
done
for
us—is
a
key
motivator
that
foundationally
supports our obedience when faced with temptations, trials and tribulations.
•
As our love for God is magnified, our love for others also expands.
o
We learn to forgive others for their faults because God has forgiven us for our faults.
o
Our empathy, understanding and love towards others increases when we recognize:
▪
We have also acted in a similar manner.
▪
No
one
but
God
has
the
right
to
judge
someone.
Every
time
we
judge,
condemn,
or
have
anger towards someone it:
•
Does not align with God’s will.
•
Develops an uncomfortable causticity within our heart and soul.
•
Reflects a hardened heart.
•
Circumvents the spiritual blessings God desires for us.
▪
The
depth
of
God’s
love
and
forgiveness
is
revealed
when
Jesus—as
He
was
dying
on
the
cross—declared, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
▪
It is about the glory of God…AND NOT ME!
Knowing God Through Love
“Beloved,
let
us
love
one
another,
for
love
is
of
God;
and
everyone
who
loves
is
born
of
God
and
knows
God.
He
who
does
not
love
does
not
know
God,
for
God
is
love.
In
this
the
love
of
God
was
manifested
toward
us,
that
God
has
sent
His
only
begotten
Son
into
the
world,
that
we
might
live
through
Him.
In
this
is
love,
not
that
we
loved
God,
but
that
He
loved
us
and
sent
His
Son
to
be
the
propitiation
for
our
sins.
Beloved,
if
God
so
loved
us,
we
also
ought
to
love
one
another.”
1
John
4:7-
11
Seeing God Through Love
“No
one
has
seen
God
at
any
time.
If
we
love
one
another,
God
abides
in
us,
and
His
love
has
been
perfected
in
us.
By
this
we
know
that
we
abide
in
Him,
and
He
in
us,
because
He
has
given
us
of
His
Spirit.
And
we
have
seen
and
testify
that
the
Father
has
sent
the
Son
as
Savior
of
the
world.
Whoever
confesses
that
Jesus
is
the
Son
of
God,
God
abides
in
him,
and
he
in
God.
And
we
have
known
and
believed
the
love
that
God
has
for
us.
God
is
love,
and
he
who
abides
in
love
abides
in
God,
and
God
in him.” 1 John 4:12-16
In
the
midst
of
all
of
our
daily
challenges
we
experience…it
is
good
to
know
that
we
love,
worship
and
serve
a
loving
God
who
has
plans
for
our
eternity.
“Eye
has
not
seen,
nor
ear
heard,
nor
have
entered
into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
“For
this
reason
I
bow
my
knees
to
the
Father
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
from
whom
the
whole
family
in
heaven
and
earth
is
named,
that
He
would
grant
you,
according
to
the
riches
of
His
glory,
to
be
strengthened
with
might
through
His
Spirit
in
the
inner
man,
that
Christ
may
dwell
in
your
hearts
through
faith;
that
you,
being
rooted
and
grounded
in
love,
may
be
able
to
comprehend
with
all
the
saints
what
is
the
width
and
length
and
depth
and
height—to
know
the
love
of
Christ
which
passes
knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19
All for His Glory!
Harold D. Thomas
Thought Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader,
or
church
pastor.
The
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Loving
God.”
In
addition,
the
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
personal
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
relates
to
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided.
Questions
Five
consequences
of
sin
were
listed.
Identify
at
least
3
examples
that
you
have
experienced
(or
someone you know has experienced) for one or more of the consequences.
Six
desires
of
God
for
us
were
listed.
Identify
at
least
3
examples
that
you
have
experienced
(or
someone you know has experienced) for one or more of God’s desires for us.
Two methods of motivation were described in the lesson: fear and love.
•
Can you identify an example of how each means of motivation were employed by someone?
•
What are some of the consequences / responses that occurs by each motivational method?
•
The
lesson
states
fear
and
love
are
mutually
exclusive,
and
that
as
one
increases
the
other
decreases. Do you agree or disagree?
