How God Reacts Lesson 3 Series

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Remember – humans were created in the image and likeness of God; He does not react the way humans react. “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person” (Genesis 2:7, NLT).

2. Definition: react or reaction:

a. To act in return.

b. Reciprocally action.

c. Reverse direction.

d. To act in opposition.

e. Against some source or force. God does not react as a human which could involve human old nature emotions (anger or lust).

3. God always reacts according to His nature, i.e., love, holiness, goodness.

B. LOOKING AT GOD’S REACTIONS

1. I frown, i.e., to show displeasure. “Return, faithless Israel … I will frown on you no longer” (Jeremiah 3:12, NIV).

Webster:

a. From Celtic, i.e., foreigners, different looking: means facial response by wrinkling the brow.

b. To not know what is going on … but God knows all.

c. Cannot remember … but God never forgets.

2. I am jealous. Remember the first Commandment, “Thou shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). When the object of your affection does not return affection.

3. I think about you. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you … thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

4. I choose to be silent – prayers not answered. “You ask … why are you silent in times of my trouble” (Psalm 10:1, BBJ). “Unto thee I cry, O LORD my rock, be not silent to me” (Psalm 28:1, KJV).

5. I remember no more. “Their sin I will remember no more” (Jeremiah 31:34) Cannot say God forgets, He is omniscient, but He chooses to not remember our sin. Why? His mercy, His goodness, and His forgiveness.

6. I choose. “Jeremiah, I am your Creator, and before you were born, I choose you to speak for Me” (Jeremiah 1:5, CEV). The act of choice involves intellect (know), emotions (feelings) and will (act of decision). Not an act in time for God, He has always known, always loved, and always decided.

7. I wait. “I the Lord will wait, that I may be gracious to you” (Isaiah 30:18). We try to use time management, i.e., there must be purpose for waiting.

8. I can be pleased. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him … He who comes must believe ... must diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

9. Collect human tears in a bottle. “You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book” (Psalm 56:8, NLT).

10. I have unknowable secrets. “Abraham called on the name El Olam (the eternal hidden God)” (Genesis 21:33). God’s name Olam means: (a) from eternity to eternity, (b) things forever kept secret. “The Lord our God has secrets known to no one” (Deuteronomy 29:29, NLT).

C. HOW YOU SHOULD REACT

1. Remember – you have a sinful nature and react wrong way, wrong time, for the wrong purpose.

2. Confess and claim forgiveness. “If we confess … He …. forgives” (1 John 1:9).

3. Pray for wisdom and guidance:

a. “Create a clean heart in me, O God” (Psalm 51:10).

b. “Lead me and guide me” (Psalm 31:3).

4. Worship and praise for victory. “Thank God He gives us victory over sin” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NLT).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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