IBS-9 Identifying God: looking for God in the Bible

 

Big Idea: Marking the words for God in the Bible reveals a lot about Him.

Looking for God in the Bible

A puzzle called "Where's Waldo?" sports Waldo with his red striped scarf and hat immersed in a sea of people. Your job is to find him. As we study the Bible, it is a worthwhile venture to spot God. Find references to Him. Look for other names referring to Him. Figure out when you can, if it is talking about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit. Or showing the three-in-one Trinity.

The Many Names of God

God is referred to by so many names, Bible studies are published on the names of God (Jehovah, Almighty, Abba, Deliverer…) the names of Jesus (Christ, Son of God, Prince of Peace…) and the Holy Spirit (Comforter, Teacher, Advocate…). Often these names are capitalized when it is clear from the original text that it refers to God.

Inductive Markings for God

For serious Bible study, I use a printed off passage worksheet most of the time. (Click here for instructions how to make your own). I love to study a passage with colors and markers. I am a hands-on visual learner so it helps me. The first thing I look at when taking on a passage is to look for God. Here is what I do.

1. Reference God in Yellow colored pencil or highlighter. On my first reading inevitably I'll miss one or two, but repeat passes rectify it. I mark all references of God (Father, Lord, Jesus, Christ, Spirit and more) including pronouns too. (He, His, etc).

 

2. Symbolically Mark differently each member of the Trinity. I use the markings Precept uses. For a worksheet using regular paper I use an ordinary pen. If I write in my thin leafed Bible, I use an archival quality thin-lined pen, often purple or blue.

From Precept.com

Father - Underline making it into a triangle.

Son - Underline and pull up at the end, crossing the up line.

Holy Spirit - Underline and then make a partial cloud over the word.

Trinity - The Godhead three-in-one, or God in general, use the same symbol for Father. Triangle.

Uncertain - Uncertain which one of the Trinity I just leave it yellow, unmarked any further.  

god, gods - for false gods, I prefer to underline in yellow or not at all.

Trinity Verse - there are numerous verses with all three of the Trinity represented. I put a triangle next to the verse in the Bible margin. I get excited finding a Trinity verse! Here's one from my Bible, Luke 2:26.

 3.Make Observation Lists. List what you learn about God here. List characteristics. List His nature and purpose.  List what God is not like. This requires another reading of the passage or perhaps multiple readings, noting what you have observed. Follow the yellow highlights!

God is everywhere. God is everywhere in the Bible. At times you find Him easily and at times you must look more closely. He is there to be discovered and known. Find joy in the journey!

 Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.  Isaiah 55:6

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This is ninth in a series called Practical Starter Guide for Inductive Bible Study.

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Reflect:

1. How would you describe the difference between God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit?

2. Where would you think the Trinity might be mentioned in one place?

3. Try this exercise. Write or print out Luke 1:35 and try to differentiate the Trinity with a marker and pen.

The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35