The
Bible
states,
“Do
not
love
the
world
or
things
in
the
world.
If
anyone
loves
the
world,
the
love
of
the
Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15
•
What is meant by “love of the world?”
•
What is meant by “things in the world?”
•
The
scripture
states
if
someone
loves
the
world
the
love
of
the
Father
is
not
in
them.
How
does
our
flesh, lust of our eyes, and the pride of life contribute to this dire situation?
•
Are there aspects of the world and things that are in the world that do not apply?
o
If yes, what is the key differentiation?
o
What influential role does the attitude of our heart play?
Some
say
if
we
love
God
with
all
our
heart,
our
soul
and
our
mind
we
will
fulfill
His
commandments.
Do
you agree or disagree?
A listing of “thoughts to ponder” were provided.
•
Are there any that relate to your personal experiences?
•
If you were asked to prioritize the list…which one should be the most relevant/important?
If you were asked to summarize this lesson in 10 words or less…what words would you use?
You may do
wnload a PDF version of the questions by clicking this button.
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
The words of Jesus
are in red text.
The
title
“Loving
God”
has
two
meanings.
The
first
declares
the
heart
of
God—for
He
is
a
loving
God
who
loves
us
beyond
human
comprehension.
The
second
is
based
upon
our
response
to
God’s
love—for
loving
God
in return is His desire from each of us.
God is a Loving God
The
actions
of
God
throughout
time
reflect
His
love
for
His
creation,
and
His
desire
for
a
relationship
with
each
of
us.
However,
throughout
time,
mankind
has
sinned
by
choosing
to
reject
Him,
disobey
Him,
and
vainly
seek
things
upon
earth
to
fulfill
a
void
within
our
heart
and
soul—a
void
that
He
designed
within
us,
and
a
void
that
only He can fill.
“All
we
like
sheep
have
gone
astray;
we
have
turned,
every one, to his own way.” Isaiah 53:6;
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God.”
Romans 3:23
“If
we
say
that
we
have
no
sin,
we
deceive
ourselves,
and
the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8
Sin has many consequences. For example, sin:
•
Separates
us
from
having
a
loving
relationship
with
God.
Isaiah 59:2
;
Romans 8:7
;
Col. 1:21
•
Controls
the
sinner.
Romans
6:12
;
Romans
7:13-20
;
John 8:34
•
Creates
darkness
and
an
inability
to
see
truth.
Romans 1:21
;
2 Corinthians 4:4
;
Ephesians 4:18
•
Hardens
the
heart.
Romans
2:5
;
Exodus
7:13
;
Ezekiel 36:26
•
Causes
spiritual
death.
James
1:14-15
;
Romans
6:23
;
Ephesians 2:1
In
addition,
all
aspects
of
sin
is
a
lie
that
separates
us
from truth in that God desires to:
•
Develop
a
relationship
with
each
of
us.
Rev.
3:20
;
Jer.
29:11
;
Mat. 28:20
;
James 4:8
;
Deut. 31:6
•
Free
us
from
our
slavery
to
sin.
John
8:34-36
;
Rom.
6:18
;
Col. 1:13
;
Gal. 5:1
;
1 John 1:9
•
Illuminate
our
spiritual
understanding
and
wisdom.
John 1:6-9
,
14:26
,
16:13-15
;
Eph. 1:17-18
•
Soften
our
hearts.
Ezekiel
36:26
;
Eph.
4:18
;
John
12:40
•
Magnify
our
righteousness.
2
Cor.
9:10
;
Prov.
10:6-25
;
Mat. 6:31-33
;
Heb. 1:9
;
1 Pet. 2:24
•
Spend
eternity
with
us.
