The Attributes of God

God as Refuge

1. Understanding God as Refuge
- Definition of Refuge: A place of safety, protection, and shelter. In biblical terms, God is portrayed as a refuge for His people.
- Biblical Foundation: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
- Historical Context: In ancient times, cities of refuge were established for protection. God is depicted as a spiritual city of
refuge.
- Spiritual Implications: Trusting in God as a refuge means relying on His strength and protection in times of trouble.
- Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to seek God in prayer and scripture when facing life's challenges.

Questions:
1. How do you personally define God as your refuge?
2. In what ways can you seek God's refuge in your daily life?
3. How does understanding God as a refuge change your perspective on challenges?

2. God as Refuge in the Psalms
- Psalm 91: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)
- Imagery of Protection: The Psalms often use imagery like wings, shields, and fortresses to describe God's protection.
- Emotional Comfort: The Psalms provide emotional solace, reminding believers of God's constant presence.
- Role of Faith: Trusting in God's refuge requires faith, as seen in the psalmists' declarations of trust.
- Community Aspect: The Psalms were often sung in community, reinforcing collective trust in God.

Questions:
1. Which Psalm speaks most to you about God as a refuge, and why?
2. How can the imagery in the Psalms enhance your understanding of God's protection?
3. How can you incorporate the Psalms into your personal or communal worship?

3. Jesus as Our Refuge
- New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus embodies the ultimate refuge, offering salvation and eternal security.
- Matthew 11:28: Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
- Role of the Cross: Jesus' sacrifice provides a refuge from sin and death.
- Personal Relationship: Believers are invited into a personal relationship with Jesus, finding refuge in His love and grace.
- Eternal Perspective: Jesus offers a refuge that transcends earthly troubles, pointing to eternal life.

Questions:
1. How does Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28 resonate with you?
2. In what ways can you find refuge in Jesus during difficult times?
3. How does viewing Jesus as a refuge impact your understanding of salvation?

4. God as Refuge in the Old Testament
- Examples of Refuge: Stories of Noah, David, and the Israelites illustrate God as a refuge.
- Noah's Ark: A literal refuge from the flood, symbolizing God's protection.
- David's Trust: The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. (2 Samuel 22:2)
- Israel's Journey: God's guidance and protection during the Exodus.
- Covenant Relationship: God's promises to His people include being their refuge.

Questions:
1. Which Old Testament story of refuge speaks to you, and why?
2. How can the examples of refuge in the Old Testament inspire your faith?
3. How does God's covenant relationship with Israel inform your understanding of refuge?

5. Living with God as Our Refuge Today
- Daily Trust: Cultivating a habit of seeking God as a refuge in everyday life.
- Prayer and Meditation: Using prayer and meditation to connect with God as a refuge.
- Community Support: Encouraging one another to rely on God as a refuge.
- Facing Modern Challenges: Applying the concept of God as refuge to contemporary issues.
- Witnessing to Others: Sharing the message of God as a refuge with those in need.

Questions:
1. How can you make seeking God as a refuge a daily practice?
2. In what ways can your community support each other in finding refuge in God?
3. How can you share the concept of God as a refuge with others in your life?

 Select Pages

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35  36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50