The Goodness and Severity of God

Romans 11:17-24

God Is Not One-Dimensional

Many people want to reduce God down to a single character trait

“I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14-17)

Nehemiah 9:6-31

God’s name is glorious, for He alone has made Heaven and earth

God is discerning, able to judge the heart of Abram

God is protective, hearing the cries of the people of Israel in Egypt

God executes judgment, showing signs and wonders against the oppressors of His people

Nehemiah 9:6-31

God directs and guides, leading the people through the wilderness

God is the Lawgiver, speaking just ordinances and true laws from Mount Sinai

God provides, sustaining the Israelites with food and water in the wilderness

God is a just punisher, commanding for 3000 to be slain when the people rebelled

Nehemiah 9:6-31

God is merciful, pardoning the people and not forsaking them

God keeps His promises, multiplying the children of Israel as He promised Abram

God is powerful, giving His people strength to overcome great armies and walled cities

God is jealous, delivering Israel into the hands of their enemies when they disobeyed

Nehemiah 9:6-31

God is forgiving, restoring the people each time they cried out and repented

God is multifaceted and cannot be described with merely one character trait!

Consider the Goodness of God

Every good gift comes from God (James 1:17)

Jesus’ sacrifice makes us heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7)

God is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9)

Consider the Severity of God

God’s wrath against the disobedient (Eph. 5:3-6)

God’s wrath against suppressors of the truth (Rom. 1:18-19)

Indignation and wrath against stubborn and impenitent hearts (Rom. 2:5-9)

Importance of Growth

God expects us to grow Some specific traits to add (2 Pet. 1:5-11) Speaking the truth in love and doing our

share (Eph. 4:15-16) Doing things God’s way and not our own

(Col. 2:18-19) Actively working according to the word of

truth (2 Tim. 2:15)