John
5:24
,
10:28
,
14:3-4
;
1
Pet. 1:3-4
;
1 John 2:17
;
2 Cor. 5:1
;
Phil. 3:20-21
God’s
plan
to
develop
a
relationship
with
us
and
break
the
power
of
sin
over
us
is
for
us
to
realize
and
embrace
His
love,
His
grace,
and
His
mercy
in
that
He
will
forgive
us
for
our
sins—regardless
of
what
we
have
done—by
believing
in
what
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ,
did
for
us
on
the
cross of Calvary.
“For
God
so
loved
the
world
that
He
gave
His
only
begotten
Son,
that
whoever
believes
in
Him
should
not
perish
but
have
everlasting
life.
For
God
did
not
send
His
Son
into
the
world
to
condemn
the
world,
but
that
the
world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17
“But
God,
who
is
rich
in
mercy,
because
of
His
great
love
with
which
He
loved
us,
even
when
we
were
dead
in
trespasses,
made
us
alive
together
with
Christ
(by
grace
you have been saved).” Ephesians 2:4-5
“But
God
demonstrates
His
own
love
toward
us,
in
that
while
we
were
still
sinners,
Christ
died
for
us.”
Romans
5:8
Our Response to God’s Love
When
one
realizes
God
is
a
loving
God
who
has
provided
us
with
a
means
to
overcome
sin
and
darkness—by
believing
in
His
Son—is
when
the
power
and
bondage
of
sin
begins
to
loosen
its
grip.
This
is
when
the
illuminating
light
of
Jesus
begins
to
permeate
into
the
darkness.
This
is
when
we
begin
to
see
the
difference
between
Satan’s
lies
and
God’s
truths.
This
is
also
when
we
begin
a
transformation
from
eternal
death
into eternal life.
There
is
nothing
this
world
has
to
offer
that
will
fulfill
the
deepest
needs
of
our
soul.
Those
who
seek
fulfillment
through
sex,
drugs,
power,
wealth,
fame,
possessions—including
attempts
to
obtain
respect,
recognition
and
acceptance
from
others—will
find
fulfillment transitory, short-lived, and more is needed.
King
Solomon—whom
God
appointed
as
the
third
king
of
Israel—had
positional
power
and
wealth
that
allowed
him
to
try
every
type
of
sin
“under
the
sun”
that
the
world
has
to
offer.
God
allowed
Solomon
to
go
on
his
own
journey
as
he
vainly
attempted
to
find
meaning
and
fulfillment
in
life.
Eventually
Solomon
realized
all
that
this
world
has
to
offer
is
meaningless,
madness,
folly,
and
is
like
“chasing
after
the
wind.”
(
Click
here
for
an
excellent
study
on
Solomon.)
God’s
grace
and
mercy—extended
to
us
who
are
not
worthy—draws us towards Him.
•
God’s grace is receiving a gift we do not deserve.
•
God’s
mercy
is
not
receiving
the
punishment
we
deserve.
God
will
not
“beat”
us
into
compliance
and
submission
to
His
will
as
a
tyrannical
dictator.
For
this
approach
motivates
by
fear
of
punishment
and
not
by
love.
Besides,
pure
love
(God’s
perfect
love)
and
fear
are
mutually
exclusive
(they
cannot
coexist).
As
one
increases
the
other
decreases.
This
is
why
God
extends
His
love
towards
us
(through
His
Son,
Jesus
Christ)
so
that
it
will
draw
us
closer
to
Him.
“There
is
no
fear
in
love;
but
perfect
love
casts
out
fear,
because
fear
involves
torment.
But
he
who
fears
has
not
been
made
perfect
in
love.
We
love
Him
because
He
first
loved
us.”
1 John 4:18-19
As
our
love
for
God
grows
we
increasingly
despise
the
things
of
the
world
and
seek
after
the
righteousness
of
Jesus. This occurs because of the Holy Spirit who:
•
Enables
us
to
see
the
darkness
of
Satan’s
lies
and
the
consequences.
•
Guides
us
through
the
process
of
sanc
tification
and
into spiritual maturity.
