At Trailhead, we believe that church is not just about growing in God’s Word but doing so in community. We have designed this study guide to help you follow along with Sunday’s message. Study the scriptures, take notes, and then reinforce what you learned by answering a few questions. Ask others to join you in discussion, whether it be with your family or online with your Trailhead study group. Let’s have church!
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Interactive Scriptures and Notes
John 8:44 (NIV)
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV)
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.
Daniel 11:32 (NLT)
…But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.
Psalm 50:21 (NIV)
When you did these things and I kept silent, you thought I was exactly like you. But I now arraign you and set my accusations before you.
1) God is NOT
Isaiah 43:10 (NIV)
“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.
Isaiah 44:6 (NIV)
“This is what the Lord says— Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.
Isaiah 44:8 (NIV)
Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
2) God is NOT
Malachi 3:6 (NLT)
“I am the Lord, and I do not change…
James 1:17 (NIV)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
3) God is NOT
1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
4) God is NOT a
John 10:10 (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
5) God is NOT
Psalm 84:11 (NIV)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
Psalm 35:27 (NIV)
May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.”
Hebrew 11:6 (NIV)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Other Notes
Discussion Questions
If there is anything important to believers is to KNOW God. What does it mean to know God? Sometimes we often mistake “head knowlege” for truly knowing God. Why is that and how can we get out of that mindset?
Think about the characteristics of God Pastor Josh talked about on Sunday:
God is not equaled.
God is not changing.
God is not confused.
God is not a thief.
God is not stingy.
We know these to be true but it may seem difficult to live our lives like they are true. Why is that? What can we do as Christians to live in these truths and not just believe them “on paper?”
Pastor Josh said “If you don’t stay in the truth, a lie will stay in you.” How do you what’s a truth and what’s a lie? What do you think a life living in truth looks like and what does a life living in a lie looks like?