Attributes of God

Dear Brethren,

To what extent do we display the attributes of God in our lives?  That is a serious question that we should answer for ourselves.  I suppose that it should go without saying that we should walk in His steps.

1Peter 2:21  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in His steps:

Are our habitual idiosyncrasies the same as Jesus’ spiritual mannerisms and characteristics?   Do we do what He says we should be doing?  We think that we are a lot like Jesus.  Let’s be frank with ourselves:  We do not forgive as He forgives; we do not reconcile as He does; we are not as fair and just as He is Just; and though we have faith, our faithfulness leaves much to be desired.  God is just, and He is a God of justice:

Isaiah 30:18  The Lord is a God of justice.

Psalm 9:7-8  The Lord has established His throne for judgment, And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.

Isaiah 61:8  I, the Lord, love justice.

Do we love justice as God does?  When do we learn to judge justly?  The answer is we are learning to have justice in our judgments even now.  In the resurrection, and throughout the millennium we will be serving with Jesus to rule the world, renderng judgment in every conceivable matter.

1Corinthians 6:2-3  Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?  And if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  Know ye not that we shall judge angels?  How much more things that pertain to this life?

Do we ask God for mercy?  I do not believe that we in God’s Church cry out to God for His justice and mercy nearly as much as we should.  We think that we have it made.  We say to ourselves, “Out of all the religions – were the ones doing it right.”  Who needs mercy?  We do not realize how far short we come in having the perfection of Jesus Christ.  We think, “I follow in the footsteps of Christ – why would I need mercy?”  Mercy is for other people.

1Corinthians 6:9-11  Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?  Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you:

Ephesians 2:4  God is rich in mercy.

We might be quick to answer, “I didn’t do all those things.”  But, that is missing the point.  Sometimes we forget that what we really deserve is a six foot plot of earth, six feet deep.  Our greatest need is to be looked upon by God, not as we deserve to be looked upon, but looked upon with compassion and forgiveness - in short, we need His mercy.  Look at the attribute of God’s mercy:

1Corinthians 6:11  …But you are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified [made right] in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Deuteronomy 4:31  The Lord thy God is a merciful God.

God is merciful.  Mercy is a Godly trait, a Godly quality.  Before we are able to extend/grant mercy to others, we need to be aware of how much we, ourselves, are in need of mercy—God’s mercy.  Until our way of thinking; our likes and dislikes; and our behavior is as perfect as His is – we are in dire need of His mercy.   And the good thing is God is faithful.  When we do cry out to God He is faithful to hear our plea.

1John 1:9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Deuteronomy 32:4  He is the Rock, His work is perfect:  A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

God is faithful to render His attributes of justice and mercy to all mankind.  Are we ready to walk in His footsteps of loving kindness?

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Sermon:  "Attributes of God"  


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