For
more
information
on
how
God
transforms
us
into
spiritual
maturity
and
prepares
for
eternity,
read
“Sanctification”
on UniqueBibleStudies.com.
“Do
not
love
the
world
or
the
things
in
the
world.
If
anyone
loves
the
world,
the
love
of
the
Father
is
not
in
him.
For
all
that
is
in
the
world—the
lust
of
the
flesh,
the
lust
of
the
eyes,
and
the
pride
of
life—is
not
of
the
Father
but
is
of
the
world.
And
the
world
is
passing
away,
and
the
lust
of
it;
but
he
who
does
the
will
of
God
abides
forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
How to Love God
Jesus
declared,
‘“Love
the
Lord
your
God
with
all
your
heart,
with
all
your
soul,
and
with
all
your
mind.’
This
is
the
first
and
great
commandment.
And
the
second
is
like
it:
‘You
shall
love
your
neighbor
as
yourself.’
On
these
two
commandments
hang
all
the
Law
and
the
Prophets.”
Matthew 22:37-40
The
expression
of
our
love
for
God
and
others
is
based
upon
making
personal
free
will
choices
that
align
with
His
will and desires for our lives.
•
“And
do
not
be
conformed
to
this
world,
but
be
transformed
by
the
renewing
of
your
mind,
that
you
may
prove
what
is
that
good
and
acceptable
and
perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
•
Jesus
said,
“If
you
love
Me,
keep
My
commandments.” John 14:15
•
“Whoever
keeps
His
word,
truly
the
love
of
God
is
perfected in him.” 1 John 2:5
Here are some thoughts to ponder:
•
Attempt
to
identify
at
least
one
of
God’s
commandments
that
is
not
for
our
benefit
and
wellbeing.
•
As we give up each “thing” that causes us to sin:
o
An
oppressive
“weight”
seems
to
lift
from
our
shoulders.
o
The
associated
turmoil
from
within
is
replaced
by
joyful freedom.
o
It
enhances
our
empathetic
understanding
and
compassion
towards
others
who
are
controlled
by
the sin.
•
Nothing
this
world
has
to
offer
compares
to
the
indescribable
joy
and
peace
that
occurs
deep
within
our
heart
and
soul
when
we
obey
and
do
things
that
are pleasing to God.
•
Our
love
for
God—because
of
what
He
has
done
for
us—is
a
key
motivator
that
foundationally
supports
our
obedience
when
faced
with
temptations,
trials
and
tribulations.
•
As
our
love
for
God
is
magnified,
our
love
for
others
also expands.
o
We
learn
to
forgive
others
for
their
faults
because
God has forgiven us for our faults.
o
Our
empathy,
understanding
and
love
towards
others increases when we recognize:
▪
We have also acted in a similar manner.
▪
No
one
but
God
has
the
right
to
judge
someone.
Every
time
we
judge,
condemn,
or
have
anger
towards someone it:
•
Does not align with God’s will.
•
Develops
an
uncomfortable
causticity
within
our heart and soul.
•
Reflects a hardened heart.
•
Circumvents
the
spiritual
blessings
God
desires for us.
▪
The
depth
of
God’s
love
and
forgiveness
is
revealed
when
Jesus—as
He
was
dying
on
the
cross—declared,
“Father,
forgive
them,
for
they
do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34
▪
It is about the glory of God…AND NOT ME!
Knowing God Through Love
“Beloved,
let
us
love
one
another,
for
love
is
of
God;
and
everyone
who
loves
is
born
of
God
and
knows
God.
He
who
does
not
love
does
not
know
God,
for
God
is
love.
In
this
the
love
of
God
was
manifested
toward
us,
that
God
has
sent
His
only
begotten
Son
into
the
world,
that
we
might
live
through
Him.
In
this
is
love,
not
that
we
loved
God,
but
that
He
loved
us
and
sent
His
Son
to
be
the
propitiation
for
our
sins.
Beloved,
if
God
so
loved
us,
we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:7-11
Seeing God Through Love
“No
one
has
seen
God
at
any
time.
