The Heart of God

Introduction (Exodus 34:6–7)

How do we really know a person? Is it based on what they say about themselves? What others say about them? What we see and experience for ourselves when we're with them? ​

Maybe you've known someone who made a really great first impression and seemed to be just exactly what you want in a friend. But over time, their real personality turned out to be completely different than what you originally thought, and you realize the relationship you had with them was just a shallow illusion.

Maybe you've known someone who didn't seem very interesting or relatable when you first met them, but over time you find out they are loyal, trustworthy, reliable, and kind. When they say something, they mean it. When they promise something, they follow through. When you're with them you feel seen, known, and welcome, and you realize the relationship you have with them is priceless.

Lots of people's first impressions about God are based on what others say about him, whether good or bad, true or false. But if God is truly God, then the most important thing to know is what he says about himself because that will definitely be true — otherwise he's not really God, he's just a fake and a fraud.

In the second book of the Bible (Exodus), God told people what he was really like. It happened during a time when his people had experienced many difficult things for hundreds of years. They wondered if God still saw them and cared about them. So he reminded them of his real character. And because God doesn't change, the way he described himself many thousands of years ago is still true today. He proves his character over and over again in the stories of the Bible and in the lives of people who love and follow him.

So, who is God at his core? Talk about the questions below, watch the video, and read the Bible passages to find out more.

Warm-Up

  • What are some of the false ways you've heard people describe God?
  • What are some of the true ways you've heard people describe God?
  • If you had to describe God in just five words or characteristics, what would they be? Why did you pick those five?

 

Read

Exodus 34:1-7

Respond

  • What are the five characteristics God uses to describe himself? Why do you think he chose those specific words? (He could have said powerful, almighty, cosmic, infinite, etc. So why these five?)
  • For each of the five characteristics, give a short definition or description.
  • What do you think about the tension of mercy and justice in these verses?

Engage

Colossians 1:15 says that Jesus Christ is the "visible image of the invisible God." That means we can see the characteristics of God in the life of Jesus. Pick one of the five characteristics of God and think of a time when Jesus demonstrated that characteristic. Talk about that story and what you learn about Jesus (and therefore God) from it.

Copy Exodus 34:6 on a piece of paper or 3x5 card. Post it someplace where you'll see it everyday so you can remember and think about the true heart of God.

End

God isn't some far-off, disinterested, detached, impersonal deity. He sees us, knows us, and loves us. And he wants us to have the chance to see, know, and love him in return. That's why he spoke to his people thousands of years ago. It's why he showed up in their lives. It's why he gave us his Word (the Bible) to read and experience. And it's why he came to earth in a human body as Jesus and faced the same realities we do every day. The heart of God is fully embodied and revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We can know God more deeply by reading his Word and by getting to know Jesus more deeply.

P.S.

  • For more about the story of the Old Testament, check out this quick and easy B.C. Flyover.