Knowing God Study - Lesson 18 Ý
Copyright 2004-5 by William Meisheid

Chapter 16: The Goodness and Severity of God

Today’s theme: God always pitches to both sides of the plate

Scriptural background: Job 2:10 "He replied, ‘...Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said."

Quotes for the week

"Yet neither have I forgotten, nor will I pass over the severity of Thy scourge, and the wonderful swiftness of Thy mercy."  Saint Augustine (354–430). "The Confessions of St. Augustine.  The Ninth Book," The Harvard Classics.  1909–14

"If I were to say, "God, why me?" about the bad things, then I should have said, "God, why me?" about the good things that happened in my life." Arthur Ashe (1943 - 1993). US tennis player, AIDS spokesperson.  The Ultimate Success Quotations Library, 1997.

"Never forget that [God] tests his real friends more severely than the lukewarm ones." Kathryn Hulme (1900 - 1981). US writer. "The Nun's Story," Little, Brown, 1956 .

"God promises a safe landing but not a calm passage." Bulgarian Proverb

Concern: That we will lose our sense of balance when considering how God interacts with us in the living out our Christian lives

"Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those that fell, severity; but toward you goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off." Romans 11:22

1   Looking at this scripture, what is the only way to escape God's severity?

"And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.'" Hebrews 12:5b-6

2   This scripture makes it appear we cannot escape what we commonly call the severity of God. How does this scripture relate to the Roman's scripture above?

Interacting With The Text

Goal: To embrace the whole of God’s character and not to minimize His severity while relishing His goodness.

The Book of Job gives us a sobering premise, that we should accept everything from the hand of God. As creator, he has the right to do as he sees fit with us. That grates against our sense of pride and self-worth, of fairness and self-significance. But God told Moses that he made the blind or the seeing, the deaf or those who hear. (Exodus 4:11) We rail at God, asking, “Why?” God says, "Because I am God and you need know no more." Whether or not we can accept that goes to the heart of our heart, and eventually to the success or failure of our efforts as Christians.

1   What fundamental truth does this chapter express about the character of God?

2   What four mistakes does Packer say most people make in understanding these facets of God's nature?  Did any of these shoes formerly fit your feet? If so which one(s)?  How and why have you changed?

3   What happens when these mistaken views of God are forced to confront real evil?  If this has happened to you, how did you come to terms with it?

4   Packer considers Psalm 18 to be significant for both understanding and dealing with the goodness and perfection of God.  Read and meditate on the Psalm and note what it brings to mind.

5   What is the problem that Romans 11:20-22 bring to light? (“But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.”) How is this problem nurtured by some of our views of God's goodness and severity.

6   What key factor (expressed with many similar words) tempers the severity of God?

7   What three lessons can we learn from God’s long-suffering?

8   Look at the last sentence in this chapter. What important truth does that scripture reveal about God’s severity?

What To Do Next

Read Chapter Seventeen: The Jealous God. Jealousy has an extremely bad rap, but the question Packer raises, due to specific statements in scripture is whether or not there are legitimate forms of jealousy. Approach this chapter with an open mind and I think you will be surprised what you learn.

Goal: To maintain a balanced perspective on God’s dealing with us as we mature in our Christian walk.

Remember the words of Job, "He replied, ‘...Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.” and maintain your equilibrium when responding to the vicissitudes of life. Our strength is the same strength that Paul drew on in Philippians 4:11b-13 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”