If
we
love
one
another,
God
abides
in
us,
and
His
love
has
been
perfected
in
us.
By
this
we
know
that
we
abide
in
Him,
and
He
in
us,
because
He
has
given
us
of
His
Spirit.
And
we
have
seen
and
testify
that
the
Father
has
sent
the
Son
as
Savior
of
the
world.
Whoever
confesses
that
Jesus
is
the
Son
of
God,
God
abides
in
him,
and
he
in
God.
And
we
have
known
and
believed
the
love
that
God
has
for
us.
God
is
love,
and
he
who
abides
in
love
abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:12-16
In
the
midst
of
all
of
our
daily
challenges
we
experience…it
is
good
to
know
that
we
love,
worship
and
serve
a
loving
God
who
has
plans
for
our
eternity.
“Eye
has
not
seen,
nor
ear
heard,
nor
have
entered
into
the
heart
of
man
the
things
which
God
has
prepared
for
those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
“For
this
reason
I
bow
my
knees
to
the
Father
of
our
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
from
whom
the
whole
family
in
heaven
and
earth
is
named,
that
He
would
grant
you,
according
to
the
riches
of
His
glory,
to
be
strengthened
with
might
through
His
Spirit
in
the
inner
man,
that
Christ
may
dwell
in
your
hearts
through
faith;
that
you,
being
rooted
and
grounded
in
love,
may
be
able
to
comprehend
with
all
the
saints
what
is
the
width
and
length
and
depth
and
height—to
know
the
love
of
Christ
which
passes
knowledge;
that
you
may
be
filled
with
all
the
fullness
of
God.”
Ephesians
3:14-19
All for His Glory!
Harold D. Thomas
Thought Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader,
or
church
pastor.
The
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Loving
God.”
In
addition,
the
questions
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
personal
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
relates
to
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers are provided.
Questions
Five
consequences
of
sin
were
listed.
Identify
at
least
3
examples
that
you
have
experienced
(or
someone
you
know
has
experienced)
for
one
or
more
of
the
consequences.
Six
desires
of
God
for
us
were
listed.
Identify
at
least
3
examples
that
you
have
experienced
(or
someone
you
know
has
experienced)
for
one
or
more
of
God’s
desires
for us.
Two
methods
of
motivation
were
described
in
the
lesson:
fear and love.
•
Can
you
identify
an
example
of
how
each
means
of
motivation were employed by someone?
•
What
are
some
of
the
consequences
/
responses
that
occurs by each motivational method?
•
The
lesson
states
fear
and
love
are
mutually
exclusive,
and
that
as
one
increases
the
other
decreases. Do you agree or disagree?
The
Bible
states,
“Do
not
love
the
world
or
things
in
the
world.
If
anyone
loves
the
world,
the
love
of
the
Father
is
not in him.” 1 John 2:15
•
What is meant by “love of the world?”
•
What is meant by “things in the world?”
•
The
scripture
states
if
someone
loves
the
world
the
love
of
the
Father
is
not
in
them.
How
does
our
flesh,
lust
of
our
eyes,
and
the
pride
of
life
contribute
to
this
dire situation?
•
Are
there
aspects
of
the
world
and
things
that
are
in
the world that do not apply?
o
If yes, what is the key differentiation?
o
What
influential
role
does
the
attitude
of
our
heart
play?
Some
say
if
we
love
God
with
all
our
heart,
our
soul
and
our
mind
we
will
fulfill
His
commandments.
Do
you
agree
or disagree?
A listing of “thoughts to ponder” were provided.
•
Are
there
any
that
relate
to
your
personal
experiences?
•
If
you
were
asked
to
prioritize
the
list…which
one
should be the most relevant/important?
If
you
were
asked
to
summarize
this
lesson
in
10
words
or less…what words would you use?
You
may
download
a
P
DF
version
of
the
questions
by
clicking on this button.
