One girl said, “I hate spiders and humidity so I just know God’s going to send me to some equatorial jungle in South America.” Some thought God’s will was something to be afraid of. A voice that says “Go on the Mexico trip this summer” or “Ask Sarah to the prom.” In talking back then with my friends, most of whom (unlike me) had grown up in Christian homes, I found that many assumed God’s will was revealed in a dramatic experience or sudden revelation. Wouldn’t God want us to know His will? Why would He hide it from us? It was as if we were assuming God is a Cosmic Easter Bunny who hides the eggs and occasionally says, “You’re getting warmer.” Sometimes we stumble onto them, but we never know whether we’ve found them all or not. ✸ Application questions help you discover implications for growing in Christ in your own life.We were looking for God’s will as if it were buried treasure.

✸ Interpretation questions delve into the meaning of the passage. ✸ Observation questions help you to understand the content of the passage by asking about the basic facts: who, what, when, where, and how. The studies ask three different kinds of questions about the Bible passage: Each study deals with a particular passage-rather than jumping around the Bible-so that you can really delve into the biblical author’s meaning in that context. Instead, through inductive study, they will help you discover for yourself what Scripture is saying. The studies are not designed to merely tell you what one person thinks. These notes do not give the answers, but they do provide additional background information on certain questions and can challenge participants to think deeper or differently about the content. Throughout the guide are study-note sidebars that may be useful for group leaders or individuals.

The responses you write here can form a permanent record of your thoughts and spiritual progress. The workbook format is ideal for personal study and also allows group members to prepare in advance for discussions and record discussion notes. HOW IT’S PUT TOGETHERĮach session includes a suggested reading from the book Knowing God, a session goal to help guide your study, reflection questions to stir your thoughts on the topic, the text of the Bible passage, questions for exploring the passage, response questions to help you apply what you’ve learned, and a closing suggestion for prayer. Working through this series will help you practice the essentials by exploring biblical truths found in classic books. These are the topics woven into the IVP Signature Bible Studies. We persevere through doubts and gain wisdom for daily life. We learn to grow in Christlike character, pursue justice, and share our faith with others. From there we are shaped through the essentials of discipleship: Bible study, prayer, Christian community, worship, and much more. Getting the Most Out of Knowing God Bible Study Packer, Knowing God ( Bible Study) Illustration Illustration CONTENTS

Knowing god study